Audiobook review: The Wilhelm Conspiracy by Charles Veley
For fans of the original Sherlock Holmes tales comes this interesting twist on what became of Holmes after his battle with Moriarty in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Final Problem.” Continuing the adventures of Sherlock, Dr. Watson, and newcomer, Ms. Lucy James, The Wilhelm Conspiracy picks up about a year after the conclusion of the first book, The Last Moriarty. In his own way, Sherlock is being a father to his newly discovered daughter, Lucy; trying to protect her while admiring her astute intellect and acting skills from an emotional distance.
When danger that directly ties into events from the previous book shows up at 221B Baker Street, Holmes and Watson begin an adventure that involves an untested electrical weapon, violent German diplomats, and government espionage and subterfuge. By a twist of fate, and much to Sherlock’s initial chagrin, Lucy is also pulled into the dangerous case.
Told much in the style of the original Sherlock Holmes tales, The Wilhelm Conspiracy is shared via the memoirs of John Watson. Keenly observant, Watson details his observations on the physical and emotional aspects of the case and his friends. Watson’s account is intimate, due to Watson’s close connection to Sherlock and growing fondness of Ms. James, giving readers insight into the characters’ states of mind and well-being.
Overall, I enjoyed The Wilhelm Conspiracy. I liked seeing how Lucy fits into Sherlock’s often dangerous life, and I thoroughly enjoyed Watson’s observations on his long-time friend’s emotional state being near his daughter. The mystery surrounding a missing weapon component is exciting, but not as interesting as the personal relationships and interactions between characters. The amount of detail and care taken to express what is happening during the course of the investigation makes the mystery engrossing. However, it also makes it long. At times I find myself wishing Watson would go faster. And with so many different players, I sometimes found myself confused, trying to remember who was who.
Narration: Mr. Petherbridge does a great job. With his British accent and easy cadence, he fits the historical setting and feel of the book. He spends most time narrating Watson’s journal, which is shared in Watson’s first person POV. However, the story has extensive recounting of character dialogue, and Mr. Petherbridge adjusts his tone and accents appropriately. The individual voices aren’t wholly unique but distinguishing enough. He switches between British and German accents seamlessly. His female voices are slightly higher and softer, more feminine.
My Ratings
Story: B
Narration: B
Jen
About the Book:
A lovely young American actress from the D’Oyly Carte Opera Troupe comes to 221B Baker Street on a cold November morning, desperately seeking assistance from Sherlock Holmes. Inexplicably, Holmes agrees to help, even though the Prime Minister of England and his cabinet need Holmes to solve a murder case that could threaten a high-stakes meeting with John D. Rockefeller and J.P. Morgan. The clock is ticking. Holmes will need all his physical and deductive powers to preserve innocent lives and prevent political and economic chaos on both sides of the Atlantic. Yet even Holmes cannot foresee how much the ultimate outcome will depend on a mother’s sacrifice, a daughter’s hopes, and on the true identity of the last Moriarty.
Author: Charles Veley
Narrator: Edward Petherbridge
Series: Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery #2
Genre: Historical Mystery
Audiobook Release Date: October 25, 2016
Publisher: Charles Veley
Length: 7 hours; 38 minutes
Source: gifted
Audio Speed: 1.25x
Purchase info:
Audible/Amazon (affilate link)
Reviews in the Series:
The Crown Jewel Mystery by Anna Elliott & Charles Veley (Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery #4 /PREQUEL) – Audiobook Review
The Last Moriarty by Charles Veley (Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery #1) – Audiobook Review