Sherlock Holmes: The Thinking Engine

By: James Lovegrove

Narrated by: Dennis Kleinman

Man vs Machine

It is 1895, and Sherlock Holmes is settling back into life as a consulting detective at 221B Baker Street, when he and Watson learn of strange goings-on amidst the dreaming spires of Oxford.

A Professor Quantock has built a wondrous computational device, which he claims is capable of analytical thought to rival the cleverest men alive. Naturally Sherlock Holmes cannot ignore this challenge. He and Watson travel to Oxford, where a battle of wits ensues between the great detective and his mechanical counterpart as they compete to see which of them can be first to solve a series of crimes, from a bloody murder to a missing athlete. But as man and machine vie for supremacy, it becomes clear that the Thinking Engine has its own agenda…

©2022 James Lovegrove (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing

Interesting story

The story is well-written and interesting, but the ending seemed a bit unbelievable and anticlimactic.

very interesting return of Moriarity after the waterfall

the plot line brought back James Moriarity with a fun machine that in its ingenious construction became another actor in this drama even though inanimate

Loyal to the spirit of Arthur Conan Doyle

I love new stories of this sleuth and Mister Watson. A fun and interesting story amidst several mysteries tied all together at the end.

Dennis Kleinman Master reader

Once again, there is little point to acknowledging Lovegrove's entertaining storytelling and expert homage to the great detective. Instead, I want to give Kleinman the kudos he richly deserves. Many characters are his responsibility and his prowess as an actor shines in this and other Sherlock stories. I particularly enjoyed the deep, gravely voice of the game hunter in this latest of Lovegrove's satisfying series. ❤️

Holmes and Watson Visit Oxford

Rate it 11/10 - will listen again!

James Lovegrove once again provides a wonderful story that is masterfully performed by Dennis Kleinman. This 3rd book of 5 from this Sherlock Holmes collection continues the motif of fantasy machinery playing an intriguing role in the events that play out.

Mischief in museums draws in our heroes Holmes and Watson into the prelude. Pulling in a real friend from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's life into a story inspired by his renowned fiction sets the stage for this fantastic mystery romp across the town of Oxford and its famous University campus. The titular thinking machine is in essence a 19th century "computer". The mechanical device resembles clockwork and steam-powered fantasy inventions akin to those of Jules Verne.

The university professors, academics, and athletes find themselves unwitting participants in an elegant web of crimes. The townfolk and community leaders enjoy the excitement brought to them courtesy of the thinking machine and publicised promotional contest challenging any man to best the device in problem solving.

Unexpected celebrity cameos, new friends as well as enemies, and all the usual suspects make appearances throughout the storyline. All of the characters bring some fun into the tale. Some are pawns, some are players, but plenty find themselves on the board; Once again, the game is afoot!

Excellent

I was not disappointed. I’ve enjoyed all of James Lovegrive’s, Sherlock Holmes and is looking forward to the next book.

Well written, fantastic narration.

I enjoyed this story, very true to cannon and the language was beautiful. The one trouble I had with the story was it was a bit obvious early on what was going on and it seemed to take a long time for the characters to get there. There was a surprise twist and great action in the last two chapters which redeemed my long wait and I will certainly read more in this series.

Interesting complex storyline

I really enjoy Lovegrove’s Sherlock books. They are exciting and keep me listening right through to the end.

Shocking

I find it uncanny how completely and expertly Lovegrove manages to mimic both Conan Doyle's writing style as well as his intricately woven plot structures. Were Holmes's creator alive today he would undoubtedly be either extremely impressed or equally outraged. Bravo.

Good with some slight thoughts 

I give this man credit he writes really well almost as the original Arthur, but he does have a habit of doing some stuff that is a little offputting that the characters won’t do I don’t think that Sherlock will kill and cold blood