One cannot help but wonder how could Conan Doyle, a medical
man steeped in empirical reasoning at Edinburgh University, and the creator of
a highly rational detective, had come to become a staunch advocate of
Spiritualism. Ironically, one of Doyle’s closet friends was Harry Houdini, who
relished unmasking unscrupulous mediums and spirit guides. These seeming
contradictions are explore within several of the stories in the new Sherlock
Holmes collection Sherlock Holmes – The
Golden Years.
And, in a rare blend of fiction and non-fiction, one of the
stories features Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his second wife Jean hosting a séance
at his home at Windlesham. Holmes and Watson are in attendance. In a poignant scene
from the story, the rational Holmes remarks to Doyle: “Like Diogenes, Sir
Arthur, I am, above all, a seeker of truth. And, if it be possible to discover
the truth that lies beyond the grave, I myself might expect to find it in deep
reflection and lucid prayer, and not around a ill-lit table.” However, this
séance merely sets the stage for a truly singular adventure that has Holmes and
Watson unraveling a mystery secreted within the jungles of the Dark Continent
entitled – The Kongo Nkisi Spirit Train.
All five historically accurate stories
have captivating plot-lines that put the legendary detective’s remarkable
deductive powers to the test as Holmes and Watson tangle with life-and-death
situations. Clearly, some of Holmes’s and Watson’s most remarkable and
dangerous adventures still await them . . . and you.
You can buy Sherlock Holmes – The Golden Years at:
