Sherlock Holmes and the Real Thing

by Nicholas Meyer

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson delve into the world of art forgery in this new historical mystery from the author of Sherlock Holmes and the Telegram from Hell.


London, 189–: The great city is brought to a standstill by a series of blizzards and Sherlock Holmes is bored to distraction. It would take a miracle to bring a case to the detective’s door. . .



What arrives is not a landlady who complains her artist tenant is behind on rent. Not exactly the miracle for which Holmes was hoping. But, next thing you know, there are several corpses and Sherlock Holmes and his biographer, John H. Watson, MD, find themselves drawn into one of the most bizarre cases of the great detective’s career. And into the cutthroat big business of Art, where chicanery and mendacity (and cut throats) proliferate.



What makes a work of art worth killing for? Is it the artist, his mistress, his dealer, or his blackmailer? The cast of characters is large. But are they perpetrators, accomplices, or victims? And just who is Juliet Packwood, with whom Watson has become infatuated?



Oh, and there’s one other Is this a genuine Holmes case or a clever forgery? Is this the real thing?



If you can’t tell the difference, what is the difference?

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

Nicholas Meyer graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in theater and film-making, & is a film writer, producer, director and novelist best known for his involvement in the Star Trek films. He is also well known as the director for the landmark 1983 TV-Movie "The Day After", for which he was nominated for a Best Director Emmy Award. In 1977, Meyer was nominated for an Adapted Screenplay Academy Award for adapting his own 1974 novel, The Seven-Per-Cent Solution, to the screen.

In addition to his work on Star Trek, Meyer has written several novels, and has written and/or directed several other films.Most notable being the 1983 made-for-television anti-nuclear movie The Day After.

Meyer wrote three Sherlock Holmes novels: The West End Horror, The Canary Trainer, and The Seven-Per-Cent Solution. The latter was Meyer's most famous Holmes novel and the project for which he was best known prior to his Star Trek involvement. It was also adapted into a 1976 film, directed by Herbert Ross, for which Meyer wrote the screenplay.

Reviews

[Manon (mysterymanon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this new story featuring Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. The latter describes their investigation into an artist’s disappearance and their ensuing journey through the troubling underbelly of the art world: shady dealers, overpriced forgeries, dangerous secrets, the works. Their discoveries prompt excellent discussions of art, chemistry, and—most intriguing for me—the value of originality. Why does the “real thing” matter to us, and why do we pursue it?

I thought the mystery was nicely plotted, but perhaps could have been solved sooner, since I found it slightly less complex than expected. While I can’t call myself an expert on Sherlock Holmes, I’ve read several stories, and I found Meyer’s voice to be comparable to Doyle’s. His interpretation of Holmes, however, was softer and more congenial than I’m used to (I’m not complaining; I loved him). Watson reminded me of Agatha Christie’s Hastings—a little bit of a lovesick doofus. But again, I found him endearing.

The audiobook is well-acted, nice and dynamic, though I found the narrator too prone to “punchiness,” like popping consonants. That could be personal preference. On the whole, I enjoyed it. Very cozy and would be perfect for chilly fall or winter.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mysterious Press for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Sherlock Holmes. I have loved him since I was 14 (and that's a very long time ag0). I read as many of the sequels that have been written to the original series.

And this is an excellent one. I enjoyed it from start to finish. I do think that Holmes gets nicer with each iteration I've read--not only by Meyer but in general, but that is not necessarily a bad thing (although I think part of Holmes' charm for me as an adolescent was his surliness!).

The "real thing" in this story is all about art (but maybe other things as well?). Lady Glendenning comes to Holmes because her tenant, a painter, has disappeared. All his belongings are still in his room but he is gone. Her timing is excellent: Holmes is of all the most deadly fates for him the worst: bored. Otherwise, he probably would not deign to take on such a pedestrian case.

Things turn out in some ways as you might expect but also, in other ways, quite differently.. Meyer takes us into the art world--not the one of surface glitter and dreams and aesthetic thrills but the dark underside--the one of stolen works, thieves, and, above all, forgers.

