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The Art of Detection Publisher: Bantam Dell Division of Random House, New York Year: 2006 Author: Laurie R. King Review: This book is the fifth in a series by the author about San Francisco Homicide detective, Kate Martinelli. Readers familiar with previous books in the series will be more comfortable with the concept of two lesbians rearing a daughter as well as the mixture of friends and acquaintances accumulated by this family in earlier books in the series. This book concerns itself with the murder of a prominent Sherlockian who was a founder member of a local scion society as well as a dealer in expensive Sherlockiana. His body is found in an abandoned defense gun emplacement on the Marin County side of the Straits and his house contains a complete replica of the apartment at 221b Baker Street. More importantly, his collection includes a manuscript (type written) of a previously unpublished story about one “Mr. Sigerson,” who investigated a similar murder in the 1920s. The manuscript apparently dates to the period and is certainly not from the pen of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Most of the book is concerned with the investigation of the 21st Century murder and the problems of detective Martinelli, however, the complete text of the manuscript is included as Ms. Martinelli reads it. For Sherlockians, this will be the highlight of the book. “Mr. Sigerson” exhibits a dry wit along with a lively curiosity and a broad understanding of human nature that bring to mind the very best elements of the Canon. Without the lens of Dr. Watson’s narration translating reality into his Victorian English world view, the Great Detective displays a distinctly clearer image of a “reasoning machine” to the reader. The detective depicted is both more human and more formidable that the familiar image from the Canon. His understanding of motives and viewpoints is sharper and more clearly depicted but his own motivations remain obscure, other than his intense curiosity. This man could well be the husband of Mary Russell, from the author’s other series, or he could be an entirely different avatar of The Master. In any case, he is intense, impressive and in charge. He uses people of all sorts to further his investigation, willing, antagonistic or befuddled. Mr. Sigerson orchestrates the process and achieves his goals skillfully and inevitably. In his wake he leaves a number of unanswered questions, at least, unanswered in the manuscript or by the author. One feels that Mr. Sigerson has those answers and does not choose to share them. As an example, the sex of his selected pickpocket “guide” is open to question. The existence and identity of his “wife” is also an open question, as are his own opinions of the principal participants in this mystery. The author uses this double mystery to lay before the reader many of the practical problems faced by members of the homosexual community in attempting to forge normal lives in 21st Century society. Her advocacy is understated but made with impressive pictures of the daily compromises forced by society on those who do not conform to the orientation of the majority. The book is impressive on several levels, but as a Sherlockian pastiche, it is outstanding. Reviewed by: Philip K. Jones, January, 2007.Read full review
I like to see women get high level jobs
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I am enjoying this seriesof books.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Ms. King combines two of her favorite people, Kate and Sherlock, in her favorite locale, San Francisco. A good blend, actually.
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