SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE HAPSBURG TIARA

Who knew Dr. Watson had a foot fetish? Author Alan Vanneman combines traditional and new elements of the Sherlock Holmes legend, adding historical characters such as Winston Churchill to the mix. Narrator Simon Vance adopts the dry, literary tones of a classic Holmes radio drama, imparting wry humor detectable only to listeners paying close attention to the plot. Vance’s narrative technique, best described as “excess within control,” is most evident in scenes of Dr. Watson’s torrid affair with a conniving countess. The explicit language sounds almost incongruous with his proper tone. Every character receives enough differentiation to remain identifiable without compromising the subtlety of Vance’s delivery. And Winston Churchill sounds just like a recording of the man himself. R.P.L. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 04]