Wow ! Amazing

I forgot that I wasn't listen to a Conan Doyle. This is an excellent book. It was a joy to be taken back into the world of Mr Holmes and Watson. The fact that it starts with a modern day descendant of Dr Watson finding papers is inspired. Cannot recommend this highly enough.

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Excellent, dark, story really well told

I read this book 20 years ago and loved it the. It's been a pleasure revisiting it through this well read audio version.

A warning, though. this is not a simple ACD style adventure; it is dark and it challenges the whole Holmesian canon.

Really enjoyable.

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A Sad Twist for Sherlock fans!

I greatly enjoyed the story which was excellently narrated by Robert Glenister. But only 4 stars for the sad twist in the tale. I so wanted it to be different. Won't say more or it will spoil for new readers.

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Holmes Vs the Ripper

Jack the Ripper is identified in this story, and his identity has split people into either Love It and Hate It camps. I'm a Love It person. I won't go into details due to spoilers.

Leaving aside the controversial unmasking of Jack, this is a tour de force from Michael Dibdin, writing as Dr Watson, a friend and collaborator of Arthur Conan Doyle.

As real history says, there were gaps between the murders. Dibdin's skill is to plug those gaps with references to Holmes and Watson solving other cases, taken from the original Conan Doyle library.

Equally fascinating is the way that Dibdin brings the Victorian era Whitechapel to life. Not very flattering description of the hags, sadly though, probably apt.

This is a reading of Dibdin's story. Robert Glenister does an excellent job in conveying the atmosphere that Dibden creates. Murky London, people scared, the political situation. Glenister conveys such a complex story, worthy of dissection and vigorous discussion, to life. 10/10

Scoring: 0 bad; 1-3 poor; 4-6 average; 7-9 good; 10 excellent.

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brilliant from start to finish

Where does The Last Sherlock Holmes Story rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I choose this audio book for two reasons, first that I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes and secondly because I love the narration of Robert Glenister. I already have bought two other audio books which he has narrated, ‘The Cuckoo’s Calling’ Author: Robert Galbraith (J K Rowling) and The Ghost (Robert Harris). As a side note I should say that he is my dogs favourite narrator, as if there in a barking mood, I put on one of his audio books and the settle down and be calm, also his voice has a similar effect on me, causing me to feel soporific, as its so rich and commanding.
The Last Sherlock Holmes Story is an interesting story that is brilliantly written and superbly read. Gripping from the start, it invites you to revaluate the stereotype of Holmes.

What other book might you compare The Last Sherlock Holmes Story to, and why?

Sherlock Holmes first appeared in print in 1887, written by famous author Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle. (AICD) Holmes a fictitious character who was based on a forensic scientist at Edinburgh University Dr Joseph Bell.
For Michael Dibdin version of the fictional guise of Sherlock Holmes, he builds an image of Holmes though Watsons voice using detailed notes which are found in bank in the 1970’s.

Which character – as performed by Robert Glenister – was your favourite?

This story however is read in the voice of Watson, is written in the style of AICD, and the tale is careful spun out and adds a very interesting and fresh approach story. Diddin stays true to the characters and this instantly puts you in a comfortable familiar place when you first start to listen, then cunningly drifts you into a much darker place.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not wanting to spoil the plot, I shall just talk about the setting; the story is set in East End of London in 1888. Were three women have been brutally murdered and mutilated by the infernos Jack the Ripper. Sherlock who is bored by the mundane cases that he has been presented, softens the dullness of his everyday life by taking cocaine. Then this case of the type of murders appears to give him a new interest and he meets his equal in intelligence Moriarty.

Any additional comments?

Many chases, much intrigue. It is well written and beautiful narrated, being both melodic and welcoming.
Unlike the other books narrated by Robert Galbraith there was not a lot of different types to voices to use the full extent of his range. However this does not make the reading any less enjoyable, and he does a wonderful voice to inspector Lestrade.
I have read other reviews and this book has stirred up all types of feelings, I think this in part because the characters are so well know and set in peoples minds, that anything out of the ordinary or expected is immediately thrown out. However that said, I did not agree with the ending, but then that is the sign of a great writer, when can get you to feel strongly that it evokes angry comments. It is a fictional story and the author has written the ending he choice. I admire his style and passion that is insinuated though the pages. Were you feel the heart wrenching love and respect of Watson wither under the stress of what he thinks he has discovered about his dear friend and mentor.
慈円 (Jane)

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A dull experience

I found this very disappointing. Dibdin seems to have taken the weakest points of Conan Doyle's writing style and amplified them ten-fold. Perhaps it is meant to amuse? If so, I'm not sure how - plotting is bafflingly obvious and the result is just dull. Poor old Watson is portrayed as a complete dim-wit and spineless to boot. I'd advise reading and/or listening to the originals - vastly better.

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If you love Holmes you'll HATE this

Shame on you Mr Dibdin.

As a lifelong Holmes fan I'm afraid this book actually made me angry and left me feeling curiously saddened by the experience!

I endured it to the end thinking there must be some clever twist to the plot coming, and the author SURELY wasn't trying to do what he appeared to be doing.

He was.

I've listened to a variety of non-Conan-Doyle Holmes stories over the years, (through gritted teeth sometimes!) as some are definitely better than others. However, the others have at the very least, attempted to stay true to character and make them entertaining for Holmes fans to read.

After all, who's going to buy a 'new' Sherlock Holmes book other than people who wish Conan-Doyle had written twice as many?

This book takes a much loved fictional character and utterly trashes it.

Honestly in this instance I wouldn't even give it the benefit of the doubt. If you love Sherlock Holmes, you WILL hate this.

Save your money - you'll thank me.

And if you're NOT a Holmes fan, well grudgingly I suppose it's feasible you may not utterly hate it - it starts well. And Robert Glenister's narration is fine. I think that's as kind as I can be.

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Disappointing

Yet another 'Jack the Ripper' story and although the book is interesting in its ACDoyle style the plot was obvious from early on in the listening. It became more rambling and repetitive and 2 hours before the conclusion we gave up.
The reader was very good though.

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The darkest and the most sinister

Would you try another book written by Michael Dibdin or narrated by Robert Glenister?

Perhaps.

Would you ever listen to anything by Michael Dibdin again?

NO

Would you listen to another book narrated by Robert Glenister?

Yes

What character would you cut from The Last Sherlock Holmes Story?

The murderous, psychopathic Holmes.

Any additional comments?

It is probably the most unlikely of the Sherlock Holmes tales. My feeling of uneasiness and disbelief grew stronger as the story developed, but hoped that there was a clever twist to it right up to the end. The beloved champion of the law is mercilessly desecrated and left me feeling almost angry. Conan Doyle must be turning in his grave...

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