The Mammoth Book of the New Chronicles of Sherlock Holmes

Conan Doyle fans will be delighted by this collection of 12 stories from one of his most gifted imitators. As always, Smith (The Mammoth Book of the Lost Chronicles of Sherlock Holmes) eschews sensationalism, action sequences, and the gratuitous insertion of notable historical and fictional characters. Instead, he creates clever mysteries with faithful depictions of Holmes and Watson. He even succeeds at a challenge that has defeated other writers. In "The East Thrigby Mystery," Smith has Holmes recount an investigation the detective conducted when he was only 12 years old, without making the concept feel forced. Smith also writes compelling stories that don't hinge on homicide, again consistent with Conan Doyle. He's especially good at demonstrating Holmes's deductions from the "observation of trifles," such as the way someone polished his boots, or a witness's choice of a room in which to be interviewed. Every entry is solid, but the lengthy "The Secret of Shoreswood Hall," which incorporates elements of the legend of the monster of Glamis Castle, is especially successful at combining atmospherics with a fair-play puzzle. This is a must-read for every Sherlockian. (Aug.)