View source for Associates of Sherlock Holmes by George Mann (Editor)

{{infobox1
|title=Associates of Sherlock Holmes
|author=George Mann (Editor)
|reviewer= Louise Jones
|genre=Crime (Historical)
|summary= The associates of Holmes tell their own tales in this enjoyable collection of short stories.
|rating=4.5
|buy=yes
|borrow=yes
|pages=304
|publisher=Titan Books
|date=August 2016
|isbn=9781783299300
|cover=1783299304
|aznuk=1783299304
|aznus=1783299304
}}

The world-famous consulting detective Sherlock Holmes needs no introduction; a redoubtable protagonist with an appeal that shows no sign of waning. ''Associates of Sherlock Holmes,'' however, moves the spotlight away from our hero and focuses on the exploits of some of the minor players who have featured in his adventures over the years. Here we get a chance to reacquaint ourselves with friends and foes alike, all keen to give their own, unique perspective of the indomitable investigator.

This collection of short stories gives the associates of Holmes an opportunity to tell their own stories. Well known characters, including Irene Adler, Mycroft, Inspector Lestrade and Sebastian Moran feature alongside lesser-known but equally interesting individuals such as Inspector Baynes, Billy the Page and Langdale Pike. Some stories are sequels to the originals, some offer a parallel account to a well-known tale and some shift the focus away from Holmes entirely.

As with all anthologies, some stories have more appeal than others. Enjoyment can depend, to a large extent, on the reader's preconceived ideas. This is where the writers choosing lesser-known characters have an advantage. They have more flexibility to write the character as they wish, whereas an author choosing someone more popular has more constraints when it comes to the actions and personality of their chosen protagonist.

Highlights for me included the excellent ''River of Silence'' which features newly-minted Inspector Hopkins on his first case; a severed hand found in an ornately-carved box. I also enjoyed ''Heavy Game of the Pacific Northwest'' with the amoral Sebastian Moran hunting for a legendary wild man. ''Page Turners'' is written in a unique style, being told from the perspective of a young boy, hired to deliver an important message. It is a fast-paced and highly entertaining short story that is full of action and suspense. I also have to give a special mention to ''A Dormitory Haunting'' as it is set in my home town of Walsall, at a school not dissimilar to my own.

''Associates of Sherlock Holmes'' will be a welcome addition to the library of any Sherlock enthusiast. I certainly enjoyed reading my copy and thank the publishers.

There are more enjoyable sleuthing adventures to be had in the excellent [[Encounters of Sherlock Holmes by George Mann (Editor)]] which sees Sherlock meet up with a variety of famous literary characters.

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