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5-Minute Sherlock #2
The Case of the Haunted Haunted House
Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins
Sherman Holmes has officially settled into his new city, and the World's Greatest Detective Agency has opened its doors. While his put-upon partner, Watson, would be happy to keep the jobs as simple as missing pets, when a worried worker with an outlandish tale of ghosts walks in, there's no stopping Sherman from taking the case.
Now, the new duo must investigate a local “haunted” tourist site where the scares are going off-script and otherworldly interference is suspected. With Sherman lost in the history of the mystery, Watson finds himself needing to adapt quickly to his new job's unique challenges.
Facing booby-trapped halls to navigate, pesky former co-workers popping in without warning, and growing attention from a local criminal element, even an operative of Watson's talents is going to need some help getting through this case alive.
Instead, he has Sherman Holmes.
Sherman Holmes has officially settled into his new city, and the World's Greatest Detective Agency has opened its doors. While his put-upon partner, Watson, would be happy to keep the jobs as simple as missing pets, when a worried worker with an outlandish tale of ghosts walks in, there's no stopping Sherman from taking the case.
Now, the new duo must investigate a local “haunted” tourist site where the scares are going off-script and otherworldly interference is suspected. With Sherman lost in the history of the mystery, Watson finds himself needing to adapt quickly to his new job's unique challenges.
Facing booby-trapped halls to navigate, pesky former co-workers popping in without warning, and growing attention from a local criminal element, even an operative of Watson's talents is going to need some help getting through this case alive.
Instead, he has Sherman Holmes.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
July 4, 2021
The World's Greatest Detective and his Watson take on their very first case, The Case of the Haunted Haunted House, the second book in the 5-minute Sherlock series by Drew Hayes. The two are hired by a young lady to investigate a local "haunted" house attraction where some of the haunts have gone off script and the otherworldly interference is suspected. Sherman and Watson are on the case!
This was a fun, quirky caper. It gave me a sort of Scooby-Doo vibe as Sherman and Watson began their investigation. The manor was built by a genius and is rumored to contain a hidden treasure for any who can survive and solve the traps that guard the house inside and out. I wonder if the author was inspired by the Winchester Mystery house at all. It was great to get to know the supporting cast and it even looks like Watson could have a potential romantic interest in the future. Best of all is how Sherman and Watson's friendship and understanding of each other grow throughout the book.
I listened to the audio book narrated by Scott Aiello. Again Aiello does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life.
I'm looking forward to the next case that Sherman and Watson take on.
This was a fun, quirky caper. It gave me a sort of Scooby-Doo vibe as Sherman and Watson began their investigation. The manor was built by a genius and is rumored to contain a hidden treasure for any who can survive and solve the traps that guard the house inside and out. I wonder if the author was inspired by the Winchester Mystery house at all. It was great to get to know the supporting cast and it even looks like Watson could have a potential romantic interest in the future. Best of all is how Sherman and Watson's friendship and understanding of each other grow throughout the book.
I listened to the audio book narrated by Scott Aiello. Again Aiello does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life.
I'm looking forward to the next case that Sherman and Watson take on.
January 26, 2021
Notes:
Fun! Not as crazy as the first story, but an interesting caper that gave more insight into Sherman & Watson. Felt like a transition piece to setup for a bigger story arc. Great narration by Scott Aiello.
Fun! Not as crazy as the first story, but an interesting caper that gave more insight into Sherman & Watson. Felt like a transition piece to setup for a bigger story arc. Great narration by Scott Aiello.
June 19, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Great will written Sherman Holmes and Watson the greatest detective agency. A woman 🚺 comes into the agency about the problems that the tourist agency she works for is having. Holmes and Watson go to work as guides for the agency and the fun begins. The haunted estate that the agency conducts tours in in is over 100 years old. All kinds of strange events are occurring Sherman uses so I his skills to find the answers. I would highly recommend this two book series and author to fans of Sherlock Holmes and readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 😀😯😡😮
Great will written Sherman Holmes and Watson the greatest detective agency. A woman 🚺 comes into the agency about the problems that the tourist agency she works for is having. Holmes and Watson go to work as guides for the agency and the fun begins. The haunted estate that the agency conducts tours in in is over 100 years old. All kinds of strange events are occurring Sherman uses so I his skills to find the answers. I would highly recommend this two book series and author to fans of Sherlock Holmes and readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 😀😯😡😮
May 27, 2021
Not really my cup of tea but was well written.
