Book Reviews and More: A Lesson In Mercy - Richard Paolinelli

Saturday 16 December 2023

A Lesson In Mercy - Richard Paolinelli - Sherlock Holmes Pastiches Book 2

A Lesson In Mercy

Sherlock Holmes Pastiches Book 2

Richard Paolinelli

Tuscany Bay Books

ASIN B0CDSQ4RWN

I have now read five of the 6 Sherlock Holmes Pastiches from the pen of Richard Paolinelli. When I first picked this volume, it was part of a collection called Dreams of the Storyteller, but since then the 6 stories about Holmes have been split off into their own collection. I can recommend everything I have read from Paolinelli’s pen are excellent! I love the stories in this collection. Though I freely admit I picture Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman and Holmes and Watson, when reading these stories.

My introduction to Richard’s works was a piece in the anthology Cracked. I have picked up several anthologies he has contributed to but have only got around to reading 2 of them. Right now I am bouncing around this series and the Dreams of the Storyteller Series. I have also read the novels, Galen’s Way, and Galen’s Blade and eagerly await the two forthcoming offerings in that series. I have also picked up several of his other novels after reading the first few stories in this series.

After the few stories by Paolinelli I read I am now trying to read one a week until I have read his whole back catalogue. Several of his stories and novels are towards the top of my ‘to be read pile’. Richard is not only an author but the driving force behind Tuscany Bay Books, I have read many volumes from the Bay by a number of authors, and all have been well worth the read.

The six volumes in this collection dropped in 2023. Each of the five I have read to date have been previously published in anthologies. And once I have completed Paolinelli’s standalone works I will work through all the anthologies he contributed to, and look forward to rereading this story again when I get back to it. Much like I did with Declan Finn last year with reading a story a week until I have read all he has published. Over the last several weeks one of Richard’s stories has been every fourth or 5th volume read.

This is another excellent story from the Paolinelli‘s pen. I said in a previous review that I have been aware of Richard and his works for a few years now. It is my loss that I did not dig into his works earlier. I strongly urge you don’t make my mistake, pick some up and give them a read! The description of this story is:

“Most of Arthur Conan Doyle's Holmes stories were told from the perspective of Dr. John Watson.

In this case, Winston Churchill recalls a time in his youth when he was accused of theft at school. At Churchill's beloved Nanny's insistence, Holmes and Watson are called in on the case. The future Prime Minister will receive a shooting lesson from Watson and learn a valuable lesson in mercy from Holmes himself.”

It was fascinating to read this tale of a young Churchill being rescued by Holmes and Watson. Both of whom provide invaluable service and lessons to the young man, that help to shape him into the leader he became.

This story was originally published in the anthology: Beyond Watson, from Belanger Books. If the other stories in that collection are as good as this, it will be one well worth tracking down, but back to this story. This is an excellent story and one I am very thankful I gave it a read!

Prior to reading the other Sherlock offering from Paolinelli it had been a long time since I have read a Sherlock Holmes story. This one was another excellent offering. It is very well written story. Paolinelli’s stories fit in perfectly with the other stories I have read in both of official and unofficial Holmes canon. Paolinelli breathes new life into the characters and yet he remains true to their original creation.

This is another great short story from Paolinelli’s pen. It draws the reader in quickly, it keeps your attention, and leaves you wanting more. Fortunately, Paolinelli has written 5 other Holmes stories. The characters are wonderfully written and fit extremely well in the history of the characters. I look forward to the other stories in this series and many of Richard’s other series.

If you have not read anything by Paolinelli don’t make my mistake. Pick some up and give them a read now. There is a lot to choose from and I am sure you will be entertained. At the time of reading this I have read 418 books so far this year, and consider this one of the best stories. This story would be great for fans of the original Holmes stories, or the recent BBC Series. It would be great for fans of mysteries. And adventure stories. And to be honest for anyone who just loves a great short story!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan!

For reviews of all books from Tuscany Bay click here.

Books by Richard Paolinelli:

Maelstrom

When the Gods Fell

The Calling

The Last Lonely Trail

A Zombie Christmas Carol

The Woman Returns

…

Infinity Series:

Escaping Infinity