Book Review: The Ectoplasmic Man by Daniel Stashower

The Ectoplasmic Man
by Daniel Stashower
The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Titan Books
ISBN-10: 1-848-56492-9
ISBN-13: 978-1-848-56492-3
Publication Date: November, 2009
List Price: $9.95

Review: Have you read a good mystery recently? I have! The book, The Ectoplasmic Man by Daniel Stashower comes from The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes series. This book takes place in the late 1800’s in London, England. Harry Houdini is performing in London, and while there, he becomes a suspect in a recent theft of important letters concerning the Prince of Wales and another woman. These letters concern the private life of the future King of England. Bess Houdini visits 221 B. Baker Street because she fears someone from Houdini’s past means him harm.

Although Sherlock Holmes declines to aide in Houdini’s protection, Watson attends Houdini’s performance that night, on the behalf of Bess Houdini. Dr. Watson accidentally rescues Houdini from his water trap trick only to have Inspector Lastrade arrest Houdini. Just then, Sherlock Holmes reveals himself from the crowd, and promises then and there to prove Houdini’s innocence. He asks Houdini one favor - Do not escape from Scotland Yard until asked to, and Houdini gives his word he will wait.

This book manages to mix real life people with fictional events and characters. The book brings these two larger-than-life men together in a believable, enjoyable mix of adventure and dialogue. I enjoyed this book because it is an enthralling read that took me from the streets of London to the countryside of England. Daniel Stashower captured the essence of the greatest detective in his book. It felt as if Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself wrote this book. Stashower did this by his use of dialogue and the descriptions of Victorian England. It felt as if I was actually there.

Having read The Hound of the Baskervilles, there is a distinct similarity between the writing styles of the two authors. I couldn’t tell The Ectoplasmic Man was written by someone more than 100 years later. There was nothing about this book to dislike whatsoever, in fact, I recommend this book to any reader - Sherlock Holmes fan or otherwise.

This book is part of a re-released series of Sherlock mysteries written by multiple authors. I look forward to reading the other books in the series - “The game’s afoot!”

Review written by Jonathan (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Titan Books for providing a copy of The Ectoplasmic Man for this review.

Have you read The Ectoplasmic Man? How would you rate it?