Steampunk Holmes

Quite honestly, when I see someone has gone to the trouble of getting permission from the estate for a Sherlock Holmes for their pastiche, I see them as part of the problem (the problem being the myth that pre-1923 stories are not in the public domain).  That said, the whole idea of Steampunk Sherlock Holmes is so cool that they still have my interest, even for a story that is clearly not going to have gay content.

However I was immediately dismayed to find Mycroft recast as a stunning beautiful and trim sister, which makes a nonsense of the original character.  And the idea that even the best motorcycle could be driven at great speed through the streets of 1885 London also stretched plausibility.  After all, does not the best Steampunk embroider upon the period (factual and fictional), not over-write it entirely?

Ultimately this novella is a confused mash-up of "The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans" and superficial Steampunk elements that does not capture the charms of either--let alone the possibilities presented by combining them. Very disappointing.

See also:

• Goodreads 
• Smashwords