Sherlock Holmes and a Tale of Greed

Sherlock Holmes and the American Literati, Book 9

By: Daniel D. Victor

Narrated by: Ben Carling

Sherlock Holmes examines the body of a murdered scrubwoman that lies on the floor of the South Kensington Museum of Art. But it is not a real corpse he looks at, for those remains have been removed by the coroner. The body Holmes studies appears in a drawing of the murder scene precisely rendered by an American art student. The drawing leads Holmes, Dr. Watson, and the artist-a young Frank Norris before he turns his talents to writing- across the English countryside in search of the killer.

From the shops in the Strand to the pier at Brighton, from the lions of Trafalgar Square to the coalfields of Lancashire, the trio, along with Inspectors Lestrade and Gregson, find themselves entangled in a tale of gold, greed, and murder.

©2023 Daniel D Victor (P)2023 MX Publishing

Not as good as some new Holmes stories

The narrative was okay, but didn’t quite ring true. Holmes was not what I expected, but wasn’t completely awful. I found the introduction of Frank Norris somewhat off-putting, as he got (in my opinion) too much attention in the story.

The reader did an adequate job, but I absolutely detested the voice he gave Holmes. So much so that I found myself hoping he would not have many lines. That definitely put this on the, I’ve heard it once, and that is sufficient. There is no need to re-listen.

Very entertaining story

Sherlock Holmes and a Tale of Greed is the 9th in the Sherlock Holmes and the American Literari series by David D. Victor. A woman is found dead in an art museum and Sherlock Holmes is studying the crime scene from a drawing. Holmes, Watson, and Frank Norris, the artist, soon are tracking a killer and searching for the dentist. They find themselves crossing paths on this investigation with Scotland Yard Inspectors Gregson and Lestrade. The narration by Ben Carling is wonderful. He brings the characters and story to life.

I may be a coward, but I'm a greeedy coward

"Sherlock Holmes and a Tale of Greed," the ninth installment in Daniel D. Victor's "Sherlock Holmes & the American Literati" series, is a literary masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together the worlds of Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic detective and the American literary figure Frank Norris. Narrated by the talented Ben Carling, this audiobook is a captivating journey into a darker vision of London and England, setting it apart from its predecessors.

Daniel D. Victor's narrative brilliance shines through as he skillfully integrates Frank Norris into the Holmes and Watson universe. The introduction of urban realism icon Norris adds depth to the story, creating a fascinating blend of two distinct literary styles. Victor's depiction of London's underbelly, filled with nocturnal street life, homelessness, hustlers, and despair, reflects Norris's own bleak view of human nature and modern life.

The plot takes the listener on a thrilling ride, starting with Sherlock Holmes examining a murder scene through a drawing by the talented American art student, Frank Norris. The trio, consisting of Holmes, Dr. Watson, and the young artist, embarks on a journey across the English countryside to unravel a tale of gold, greed, and murder. From the shops in the Strand to the coalfields of Lancashire, the narrative unfolds seamlessly, entangling the characters in a web of mystery and intrigue.

The vivid imagery crafted by Daniel D. Victor is particularly striking in this installment. The descent into the bowels of a collapsed and abandoned coal pit serves as a metaphorical journey into the darker aspects of society, highlighting the rapidly industrializing capitalist nightmare of the time. Victor's prose soars, painting a disturbing dystopian panorama that captures the essence of Norris's own literary vision.

Ben Carling's narration is a standout element of this audiobook. His ability to breathe life into the characters is exceptional. Carling's rendition of Sherlock Holmes is particularly commendable, capturing the detective's intellect and wit with precision. The nuanced tones and distinct voices he employs for each character enhance the overall listening experience, making it easy for the audience to immerse themselves in the story.

Carling's pacing is impeccable, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. From the bustling streets of London to the quiet moments of deduction, Carling maintains a captivating rhythm that enhances the audiobook's overall engagement. His seamless transition between characters, complete with diverse accents and personalities, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative.

The audiobook's production quality is top-notch, with clear audio and well-balanced sound levels. Carling's articulate delivery ensures that every detail of the intricate plot is conveyed with clarity, allowing listeners to fully appreciate the depth of the story.

"Sherlock Holmes and a Tale of Greed" is a triumph in storytelling, blending the worlds of Arthur Conan Doyle and Frank Norris seamlessly. Daniel D. Victor's narrative prowess, coupled with Ben Carling's exceptional narration, creates an immersive experience for fans of detective mysteries and classic literature alike. This audiobook is not only a testament to the enduring appeal of Sherlock Holmes but also a celebration of the art of storytelling through the spoken word. Bravo to Daniel D. Victor and Ben Carling for delivering an outstanding addition to the "Sherlock Holmes & the American Literati" series.