The Count of Monte Cristo as Retold by Sherlock Holmes

by Holy Ghost Writer

The Count of Monte Cristo as Retold by Sherlock Holmes begins with a condensed retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, related through the voice of Sherlock Holmes. It includes exhilarating new adventures, characters, and ideas, carrying the reader through book I leading to book II and with book III promising an ever-expanding new series based on the classic. The author consulted the original French as well as the oldest English translations of The Count of Monte Cristo, but the style of the retellling, in the distinctive voice of Sherlock Holmes, constitutes a new work. Books II and III, soon to follow, are wholly original sequels although they include characters from the original classic. The author of The Count of Monte Cristo as Retold by Sherlock Holmes enjoyed the 2003 translation by Robin Buss of The Count of Monte Cristo, which helped to inspire both this work and the first sequel in this series, The Sultan of Monte Cristo. The most recent (2003) unabridged translation by Buss is indispensable to fully appreciate the original story. Those who have already had the pleasure of reading The Sultan of Monte Cristo will certainly appreciate the unique way in which the Holy Ghost Writer has expanded the original story without the help of anyone (except perhaps from the ghost of Dumas himself). While The Sultan of Monte Cristo has been enjoyed by thousands as a stand-alone work, this work is an even easier read of the original classic, as it has a condensed version of the original story, uniquely retold in the voice of Sherlock Holmes.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

684 pages, Paperback

First published July 4, 2013

About the author

Who is The Holy Ghost Writer?

The mystery of the identity of the author is part of an international contest. The first person to discover the identity of the HG Writer, from the clues found in the Count of Monte Cristo sequels, will receive a reward of $2500. Write to prize@sultanofmontecristo.com in order to claim this reward along with letting us know the clues that led you to discovering the identity of the author. Should you wish your discovery to be known in the press, that opportunity will also be afforded. Those that already know the author or have worked with him/her will not qualify. Good luck.

Reviews

[Lyndsay-ann · Rating 1 out of 5]

I entered to win this book in a Goodreads giveaway. While I didn't win, the author was so awesome and gifted me a kindle version, so I would like to extend a big thank you. I'm an big fan of Sherlock Holmes, and I really like the story of The Count of Monte Cristo, so I was eager to start reading.

I really liked the interaction between Holmes and Watson. I found it to be fun and playful, and fairly in character. Though they were in the story so little, they really didn't need to be there.

Unfortunately, the story itself wasn't really for me. I found the writing/words used to have been too modernized for the story, especially for the era it takes place in. I also felt almost like I was reading a fanfiction, and ended up doing a lot of skim reading.

I feel bad and was unsure of how to go about writting this review, espcially since it was such a nice gift, that I was not at all expecting.

[John Paul · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got this for free as a Kindle book. I already have hundreds of free Kindle eBooks already so I thought I should start reading them. I started with this one because of its high rating here in Goodreads. I was fooled. The first few pages felt like it was written amateurishly. Closer inspection on some of the 5-star ratings given to this book will make you think that some of the reviews are fake made by fake accounts whose sole purpose was to push up the ratings of Holy Ghost Writer books. I was able to read up to 9% but the thought that I was mislead to read this book totally irritated me so I decided not to finish this. From what I read from other reviews in Amazon, it looks like it's just a condensed version of the original story interspersed with Holmes and Watson dialogues. You will NOT miss anything if you skip this book. Read the original instead.

[Shari Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand there are a lot of positive reviews out there...but I just can't add to them. This read like a high schooler's regurgitation of the story, with a few minor additions from "Sherlock" and "Watson". I'll stick with the original thank you.

[Jay Charming · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of satirical fiction. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is one of my favorite reads. So, I was thrilled to see this new series based on The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Thinking it was humor, I purchased all the books in the series prepared to laugh my butt off. Instead, I was intrigued with an expanded account of Edmond Dantès’ adventures. It turned out to be a great treat.

Young and naïve sailor Edmond Dantès returns from his latest voyage with plans to provide for his father, and marry his love Mercedes. The death of his ship’s captain has given him a chance for promotion. With his new position, Edmond would have the means and social standing to give his bride-to-be a wonderful life. But, as always, there is a hater. In fact, poor Edmond has a few haters.

Danglers, a junior officer on Edmond’s ship, is pretty salty (no pun intended) that the younger seaman is getting the promotion to Captain when he is the older, experienced sailor. And Fernand, a guy who creepily lusts after his cousin Mercedes (yes, THE Mercedes), wants to see Edmond at the bottom of Davy Jones’ Locker. Danglers and Fernand conspire to falsely accuse the man who would be Captain of treason. The accusation soon lands him in prison. While serving time, Edmond befriends Abbé Faria, a fellow prisoner. Their companionship provides the tools Edmond needs to one day seek revenge on the men responsible for putting him in prison.

