On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It’s where I list all the books I desperately want but haven’t actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. If you want to know more click here.
So what’s on my wishlist this week?
Sherlock Holmes is back, and he’s being chased by two assassins. Surely I’m not serious.
I try very hard not to be serious too often, and Shirley is my mother.
Sherlock Holmes and the Swedish Enigma
Barry Grant
April 1, 2012
Severn House
Mystery
Before the BBC brought us a 21st Sherlock Holmes in the form of Benedict Cumberbatch, Barry Grant tried a totally different approach in The Strange Return of Sherlock Holmes. He postulated that Holmes fast-froze when he fell over Reichenbach Falls, only to be medically thawed in the 21st century, and brought back to rather astonished and astonishing life in the present day. Strange Return, and the second book in the series, Sherlock Holmes and the Shakespeare Letter, were actually quite good. The latest in the series, Sherlock Holmes and the Swedish Enigma, comes out in April. I’m curious to see if the author can keep this thing going.
I’ve just realized something. This Holmes has a Watson, of course. His name is James Wilson. Just like in the TV series House. And Gregory House is a modern-day Holmes, brilliance, irascibility, addictions and all. The homage is homaged.
The Outcast Blade
Jon Courtenay Grimwood
March 26, 2012
Little, Brown
Alternate History, Fantasy
Last year I read (and recommended) a brilliant sad, mysterious alternate history version of Venice with assassins, vampires, witches and werewolves controlling courtly politics and performing deadly deeds in the dark of night. Serenissima, the city of Venice, was every bit as much of a character in The Fallen Blade as any of the human or supernatural characters who walked her streets. The second act of The Assassini has finally appeared. I want to sink my teeth into The Outcast Blade and savor every page.
Broken Blade
Kelly McCullough
November 1, 2011
Penguin
Dark Fantasy
Speaking of blades, I just read a terrific review of Kelly McCullough’s Broken Blade over at Flames Rising. I loved her WebMage series, but this is her first fantasy noir. Let me say again, I really loved her WebMage series, which mixes cyberpunk with urban fantasy with more than a touch of mythology. If any of that appeals, WebMage is the first book. But Broken Blade with its assassin-hero looks much more like dark fantasy or sword and sorcery. Both of which I like to begin with. And I like McCullough’s style. Sounds like a winning combination to me.
I like the idea of Holmes in the 21st century! I hadn’t heard of that series before but now I think I will have to add it my own wishlist! Thanks! 🙂
You’re very welcome!
Try the first one, Strange Return. It works surprisingly well. It’s not an update like the BBC, it’s Holmes himself, learning to navigate the 21st century. It’s kind of a trip!
Broken Blade looks awesome. Love fantasy and really enjoying some dark, gritty fantasy lately. Also, since reading A Discovery of Witches I’m a bit more open towards reading stuff with vampires in and The Outcast Blade sounds really different so there’s two books I’m going to go check out right now 🙂
http://lostinthought-becca.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/on-my-wishlist-5.html
If Outcast Blade looks good, start with Fallen Blade, which was awesome and sad and weird and a whole bunch of other things. Very haunting. Discovery of Witches was so cool. And thanks for the reminder, the sequel is coming out this summer!