June 17, 2021
It was an utter delight to see Sherman Holmes and Watson back in the pages of another novel. Watson is still trying to help Holmes learn to process the world after his exposure (detailed in the first novel) to a mysterious drug that turned him into a genius—for five minutes at a time. Sherman, trying to follow in the fictional Sherlock’s footsteps, has opened a consulting detective practice and he and Watson are hired to find out who is messing with a “haunted” house. The building in question was the home of a genius, but paranoid, inventor and is rumored to have a great treasure hidden somewhere within it. Unfortunately, it’s also filled to the gills with deathtraps. The current owner has disabled many of the traps and is trying to turn it into a tourist attraction, but things are not going smoothly.
There’s no question that this is a fun novel with great puzzles and fabulous banter between Sherman and Watson (and Sherman and the world, for that matter). Unfortunately, I also felt that it dragged at times. There is a lot going on, but the pacing wasn’t always quick enough to keep me satisfied. That being said, I’m still looking forward to the next book.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
There’s no question that this is a fun novel with great puzzles and fabulous banter between Sherman and Watson (and Sherman and the world, for that matter). Unfortunately, I also felt that it dragged at times. There is a lot going on, but the pacing wasn’t always quick enough to keep me satisfied. That being said, I’m still looking forward to the next book.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
March 13, 2021
Oh please please write more of these!
Such a chill and pleasant listen, with a pinch of old-fashioned spookiness from maze-like trap-filled haunted house, which reminded me of Winchester Mansion.
Love to see Sherman and Watson's friendship evolve, I find it very touching and even inspiring in a way. I'm not a mad genius with a hyper-enhanced brain but I do sometimes struggle with being understood and accepted, so it's really nice to explore stories like this where even the weird one can find someone who cares about them.
Such a chill and pleasant listen, with a pinch of old-fashioned spookiness from maze-like trap-filled haunted house, which reminded me of Winchester Mansion.
Love to see Sherman and Watson's friendship evolve, I find it very touching and even inspiring in a way. I'm not a mad genius with a hyper-enhanced brain but I do sometimes struggle with being understood and accepted, so it's really nice to explore stories like this where even the weird one can find someone who cares about them.
October 24, 2022
My Audible review:. I haven't read a lot of Hayes' novels yet and this one hasn't quite pushed me to give up, but it's a step down in quality from the first Sherman Holmes novel.
Scott Aiello is really the star of this series. His voice work and characters fit each story perfectly and I had no difficulties with understanding anything he narrated.
Sherman Holmes and Joel Watson remain an interesting modification / modernization of their inspirations, but they also remain entirely too silly to appeal to fans of Conan Doyle's original works.
The plot of this haunted house mystery feels like a Scooby Doo TV movie with a cast of guest stars and the unmasking of the wiley culprit at the resolution.
The depiction of the lost genius's mansion of traps and treasures is barely touched on until the climax of the story. The audience is provided a very limited understanding of the perils contained within its walls through anecdotes and a single mini-adventure and is forced to rely on reputation alone to maintain the impression.
Hayes appears to write in a portions-per-time pattern or simply fails to read what he's already written before submitting his story to an editor that cared little for redundancy. I'm fairly well-convinced that not many readers are diving into this sequel without first having read the first story in the series, but I can accept an author choosing to lightly touch on events that happened prior to the current book to remind the reader or encourage interest in that earlier episode in the series. I can't convince myself that three references to the same, mildly interesting, semi-supernatural event that befell Watson in the first book needed to be provided. Mentioning it once? Cool. Twice? We get it. Three times? Do you have an editor? There's a lot of novel you could be teasing memory with but you really must want this one remembered, even through it has zero impact on the current story. Perhaps this was the authors way of subtley informing the reader that the whole piece is derivative and should not be given an in depth analysis.
The late character-revelations and epilogue gave me some encouragement that the story would not remain stagnant and the characters and relationships would evolve, but the rest of the failings of this story have me doubting that will actually happen.
I'll rate this one as "Scooby Holmes' copied & pasted plot".
Scott Aiello is really the star of this series. His voice work and characters fit each story perfectly and I had no difficulties with understanding anything he narrated.
Sherman Holmes and Joel Watson remain an interesting modification / modernization of their inspirations, but they also remain entirely too silly to appeal to fans of Conan Doyle's original works.
