Ghosts of Christmas Past
By Don Hobbs

Well, another Christmas has come and gone. About all that's left are the messes to clean up, the decorations to take down and restore in the attic or basement, and start preparations for the new diet in the coming New Year to shed those extra pounds gained during the holiday season. Personally, this Christmas was different than most. I actually received a Sherlockian book as a present - one that I did not already own. For once I did not hear those words that Sherlockians all over chagrin to hear, 'But I don't know what you don't have.'

My lovely wife Joyce surprised me with a copy of The Crimes of Dr. Watson. This is a
book similar to the Sherlock Holmes Murder Dossiers produced a few years back by
Simon Goodenough. The book is subtitled "An Interactive Sherlock Holmes Mystery." 

After Holmes' disappearance at Reichenbach Falls, Dr. Watson has been framed for a grisly murder and is writing from the damp cell in Coldbath Fields penitentiary. He recounts the events leading to his arrest. There are twelve removable, facsimile clues that point to the true culprit. It is left up to the reader to wade through the clues and solve the case. Afterwards, when the reader think they have solved the case, they can slice open the final signature of the book, which has been sealed on purpose at the printer, and read the rest of the story.

The book is illustrated in the Victorian-style and should appeal to Sherlockian and non-Sherlockians alike. Any mystery lover will find it a unique experience, far from the ordinary mystery novel. This is the brainchild of Duane Swiercznski, whose other mysteries include The Blond and Severance Package.

Happy Collecting!!