In addition to all its other pleasures, I enjoyed the ways in which Meyer explores the line between what is "real" and what is "fake"--as well as why it matters to us. That may have been my greatest pleasure in this story.

But there were plenty of others. As usual with Meyer, his story is well-plotted and well-paced. Old friends--such as Sherlock's erudite brother Mycroft and former member of the Baker Street Irregulars--make appearances. And since Watson (the "author") is here, so is a beautiful and somewhat mysterious woman.

Smooth and easy to digest, this book was a pleasure from start to finish.

Sherlock Holmes and the Real Thing will be published on August 26, 2025. I want to thank Penzler Publishers/Mysterious Press, NetGalley, and the author for giving me this early copy of the novel.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a rabid Sherlockian, writing by authors other than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle make me a bit nervous. But Nicholas Meyer has a beautiful way of bringing historical details together along with keeping true to the original characters with wit and charm. For me Jeremy Brett IS Sherlock Holmes so when reading Sherlock Holmes and the Real Thing, he is who I envisioned in his 221b Baker Street rooms in this rich novel. There's something comfy and nostalgic about that.

Lady Glendenning consulted Holmes and Dr. Watson with a mystery on her hands. Portraitist Rupert Milestone was also her tenant and had uncharacteristically disappeared. It was up to the detectives to use their deduction and technical skills and learn about the art world including forgery. They also dipped into chemistry and conferred with Mycroft. Along came Juliet who caused a different kind of chemical reaction. But that's not all. The location of a body was creative just like the rest of the novel. The mystery had predictable bits along with surprises and the ending was satisfying.

One of the most striking aspects about this novel is the wonderful Michael Abernathy Jr. prologue! What a treasure! But the mystery itself is a treat, too, and the Old Masters art angle is intertwined seamlessly in the sticky web of deceit. I adore artists such as Raphael, Renoir, Rembrandt, and Titian, all mentioned here. I learned new-to-me things about art such as Craquelure and historical details which were noted in red throughout the book such as the St. Donatus Zadar medal, Madame X, and Sir Thomas More. Really a splendid book to read on this gloriously cool and drizzly day.

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

During a frozen winter in the 1890s, Sherlock Holmes is desperate for a case. A landlady’s complaint about her artist tenant plunges Holmes and Watson into the shadowy world of the art market, where deceit, ambition, and greed prove as deadly as any weapon. As bodies pile up and suspects multiply, Watson becomes entangled with the mysterious Juliet Packwood, even as he and Holmes race to uncover who among the artists, dealers, and lovers is truly capable of murder.

This was a fun adventure! It felt like I was reading one of the original Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stories. Holmes and Watson are as I remember them, down to the good doctor being charmed by a pretty woman, and I enjoyed following them on this adventure.

The details of art forgery were interesting and well-researched. I enjoyed the pacing of the mystery. Each detail was revealed at just the right time and then put together in the end in a satisfying way. I am always happy when I can guess the solution, and this time I was half right.

Overall, this is a great read for anyone who enjoys Sherlock Holmes adventures. I received an advance reader copy via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delight! Right from the set up of how this latest Watson manuscript was found, we're invited on another rollicking Sherlockian adventure. Meyer has so thoroughly captured Watson's voice that it's like putting on a comfortable old sweater. Great plot, great characters, and great pacing make for another successful homage. Loved it!

[Julie Friar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sherlock is bored and the weather awful so any case will do to occupy his mind. Holmes and Watson will become involved in the Art world when an artist is found dead and frozen in the form of a snowman. The investigation will begin.

Well written and narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Good characters in this well paced quirky investigation. Is forgery being committed and are people being conned, plus who has been killed. Watson will meet a woman who will change his life.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

In this Sherlock Holmes pastiche by author Nicholas Meyer, Dr. Watson relates 'the tale of the missing painter', in which Holmes delves into the art world, where it's sometimes hard to tell fakes from the real thing.


Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson

*****

As the book opens, a blizzard has coated London in snow, Sherlock Holmes has no interesting cases, and the detective is bored and irritable.



Then Lady Glendenning shows up at 221B Baker Street. Her ladyship is an attractive blonde woman whose East London accent proves she wasn't born to the aristocracy.