The plot of this haunted house mystery feels like a Scooby Doo TV movie with a cast of guest stars and the unmasking of the wiley culprit at the resolution.
The depiction of the lost genius's mansion of traps and treasures is barely touched on until the climax of the story. The audience is provided a very limited understanding of the perils contained within its walls through anecdotes and a single mini-adventure and is forced to rely on reputation alone to maintain the impression.
Hayes appears to write in a portions-per-time pattern or simply fails to read what he's already written before submitting his story to an editor that cared little for redundancy. I'm fairly well-convinced that not many readers are diving into this sequel without first having read the first story in the series, but I can accept an author choosing to lightly touch on events that happened prior to the current book to remind the reader or encourage interest in that earlier episode in the series. I can't convince myself that three references to the same, mildly interesting, semi-supernatural event that befell Watson in the first book needed to be provided. Mentioning it once? Cool. Twice? We get it. Three times? Do you have an editor? There's a lot of novel you could be teasing memory with but you really must want this one remembered, even through it has zero impact on the current story. Perhaps this was the authors way of subtley informing the reader that the whole piece is derivative and should not be given an in depth analysis.
The late character-revelations and epilogue gave me some encouragement that the story would not remain stagnant and the characters and relationships would evolve, but the rest of the failings of this story have me doubting that will actually happen.
I'll rate this one as "Scooby Holmes' copied & pasted plot".
April 30, 2022
4.5 stars
This was just as fun as the first one, even if it didn't seem as deadly. I loved how the mystery began with the missing cat to get them started with their detective agency, but they ended up getting drawn into the Haunted House. It was fun watching Watson learn how best to support Sherman to not only keep him safe, but also help him to function best, and that his role needs to change from what he may have been used to in his spy days. This was a fast listen (okay I binged it) and I found myself laughing and enjoying a tale well told. Scott Aiello and Drew Hayes were perfect for this narration and somehow made it funnier for me. I can't wait for the next installment and hope they will be involved as well.
This was just as fun as the first one, even if it didn't seem as deadly. I loved how the mystery began with the missing cat to get them started with their detective agency, but they ended up getting drawn into the Haunted House. It was fun watching Watson learn how best to support Sherman to not only keep him safe, but also help him to function best, and that his role needs to change from what he may have been used to in his spy days. This was a fast listen (okay I binged it) and I found myself laughing and enjoying a tale well told. Scott Aiello and Drew Hayes were perfect for this narration and somehow made it funnier for me. I can't wait for the next installment and hope they will be involved as well.
October 29, 2021
These are great. I love the characters - they (or well, he) is so wacky and fun. It's just an enjoyable read or in my case, listen.
July 22, 2024
I did not listen for details but mostly for background entertainment. And it is a solid fun book, furthering the story of the main characters and their interactions or partnership.
July 16, 2021
The reason I keep reading
There are two reasons to keep reading an author’s product. Either you’re in the middle of an arc that you can’t put down; or they’re writing ANOTHER arc that’s got just as much meat/value/awesomeness (pick your adjective). I got into the five minute detective stories when they left audiobook for the written word (I’m old school and like to make my own voices up first). This is the fifth arc that Drew Hayes has created, AND IT’S JUST AS GOOD AS THE OTHER FOUR! So yes, definitely pick it up and cackle at the adventures of Sherman and Watson. And wait with baited breath for the next case… we’ll done Mr. Hayes. We’ll done.
There are two reasons to keep reading an author’s product. Either you’re in the middle of an arc that you can’t put down; or they’re writing ANOTHER arc that’s got just as much meat/value/awesomeness (pick your adjective). I got into the five minute detective stories when they left audiobook for the written word (I’m old school and like to make my own voices up first). This is the fifth arc that Drew Hayes has created, AND IT’S JUST AS GOOD AS THE OTHER FOUR! So yes, definitely pick it up and cackle at the adventures of Sherman and Watson. And wait with baited breath for the next case… we’ll done Mr. Hayes. We’ll done.
May 27, 2021
Not as action-packed as the first book, but still entertaining for fans of Sherlock Holmes' pastiche.
January 27, 2021
Not my favorite Hayes book but still good. Eccentric but good. I will continue to purchase every book he writes. He’s lows are not bad and his highs are phenomenal.
February 1, 2021
Fun, silly, clever.
