The Case of the Six Watsons

Dr John Watson #3.5

by Robert Ryan

A collection of six stories, inspired by Arthur Conan Doyle's originals and adapted to feature much-loved Dr John Watson, Sherlock Holmes's long-suffering sidekick.

Genres: Crime, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Historical Mystery, Historical

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2015

About the author

aka Tom Neale

Robert Ryan was born in Liverpool but moved to London when he was eighteen to attend university. He lectured in natural sciences for several years before moving into journalism in the mid-1980s, first with The Face and then the Dylan Jones-edited Arena. During this time, he also wrote for The Daily Telegraph, US GQ, US Conde Nast Traveler, Esquire and The Sunday Times.

Robert Ryan lives in North London with his wife and three children.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book I stumbled across while researching the Robert Ryan series Watson at War and I was intrigued. The premise with this book is that Robert would take stories by Arthur Conan Doyle about the detecting duo and re-tell them but this time with the emphasis on Watson.

The rest is a series of 6 stories (surprising really considering the books title) where Watson is the focus. The stories though based on the work of Doyle required varying degrees of re-working which is explained in each stories introduction.

The result is a series of adventures which although totally new still have a hint of something familiar. That said what I feel is most striking is the fact you realise that the character of Watson is a perfect capable individual who unfortunately is overshadowed by an even greater one. The result is that you you have a Watson who is more capable and who is definitely his own man and who deserves attention in his own right - I wonder what out partnerships may benefit from similar treatment.

[GBL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert Ryan has taken several short detective tales from Conan Doyle and made Dr Watson the central character. They are interesting and easy to read and allow for a different perspective on the Holmes Watson genre.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this. The stories were interesting, and it did seem a lot like reading more of the original stuff. I liked the idea behind taking ACD's other stories and Holmesifying them. I might have to check out the author's other works.

[Maryellen Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 great Watson stories!

I am a Watson fan, so these were perfect for me. We
ll, except the last one.... But all enjoyable.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of the Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson and that is one reason why I like the series dedicated to Dr. Watson by author Robert Ryan.
This book contains six short stories. The author rewrote five original Conan Doyle stories in the way that he put Dr. Watson in the center of the story. The sixth story has been done by the author himself.
The quality of the story varied a bit in sum they have been entertaining and delivered some more information about Dr. Watson himself and his relationship to Sherlock Holmes.

[Vikas Datta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skillful use of some of Sir Arthur's other stories to bring us the Great Detective and - more importantly - his Loyal Biographer who goes on quite a bit of solo adventures in these pages... most recreate the world of Baker Street, save the last where the likely solution appears quite incongruous and the denouement puzzling... otherwise very enjoyable and look further at the reading the rest of Mr.Ryan's excursions into Conan Doyle territory....

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five rewritten Conan Doyle stories and one original, all with Dr Watson at the helm. I found the quality varied; the first couple of stories I felt didn't add much to the canon, but there were moments of brilliance and genuine horror in 'The Brazilian Wife' and 'The Missing Special'. The extract from a forthcoming novel piqued my interest in the 'Watson at War' series, although I found the writing style variable.

[Leigh Mccullough · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought it was a good way to introduce the rest of the books in the series but I wouldn't have paid for it. That said I have read all of Robert Ryans Dr Watson novels and give each one 5 stars. He really knows the canon and respects it. Although Dr Holmes is the star of this series the writing is spot on

[Harini Padmanabhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Sherlock Holmes has always fascinated me, I found Dr. Watson far more human and relatable. I always felt he did not get his due and was over shadowed by the illustrious detective. Reading a book where he plays a relatively larger role in a few stories is definitely refreshing.

[Little Red Readinghood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six well written short stories penned by and starring Dr. Watson. For Holmes fans and anyone who enjoys a good mystery.

[Tony Huby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories

Great stories that would have Conan Doyle turning in his grave with jealousy. Given the encouragement to attempt my own Sherlock Holmes story. Brilliant.