Her ladyship - the former Vera Pertwee - explains she's the widow of Lord Glendenning, a real estate mogul who left her in charge of a gaggle of properties. Lady Glendenning tells Holmes that one of her tenants, a painter named Rupert Milestone, has disappeared.



Lady Glendenning goes on to explain that Milestone hasn't paid his rent for three months, when his check always arrived right on time in the past. Also, when Lady Glendenning checked Milestone's studio/apartment, the place was empty and dusty, and the unopened mail was piled up inside the door.



When Holmes mentions the police, Lady Glendenning says she reported Milestone's disappearance to Inspector Gregson, and he told her to file a missing person's report -and suggested she consult Sherlock Holmes.



So here she is!



Shortly afterwards, Holmes and Watson meet Lady Glendenning at Rupert Milestone's address: 7 Turncoat Lane in Notting Hill Gate. The artist's studio is 70' by 40', with a high ceiling comprised of a skylight that would provide a painter with ample light. There are canvases around the walls, a damaged painting of Venice on an easel, and a self-portrait of the artist - a very handsome man - hanging near his bed.





When Holmes and Watson return to Baker Street, Sherlock explains what he noticed: footprints from two pairs of shoes that indicate a scuffle occurred; a wad of cash in the toe of a boot; and dried blood on the floor, obscured by red paint.



Holmes speculates that Milestone was murdered, and his body will be found in a snowdrift when the snow starts to melt. Holmes is almost right, because Milestone's body is found in a playground, hidden inside a snowman.



Lady Glendenning pays Holmes a generous fee - and the sleuth no longer has a client - but he can't let it go.



Something about the paraphernalia in Milestone's studio - including a pumice stone and formaldehyde - and the marred painting of Venice raises Holmes' suspicions.



To garner information about the art world, Holmes drops into the VERY exclusive Diogenes Club, to consult with his brother Mycroft, who has arcane knowledge about everything.



While Mycroft scarfs down the eclairs Sherlock's been served, he explains that Sir Jonathan Van Dam, Lord Southbank - who goes by the moniker Lord Johnny - is the most important art dealer in London. Lord Johnny deals EXCLUSIVELY in the old masters, and he's a capable and crafty salesman.



Mycroft goes to explains that Rupert Milestone (the murder victim) was the art restorer for Lord Johnny and that a man named Signor Garibaldi is the authenticator for Lord Johnny, assuring clients the paintings are authentic.



In the course of his investigation, Sherlock learns Milestone was a skilled copycat, a feature common to forgers. To learn more about Milestone, Sherlock sends Watson to the Packwood Gallery that represented the artist, and Watson is attracted to gallerist Juliet Packwood, who works for her uncle. As Sherlock investigates Milestone's homicide, Holmes woos Miss Packwood, and the twains eventually meet (so to speak).



In a fun touch, Holmes gets assistance from Wiggins, a young man who was head of the Baker Street Irregulars a decade ago, when he was a lad.



As Holmes continues to speak to people and collect clues, someone gets spooked and there are more murders. In time Sherlock gets an inspiration that leads him to the killer, and I don't think many armchair sleuths will beat him to the punch.



I don't have many gripes about the novel, though I wonder about children being allowed to enter a playground right after a snowman (with a body inside) is carted away. Additionally, some of the chitchat about real paintings and forgeries is overdone, and I would have preferred more detecting and less conversation.



That said, I'd recommend the book to fans of Sherlock Holmes mysteries.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by David Robb and Nick Meyer, who do a fine job.

There are hints that this is Nicholas Meyer's last Sherlock Holmes pastiche, but I hope that isn't true. Meyer has captured Arthur Conan Doyle's style, and his books are a good fit with the Sherlock Holmes canon.



Thanks to Netgalley, Nicholas Meyer, and Highbridge Audio for a copy of the book.

You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.

Another fine Holmes tale that focuses less on real life historical events / people and more on the craft of Art, the question of authenticity and its monetary value and social impact - concepts that are still relevant in the 21st Century (with the rise of AI, social media filters and such). The story is well paced with enough suspects and clues to keep the reader guessing until the end. Meyer is an expert in capturing Doyle's tone and cadence for the characters and situations that one could almost believe it was a 'lost' case written by Doyle.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers- Mysterious Press for an advance copy featuring the team of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson as they attempt to figure out the whereabouts of a missing artist, and find a whole new world of crime and skullduggery in the world of paintings and portraits.

