A Slight Trick of the Mind

Starred review from February 14, 2005
The Sherlock Holmes pastiche is a time-honored tradition, though most attempts are interesting primarily to Sherlockians who pick them apart, searching for mistakes. But Cullin (Branches
; Tideland
; etc.) has produced an ambitious, beautifully written novel that examines an enfeebled but still intellectually curious Holmes as he copes with the indignities of old age. It's just after the end of WWII: Holmes's brilliant brother Mycroft is dead, as is Watson ("You know, I never did call him Watson—he was John, simply John"). Now 93, the great detective has been retired for decades; he spends his days immersed in his lifelong passion, beekeeping, and in writing various articles and letters. One of his projects is an account of a case concerning a mysterious young woman who played the glass armonica. Holmes will complete the manuscript by the book's end, and the fascinating result will explain something of his peculiar character. Cullin gives Holmes a companion in his housekeeper's young son, Roger; their close relationship is a great solace to the prickly and famously solitary old man. It is this elucidation of Holmes's "true" character that is the purpose of Cullin's story. This look at Holmes near his natural death is a delight and a deeply satisfying read—more so than Michael Chabon's recent The Final Solution
, which also features a nonagenarian Holmes. (Apr. 26)

Forecast:
Cullin's work is hard to pigeonhole—Texas noir (
Tideland;
Branches), coming-of-age novel (
Whompyjawed), academic satire (
The Cosmology of Bing)—but his talent is undeniable. This sophisticated spin on Doyle's perennially popular detective could take him up a notch recognition-wise.

December 1, 2005
Cullin takes an unusual approach to Sherlock Holmes by creating a character study of the elderly detective instead of having him solve a traditional mystery. "A Slight Trick of the Mind" alternates between three narratives: the 93-year-old Holmes in retirement, keeping bees at his cottage on the Sussex coast; a visit to Japan shortly after World War II; and flashbacks to a case of a missing wife years earlier. The author smoothly ties the three strands together to present Holmes's regret over his underdeveloped emotional nature. A death for which Holmes bears some responsibility results in the cold, distant old man seeking forgiveness. The sections depicting the detective in his prime and the sojourn to Japan are full of colorful period detail. Cullin's moving story of the necessity and pain of love is brilliantly handled by Simon Jones, who creates a wonderfully evocative, gruff voice for Holmes. Recommended for all collections." -Michael Adams, CUNY Graduate Ctr."

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