Sherlock Holmes in Montague Street: Volume 2

By: Arthur Morrison

Narrated by: Charles Featherstone

In 1893, Dr. Watson and Conan Doyle published what they believed was the last Sherlock Holmes story, "The Final Problem". The world was stunned, and The Strand Magazine rushed to fill the vacuum. Readers were soon introduced to a new detective, Martin Hewitt, as presented by Arthur Morrison. Although initially different than Holmes, Hewitt also showed a number of interesting similarities as well.

For many years, Martin Hewitt has been mostly forgotten, except in some Sherlockian circles, where it has long been theorized that he was a young Mycroft Holmes. However, recent evidence has come to light that Hewitt's adventures were cases undertaken by a young Sherlock Holmes when he lived in Montague Street, several years before he would take up his legendary rooms in Baker Street with Watson.

These volumes are the complete Martin Hewitt stories, taking Arthur Morrison's original publications and presenting them as Sherlock Holmes adventures. If you are a fan of Holmes, enjoy! And by all means, seek out the original Hewitt stories and enjoy them as well.

The game is afoot!

©2019 David Marcum (P)2023 MX Publishing

Detective part Duex

In the realm of classic detective fiction, Arthur Morrison's tales featuring Martin Hewitt have often played second fiddle to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved Sherlock Holmes. However, with the release of David Marcum's audiobook "Sherlock Holmes in Montague Street: Volume 2," a remarkable transformation unfolds. This audiobook not only resurrects Morrison's captivating detective stories but also dares to rewrite history by seamlessly integrating Hewitt into the Holmesian canon. Narrated by the talented Charles Featherstone, this audiobook takes listeners on a mesmerizing journey through Victorian London's foggy streets, where mysteries abound and detectives with unique personalities roam.

David Marcum's tribute to Arthur Morrison and his works is nothing short of monumental. Through "In Montague Street," he breathes new life into Hewitt's character, propelling him from relative obscurity into the spotlight of Holmesian lore. Marcum boldly asserts that Martin Hewitt was a pseudonym concealing the early exploits of none other than Sherlock Holmes himself, a theory that has tantalized Sherlockian circles for years. In this audiobook, Morrison's original stories are presented with a simple but significant alteration: Hewitt becomes Holmes. This audacious twist opens up a world of possibilities and adds a layer of intrigue to the tales.

The audiobook begins with a thought-provoking foreword that explains the rationale behind this transformation from Hewitt to Holmes. This thorough introduction prepares listeners for the narrative shift and sets the stage for what promises to be an extraordinary listening experience. Importantly, Marcum's approach is respectful of the source material, ensuring that Morrison's original stories remain intact while seamlessly fitting into the larger Holmesian universe.

One cannot help but appreciate the genuine reverence that Marcum and Featherstone bring to these narratives. Featherstone's narration is, without a doubt, one of the most remarkable aspects of this audiobook. From the moment he begins to speak, listeners are transported to the Victorian era, where gas lamps flicker and intrigue lurks around every corner. His skillful delivery captures the essence of the time, immersing listeners in a world where mysteries are solved with intellect and deduction.

In addition to the captivating content of "Sherlock Holmes in Montague Street: Volume 2," it's worth delving into the context that surrounds these stories. This second volume continues the tradition of rewriting and reimagining tales that were never originally meant to be Holmes stories. In fact, many of these narratives were created as either filler or as attempts to completely replace Sherlock Holmes. This intriguing fact speaks to the enduring appeal of Holmesian detective fiction and the reluctance of his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, to pen additional stories featuring the iconic sleuth.

At the time of "The Final Problem's" publication in 1893, the literary world was left in shock by Doyle's apparent decision to retire Holmes permanently. The void left by the great detective's absence was palpable, prompting other authors to step in and try to fill the detective-shaped hole in the hearts of readers. One such author was Arthur Morrison, who introduced Martin Hewitt as an alternative detective. While initially different from Holmes, Hewitt shared a set of fascinating similarities that drew readers in.

