By Leonard Goldberg
SUMMARY:
In 2018, Minotaur Books released this 306-page title in hardcover. Set in Late Spring 1914, several months have lapsed since The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes occurred. Now residing together at 221b Baker Street are a semi-retired Dr. John Watson, Sr. (recuperating from a stroke), with his newlywed namesake son and daughter-in-law, Joanna Blalock – the child of Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler. Joanna’s young son, Johnnie, attends school at Eton.
Note: Courtesy of Watson, Jr.’s published accounts of his wife’s acclaimed sleuthing, it is public knowledge that Joanna is the daughter of the late Sherlock Holmes. Joanna now gladly acknowledges herself as such. Outside the Watson family, it is presumably not divulged that her biological mother is the late Irene Adler.
At the behest of Sir Harold Whitlock, the First Sea Lord of Her Majesty’s Navy, Joanna and the Watsons join the search for an evidently stolen document known as ‘The French Treaty.’ Specifically, it reveals a top-secret strategy detailing England and France’s naval operations to effectively halt German advantages at sea, should World War I commence.
Aiding the trio are the second-generation Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard and their British Secret Intelligence liaison, Lt. Dunn. The enigma initially is: how was the document pilfered from a locked study at Lord Halifax’s highly-secure country estate?
Yet, recovering the international treaty and identifying an elusive and possibly murderous culprit may now prove impossible. As narrated by her husband, only the heir of the legendary Sherlock Holmes might still have a clue.
Note: This title is available in multiple formats, including paperback, digital, and audiobook.
REVIEW:
Reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s The Incredible Theft (a Hercule Poirot short story) this historical espionage caper is a treat to read. With its necessary contrivances (i.e. two Watsons, a second-generation Lestrade, etc.) now built in, author Leonard Goldberg’s storytelling exudes a smoother flow than the original book. More so, for a whodunnit, Goldberg makes Joanna Blalock a likable and intriguing protagonist, with Watson, Sr. as her best supporting player.
A Study in Treason inevitably relies on some convenient genre plot devices. Still, along with the third novel: The Disappearance of Alistair Ainsworth, it makes for an ideal diversion in front of the fireplace on a long winter’s night.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
Goldberg’s note explains how the Daughter of Sherlock Holmes series is a prequel to his present-day mystery thrillers depicting Joanna’s namesake granddaughter (a Los Angeles forensic pathologist). Goldberg’s ‘Dr. Watson, Jr.’ briefly introduces A Study in Treason.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
