Sherlock Holmes in Russia

Completists rather than casual Sherlockians are more likely to enjoy this intriguing compilation of seven early 20th-century Russian pastiches, two by P. Orlovetz and five by P. Nikitin. An introduction by mystery historian George Piliev traces the history of Holmes's popularity in Russia, though he admits that virtually nothing is known about Orlovetz and Nikitin, who do a less convincing job transferring Holmes to a different country than, say, the authors represented in Michael Kurland's anthology, Sherlock Holmes: The American Years (Nov. 9). One of Nikitin's stories, “The Strangler,” is clearly derivative of Poe's first Dupin story, and another, “The Commercial Centre Mystery,” bears strong similarities to Doyle's “The Red-Headed League.” Explanatory afterwords would have been welcome in two tales that end with Holmes missing or presumed dead. (Jan.)