Sherlock Holmes : A Question of Time | Glenn Searfoss | Book Review
Sherlock Holmes : A Question of Time by Glenn Searfoss is a captivating and intelligent re-imagination of the timeless character of Sherlock Holmes. In this novel, Sherlock Holmes finds himself caught in a mystery with fantastical elements of time travel. So, read the book summary, book release date, genre, reading age, book quotes, and book review of Sherlock Holmes : A Question of Time by Glenn Searfoss in this post below.
About Sherlock Holmes : A Question of Time by Glenn Searfoss:
No. of Pages: 216
Publication Date: 8th June 2023 by MX Publishing
Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Sci-Fi, Historical Fiction
Reading Age: 16 years and above
Can be read as a standalone? YES
Trigger Words: Time Travel, Deduction, Sherlock Holmes, Watson, Eloi, Morlock, London 1890s, H.G. Wells
Buy From: AMAZON
Sherlock Holmes : A Question of Time by Glenn Searfoss Book Summary:
After an exhausting day, Dr. Watson gets urgent summons from 221B Baker Street. So, he rushes to Sherlock Holmes’ side, only to find him in a state of shock, reeking of excrement. As Watson races against time to uncover the cause of Holmes’ distress, he unravels a captivating tale of a time traveler’s encounter with Holmes in a fire-gutted warehouse. But with doubts creeping in, Watson must confront his own demons to decide if the fantastical events are the product of Holmes’ imagination or an extraordinary reality.
A Question of Time is a refreshing take on the iconic character of Sherlock Holmes that skillfully weaves together elements of different genres to produce a new and original story. This enthralling mystery pays homage to three great Victorian characters of literary fiction: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and Dr. James Watson—with a sly aside to a nefarious criminal—and the Time Traveler of H.G. Wells’ “The Time Machine.“
Sherlock Holmes: A Question of Time by Glenn Searfoss Book Summary
Sherlock Holmes : A Question of Time by Glenn Searfoss Book Review:
A brief introduction of Sherlock Holmes:
One of the most iconic Detective characters in Literature, Sherlock Holmes, originally created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, needs no introduction. A man who refers to himself as a “Consulting Detective”, Sherlock Holmes possesses a sharp mind, and astounding powers of deduction. Together with his trusted friend, Dr. Watson, he solves crimes most ingenious in Victorian England settings.
Four novels, and Fifty-six short mysteries were originally written featuring this classic crime solving genius from 1887-1927.
Also read these Sherlock Holmes’ Mystery Books:
- A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle Book Review and Book Quotes (Sherlock Holmes Book 1)
- The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle Book Review and Book Quotes
- Valley of Fear by Arthur Conan Doyle Book Review and Book Quotes
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle Book Review and Book Quotes
Sherlock Holmes : A Question of Time by Glenn Searfoss Review:
Author Glenn Searfoss has cleverly and engagingly re-imagined Sherlock Holmes in a new case in his latest release “A Question of Time“. In this book, he takes the readers back to the London of 1800s to 221B Baker Street where Holmes is in a state of shock. The tale he tells his friend Dr. Watson is so fantastic that the good doctor is unable to decide if it is a product of Holmes’ imagination or an extraordinary reality.
Isn’t this opening Quote most intriguing!
Things I liked:
A fantastic re-imagining of Sherlock Holmes.
I have been a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes and after reading and rereading all the original books, it was such a pleasant surprise to see my favourite book detective re-imagined in a new story. Glenn Searfoss’ Sherlock Holmes is refreshingly original and yet endearingly reminiscent of the initial character. He successfully manages to preserve the authenticity of this evergreen character while also adding his own unique touches. So, I loved how Sherlock seemed vulnerable in this story. Right from being in shock to being almost achingly human with vulnerability and endearing attempt to help his friend overcome his demons, he is different.
The author has not only beautifully captured the essence of the character but also managed to make him his own. So, I was easily invested in this new Sherlock’s trials and tribulations. And eagerly followed him on this exciting journey to solve this mind boggling mystery.
You will also love reading this re-imaged Sherlock Holmes mystery which is also the sequel to the original “The Hound of the Baskervilles” Book:
Immersive World Building:
World building is another highlight of this book. The author has created a realistic world that will easily suck you in. Right from the gloomy atmosphere to the inherent intrigue in the air, every nuance of the 1800s is captured expertly by the author. I felt a part of the story all through and was left enthralled at the end!
Characterisation:
All the characters both known and new are well fleshed out and connectable. Dr. Watson is more assertive in this book as compared to his usual behaviour in the other Sherlock Holmes’ books. And I loved his new avatar. He takes up the reigns of the investigation when he sees his friend in trouble. Also the well-known camaraderie of this duo is expertly maintained by the author, and even improved on in this book. Then I also enjoyed watching Sherlock rely on his friend, and even soothe his ruffled feathers at times.
I love how Sherlock tried to soothe Watson’s offended pride.
“Sit down, my friend,” he waved his fingers.
There was no offense intended. I merely point out that with this case, pragmatism will only take you so far. Its amazing breadth shakes the very foundation of our reality.”
Sherlock Holmes: A Question of Time by Glen Searfoss Book Quote
Watson’s past demons, grief at losing his wife, and trauma has him grappling with his sanity. And I applaud the author for making his life all the more real for the readers. Through him we get to see the harsh reality of war, the damage it does to everyone involved, and the long lasting hurt it leaves behind.
This quote says it all. Even when they had all the pieces of the puzzle, without the context it was all futile.
'...you have all the pieces but lack the context. And therein lies the true mystery of this case.'- #BookQuote #SherlockHolmes #AQuestionOfTimeRead & #BookReview #BookSummary on #NjkinnysBlog #NjkinnyRecommends #BookBoost Share on X…you have all the pieces but lack the context. And therein lies the true mystery of this case.”
