Sherlock Holmes and The Missing Portrait

by Mabel Swift

Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson face a perplexing puzzle when the Duchess of Rothbury asks them for help.What should have been a routine portrait by the sought-after artist Julian Devaux turns into a baffling mystery. Instead of her own image, the Duchess' recently-delivered painting shows a mysterious man seated in her library—a man she swears she's never let into her house.The Duchess is not only concerned about the stranger in the painting, she is also worried that her likeness might appear in someone else’s commissioned portrait, and someone might be gazing upon her likeness at that very moment. Concerned about her reputation and social standing, she asks Sherlock and Dr Watson to look into the matter using their utmost discretion.Holmes and Watson begin their investigation and soon discover that the Duchess of Rothbury wasn’t the only one who received a peculiar portrait that day. But how are they all linked? And where has the Duchess’ original painting gone?

96 pages, Paperback

Published March 20, 2024

Reviews

[Andrew✌️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short novel tells a new adventure of Holmes and Watson, serving as the first chapter of a brand-new series.

The plot is fairly simple and follows the two detectives as they search for a missing painting in an investigation that eventually unveils the mystery surrounding it.

It's a straightforward story, lacking the intriguing atmosphere and the sense of looming danger often found in Holmes' other cases. If you're a Sherlock Holmes fan, you may find this tale a bit too gentle and "comfortable", more of a treasure hunt than a true investigation. But this is only the first volume.

I enjoy the author's writing style, even if the language sometimes feels a bit too modern. I’m hopeful that future books will bring more depth to the adventures.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining Holmes listening 🎶🔰

This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 1 of 5

Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson are approached by the Duchess about a painting. It turns out that four people have strange paintings. There is a happy ending.

I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of Sherlock Holmes mysteries novels 👍🔰. 2024

[Winry Weiss · Rating 2 out of 5]

It sits between 2 and 3 stars for me, and I quite honestly cannot justify rounding it up...

Not technically a criminal case per se, and I'm afraid that Holmes, as I perceive him, would not accept this investigation, for the lack of intellectual stimulus. Still, an interesting enough short story and not the worst characterisations I've encountered.

It's just... any traditional Holmesian pastiche that eschews Watson's PoV and goes for 3rd person omniscient narration needs to hit me harder.

[Christa Saccullo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holmes Oversimplified

Quick, easy, and a bit charming, this first book in a new series features Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in a more relaxed state of simple cases. Told in third person, nicely edited, and no stress of a prolonged mystery.

For more die-hard fans, this Holmes is oversimplified and a bit warmer in manner than he is known to be, but, in my view, better than some other depictions I've read....

Christa

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A light hearted Holmes short story

Holmes received an urgent message to come to the estate of one of Londons leading socialites. When he and Watson arrive at the opulent estate they are asked to solve an art mixup. As Holmes digs into it he finds a series of odd occurrences. It has a surprise ending. A fun read.

[P.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Swift’s presentation of Holmes and Watson in this novella was spot-on in my interpretation of how “in-between” cases should be. Her plot is plausible, the writing easy to read, and the story moves along quickly, making this a perfect book for commuters, or one willing to stay up to read in one sitting.

[Cheryl Adamkiewicz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a Holmes case.

Although interesting to go from one portrait to another, I can only believe that Holmes would be bored with this case.

[Gus Scholtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and easy readable story. Quite enjoyed this. She does not write in the first person singular as Watson . Her narrative is tight and the story enjoyable.