Since entering the “real world” and having a 9-5 job, I have found it increasingly hard to find the time to read books. The fiancé and I go to bed super early (we went to be at 8:45 twice this week – no joke) because we get up so early (him to go to work, and me to work out) and are so busy all day. I can honestly say though, I miss reading and getting lost in books. Every once in a while I find myself turning off for the weekend and just reading.

I saw the novel THE SHERLOCKIAN by Graham Moore when I was checking out at the Paper Store one day. What actually caught my attention was the display of the FIFTY SHADES OF GREY trilogy—the series that has taken the US by storm and is basically one walking porn series. I was surprised that books of such risqué content would be displayed so prominently in a family friendly store.

Anyway, right next to the FIFTY SHADES OF GREY display there was THE SHERLOCKIAN display and it immediately caught my attention. I went through a big Sherlock Holmes kick when I was in college, and read all of the stories I could get my hands on. I downloaded the book on my Kindle that night, a bit skeptical after reading the description online, and started to read. This is the first book in a long time that I found time to read during the week… it was so good!

Although I don’t want to give much away, here is a brief description of the book:

The book takes place in two times—at the turn of the twentieth century and in 2010. The historical part of the book focuses on Arthur Canon Doyle (he was the author of the Sherlock Holmes series) and an adventure he embarks on after he kills of Sherlock Holmes (he brought him back later). The present day part of the book follows one (rather bumbling, lovable) man, named Harold, as he tries to follow clues in order to find the missing volume of Arthur Canon Doyle’s diary.

Some of the book is based in fact—Arthur Canon Doyle kept detailed records of his life, and upon his death only one time period was not recorded in the diaries. It was during the “great hiatus” of Sherlock Holmes, when Doyle killed of Holmes. In his diaries it is seen that he abhorred the character Holmes, because he felt as though he was being over shadowed by his own character. Then, out of nowhere, he decided to resurrect Holmes and continue writing about him. But Holmes came back different, and many believe the missing diary would explain why Doyle started to write Sherlock Holmes stories again—and why Holmes was different.

The rest of the book is fiction—Moore decided to write the history as he thought it might have happened. Harold was also a figment of Moore’s imagination, although was based off a few actual Sherlockians of this time.

This book is a great read. Graham did a great job weaving a very Sherlockian type of mystery and keeps his readers entrapped throughout the entire book. Now excuse me while I go read Dracula—those of you who read THE SHERLOCKIAN will know why I need to!