It's essential to acknowledge that Martin Hewitt was not alone in this endeavor. Other fictional detectives emerged during this period, and their creation can be attributed, at least in part, to the immense popularity of Sherlock Holmes. These detectives were crafted to satisfy the public's appetite for forensic-styled and deductive detectives akin to Holmes. Some notable examples of these "Holmes-inspired" characters include:

Hercule Poirot: Created by Agatha Christie, Poirot, with his meticulous attention to detail and brilliant deductive skills, became one of the most beloved fictional detectives, capturing the imagination of readers worldwide. He is a prime example of a detective who emerged during the "Holmes phase."

C. Auguste Dupin: Edgar Allan Poe's detective character, Dupin, predated Holmes by several decades and laid the groundwork for the modern detective genre. Although not a direct response to Holmes, his deductive prowess undoubtedly influenced subsequent detective fiction.

Raffles: A.J. Raffles, created by E.W. Hornung, offered a unique twist on the detective genre by portraying a gentleman thief who sometimes used his criminal skills to solve crimes. His character provided an interesting contrast to Holmes' dedication to justice.

Dr. John Thorndyke: R. Austin Freeman's Dr. Thorndyke was a forensic detective known for his scientific approach to solving mysteries. He paved the way for the incorporation of forensic science into detective fiction, a hallmark of Holmesian storytelling.

While these detectives may have emerged as a response to the void left by Sherlock Holmes' temporary retirement, each of them brought their own distinctive qualities and flavor to the genre. It's fascinating to see how the public's demand for detective stories led to the creation of a rich tapestry of characters, each contributing to the enduring legacy of detective fiction. "Sherlock Holmes in Montague Street: Volume 2" provides a unique opportunity to explore this dynamic period in literary history and the way it shaped the evolution of the detective genre.

Featherstone's portrayal of Martin Hewitt, or rather, the young Sherlock Holmes, is a masterclass in voice acting. He effortlessly embodies the character, bringing to life his sharp intellect and unwavering determination. Featherstone's nuanced performance distinguishes Hewitt/Holmes from other characters in the stories, making it easy for listeners to connect with and root for the detective.

One of Featherstone's most impressive feats is his ability to convey the distinct personalities of each character, whether they are clients seeking help or suspects entangled in the mysteries. His voice modulation and delivery breathe life into these characters, making them feel real and relatable.

Featherstone's pacing is impeccable, maintaining a steady rhythm throughout the audiobook. His narration ensures that the stories remain engaging and easy to follow, whether you are a seasoned Holmesian or a newcomer to the world of detective fiction. His delivery keeps listeners eagerly awaiting each twist and revelation, keeping them on the edge of their seats.

What truly sets Featherstone's narration apart is his evident passion for the material. It is clear that he has a deep appreciation for the source material and understands its historical significance. This enthusiasm shines through in his performance, making it apparent that he is not merely narrating a story but sharing a piece of literary history with the audience.

Charles Featherstone's narration in "Sherlock Holmes in Montague Street: Volume 2" elevates an already compelling collection of detective stories to new heights. His ability to breathe life into characters, maintain impeccable pacing, and convey suspense is truly remarkable. Featherstone's passion for the material is infectious, making this audiobook a must-listen for both dedicated Holmesians and those seeking an entry point into the world of Victorian mysteries.

Marcum's audacious reimagining of Martin Hewitt as a young Sherlock Holmes adds a layer of complexity and excitement to these classic narratives. It invites listeners to explore the multifaceted nature of the Holmesian canon and embrace the idea of alternate "What If" scenarios. While this may not be traditional canon, it is an immensely enjoyable and thought-provoking addition to the Sherlock Holmes universe.

As you listen to Featherstone's captivating narration, you will find yourself transported to the gaslit streets of Victorian London, where Holmes, in his earlier years, tackles cases with boundless enthusiasm and an inquisitive mind. It is, after all, a testament to the enduring appeal of the great detective that we can continue to explore new facets of his character, even in a multiversal context.

So, whether you are a die-hard Sherlockian or simply a lover of finely narrated mysteries, "Sherlock Holmes in Montague Street: Volume 2" is an audiobook that promises hours of delight and intrigue. Allow Featherstone's voice to guide you through the foggy streets of London as you unravel mysteries alongside a young Sherlock Holmes, or perhaps, a renamed Martin Hewitt. Embrace the sense of fun and adventure that this audiobook offers, and remember that in the world of Holmes, there is always room for a clever disguise or a pseudonym. The game is indeed afoot, and it's a game you won't want to miss.