David E. Fessenden

Title: The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy
Author: David E. Fessenden
Pages: 159
Year: 2013
Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas
Thomas Watson has migrated to the United States to try his hand at becoming a successful reporter. He has been given the task of writing obituaries for a newspaper in Philadelphia and is barely making ends meet. He is the son of John Watson, the famous sidekick of Sherlock Holmes. He longs for his big break into reporting and is handed such a story when he stumbles upon the waiter/butler who was present when a local speakeasy exploded. Thomas just knows this is the story he has been waiting for. As more details emerge, Thomas begins to be more involved in investigating than writing. He meets some interesting people, but is pressured to make a deadline to keep his job.
Mycroft Holmes, the brother of Sherlock, arrives for an impromptu visit and announces his intention of staying in the states and living with Thomas. Thomas is stunned to say the least, but what can he do? Mycroft is like an elderly uncle to him, so Thomas agrees. Mycroft immediately takes over the story/case in the eyes of Thomas initially. Mycroft drops several hints or clues to help Thomas get the information he needs to solve the case and write his newspaper story, but Thomas seems to be wearing blinders and doesn’t take these clues to heart putting him in a dangerous situation.
I’m a big fan of British mysteries and have read some of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries. This tale was not up to the test of Doyle’s work, but this is also a first attempt. I’d like to encourage the author to keep up the good work. I thought Thomas Watson was an original idea for the main character; however, he was really too dense to pick up the clues right under his nose. I thought the mystery of how the gangsters died was intriguing and that got me to read the story. I liked the Christian influence and hope that continues in future books. I would definitely be willing to read another of these mystery stories and hope the author will write more.
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
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The legend of Holmes and Watson lives on!

I love historical fiction, and add my addiction to anything with Sherlock Holmes – I could only hope for the best, and I was not disappointed at all. I set my sights pretty high to see if the family of Holmes and Watson could save the day and solve the crime. The book places Thomas Watson, son of Dr. John Watson, living in Philadelphia during Prohibition, to pursue his dream of being an ace reporter. It has been a while since Sherlock has passed on, leaving the care of his brother Mycroft entrusted to Dr. John Watson. Thomas finds out that his father has passed on when his editor directs him to write the obituary and it is only then that Thomas reveals the truth about who is father was. Soon Thomas finds out that his father has transferred the care of Mycroft (and his small fortune) to him. Mycroft comes to America, and is totally unprepared for life here. Thomas learns about the suspicious explosion of a local speakeasy, he is ready to sink his teeth in to solve the crime. Being laughed at by fellow reporters at the paper, Thomas ends up making a bet that he can solve the crime and turn in a great story first. The editor tells him to leave, and only come back if he can do just the same.

The book keeps rolling, and just like any other Holmes story, the small clues are what make the case. It was a fast easy book to read. I am hoping that this is not the last we hear from Thomas and Mycroft. Enjoy!… (plus d'informations)