Sherlock Holmes and the Ghosts of Bly and Other New Adventures of the Great Detective

John Telfer turns in an uneven performance in the audio version of Thomas's collection of new Sherlock Holmes stories. Back again for new adventures, Holmes and faithful friend and colleague Dr. John Watson clash wits with ghosts, frauds, and murderers in these four tales. Telfer's narration is well-paced and compelling. His Holmes is curt, sharp, and captures the spirit of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's great detective, while his affable Watson avoids slipping into the realm of bumbling caricature. But his portrayal of secondary characters proves problematic: Telfer does little to distinguish the minor characters' voices and could do more with his rendition of women and children. Nonetheless, his narration grows on listeners, and devotees of Holmes and Watson will relish having fresh installments in the adventures at 221B Baker Street. A Pegasus hardcover. (June)