Customer Reviews:
 Quite fun, but what's the point? March 2, 2003
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
The plot of Dracula is already packed. There simply *aren't* the gaps to fit Holmes into, and even though Estleman has altered events to create them one still gets the feeling that the great detective has been tacked on to a story that isn't his - which is, of course, exactly what has been done. Furthermore, I find it well-nigh impossible to accept Holmes believing in the supernatural. By all means introduce fantasy elements into Holmes stories - I've written Holmes/Dracula crossovers myself - but don't let the sleuth know they're there, because it's completely out of character.Estleman is a talented pastiche writer and kept me turning the pages, and it would be too harsh to give this book fewer than three stars; but all in all the best plan is to skip this one and read the vastly superior prequel, "Dr Jekyll and Mr Holmes", instead.
 The Game is Afoot! January 15, 2003
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
What a read! This is a terrific book, fun to read and full of atmosphere as Holmes and Watson become involved in the Sanguinary Count's attempt to leave Transylvania and make England his home. Estlemen has written this chronicle, of course, as John H. Watson, M.D. It is Watson's account of Sherlock Holmes part in the Dracula saga, written to rectify this important omission in Bram Stoker's account, at Professor Van Helsing's request, according to Watson.There is a fun exitement to this account, true to the flavor of the origional adventures. From the time a ship is discovered off the English coast, no crew but a dead captain with unusual puncture marks on his neck and a cargo of full of Tranylvanian earth, Holmes and Watson know this is going to be no ordinary case. Reluctant at first to believe in the possibility of Vampires, Holmes, and more unwillingly, Watson, finally accept the existence of the undead. When Holmes and Watson track down the "Bloofer Lady" through the strange abduction of children, later found alive but disoriented from blood loss, she turns out to be none other than Lucy Westenra. Their chase culminates in the witnessing of her impalement at the hands of Van Helsing, Harker and the gang from "Dracula". Van Helsing is a little annoyed that Holmes knows who he and his companions are already and much more. Helsing and his friends fill Holmes in on the tale of Count Dracula but Helsing dismisses the offer of help from Holmes and Watson. Holmes and Watson go it alone while the Dracula crew continues their own well chronicled pursuit. There is more than one dangerous encounter with the evil Dracula and when he uses Watson's beloved wife Mary as a deadly pawn, Sherlock Holmes must use all his intellect and cunning to save her life. Watson's bravery and the help of the Baker Street Irregulars play a part in this marvelous and thrilling adventure. There isn't a dull moment in this fast and fun read and you'll be sorry when it's over.
The boat chase near the end as Holmes and Watson must thwart Dracula's attempt to flee to America, while saving Mary's life, is a particular highlight in a book full of them. So come, Amazon buyer, the game is afoot, and time is of the essence!
Excellent blend of two genres, seamlessly done February 9, 2001
3 out of 5 found this review helpful
Optioned many times by Hollywood, this entertaining read fills in the gaps in Bram Stoker's novel with an investigation for the master detective. If it has a flaw, the plot flags a little towards the end, but it's still terrific fun.
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