This retelling was a pleasant read with plenty of action that kept the plot moving. Most of this is, of course, thanks to Mr. Dumas. The Holy Ghost Writer maintains the integrity of the book by adhering closely to the original novel. Where it differs is in the story telling method. The reader is led to believe that Sherlock Holmes, here a real-life person, is sharing the tale with Dr. Watson from his own investigation and personal knowledge of the actual Edmond Dantès. Watson is surprised with the revelation, and is enthralled the entire book. You will be, too.

[Stephen Fraser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandre Dumas' tale of The Count of Monte Cristo is a classic that almost everyone has had to read either in High School or College literature class. First and foremost this is not the same as the classic work. I had my doubts going into this book because I am so familiar with the original story. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book was far and away better than I had expected it to be. I had truly expected this combination to kill the story. I am happy to say I was wrong. You still get the great story of Edmond Dante's revenge against the men who framed him for treason. But the retelling of it by Sherlock Holmes adds so much more to the book that can only be achieved by this pairing. I would recommend this book to fans of both Dumas and Sherlock Holmes mysteries. Even those readers not familiar with them will enjoy this book as well.

[Sabrina Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique book, a retelling told by none other than Sherlock Holmes! Brilliant idea, different and engaging.

[Sonja Bristow · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not quite what I expected. It was a nice, clean quick "easier to read". However, I was expecting more analysis from Holmes and Watson. In fact, I found their commentary was a bit too simplistic for the dynamic duo.

[Jen Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thought of matching together Sherlock Holmes with The Count of Monte Cristo captured my attention from the first page. The Holy Ghost Writer, true to him/herself, is constantly coming up with twists and turns. I was unsure how these two would tie together, but it worked out brilliantly. Having read The Count of Monte Cristo years ago and wondering how long it would take to wade through this version, I ended up surprised in the end by its readable and well-condensed qualities. The intermittent interjections from Sherlock and his sidekick Watson help to break up the typically long story, keeping it moving.
The dialogue flows well, and is a great overview of The Count of Monte Cristo as told from a slightly different perspective. My sole complaint would be that there were times I went chapter and after chapter wondering when the reader would encounter some dialogue from Sherlock and Watson again. There are some long stretches which I found myself wanting to hear more from the story’s re-teller. It doesn’t matter if you’ve read the original of not: you will enjoy this version either way. It is, however, enjoyable to compare memories from the original version as you’re reading through this newly re-told version. The modern language appeals to a large crowd. In my opinion this is the most well-written of the the Holy Ghost Writer’s series.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 9.0/10.0

Review: Two classic stories merged together was something I was a bit hesitant on. The Count of Monte Cristo, one of my favorites, being retold by Sherlock Holmes, which is also another one of my favorites, was somewhat of a mystery to me. I wasn’t sure how it would turn out, but I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. After picking up the book, I wasn’t able to put it down for two days. At a little over 560 pages, I was enthralled throughout the book. I knew what happened in The Count of Monte Cristo, but this definitely put a new angle on it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Like any other Sherlock Holmes book, you have to pay extreme detail in what he is saying to put together the details of the puzzle. I’d recommend this to any Sherlock Holmes fan AND any Count of Monte Cristo fan, plus any Adventure/Action fan.

Reviewed by IABookReviews.com

[Sammy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I read this, I watched the video review and wholeheartedly agree. This is an excellent retelling of a classic novel with a classic and well loved character. A long time lover of The Count of Monte Cristo, I was so happy to see that the story mostly remained untouched, but that we were being introduced to new plots and twists that allowed for Sherlock and John to appear. I would have liked Watson to have some more writing time, but hey - not complaining.

There's a lovely whimsical and humorous feel to this retelling, and I get the feeling the author is gently laughing along with us.

Wonderful execution, and I'll definitely read whatever the Ghost Writer puts out next!

[Kris Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was a great mash up of two of my favourite characters in literature. The Count of Monte Cristo and Sherlock Holmes.
I would love to know more about the Ghost Writer. I think what he’s done with these characters is absolutely fantastic. Smooth prose and light twists from the original story show just how much of a talented writer he/she is and I found myself longing to read more after the pages closed.

The perspective change was masterful, and I’m jealous I didn’t think of the idea or premise!

Loved it – thank you!

[Sara Janer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Count of Monte Cristo and Sherlock Holmes and this brilliantly blends both. It starts off with Holmes telling the esteemed Watson about the Count of Monte Cristo and then dives into the story of Edmond Dantes. The transition back to Holmes and Watson are very smooth and do not break up the story.