I found two sections in the book, one in the novel and one in the afterword from the author dealing with the question of who decides what is art, and what is original, that made me pause both times. I have a complicated relationship with others continuing to work with characters created by others. Especially today when everything seems to geared to make a profit, and not profit fans in decent storytelling. Both the fiction and nonfiction, part of a conversation between Holmes and Watson, and a retelling by the author of the book of an encounter really summed up what I thought, what I felt, and helped me feel better for enjoying works like this. So in addition to a find story, with a great use of classic characters, I have even more to thank Nicholas Meyer for. Sherlock Holmes and the Real Thing features the team of Watson and Holmes as they learn about a new kind of crime, the one that takes place in the highest levels of art world, a crime that might lead someone to murder.

The time is the end of the 1800's and London is buried under snow that seems to be not stopping. People are trapped in their homes, the municipal workers are overwhelmed, and Sherlock Holmes is bored, bored, bored. Thankfully a hansom cab delivers a client, a young woman with an interesting story. The woman is the widow of a wealthy man who owns many properties in the town. One of her renters is an artist of renown, but has not paid his rent in months. A look inside the studio shows nothing, but the woman is concerned enough to come to Holmes to find him. The studio is indeed empty, except for a large chest, piles of money, a paining on an easel, and a bit of blood on the ground. A conversation with Mycroft, Sherlock's older, smarter, and more obese brother introduces Sherlock to a whole new world. A world of high priced art dealers, and restorers, with sometimes a lack of honesty. The more Holmes investigates the more he fears that this case is far larger than he expects. And more dangerous.

Nicholas Meyer is probably better known for his Hollywood movies, Star Trek, Time After Time, and a movie version of his own book The Seven Percent Solution. Meyer has been writing about Holmes for over 50 years and has a real grasp of what makes the characters and the stories so interesting. There is a sense of an ending here also, as this might be the last mystery that Meyer will write, and if it is well he is leaving head held high. The story is good, played fair, with a clues and Sherlock figuring things out about people that others might miss. There are many Easter eggs in the story leading back to other novels of Meyer and of classic stories also. Meyer gets the relationship between Holmes and Watson, and that is really the highlight of the book. Also Meyer lets Holmes be a little more human, which I have always enjoyed. What I also liked was that the art world was new to Sherlock Holmes, and to have him learn as we were reading was kind of novel.

I do hope this is not the last book, as I really enjoy the work the Meyer does. Fans of Sherlock will really enjoy this, and if this is the last, well start at the beginning and enjoy.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes is snowed in, vibrating with boredom, and basically one violin solo away from throwing himself out the window of 221B when Nicholas Meyer drops Sherlock Holmes and the Real Thing in our laps. Cue a landlady with a rent complaint that sounds about as exciting as soggy toast... except the missing tenant is an artist, bodies start dropping like bad sketches, and suddenly Holmes and Watson are skating into the most murderous corner of the art world.

And let me tell you, this isn’t the glamorous champagne-and-galleries art world. This is the shady back-alley version where dealers are shysters, mistresses are walking plot twists, and everyone has a knife tucked under their smock. Meyer has stacked the suspect list so high you could hang it in the Louvre. Every time you think you’ve pegged the culprit, someone else looks just as guilty, and Holmes is over here quietly smirking while you trip over red herrings.

Watson, meanwhile, is fully living his “I can fix her” era with Juliet Packwood, the mysterious woman who drifts into the case like a walking caution sign. He’s blushing, fumbling, absolutely head over heels, while Holmes is busy recreating forgery techniques with chemistry experiments that probably violate several health codes. Watson’s soft, lovesick energy is the perfect chaotic foil to Holmes’s razor-wire brain, and honestly it gives the story its pulse.

