Creator: Neil Gaiman (author and narrator)

Media Type: Audiobook

Audience: Teen+

Summary: When the most perplexing crimes are committed in London, Scotland Yard calls in their best man: Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective. The only one of his trade, Mr. Holmes’s most enticing cases are chronicled by his long time friend, a retired army doctor. This case is perhaps the most enticing of all. A member of the royal house has been slain in a seedy room in one of London’s least fashionable neighborhoods. However, in this detail rich and elegant alternate history retelling of A Study in Scarlet the Royal House is not Windsor: it isn’t even human.

Bottom Line: In a seamless blend of Doyle, Lovecraft, and his own signature dialog style Mr. Gaiman has created 45 minutes of pure joy. While you do not have to be familiar with Lovecraftian lore to follow the narrative, fans of the mythos will greatly appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of the Old Ones into this classic tale you think you know.

Find It:

Own it on Audible

Rent it through your local library on OneDrive

Fun Facts:

Won the 2004 Hugo Award for Best Short Story

A PDF text copy is also available for free on Gaiman’s website, stylized as a Victorian newspaper complete with advertisements

Coming soon- a graphic novel adaption from Dark Horse comics, pre-order it here!

The story was also adapted into a board game.