Sherlock Holmes and the Real Thing
Nicholas Meyer has not lost his gift since he wrote The Seven-Per-Cent Solution in 1974. If this novel can be considered evidence, he has only improved his narrative skills—and in an area where Sherlock has not ventured before.
Sherlock Holmes and The Real Thing focuses on the art world in London at the end of the 19th century. The plot is cleverly written and thickens slowly and carefully to examine these questions: What is an original Renaissance masterpiece? What is a copy? And even more seriously, when does a copy become a forgery? What does intention matter when painting copies? Holmes delights in exploring the moral philosophy of creating and distributing art against a background of suspicious characters.
This complicated plot is full of intriguing characters like a landlady who seeks Holmes’s help to find her artist tenant who has suddenly disappeared. Art dealers seem to have secret, second lives. And what about the lovely Juliet Packwood, an art authority who captures Watson’s heart? Who are the victims? Who are the perpetrators? What’s hidden in the closet? Of course, the plot includes dead bodies, and our detective must find the villain who has perpetrated the crimes of both forgery and murder. The sensible and practical Dr. Watson once again serves as his companion and narrator, and, occasionally, a voice of clarity. (Having lost his wife, the doctor now shares the detective’s quarters in Baker Street. Oh, those malodorous chemical experiments in the apartment!)
Readers should plan to read this novel in one sitting! And then re-read it!
