Review of The Early Casebook of Sherlock Holmes Book 7 - Sherlock Holmes and the Mycroft Incident by Linda Stratmann
Sherlock Holmes and the Mycroft Incident is for fans of historical fiction that spins a thrilling tale of intrigue, loyalties, and suspense.
At long last, Stamford meets the inimitable Mycroft Holmes, the brother to Sherlock he never knew existed. Mycroft is already working in Whitehall but is not the reclusive man we know from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories. He seeks the help of Sherlock for his friend Joshua Emmett who is the accused in a cat and mouse game of government documents, spies, and murder.
Much like Sherlock Holmes himself, Stratmann's Mycroft is a different character than the one Sherlockians have come to know. In many respects, this book sends him on his way to become the rigid government man of Conan Doyle's narratives. In SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE MYCROFT INCIDENT we meet a caring and emotional man who is willing to do anything he can for his friend, Joshua Emmett. His kindness and generosity extend to those around that friend as well. As life changing as the 'incident' is, Mycroft does not abandon those he has committed to help. He does build a barrier to new attachments going forward.
The books in this series span the two-year period from 1876 to 1877 and are finally shared with the public in 1924 some half-century after the fact. We are told that Stamford does make notes, but he must also rely on his memory of what happened so very long ago. Enough time has passed for the revelations regarding these cases not to prejudicially impact the criminals, victims and their friends and family. This is a device that has been used by others who have picked up the reins from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to allow Dr. John Watson to resurrect old cases now that the parties involved are beyond caring. When it comes to government secrets, it is always best to be circumspect.
SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE MYCROFT INCIDENT is currently the last book in the series; however, since it was published just last month (May 2024), there is certainly room for more adventures as chronicled by Arthur Stamford. Linda Stratmann does make it seem like SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE MYCROFT INCIDENT will remain the last book about the early cases of Sherlock Holmes, but I can hope.