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When a wealthy Welsh landowner is murdered, Sherlock Holmes' brilliant second assistant, Edward Porter, investigates the crime

What appears to be a simple murder brings Sherlock Holmes and his new companion, Porter Jones, to a small Welsh town. Initial investigation, however, unearths goings-on that become more sinister at every turn. While many non-Conan Doyle Holmes mysteries are sloppy parodies with no heart, Biggle avoids these pitfalls and adroitly applies Sir Arthur's methods rather than merely imitating them. As in Baskervilles and The Sign of Four , Holmes here appears at the beginning of the story, dropping out of sight until midpoint, leaving his assistant to do much of the legwork. Some may lament the replacement of Watson by Jones, but he is a likable character. The author has done an admirable job in detailing the history, language, and particulars of daily living in turn-of-the-century Wales. A fine addition to the Holmes canon that should delight all fans. For most fiction collections.-- Michael Rogers, ``Library Journal'' Copyright 1990 Cahners Business Information.

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Biggle follows The Quallsford Inheritance with a second successful borrowing from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Historically accurate and capturing the brooding air of Wales, this story is told by Edward Porter Jones, assistant to Sherlock Holmes. Although Jones expects to help the famed sleuth investigate allegations against a murderer in Wales, the case turns into a different and extremely twisted affair as Holmes penntrates the secret life of a mad impostor. Falsely claiming fellowship with patriotic Welsh citizens, the impostor dupes them into funding a scheme that would destroy their country. The author creates eerie effects with details on isolated locales and characters--almost all far from what they seem--where the villain sows dragon seeds that Holmes uproots on time. Adding to the pleasures of a lusty tale, Jones handles his exacting duties nobly, providing himself worthy of promotion from the ranks of the Baker Street Irregulars. (July) Copyright 1990 Cahners Business Information.