The real clever twist though is the way Meyer leans into the theme of forgery itself. The whole case is about fake paintings, but also, hello, the book itself is a forgery, a Conan Doyle imitation passed off as “the real thing.” It’s the kind of layered cheekiness that makes you stop mid-chapter and mutter, “Okay, fine, that’s smart,” before diving back into the bodies in the snow.

Now, as far as mystery mechanics go, this one isn’t quite a jaw-dropper. It’s more “solidly twisty” than “oh my god, my monocle just fell off.” But it’s got atmosphere for days, a blizzard trapping everyone in a chilly snow globe of secrets, and enough corpses and cutthroats to keep the stakes high. It’s a perfect winter read, the kind where you want to burrow under a blanket and let Holmes monologue you into submission.

The narration? David Robb is serving straight Victorian drama with a splash of grit. His Holmes voice has that sharp, almost surgical crispness, while his Watson has a warm, open quality that makes you believe this man would fall in love with a mysterious stranger mid-murder spree. The pacing is smooth, the mood immersive, and he handles the sprawling cast without anyone bleeding into each other. Meyer even sneaks in his own vocal cameo, which feels like a cheeky wink from the author, not a distraction.

At the end of the day, this is less about a mind-bending solution and more about the vibe: a chilly, deadly romp through art, forgery, and human folly, with Holmes as our sardonic guide and Watson once again proving he cannot resist a pretty face. A comfortable 3.5 stars from me, enjoyable with just enough bite to keep the blood pumping.

Whodunity Award: For Making Me Deeply Suspicious of Both Oil Paintings and Men Named Rupert

Big thanks to HighBridge Audio and NetGalley for sliding me this early audiobook like a forbidden forgery tucked under a coat. You enablers know exactly how to keep me out past curfew with Holmes and Watson.

[Sue F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just plain fun for anyone who is a Holmes/Watson fan. And who isn’t???

Nicholas Meyer has been getting quicker with his editing of Dr John H Watson’s journals, with three coming out in the last four years. Which is all to the good, since each of the previous books that I’ve read has been a treat, and Sherlock Holmes and the Real Thing is a treat too.

As with the previous books, readers get a brief explanation up-front of how Meyer came into possession of this latest of Watson’s journals, after which we dive into the case. And although the matter of Lady Glendenning’s missing tenant doesn’t look like much of a puzzle at first, the mystery keeps gaining levels of complexity - and a dead body - as events proceed. Holmes finds clues others have missed, learns about the expensive and brutal world of art (or maybe “Art”, with a capital “A”) from Mycroft, and wears wonderful disguises. Watson does his usual double duty, both as a stater of the obvious, and an advisor on women – while also falling for one of said women. Other familiar faces - Lestrade, Gregson, even a grown-up Wiggins – also make appearances. And at the end, of course, Holmes figures it all out. So, overall, The Real Thing feels true to those earlier Watson journals, those ones edited by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

I’ve also always had a bit of a thing for art-world mysteries, so I especially enjoyed the setting for The Real Thing. And I appreciated the asides on what is really “art” vs. “fake”, and why – if you can’t tell the difference – does it matter? Which is a conversation my husband and I often have in a different context, as we head off to listen to a good cover band.

All-in-all, though, The Real Thing is a quick-reading and fun Holmes and Watson pastiche, and I definitely recommend it for anyone who enjoys the classic Holmes stories. And who doesn’t? I was sad to read, in the afterword, that Meyer thinks this may be his last journal to edit, and I very much hope that isn’t the case. But if it is, he has gone out on a good one. And my thanks to Penzler Publishers/Mysterious Press and NetGalley for my review copy.

[Rachael Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would Conan-Doyle be proud to know that Sherlock Holmes lives long past his death? Probably not, but are other readers and I are pretty happy to continually find stories which provide a similar level of nostalgia and sleuthing? Yes, I think I can say we are. Though it doesn't quite hit the mark with feeling exactly like an original Sherlock and Watson mystery, it's similar enough that I can suspend belief and feel as though these familiar detectives are on the case.

