The Shadow of Reichenbach Falls by John R. King

The Shadow of Reichenbach Falls

Sherlock Holmes with amnesia?

The beginning of the story introduces Thomas and Anna. Even though the two had just met, Anna invites Thomas on a picnic to Reichenbach Falls where she claims her father had fallen to his death. As they are picnicking, they observe a scuffle at the top of the falls, which results in a man falling to his death.

Thomas, unable to sit and do nothing, dives in to rescue the man, who revives without any memory of who he is or why he is being hunted. From there the story is delightful, but strays into the supernatural in some places.

Moriarty, of course, plays a large role in the story and we receive insight into the character before he became the evil mastermind. The author doesn’t delve too deeply, but recounts a past that even involves Jack the Ripper.

The story itself takes place in the time between Holmes’ ‘death’ and his reappearance. This title was an excellent read and fans of Doyle’s stories will enjoy it, providing they can handle the literary license that the author takes with the original story and the supernatural components. These elements are not generally found in the canon by Doyle and go against the nature of Holmes’ character, but the author weaves the story well and the supernatural elements are interesting to say the least.

Much of the narration is done by Thomas and Moriarty, although; Holmes does chip in from time to time. Thomas becomes a de facto Watson in this tale, even though Watson himself does appear in the story looking for evidence that his friend had survived.

This title is recommended to anybody, but is not the best book for introducing the character of Sherlock Holmes. It’s best for new readers who are curious to pick up The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and, if these readers are interested in this story, reading the short story, “The Final Problem,” is a must. It is part of the collection: The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes.

As always, feel free to request any of these books from your local library. All Clevnet library members may either contact their library to make a request or email the title you would like along with their library card number and the library at which you would like to pick up your items to: info(at)ritter.lib.oh.us.