ADVANCE REVIEW: Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Black Pharaoh

by | Jun 26, 2025 | Book Reviews, Reviews, The Horror Review News | 0 comments

Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Black Pharaoh
JM Reinbold
MX Publishing (September 20, 2025)
Reviewed by Carson Buckingham

In Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Black Pharaoh, Holmes and Watson have been retained to find Robert Henry, the Fifth Earl of Convarran, who disappeared following a hastily abandoned excavation at the Black Pyramid in Egypt.  However, the deeper they explore the case, the more complicated it becomes, full of secrets, murder, stolen ancient artifacts, conspiracies, and a deadly enemy. Oh, and a mummy, of course.

Reading this action-packed novel, it was easy to lose sight of the fact that it was written by a contemporary author. So expertly did Reinbold emulate Sir Arthur’s style and voice that I couldn’t tell the difference between his work and hers. Indeed, a brilliant piece of writing.

What was most interesting about this novel and what sets it apart from the hodgepodge of other contemporary Sherlock Holmes works is the fact that this one involved the paranormal—something that Holmes does not believe in and has had no truck with—until now. I enjoyed reading how he gradually was forced to face this head-on. Again, the author handled it beautifully and believably.

We also learn how human and fallible Holmes is when a plan or two goes awry and Watson seriously considers ending his friendship with him because of an ethics issue. It is writing such as this that rounds out characters and makes it easy for readers to identify with them. I liked Holmes and Watson so much better because of it.

This book is a fast-paced page-turner and will have you on the edge of your seat until the final page. Hours will fly like minutes, and I urge you, especially if you are a Sherlock Holmes aficionado, to buy a copy the moment Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Black Pharaoh releases on September 20th. But even if you’ve never read Sir Arthur’s wonderful stories, I promise that you’ll love this book. Buy one for yourself and one or two, or more for Christmas gifts. It’s elementary.

5 out of 5 stars.

About Carson Buckingham

Professionally, Carson Buckingham has made her way in life doing all manner of things, most of which involve arson. She is currently employed as a freelance writer on a work release program. In her spare time, she studies forensics, in hopes of applying her new knowledge to eluding the authorities more effectively the next time. She is originally from Connecticut, but now resides in Kentucky—and Connecticut is glad to be rid of her.

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