June 13, 2021
5 enthusiastic Stars for THE CASE OF THE HAUNTED HAUNTED HOUSE by Drew Hayes which was an unexpected, unpredictable delight.
My rating guide: 1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= I mostly enjoyed it; 4= Yes, I liked it a lot; 5= I LOVED IT; IT WAS GREAT!
THE CASE OF THE HAUNTED HAUNTED HOUSE, #2 in the 5-MINUTE SHERLOCK series (an Audible audio Original) begins with two unusual characters Sherman Holmes and Joel Watson. Together Sherman and Joel have just opened a new detective investigative business - The World’s Greatest Detective Agency. Until the recent past Joel was a top level agent at the top of his game. But a betrayal during his last case (THE CASE OF THE DAMAGED DETECTIVE, #1) leading to a terrible debacle, combined with a near death incident caused Watson to resign in his career with the Agency and also resulted in Watson’s present partnership with Sherman Holmes.
So begins THE CASE OF THE HAUNTED HAUNTED HOUSE with Sherman and Watson under their new identities as Private Investigative Detectives on their first real case. They have been hired to investigate several suspicious occurrences on the property of a local Haunted House ghost tour. Their client believes someone is purposely causing accidents, one of which has already injured an employee. Word of the incidents is spreading and bookings for the tour have begun to decline. Sherman and Watson’s client is concerned that someone wants the Haunted House tour to close its doors for good. THE CASE OF THE HAUNTED HAUNTED HOUSE both explores the mystery of the Haunted House incidents and continues to un-peel the conundrum of the characters Sherman and Watson.
I hadn’t previously read/listened to the the 1st book/audio in THE 5-MINUTE SHERLOCK series (THE CASE OF THE DAMAGED DETECTIVE) - but I plan to rectify that soon. Nevertheless, I didn’t feel like I was missing too many pieces to follow or enjoy the mystery of THE CASE OF THE HAUNTED HAUNTED HOUSE. Rather, I was curious and wondered just who Sherman and Watson had been before their joint disaster and I simply sat back and enjoyed the unpredictable and occasionally hilarious adventure presented in THE CASE OF THE HAUNTED HAUNTED HOUSE. The narrator, Scott Aiello, was excellent.
I highly recommend THE CASE OF THE HAUNTED HAUNTED HOUSE to readers of: Cozy Mysteries, quirky and light fiction, readers looking for a positive Pick-Me-Up or readers just looking for a fresh break from otherwise more intense or darker genres. I found THE CASE OF THE HAUNTED HAUNTED HOUSE an entirely unexpected delight. At present, I believe it is only available through Audible audio books.
READER CAUTIONS - IMO, Appropriate for all readers except those entirely adverse to any use of strong language.
VIOLENCE - PG. Minimal. Quirky rather than dark.
PROFANITY - Yes, but minimal (if I remember correctly).
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - No. None.
My rating guide: 1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= I mostly enjoyed it; 4= Yes, I liked it a lot; 5= I LOVED IT; IT WAS GREAT!
THE CASE OF THE HAUNTED HAUNTED HOUSE, #2 in the 5-MINUTE SHERLOCK series (an Audible audio Original) begins with two unusual characters Sherman Holmes and Joel Watson. Together Sherman and Joel have just opened a new detective investigative business - The World’s Greatest Detective Agency. Until the recent past Joel was a top level agent at the top of his game. But a betrayal during his last case (THE CASE OF THE DAMAGED DETECTIVE, #1) leading to a terrible debacle, combined with a near death incident caused Watson to resign in his career with the Agency and also resulted in Watson’s present partnership with Sherman Holmes.
So begins THE CASE OF THE HAUNTED HAUNTED HOUSE with Sherman and Watson under their new identities as Private Investigative Detectives on their first real case. They have been hired to investigate several suspicious occurrences on the property of a local Haunted House ghost tour. Their client believes someone is purposely causing accidents, one of which has already injured an employee. Word of the incidents is spreading and bookings for the tour have begun to decline. Sherman and Watson’s client is concerned that someone wants the Haunted House tour to close its doors for good. THE CASE OF THE HAUNTED HAUNTED HOUSE both explores the mystery of the Haunted House incidents and continues to un-peel the conundrum of the characters Sherman and Watson.
