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Press Release
In New Book, the Great English Detective Sherlock Holmes Solves Crimes in Frontier Montana
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle probably didn't know it, but his famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes and his affable sidekick Dr. Watson solved several cases in Montana in the late 1800s-or at least that's the premise of an entertaining new book by first-time Montana author John Fitzpatrick.
"I'm a longtime fan of the Sherlock Holmes genre," Fitzpatrick said, "and I thought there ought to be a way for him to be in Montana. It's been a lot of fun figuring this out."
The book, "Sherlock Holmes: The Montana Chronicles," appears to be "written" by Dr. Watson and "edited" by Fitzpatrick, who claims he found the Watson manuscript in a dusty old safe in Anaconda's Hearst Free Library where it had languished for years.
In the book Holmes uses his legendary powers of observation and deductive reasoning to solve four puzzling cases involving mines and miners, jilted lovers and murderers, and even famous racehorses and ghosts. Copper kings Marcus Daly and F. Augustus Heinze figure prominently in a couple of the tales.
In keeping with the Holmes' tradition, readers are given subtle clues as a story goes along before Holmes brilliantly solves each case at the end. In addition, the book includes so many authentic details of early-day Montana that it becomes a fascinating historical book as well. The writing is fast paced and lively, and Watson (or Fitzpatrick) accurately captures Holmes' language and character.
Fitzpatrick, who said he just might "find" another Holmes manuscript in the future, lives in Helena. The $12.95 paperback is published by Riverbend Publishing of Helena and is available at bookstores or by calling the publisher at 1-866-787-2363.
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Book Description
For the first time, here are the long-lost records of four intriguing mysteries solved by the famous English detective Sherlock Holmes when he traveled to Montana in the late 1800s. Using his inimitable eye for clues, his astounding deductive reasoning, and – when necessary – clever subterfuge, Holmes solves a very public murder at the famous Opera House, a supernatural theft of gold at a mine near Georgetown Lake, the disturbing threats to Copper King Marcus Daly’s most famous racehorse, and the sudden odd behavior of a miner’s wife.
As usual, these cases were recorded by Dr. John H. Watson, Holmes’ affable companion and chronicler, but Watson’s accounts were lost for more than a century. They were recently discovered in an old safe in Anaconda’s Hearst Free Library by researcher John. S. Fitzpatrick, who edited the manuscripts for publication. Not only are the actual crimes unique and challenging, but the stories are filled with fascinating details of life in early-day Montana—details that amply illustrate Holmes’ superb powers of observation.
This immensely entertaining book is certain to delight all fans of detective stories, mysteries, and Sherlock Holmes.
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