The Master of Mysteries: Being an Account of the Problems Solved by Astro, Seer of Secrets, and His Love Affair with Valeska Wynne, His Assistant

First published in book form in 1912, the 24 short stories by humorist Burgess (1866–1951) in this exemplary Library of Congress Crime Classics reissue feature Astro the Seer, whose intellect allows him to make Holmesian deductions. (As editor Leslie S. Klinger notes in his introduction, these tales were “part of a tsunami of Holmes imitators.”) Born Astrogon Kerby, Astro learned magic in Cairo before studying at MIT. To support his private physics lab in New York City, Astro “set up in business as palmist, seer, and detective.” In one of the volume’s high points, “The Stolen Shakespeare,” Astro examines the hand of a prospective client and informs the man, accurately, that he attended a popular revue the previous night and was bored. Other memorable cases involve official corruption and kidnapping. The romantic dynamic with his sidekick, Valeska, who contributes significantly to his inquiries, adds an element missing from traditional Holmes-Watson–inspired pairings. Those seeking quality Sherlock Holmes pastiches in a humorous vein will be well rewarded. (Jan.)