This case starts as Sherlock is bored as usual and the snow is piling up outside the window. A landlady approaches the duo to ask them to find a missing tenant who was previously always on time with his rent and now he seems to have vanished. Sherlock and Watson find themselves drawn into the world of art and art dealings as the missing painter is found dead by nefarious means and it seems he may have known something about potential art fraud. As with most cases, there are lots of twists and turns and red herrings along the way. All of which make a great mystery to follow along with our sleuths. I do love that Sherlock tries his hand at painting to see if he can figure out the formula used to make a new painting seem old; I thought it was a very clever experiment.

Though this case is presented as either genuine or a forgery, I like the possibility of it being plausible even if I don't believe Conan-Doyle wrote this particular story. However, if you like the lengths they will go to solve their case, I recommend you give this one a chance.

[Holly Hurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first discovered Nicholas Meyer’s Sherlock Holmes pastiches about a year ago, starting with The Seven Percent Solution. Since then, I’ve devoured the others, so I was thrilled to see this new release appear on NetGalley. Meyer’s series remains a must for any devoted Sherlockian.

This entry plays cleverly with the very idea of a pastiche: imitation versus originality. Just as the book itself imitates Conan Doyle’s style, the case examines questions of authenticity in the art world. If two works look identical, why do we prize the “real thing” more? And how do we even decide which is which?

The story is set during an unusually brutal London winter, with Holmes and Watson confined indoors and restless—until a woman appears seeking their help to find a missing tenant, an artist behind on rent. That disappearance soon pulls the pair deep into a world of forgeries, hidden motives, and the blurred lines between copy and creation.

Meyer sprinkles in Easter eggs for Holmes fans, including a visit to the Diogenes Club and the ever-formidable Mycroft. The style is so faithful that at times it feels like hearing Doyle himself.

The narration by David Robb (with Nicholas Meyer adding his own touch) is spot-on, perfectly evoking the Victorian chill and Holmes’s razor-sharp wit.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge fan of Sherlock’s, this was a pleasant surprise. Meyer brings back the famous consulting detective and his sidekick in a new adventure that could have been published in The Strand. The author introduces the story as a lost manuscript, with the understanding that Holmes and Watson were as real as Houdini. Then, David Robb narrates the story, creating all the different voices and bringing the characters to life. I loved the throwbacks to the original canon, it was fun catching the Easter eggs and figuring out the original source. Even newbies and non-Sherlock fans will enjoy the story. Robb’s audiobook performance gave the two leads and the rest of the supporting male characters distinctive voices. I wasn’t a huge fan of the female voices, but they were different enough that it was not hard to know who was speaking. The plot was clever, entertaining and easy to follow. Much like Sir Arthur’s originals, there are no supernatural elements, and everything is pretty elementary once Holmes explains it. The author never falls into the temptation of modernizing the story and the fact that the mystery is about art made me like it even more. A delight for Sherlock’s fans.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Highbridge Audio.

[Ethan Tabor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been mixed on Nicholas Meyers’ Holmes books as while they are quick and easy to read, the mystery of them wasn’t entirely there. “West End Horror” felt the most like a mystery (I haven’t read “Peculiar Protocols” or “Return of the Pharaoh”) but it feels very forgettable to me and more of Meyer playing around by having Holmes meet Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker.
“The Seven-Per-Cent Solution” is his most unique but I wasn’t as blown away as I initially wanted to me. The revised script for the movie, however, did tie together the last great threads the novel needed.
“Canary Trainer” was a real whatever story for the main reason that it’s a retelling of “Phantom of the Opera” with a less useful Holmes.
“Telegram from Hell” is more of a spy story in WWI than a classic Holmes mystery but it was fun to see Meyer throw in more historical figures for Holmes to interact with.
“The Real Thing” though, I found the mystery fascinating! The dynamic between Holmes and Watson was more catty with several sarcastic moments between the two but almost always resulting in funny moments between the two. The callbacks to other stories by Doyle and Meyer made this feel more important as the final story Meyer will write and I’m happy to have read it! If all goes well, I am excited for when I can attend a book signing of this in two weeks and am eager to read the other two Holmes novels he wrote.

