Sherlock Holmes - The Ordeals of Sherlock Holmes

By: Jonathan Barnes

Narrated by: Nicholas Briggs, Richard Earl

Four decades. Four cases. One solution.

From the plains of Afghanistan to the alleyways of Victorian London, from the dark heart of the English countryside to the ruin of Europe after the Great War, join Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson in a quartet of astonishing new investigations which span their lifelong friendship and beyond....

©2013 Big Finish Productions (P)2013 Big Finish Productions

Critic reviews

"Briggs and Earl now a definitive audio Holmes and Watson." (Sci-Fi Bulletin)

"Nicholas Briggs and Richard Earl are, as ever, sublime in the roles that they have made their own." (Tim, Mass Movement)

"Briggs, Earl and Barnes, director Ken Bentley and the rest of the fine cast are to be congratulated." (Roger Johnson, Sherlock Holmes Gazette)

"Nicholas Briggs and Richard Earl, now a firmly established team...." (Sherlock Holmes Journal)

Interesting Story and Nice Narration

The stories are linked together in a clever way, and the production is excellent and exciting. .

Sherlock is alive and well

Just when you think nothing more can be said about the old slueth and his sidekick, they're back! And there is nothing to disappoint in this fast-paced, beautifully organized tale that spans nations and ends up with a most excellent surprise!

Sounds just like watching a movie but no picture!

Most of Big Finish productions are simply amazing as its not just a narrator reading a story, but everything is acted out with special sound effects used. Really makes you feel like its a movie/show but your not looking at the TV. I can easily see everything in my head. I started listening to Big Finish with the Doctor Who stories but saw they had Sherlock Holmes too and always loved him, so I tried this one out. Was so worth it and now want ALL of them!

WE ARE SO ACCUSTOMED TO HIS SUCCESSES, HOWEVER…..

Any additional comments?

Everything contributed to the success of this production: the theme music was somber, but active and moving, creating interest, even intrigue; the sound effects very good; the writing creatively contiguous, while the story wove together and back on itself, the acting excellent. However, I was not prepared for the intense sadness I would feel. Didn't Holmes admit his imperfections in cases unsolved? Yes, but the authors here make us understand in our gut, the consequences as Dr. Watson never before wrote to those with whom Holmes interacted, and
with those whom he was trying to save. The good, often costly, still seemed to outweigh the
bad, until now.

It appears to be a series of unrelated stories, starting very interestingly with Dr. Watson in Afghanistan, trying to save a British citizen or officer sequestered amoung some natives. It is really too late, especially without proper medicines, but seems to end well, with Dr. Watson's life unimperiled, and only a small package to deliver somewhere in London upon his return. The next story, again, seemingly unrelated, is soon revealed to be absolutely, but somewhat mysteriously
connected; and so, too with the next stories.

My recommendation would be to listen to less than the whole train of tales at once. As before mentioned, I became so sad at Holmes' remorse, and truly humble admittance of misjudgment to
the man he would have aided, I cried myself. Same with the next story. If you can remain blythe in the face of such pain, then you may want to finish it all the way through. The stories are each
unique, like differently cut precious gems on a necklace, but you will understand what connects them.

At this writing, I have not finished the last story, where Holmes' and Watson's relationship seems to have changed somewhat, perhaps more toward an equilibrium of truer mutual respect, but it will be a while before my desire to go back into such emotional desolation - no, that's a bit too strong but bear with- has recharged itself.

Still, very well and creatively written!

Engrossing and well written production

Certainty in his extraordinary powers begets chagrin and regret in these tales spanning Holmes career where the great detective stumbles and confronts the consequences of his rare but costly mistakes - excellent voice acting and soundscape, story is well conceived and executed with period appropriate language and true to canon characterization. I enjoyed it immensely but your mileage may vary as to a Holmes fallible to this extent and held to account for the tragic results to others caught up of cases gone awry.