The Fires of Hell

THE CASES! THE CRIMES! THE CURTAIN CALL!!

“It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in crime.” – A Scandal in Bohemia

One has to wonder –– is Sherlock Holmes a detective who plays at being an actor, or an actor who plays at being a detective?

Whatever the case, it is clear that he has an affinity for acting, and the theatre. And so, we have Sherlock Holmes Takes the Stage, a collection of stories that showcases Holmes’s acting skills and the world of Victorian theatre. It seems only natural; after all, it’s generally assumed that Holmes had a brief acting career before he decided to focus on his investigative skills, and the majority of stories within these volumes take place during those early, formative years. These exciting adventures are presented in chronological order, so while at first it might seem strange to read about Holmes’s exploits in a time before Dr. Watson, or Mrs. Hudson, or his cozy rooms at 221b Baker Street, rest assured that these familiar elements do make their appearance before the intermission.