[Paula Korelitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery captivates through its sophisticated exploration of art forgery, a choice that proves particularly rewarding after reading Meyer's acknowledgments detailing his inspiration. The novel serves as both engaging detective fiction and an educational journey into the intricate world of art fraud, offering readers genuine insight into forgery techniques and the meticulous craft required to create convincing fakes.

Meyer demonstrates impressive research depth, weaving authentic details about forgery methods throughout the narrative without overwhelming the mystery plot. The technical aspects feel organic to the story rather than merely informative asides.

For devotees of Conan Doyle's original canon, Meyer's role as "editor" proves especially satisfying. He skillfully resurrects beloved Baker Street inhabitants, maintaining the authentic voice and atmosphere that made the original stories enduring classics. The familiar characters feel true to their origins while serving the new mystery effectively.

This book succeeds both as a standalone mystery and as a worthy addition to the Holmes tradition, offering readers the dual pleasure of a well-crafted puzzle and genuine learning about the fascinating, shadowy world of art forgery.

[LindaPf · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve run out of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock and Watson stories, Nicholas Meyer has captured the tone, language and spirit of the tales with his set of novels in “The Journals of John H. Watson, M.D.” series. I believe this is the 7th addition (“The Seven Percent Solution,” “The West End Horror,” and “The Canary Trainer” are among the others.)

This time, the title, “Sherlock Holmes and the Real Thing” is indicative of both the plot (regarding art and forgeries) and a self-realization by the author that what he does by mimicking Conan Doyle’s work is also a sort of forgery. At the beginning, Meyer suggests this “newly found” memoir was located in the children’s section of a Boca Raton, Florida library by a fourteen year old. Or maybe “this is all ChatGPT.” Oh well. Anyway, if you’re not contemplating “if you can’t tell the difference, what is the difference?,” then enjoy a story of Sherlock’s deductive genius again. With a bonus for Watson. Her name is Juliet. 4 stars!

Thank you to Penzler Publishers/Mysterious Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a life-long Sherlockian (member of the "Baker Street Underground" at Cornell University) who started reading The Canon at age 11. I have read hundreds of related works, so I have a fairly high standard, but it really comes down to "did I enjoy it?" and "did it keep my interest from start to end?".

Yes! This latest novel by the author delivered a wonderful Sherlockian experience, unlike the previous book (Telegram from Hell). I had almost given up on Mr. Meyer but I am glad I gave him another chance. Keeping the story in London and populating it with interesting characters, both old and new, helped. The introduction of art and art forgery to the plot, with many technical details, made the story incredibly interesting.

A new love interest worthy of Watson also gave the story a humanizing quality, even for Holmes himself, who is sometimes quite funny.

Recommended, but I complain again about the high Kindle price of $23. You can always get it from the library...

I obtained an advance copy of this book via NetGalley.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for an ARC copy received from the publisher through NetGalley.
Holmes and Watson find themselves ensconced in a case involving paintings, possibly emulations or even forgeries of master works, a missing artist and an elusive art dealer. Forced to reconcile with a subject he knows little about, Holmes accumulates an education about classical art while Watson finds himself falling for a woman whom they visit to obtain more knowledge about the art world.
While it wasn't like the brasher, more exciting subjects of Meyer's last two Holmes pastiches, the story was nonetheless carefully layered and very educational on the subjects within. I did figure out the biggest aspect of the case very early on due to some of the clues Holmes and Watson found, and I'm rather surprised Holmes didn't pick up on what seemed pretty "elementary," though I suppose if he did this would have been a mere short story.

[M. K. French · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holmes is bored enough to snag the first case coming his way, which involves an artist tenant who is behind on rent. Once corpses show up, Sherlock gets drawn into the cutthroat art world, where some pieces seem to be worth killing for. Holmes and Watson must determine who the perpetrators, accomplices, or victims are, and what determines a clever forgery.