I hadn’t previously read/listened to the the 1st book/audio in THE 5-MINUTE SHERLOCK series (THE CASE OF THE DAMAGED DETECTIVE) - but I plan to rectify that soon. Nevertheless, I didn’t feel like I was missing too many pieces to follow or enjoy the mystery of THE CASE OF THE HAUNTED HAUNTED HOUSE. Rather, I was curious and wondered just who Sherman and Watson had been before their joint disaster and I simply sat back and enjoyed the unpredictable and occasionally hilarious adventure presented in THE CASE OF THE HAUNTED HAUNTED HOUSE. The narrator, Scott Aiello, was excellent.
I highly recommend THE CASE OF THE HAUNTED HAUNTED HOUSE to readers of: Cozy Mysteries, quirky and light fiction, readers looking for a positive Pick-Me-Up or readers just looking for a fresh break from otherwise more intense or darker genres. I found THE CASE OF THE HAUNTED HAUNTED HOUSE an entirely unexpected delight. At present, I believe it is only available through Audible audio books.
READER CAUTIONS - IMO, Appropriate for all readers except those entirely adverse to any use of strong language.
VIOLENCE - PG. Minimal. Quirky rather than dark.
PROFANITY - Yes, but minimal (if I remember correctly).
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - No. None.
May 15, 2022
This begins more like a second standalone book and rolls back a lot of the character development I have seen in the first book. Especially holmes has gotten more gimmicky than ever and lost a lot of what made him interesting not only as comedic relief but also as a genuine character.
This reads a bit like the author went into this with the goal of just trying to repeat whatever made the first book successful and not like an actual continuation.
This might not be entirely fair as there are a few changes to the formula like a female potential love interest as well as more gimmicky holmes stuff.
But holmes just got on my nerves instead of being funny or entertaining so I ended up dropping the audiobook after a bit under 2 hours.
I liked him as a character. He developed from a gimmick into a character in the first book which I enjoyed but I am not willing to go through that process yet again. Sure, he can be eccentric and difficult, that is fine, but this is just tacky.
This reads a bit like the author went into this with the goal of just trying to repeat whatever made the first book successful and not like an actual continuation.
This might not be entirely fair as there are a few changes to the formula like a female potential love interest as well as more gimmicky holmes stuff.
But holmes just got on my nerves instead of being funny or entertaining so I ended up dropping the audiobook after a bit under 2 hours.
I liked him as a character. He developed from a gimmick into a character in the first book which I enjoyed but I am not willing to go through that process yet again. Sure, he can be eccentric and difficult, that is fine, but this is just tacky.
June 6, 2023
Not exactly what I expected but it was what I needed at this moment. There were a lot of moments where I sort of tuned out of Watson's expositions and interior monologue as I was driving to and from work. In other stories I would feel the need to rewind and try to listen to what I missed, which I did at first, and then I stopped because I realized I really wasn't missing much. I just enjoyed the story for what it was after realizing it wasn't going to be exactly what I expected.
But the story really started to build and for me the best part of the story were the last few chapters. That's when the action and FUN really started. Although I felt the story dragged a bit at the beginning and then veered here and there to other offshoot storylines I did enjoy how things wrapped up in the end. Gave me a satisfactory ending. Narrator Scott Aiello did a fine job in creating such distinct character voices and personalities.
But the story really started to build and for me the best part of the story were the last few chapters. That's when the action and FUN really started. Although I felt the story dragged a bit at the beginning and then veered here and there to other offshoot storylines I did enjoy how things wrapped up in the end. Gave me a satisfactory ending. Narrator Scott Aiello did a fine job in creating such distinct character voices and personalities.
May 11, 2024
I have loved Drew Hayes' writing since I first discovered Fred, the vampire accountant. His twisted take on fantasy continues with his other character, Sherman Holmes, a brilliant detective, but only for five minutes, and after he's very well rested from his last bout of insight. The rest of the time, he's still brilliant, but he can't put the pieces together in the here and now. Did I mention that he behaves as if he's got a coffee habit measured in gallons per day?
In this second installment in the series, brilliantly narrated by Scott Aiello, the pair must investigate a "haunted" tourist sight. The story is laced with humor in the voice of his long-suffering partner, Watson. (Don't ask. Watson knows he's not the Watson, but Sherman doesn't.)
If you're looking for something fun to listen to on a commute or a great bedtime story, this one is or you.
