Sherlock Holmes: A Scandalous Affair by Christopher D Abbott | Goodreads
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The Watson Chronicles #1

Sherlock Holmes: A Scandalous Affair

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Lieutenant Wilson is found dead at Reardon House, Dartford Kent.

But was it a suicide or a murder?

When Inspector Hargreaves of the Kent Constabulary seeks Sherlock Holmes’ aid in uncovering the truth, Holmes and Watson become embroiled in an investigation leading to the heart of Westminster. Possibly to the Crown Herself. Who is Sir Henry Wilburton? What is his connection to the late Professor Moriarty? Holmes must weave a dangerous path if he is to reach a successful conclusion. But with war a possible outcome of failure, the stakes are as high as they can get.

137 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2020

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About the author

Christopher D Abbott

33 books33 followers
Christopher is a Reader's Favorite award winning author and Star Trek Feature Writer.

Described by New York Times Bestseller Michael Jan Friedman as "an up-and-coming fantasy voice", and compared to Roger Zelazny's best work, Abbott's Songs of the Osirian series of works brings a bold re-telling of Ancient Egyptian mythology. Abbott presents a fresh view of deities we know, such as Horus, Osiris, and Anubis. He weaves the godlike magic through musical poetry, giving these wonderfully tragic and deeply flawed "gods" different perspective, all the while increasing their mysteriousness.

His Sherlock Holmes stories, published in the Watson Chronicles Series, have been recognised by readers and peers alike as faithfully authentic to the original Conan Doyle. In 2022, after publishing seven individual Watson Chronicle stories, Christopher teamed up with prolific authors Michael Jan Friedman and Aaron Rosenberg to add a collection of Holmes short stories to the series.

Christopher has published with Crazy8Press and written for major media outlets, including ScreenRant.

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5 stars
79 (38%)
4 stars
77 (37%)
3 stars
36 (17%)
2 stars
13 (6%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
33 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2021
Sherlock Holmes: A Scandalous Affair is an immensely entertaining mystery and is the first installment in Author Christopher D. Abbott's, "The Watson Chronicles".

Taking place later in Holmes's career, we find him in somewhat ill physical and mental health. That is, until he is called upon by an inspector named Hargreaves, who is investigating an apparent murder/suicide.

What starts off as a seemingly simple case turns into a deeply layered conundrum of political scandal and intrigue-which could result in war for England!

With each chapter something new is revealed in this case and the stakes get higher and higher. This takes Holmes and Watson out of their comfort zones and truly puts their talents to the test.

A Scandalous Affair has all the fun and suspense we've come to expect in a Holmes tale and reminded me WHY I love these characters so much. Here's what I liked most about this fine read-

*I enjoyed the character of inspector Hargreaves, an intelligently humble, bright detective. He's almost a younger version of Holmes in some aspects. I believe Holmes sees some of himself in this man and to an extent, mentors him.

*The story has an international espionage flavour to it, much like The Naval Treaty and The Adventure of the Second Stain. A familiar German spy also plays a part in this mystery.

*The story's antagonist, Sir Henry Wilburton, is a vile, disgruntled old man and a former colleague of the late Professor Moriarty. And while he's not the intellectual mastermind Moriarty was, his political associations and position in Her Majesty's government make him virtually untouchable.

*I liked that there were slight hints of vulnerability in this somewhat older Holmes. While his mind is still mentally sharp, his physical prowess isn't what it used to be. He also calls upon help from his mentally superior brother, Mycroft, to assist him in unraveling this web of intrigue.

Author Christopher D. Abbott writes this story very much in the style of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and he does a great job of it. Abbott has said he writes his Sherlock Holmes as if he we're played by the late, great, Jeremy Brett.

Abbott does a terrific job taking some of the characterizations and nuances of Brett as Holmes, and Edward Hardwicke as Watson, and injecting them in the story.

I had a blast imagining this book as an episode of Granada Television's The Adventurers of Sherlock Holmes!

A Scandalous Affair comes with a bonus Sherlock Holmes tale- The Egyptian Ring. This short story is a precursor to Abbott's next Holmes novella- The Curse of Pharaoh.

I'll admit to a degree of "giddy anticipation" as I await the next chapter in The Watson Chronicles, because I LOVED A Scandalous Affair! I think you will too!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Annie.
921 reviews850 followers
January 8, 2022
This is the first book in the series of The Watson Chronicles. It has much of the style and feel of a Sherlock Holmes book but not as many revelations of Holmes' clever deductions. There was a discrepancy of Mr. Wilson/Lt. Wilson that was not explained. Perhaps the author had changed the plot midway and didn't correct all the details to align with the new outcome.
Profile Image for SLS.
21 reviews
November 1, 2021
A nice Sherlock Holmes pastiche

I enjoyed this short story by Abbott. It was 100 pages and 11 chapters in all, written in the person of Dr Watson. I did like the fast pace of the plot. I was glad that the Victorian setting was historically accurate. If you enjoy Sherlock Holmes and this time period try The Watson Chronicles.
Profile Image for Christa Saccullo.
278 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2021
Well done

From the first chapter I was hooked. It's pleasant to see Holmes and Watson in their element and a bit more detail in their interactions. There's several moments that almost seem copy and paste from the originals, but the story does full justice to the characters.

Christa
4,989 reviews6 followers
October 29, 2022
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

Another will written British 🏰 murder mystery family relationships adventure thriller novel by Christopher D. Abbott (The Watson Chronicles book 1). Sherlock Holmes and Watson are called in by the police in a murder investigation. This leads to political espionage which Sherlock solves. I would recommend this novella and author to 👍 readers of Sherlock Holmes. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to Alexa read books 📚. 2022 As a Sherlock Holmes fan I look forward to the remaining books in the series.
99 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2024
Very enjoyable!

Reviewing for my mother. Many authors writing stories based on the original Sherlock characters too often do not do an enjoyable, or even readable, job of it. Mr Abbott, however, has captured much of the original flavor while crafting an original story and set of events and situations that set the hook and reels you in to the delicious world of Sherlock Holmes. I will definitely continue with the series and recommend to hard ore Sherlock fans everywhere!
1,190 reviews6 followers
November 18, 2021
a complicated Holmes story

As Watson returns from holiday to find Holmes Unwell. A constable brings Holmes a murder case he wants help with. This brings Holmes out of his funk and starts an investigation that rapidly expands into a treason case. Many twists and turns. A fun read.
1 review
February 4, 2022
Good read

I enjoyed this story very much. I am not well versed in Sherlock Holmes stories, but I love a good murder mystery. This was an easy read and yet kept me stimulated throughout. I will definitely be checking out more of Mr. Abbott's work. 🙂
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February 16, 2022
Scandal For Sherlock

Abbott has recreated Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson faithfully. Well-written characters and dialogue in early twentieth century London do invoke strains of the same astute and clever detective we used to know and love.
59 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2022
this series is addictive !

There are seven books in the series with 2 more coming out, so I joined Kindle Unlimited to be able to read them all !
90 reviews2 followers
September 12, 2022
I think this book adds nothing to Holmesiana.

The ambiance is ruined by words such as "okay" (in England?) and "positive thinking" (in 1899).
At leas it is short.
114 reviews2 followers
January 24, 2023
Sherlock Holms: A Scandalous Affai

Very well written kept my interest all the way through. Like reading stories about Sherlock Holmes. Can't wait to start another book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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