A bored Holmes is a rather whiny one, to be honest. He puts in a lot of effort into making disguises for questioning art dealers and would rather be considered an amateur sleuth to continue investigating once police are involved. Of course, he sees some of the details that others don't, and links together what initially doesn't seem related. While we think of it as complicated, for Sherlock, it was easy to figure out how the pieces fit together. The mystery is laid out and explained by the end, and we see what determines real art from forgery.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A document purported to have been penned by Dr James Watson about a Sherlock Holmes case is the bulk of this story, with footnotes and an introduction provided by the author. Is it real or a forgery? The story is about artwork that may be real or a forgery. Of course Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote the Sherlock Holmes stories, not Watson, and this novel is so good and so close to Conan Doyle’s works that one might wonder just who wrote it.
The story and audiobook narration are pitch-perfect with lots of historical detail and references to earlier cases. If you are a fan of the great detective, you are sure to enjoy this latest entry in the canon. I’ve listened to other books in the Holmes redux and this is one of the best.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @HighbridgeAudio, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook of #SherlockHolmesandtheRealThing for review purposes. It is currently available.

[Scott Lovelace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holmes is desperate for a case, its the dead of winter and nothing much is happening. The story is told through the eyes of Dr Watson. When a woman reaches out to Holmes regarding unpaid rent, it initially seems simple, but we are soon thrust into the elitist art scene. The dark, crime filled art world. Filled with a large cast of characters, this story doesn't disappoint. Watson has a uniqueness in explaining the art world that is very fast paced and engaging. Not many authors are able to continue a character without losing some of the authenticity of the original, but Nicholas Meyer does an excellent job.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant installation by Nicholas Meyer. It felt as if I were reading an authentic Sherlock Holmes novel.

I enjoyed the author's pace and the way he crafted the characters personalities. They were well fleshed out and very real. I enjoyed following along with them on this case.

The author did his research on art forgery. It was interesting and I learned a lot. I felt that each detail was revealed at just the right time. I enjoy when I can guess who done it and it was almost the end when I did. Well done, Nicholas Meyer!

I was fortunate enough to be able to enjoy the audio version and the voice actor was FABULOUS!

I look forward to the author's next Holmes/Watson installment.

[PeggySue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes and the Real Thing by Nicholas Meyer
Narrator, David Robb
I have read other books in this Sherlockian series and enjoyed them all, this one included. I especially liked this foray into the world of artists, gallerists, and art forgery. The twisty ending was somewhat surprising. I also liked the addition of Dr Watson’s romantic interest. Funny shoutout to Alexander Graham Bell with the statement, “Watson, come here. I want you.”
Narration was excellent.
Once again, the game’s afoot.
Thanks to NetGalley

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read his take on Sherlock Holmes, The Seven Percent Solution, when I was 12 or 13, but did not read another until last year. As I read this recent entry, I was delighted by the descriptions of the art world and painting circa 1896. The plot was easy to see and I guessed the ending after two chapters but I enjoyed the companionship of the familiar characters. Alas, this is to be Meyer’s last Holmes book and that news is bittersweet. I shall miss the stores and the clever way the “lost” manuscripts of Watson appear.

[Heather Dugger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very entertaining and is a great edition to the Sherlock Holmes world.
Opens with a new case for him with a missing painter who has not appeared to simply disappear to avoid his rent payments.
It takes a plumage into a whirlpool of mischief of thievery, forgery along with other riff raff. It is well paced and it kept my attention. I usually sometimes nod off during audiobooks, not this one. It waa smooth, mysterious and exciting like Sherlock Holmes is and always will be.

[Melissa Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the John Watson "found memoirs" canon. "The Real Thing" centers of art forgery, and is filled with fun facts about the art and science of forgery. I enjoyed it immensely.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Patrick Ewing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant…

I’ve read all of Nick’s novels and have enjoyed them immensely. The Watson chronicles are wonderful beyond measure. This latest entry is no exception. I hope he will write more Watson chronicles but if he doesn’t this book is an excellent way of finishing the series. Thank you, Nick.

[Kacey/Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful adaptation of the original. I listened to this book and the reader was extremely good. The only thing listening to it the story gets cut into with footnotes that are in the book. I highly recommend this book.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter 1890s Holmes is saved from boredom by the appearance of Lady Glendenning. It seems one of her London tenants has gone missing, probably some months ago. But as the snow melts a body is discovered disguised as a snowman. But his investigation uncovers more deaths.
An entertaining and well-written Holmes mystery with its likeable and interesting two main characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.