Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson: A Study in Illusions of Terror

By: Earl Riley, Victor Haddox

Narrated by: Christopher M. Walsh

Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

It's a "three-pipe problem"!

Holmes and Watson are in for another rousing adventure in classic Holmesian style. They are joined by their erstwhile friend, Inspector Lestrade, and aided by the Baker Street Irregulars; Holmes' brother, Mycroft; and Mrs. Hudson, who is always there with a hot cup of tea.

Holmes and Watson are also joined by some new friends, including English royalty, the Fenians, an Indian illusionist, and the beautiful Susan Spaulding, whom Watson finds devastatingly alluring.

The game is afoot!

The riveting storytelling will keep the listener enthralled until the climactic, twist ending.

©2017 Palladium Education, Inc. and Sue Canter (P)2018 Palladium Education, Inc. and Sue Canter

A Story Conan Doyle Would Be Proud Of

A complex story of intrigue, murder, national threats, beautiful women and sleight of hand that Arthur Conan Doyle would be proud of. Told by the unflappable Watson, this story is among the most faithful Sherlock Holmes stories I've seen the recent past. If you're a fan of the original Holmes stories, you will love this action packed mystery with all it's familiar characters.

Updated Sherlock Holmes

What did you love best about Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson: A Study in Illusions of Terror?

A London mystery with the best Private Dick in the business.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Not edge of the seat but it was fun.

Which character – as performed by Christopher M. Walsh – was your favorite?

The man of the hour Sherlock.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I dont get moved that easily unless I am on the Tube.

Any additional comments?

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

Bring all the pipes you can!!!

I am a huge Holmesian, and cherish anything new that is great for perpetuating the tales of my favorite detective. This is such a story. I can see Sir Arthur stamping his seal of approval on this production, as it most certainly is worthy of his sleuthing duo. The tale has the same feel and atmosphere of one of Doyle's, and you might be hard pressed to tell the difference.

Walsh makes you feel like you are visiting 221 B for a fun afternoon. He plays both Holmes and Watson deftly, and you can feel the atmosphere of foggy London dripping off his every word. This is a fine example of a narrator who enjoys his work, and wants to share his joy with the listener.

This is a worthy addition to the Holmes cannon, and anyone who loves Sherlock will enjoy this tale.


Even though I did receive a promo code for this review it in no way influenced my considerations of the material, and in fact, inspired me to be more honest. In fact, getting a code generally makes me harsher as a reviewer as I am more often concerned what someone like Me will decide based on my review.

If this review helped, please press the YES below. Thank you immensely!!!

Intrigue and Mystery

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this to other people who enjoy Sherlock style mysteries. The author did a great job with the writing style and staying true to Sherlock Holmes stories. It was fun and I enjoyed it but I did find it slower then my normal mysteries that I listen to and didn't keep me sucked in.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sherlock Holmes for sure, the characters are spot on to the originals.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I can't say that I had any extreme reactions in this book.

Any additional comments?

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

Nicely done

I enjoyed the story very much. The narration, for some reason, didn't enhance the story as much as I was hoping, so 4 of 5 stars for that part. I liked the characters and Holmes & Watson seemed true to form to me... Holmes clever, reserved, and mysterious and Watson hooked by a pretty face with his trusting heart. I appreciated the historical aspects too.

Bogs down in the middle

"Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson: A Study in Illusions of Terror" (2018) by Earl Riley and Victor Haddox started off well. Holmes and Watson become involved in solving crimes that at first glance appear to be unrelated, crimes that involve affairs of state, kidnapping and murder. Unfortunately the tale becomes bogged down during the middle when numerous chapters are devoted to Dr. Watson without Holmes. The last third is exciting but not enough for me forgive being forced to endure dozens of pages of tedium. Can’t recommend this one.