BOOK PHOTO: MURDER ON THE FIRST-CLASS CARRIAGE

Normally I take a photo of the book itself with some sort of set or prop relating to the story.  This one is a bit different -- and quite special.

While traveling in England, my husband and I made sure to stop at 221b Baker St in London.  There is a fabulous Sherlock museum that is quite hands on and is full of fun details.  I took dozens of pictures there but it wasn't until I was looking at them at home that I noticed something peculiar. Framed and hung on Sherlock's bedroom wall are photographs of various criminals (I think).  Among them is picture of Frank Muller, associated with the crime highlighted in this book.  He hangs almost exactly center of this photo.

Can you identify any of the other ne-er-do-wells pictured?

My review of Murder in the First-Class Carriage: The First Victorian Railway Killing goes live 10/21/11.  The book will be available in the US on 10/27/11 from Overlook Press.

WINNER: MEMOIRS OF SHERLOCK HOLMES

And we have a winner!  Terry's comment was chosen on random.org.

Of Sherlock, Terry said: "As to why I love Mr. Holmes, he's the original, brilliant misanthrope. Before there was Gregory House, almost before there was even Allan Quatermain, there was Sherlock Holmes."


Thanks to everyone who entered and to the folks at Penguin Classics for providing the prize!

Keep sleuthing everyone!

GIVEAWAY: THE MEMOIRS OF SHERLOCK HOLMES by Sir A.C. Doyle

I don't suppose it's entirely fair for me to be reviewing a classic.  It's fairly certain that the tales of Sherlock and Watson are good.  As one who grew up on them and the Granada series (Jeremy Brett IS Sherlock), it's hard to imagine my literary memory without them.   Rereading them was a joy.  I'd forgotten how lithe and modern the writing was.  Doyle also creates such vivid characters.  Each of their voices is different.  It's no wonder than 120 years later, people are writing new stories, blockbuster films are being made and critically-accliamed television shows keep people riveted to their sets.  Not to mention, scores of people making the pilgrimage to 221B Baker Street itself (yes, I admit, I went.  And it was wonderful).  

At Sherlock's house.

Penguin Classics has reprinted this collection of stories, which includes: "Silver Blaze", " The Yellow Face", "The Stockbroker's Clerk", "The Gloria Scott", "The Musgrave Ritual", "The Reigate Squires", "The Crooked Man", "The Resident Patient", "The Greek Interpreter", "The Naval Treaty", and "The Final Problem."  You can see Doyle's growing impatience with Sherlock as he reaches fatal finale at Reichenbach Falls. Not to worry, though.  It seems Sherlock isn't going anywhere for some time.  I'm pretty protective of Sherlock, but it seems in general his inspiration has brought about some fabulous story-telling.  

To win a copy of this book is elementary.  Please leave a comment below.  Include your first name, your email (at) com address, and phrase about why you love Sherlock.  US only, please.  Winner will be chosen at random on Sept 27 2011, at 11:59PM EST.  

COVER IMAGE: The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

Great new cover.  Same great stories.

My review coming soon...

ARMCHAIR BEA 11: From Virtual Booth #221b

It should be obvious from my imaginary booth number that I love Sherlock Holmes and his ilk.  I should have been born English.  On July 4th, I wish for Reunification Day as much as I celebrate Independence Day.  

All to say, I love the English language.  I love how it sounds, when tailored well.  I love words and I love storytelling.  It may come as no surprise that I was an English major in college -- though I very nearly wasn't.  My first, compulsory English class was miserable and I nearly scrapped the idea altogether.  The next semester there was a class entitled "The Detective and Criminal in Literature."  We read Poe and Doyle, but I was also exposed to Wilkie Collins, whose vast works I am still enjoying.  It was by no means a "fluff" course, but engaged my sensibilities on a different level.  I am now finishing my Masters in Cinema Studies, which uses some of the same tools to examine storytelling.

By day, I manage a nonprofit.  But a little over a year ago I practically fell into book reviews.  I strive to write reviews that do more than provide a summary.  Rather, I attempt to use my skills as an analyst to tease out themes.  Most of all, I try to make sure my reader knows whether or not THEY might like the book, regardless of how I liked it.  I'd like to think Holmes and Watson would have approved.
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I'm blogging from my home in a Historic District near Savannah, GA.  This is my first Armchair BEA, and I'm hoping to "meet" some great bloggers, authors and publicists!