The writing style is very smooth and reads so well that I was unable to put the book down. I loved this version of Monte Cristo and if you haven;t read the original by Alexandre Dumas you can read this and still get the entire story. I strongly recommend this book.

[Lemesle Anne-sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well handled re-telling of a complex initial story. I did not get bored reading it even though I am familiar with the Dumas classic version. I would even add it is an easier and lighter reading than the original version. The descriptions of the sets are very detailed and the characters’ feelings very touching. Having Sherlock Holmes as a story teller gives sympathy to the book and attracts your curiosity (Elementary my dear Watson !).

[Alisia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book, I was giving this by the author for an honest review. I found this book to be fun and interesting and I like that they put Sherlock Holmes as the narrator. Although I would like to have a little bit more of his voice to it. I liked that it was a mystery, revenge, murder, and a love story all at once. So if you're into re-telling and like the things I've listed, this is you're book. I would like to read more of this, just to see what happens.

[Rosann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent,, excellent .. excellent !!

Though in the movie version.. the Count and Mercedes got back together, in the book they do not, she tells Edmond to forgive her for not waiting for him, and to please watch out for her son since he is going away on trip to regain their fortune and that she will meet him in heaven so that they will once again be together.......pfft

Still a good book and I really loved how Sherlock Holmes was telling Watson the story of the Count of Monte Cristo

[Diana S Bitchinbookreview · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a little late but I received this book through first reads and it did not dissapoint at all!!!! I really liked this book

[Lori Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

No well researched.

[Dini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a die-hard fan of Sherlock Holmes stories since childhood I was quite curious to read this book. I haven’t read the book “The Count of Monte Cristo” earlier so I am unable compare the two stories. Considering this book alone, I should say that it was quite an interesting read.

However, as a reader much familiar to Sherlock Holmes stories, the characters both Holmes and Dr. Watson didn’t sound like them at all, especially in the beginning. May be because the writing style was much different, which lacked the serious tone of Dr. Watson and the carefree attitude of Holmes.

The incidents were well connected to each other and the story is a real page turner. But the narration was not so smooth. At times I felt as if things skipped from one to other too quickly.

[Ben Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was very good. I was expecting a more humorous re-telling of The Count of Monte Cristo, but this was a very good read. It is a longer book, but you'll be amazed at how easy of a read it is and how quickly you get through it, as you don't want to put it down. Even if you don't know The Count of Monte Cristo, this is definitely worth seeking out and reading. The author does a masterful job with the material. Highly recommended!

[Maurean]

Picked this up free on kindle. Sounded right up my alley...Monte Cristo retold by my favorite slueth. 23% of the way through, and it just didn't capture my attention; Too much Count, not enough Sherlock, perhaps. Will be saddened should I find out that Holy Ghost Writer is an author I already enjoy....

[James Akers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Count of Monte Cristo as retold by Sherlock Holmes is a remake to The Count, but in many ways it feels like a whole new story.
The writer used a faster pace and an easier to read writing, so it really is an improvement over the original in many ways.
Wither you liked the original or not, this is a great Sherlock Holmes book.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

* I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

An interesting concept- telling the story of the Count of Monte Cristo through Sherlock Holmes. While it was entertaining I didn't feel as if it was in Holmes' voice. That didn't keep me from enjoying the book, though.

[Bcoghill Coghill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me.
I am not afraid to give a bad review and this not one. I thought this had all of the elements I like in a book. ALAs, it was not to be.
The writing is fine. I read half vBulletin the book but I did not care about the plot or characters.
I think the deficiency is likely in me. give this book a try if you are interested enough to read this review and tell what you thought when done.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the style of writing the author used here, he managed to make a sequel that feels both new and classic at the same time.
Many of the familiar characters from the original story are relived in this book in a very surprising way.
I have really enjoyed reading it.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an excellent storyline here, I haven't had this much fun reading a book in a long time.
This story has the right style of mystery and action a good Sherlock Holmes book should have, which is the reason why it's so enjoyable to read for me...
I'm really impressed!

[Cherie Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a great remake for a masterpiece. Holy Ghost Writer have written some truly wonderful Sherlock Holmes books and this is one of his best.
Not only it captures the greatest parts of the original, it also improves on it and delivers a great new pace and style that is totally worth your time!

[Helene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easier to read re-telling of the original Dumas story. A few interesting comments from Holmes and Watson are interspersed but add nothing. However, the sequals may be of interest since the original characters are very interesting and their futures are unclear.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neat new twist on an old story

[Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

[Jan Heemskerk]

Een gecondenseerde, prettig leesbare versie van Dumas' klassieker, bedoeld als introductie voor de overige boeken in de serie van de Holy Ghost Writer.