/lit/ - Literature

Meh, an idea has occurred to me recently regarding a few theories about Sherlock Holmes.

1. His ignorance of rugby in 'The Missing Three-Quarter' has lead a couple of Sherlockians to the theory that he was in fact a woman in disguise.

2. The idea that Holmes truly DID die at Reichenbach falls and was eventually replaced by a convincing impostor.

So, this possibility has jumped to my mind just now: taking into account that 'The Missing Three Quarter' occurs after 'Final Problem' perhaps Holmes truly was replaced after his death by a woman.
The most likely to jump to mind is Irene Adler. Perhaps something unfortunate happened with her marriage and she took on the identity of Sherlock Holmes in order to distract herself from it. Surely Watson may be willing to overlook small oddities in the interest of having his friend back.

Anyway, just an odd concept that I felt like sharing.

>>690713
Just finished Thursday Next, First Among Sequels.

I found it quite enjoyable.

Trying to decide on a detective novel for my next book.

So /lit/ I had an idea for a mystery story, yet another of the dime-a-dozen 'X sets out to discover the identity of Jack the Ripper' stories.

I was wondering about opinions regarding the concept. I might try to fine tune it, but right now I'm kind of 'meh' over it. I think it's worth sharing, but so far that's about it.

The jist of it would have Poe's Dupin being called to England, infirm and even more isolated in his old age I haven't quite figured what convinces him to come, but was considering it being similar to the first story where simple curiosity is enough to persuade him.

Anyway, while in England, he is confronted by Dr. Joseph Bell. The two have both been hired in the attempt to discern the Ripper's identity.

Bell is, naturally, a stand-in for Sherlock Holmes (who better to stand in for him than the man who inspired him?)and if I recall, had actually been retained by Scotland Yard to help solve the murders... even delivering to them a sealed envelope containing the name of the person he believed responsible.

Anyway, at least part of the story would be driven by their different methods of going about the solution. Each seizing on different parts of the mystery to come to their conclusions.

One of my big problems though was figuring out a viewpoint character. I could tell it form one of their perspectives, I could use a novice Yard detective, or I could bring the 'Nameless Narrator' from Dupin's stories with him, perhaps use Doyle himself as the viewpoint.

Meh, like I said... an idea I'd had that probably wont amount to anything, but I felt it worth sharing if it might inspire someone else or give a few moments' interest.

I'd also recommend 'The Old Man in the Corner' if you don't mind short stories instead of a novel. I have a bit of a soft spot for this collection.

Well, I really liked Murder on the Orient Express. Just about the only Agatha Christie I've actually read though.

Hmm... I suppose The Hound of the Baskervilles is always an old standby. I'll have to give it be a bit more thought though.

Y'know, I think some local stores in my area carry the Slocum westerns. Anyone know if those are a worthwhile purchase?

Eh, right now I'm in a collection of Lester Dent's pre-Doc Savage works. Specifically "The Sinister Ray"

On that note, I'd also suggest Thursday Next if it's lighthearted you're looking for. Granted, I've not read all of the series but I like what I have read.

Anybody here like the old Pulp stories? I've recently gotten my interest in them raised again by the Chinatown Death Cloud Peril by Paul Malmont. A good read I'd recommend to you fellas.

But I was wondering if any of you know stores that might still be selling reproductions of these stories or any modern 'Pulp' stories? I'm particularly interested in, of course, Doc Savage, The Shadow as well as Captain Future and The Spider.