So here I go again, picking up books at the library without realizing they are in a series – and the one I’ve chosen is not the first of the series. Such is the case with The Baker Street Translation by Michael Robertson, which is the third book in the Baker Street Letters series. They were definite references to the previous two books, but nothing that kept me from understanding or enjoying the plot of this book.
As a Sherlock Holmes fan, I love the premises of this book. Reggie Heath has his law offices in a building that encompasses the 200 block of Baker Street in London. Holmes’ (fictional) address, of course, is 221b Baker Street. As a provision in his lease, all letters written to Sherlock Holmes are Reggie’s responsibility to deal with. In The Baker Street Translation, an elderly Chinese man shows up at his law office, in need of Sherlock Holmes’ help. He completed translations for a British company, which now refuses to pay him. Reggie really doesn’t feel this is his area of expertise, but he promises to try to help. Before he can, however, the man is found dead in an alley. In addition, one of London’s richest men, Lord Robert Buxton (whom I apparently should have recognized from the first two books), has been kidnapped. Are the two events linked? What will Reggie do?
I’m always a little cautious when reading mysteries, since I want to avoid any sort of blood and gore. That was not really a problem with this book. It’s not a light-hearted mystery, but it’s clean for the most part, and it has an occasional funny bit thrown in. Besides, who wouldn’t love all the tributes to the great detective himself, Sherlock Holmes?
The Baker Street Translation has a gripping and intriguing plot, as well as enjoyably British characters. A great read for any fan of mysteries and/or Sherlock Holmes.
And in case you're curious, here's what the 200 block of Baker Street actually looks like (we saw it on our recent trip to London). The one with all the flower boxes and the blue plaque is 221b. It houses the Sherlock Holmes Museum (what else?).
As a Sherlock Holmes fan, I love the premises of this book. Reggie Heath has his law offices in a building that encompasses the 200 block of Baker Street in London. Holmes’ (fictional) address, of course, is 221b Baker Street. As a provision in his lease, all letters written to Sherlock Holmes are Reggie’s responsibility to deal with. In The Baker Street Translation, an elderly Chinese man shows up at his law office, in need of Sherlock Holmes’ help. He completed translations for a British company, which now refuses to pay him. Reggie really doesn’t feel this is his area of expertise, but he promises to try to help. Before he can, however, the man is found dead in an alley. In addition, one of London’s richest men, Lord Robert Buxton (whom I apparently should have recognized from the first two books), has been kidnapped. Are the two events linked? What will Reggie do?
I’m always a little cautious when reading mysteries, since I want to avoid any sort of blood and gore. That was not really a problem with this book. It’s not a light-hearted mystery, but it’s clean for the most part, and it has an occasional funny bit thrown in. Besides, who wouldn’t love all the tributes to the great detective himself, Sherlock Holmes?
The Baker Street Translation has a gripping and intriguing plot, as well as enjoyably British characters. A great read for any fan of mysteries and/or Sherlock Holmes.
And in case you're curious, here's what the 200 block of Baker Street actually looks like (we saw it on our recent trip to London). The one with all the flower boxes and the blue plaque is 221b. It houses the Sherlock Holmes Museum (what else?).
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