Sherlock Holmes: A Question of Time by Glen Searfoss Book Quote
Then the introduction of the time traveler is another stellar addition to this story. The author seamlessly incorporated the concept of time travel in this engrossing mystery. And every character including the villain is multi-layered and you will effortlessly relate to them.
Plot and Narration:
With a daring, and risky attempt at incorporating scifi and fantasy into a historical mystery involving an already famous character, the author took a chance that could very easily flop. But I am so happy that the end result is an engaging, thrilling, and captivating mystery that kept me on my toes throughout.
The narration is fluid, descriptive, and easily creates a mental picture of events. So, all through the book I felt like I had travelled back in time as I followed Holmes and Watson on this exciting chase. Then the coherent usage of English language of Holmes’ time adds another layer of authenticity and interest to this story.
It was a surprising first to see Sherlock Holmes’ at a loss of words when it came to describing this case.
'It is less about where to begin and more about how to begin.'- #BookQuote #SherlockHolmes #AQuestionOfTimeRead & #BookReview #BookSummary on #NjkinnysBlog #NjkinnyRecommends #BookBoost Share on XIt is less about where to begin,” Holmes murmured…
and more about how to begin.”
Sherlock Holmes: A Question of Time by Glen Searfoss Book Quote
The author also makes solving this mystery a challenging and riveting experience. As a reader I felt part of the action as Holmes and Watson questioned and broke-down the clues to finally reach the solution.
Things that could be better:
While I absolutely loved the whole experience of reading this new Sherlock Holmes mystery novel, I did feel that the author over described certain scenes. At places the over description of atmospheric elements, settings development, and emotional picturisation tempted me to skip ahead which could be curtailed with tighter and more concise descriptions.
This quote uttered by Dr. Watson so beautifully puts forth the allure and also the perils of time travel.
'Imagine being able to travel through time. Who would not want to look ahead at what was to come? Or even journey back...'- #BookQuote #SherlockHolmes #AQuestionOfTimeRead & #BookReview #BookSummary on #NjkinnysBlog #NjkinnyRecommends… Share on X 'That which is done, cannot be undone'- #BookQuote #SherlockHolmes #AQuestionOfTimeRead & #BookReview #BookSummary on #NjkinnysBlog #NjkinnyRecommends #BookBoost Share on XImagine being able to travel through time. Who would not want to look ahead at what was to come? Or even journey back to see firsthand the transpiring of events that one has only read about or heard in tales.”
This will not do. That which is done, cannot be undone,”
Sherlock Holmes: A Question of Time by Glen Searfoss Book Quote
Conclusion:
All in all, Sherlock Holmes: A Question of Time by Glenn Searfoss is an edge-of-your-seat interesting mystery that brilliantly re-imagines our favourite “Consulting Detective”. The author beautifully uses H G Wells’ time travelling concept from his classic novel “The Time Machine” in this book to bring a mystery that is unique, exciting, emotionally relatable, and absolutely memorable. So, Njkinny recommends this captivating book to all Sherlock Holmes’ fans, and mystery lovers looking for a different kind of story. 4.5 out of 5 super shiny stars to this book from me.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and look forward to reading more from Glenn Searfoss in the future. So, go buy this book to read yourself and also gift it to all your mystery lover friends. This book is definitely one of my Top Reads of 2023, so don’t miss out on reading it yourself!
Buy From:
Meet Author Glenn Searfoss:
A professional writer, Glenn Searfoss has authored numerous technical manuals (bills must be paid), as well as books in the arenas of computer science, natural history, science fiction, mythology, and mystery.
Glenn lives with his wife in a turn-of-the-century, brick farmhouse in Colorado, USA. When not busy making a living, he reads classic and not-so-classic literature and does research for new book projects.
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Also enjoy these behind-the-scenes facts about Sherlock Holmes: A Question of Time by Glenn Searfoss:
Sherlock Holmes: A Question of Time evolved from a fermentation of stories. I had just read an omnibus collection of Sherlock Holmes stories by various authors. This led me to reread all Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories along with a collection of his horror stories. In that frame of mind, I reread “The Time Machine” by H.G. Wells. So, all the stories shared the same period: the environs of late 1800s London. Then the ambiguity of what happened to the time traveler at the end of “The Time Machine”, sparked the idea of having him fall backwards through time and encounter Holmes.
My research into the period filled in the colour, but the real challenge was developing the multi-layered perspective used to tell the story. So, it is essentially a story about a story.
Themes addressed in Sherlock Holmes: A Question of Time by Glenn Searfoss:
There are several themes addressed in this book that I consider important.
- The perceived nature of time.
- Is there really any difference between experiencing a vivid memory where taste, smell, sound, and feeling are all here and now, or physically traveling to a different point in time?
- Time travel without reference points is an unrelated set of events that could just as well be in the past as in the future.
- The impact of societal shame.
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- I wanted Watson to be a man of his time and it is the strong bond of friendship between Holmes and Watson that makes Holmes confront Watson’s sense of shame over his wartime PTSD. (In the Victorian period of this story, a soldier, ex or otherwise, complaining of traumatic stress from battle was considered cowardly and deranged. Not to mention the social shame of being considered ‘not in one’s right mind’ and hence, untrustworthy. Not too different than how some people are perceived today.) It is this wall that Holmes efforts at breaking down.
Also Read:
- The Adventure of the Speckled Band by Arthur Conan Doyle Book Review and Book Quotes (Sherlock Holmes Short Mystery)
- Byomkesh Bakshi Stories by Saradindu Bandopadhyay Book Review and Book Quotes
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Book Review and Book Quotes
- Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift Book Review and Book Quotes
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl Book Review and Book Quotes
- And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie Book Review and Book Quotes
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