In this second installment in the series, brilliantly narrated by Scott Aiello, the pair must investigate a "haunted" tourist sight. The story is laced with humor in the voice of his long-suffering partner, Watson. (Don't ask. Watson knows he's not the Watson, but Sherman doesn't.)
If you're looking for something fun to listen to on a commute or a great bedtime story, this one is or you.
July 21, 2024
Honestly, I found book two of The 5-Minute Sherlock series even better than the first. While the first book did a great job introducing the world to this dynamic duo of detectives, this one cemented Sherman and Watson's partnership/friendship into a cohesive force for good.
The story was super fun. A tip of the house to Scooby-Doo in many respects (that's a compliment, by the way), but also a well-written, well-thought-out story full of great puzzles. And while I had figured out the culprits prior to their reveal, I can't say that I was a hundred percent certain of it or 'how' it was done until that reveal.
Kudos to Mr. Drew Hayes. The Damaged Detective was the first book of his I've ever read. This is my second. Rest assured, I'll be checking his others out as well...but next, on to the third 5-Minute Sherlock story!
The story was super fun. A tip of the house to Scooby-Doo in many respects (that's a compliment, by the way), but also a well-written, well-thought-out story full of great puzzles. And while I had figured out the culprits prior to their reveal, I can't say that I was a hundred percent certain of it or 'how' it was done until that reveal.
Kudos to Mr. Drew Hayes. The Damaged Detective was the first book of his I've ever read. This is my second. Rest assured, I'll be checking his others out as well...but next, on to the third 5-Minute Sherlock story!
August 2, 2024
Return to the world of Sherman Holmes, a man whose mind was altered by a drug to the extent where he is able to absorb amazing amounts of information in the time it takes a normal person to watch a commercial. Once a day he can create a mindset where he has total clarity and amazing insight for five minutes.
And he thinks that he is the decendent of the fictional character Sherlock Holmes.
Together with his handler, an ex-secret agent type who now goes by Watson, he must solve the mystery of a supposed haunting at a haunted attraction. The house in question was created by an eccentric genius and filled with booby traps. There is treasure rumored to be hidden somewhere inside. Can Holmes solve the mystery and stay safe with the help of his dedicated Watson?
This is a fun, wacky mystery sure to appeal to fans of television shows like Monk or Psych.
And he thinks that he is the decendent of the fictional character Sherlock Holmes.
Together with his handler, an ex-secret agent type who now goes by Watson, he must solve the mystery of a supposed haunting at a haunted attraction. The house in question was created by an eccentric genius and filled with booby traps. There is treasure rumored to be hidden somewhere inside. Can Holmes solve the mystery and stay safe with the help of his dedicated Watson?
This is a fun, wacky mystery sure to appeal to fans of television shows like Monk or Psych.
August 8, 2021
A new case for Sherman Holmes
Back with Sherman and Watson, but now as proper detectives. The case is a basic haunted house setting, but with a twist; the house is a mortal trap, crafted by a mind way ahead of his time, and only a mind like Sherman's can unlock it's secrets.
It's very different from the first book, in that the relationship between the two changed a lot after everything they went through. It's really nice to see them working together, and with Watson having a better understanding of Sherman. I really liked watching them working together, with a true partnership.
It's a very easy book to read, even if the dialogue gets a little heavy, since Sherman has a complicated way of communicating. It's a simple plot, but still manages to have a few twists. It's a book that you can't miss.
Back with Sherman and Watson, but now as proper detectives. The case is a basic haunted house setting, but with a twist; the house is a mortal trap, crafted by a mind way ahead of his time, and only a mind like Sherman's can unlock it's secrets.
It's very different from the first book, in that the relationship between the two changed a lot after everything they went through. It's really nice to see them working together, and with Watson having a better understanding of Sherman. I really liked watching them working together, with a true partnership.
It's a very easy book to read, even if the dialogue gets a little heavy, since Sherman has a complicated way of communicating. It's a simple plot, but still manages to have a few twists. It's a book that you can't miss.
September 17, 2021
Great book, I really enjoy this series. I've read most of Drew Hayes books at this point, and you can never really go wrong, one of the most dependable authors I've had the joy to find.
It has a strong start, and though I felt it slowed a little in the middle I think this is pretty understandable considering we don't have the constant motion and getting to know Sherman in the same way as we do in the first book. That being said it wasn't boring, and the end had a very enjoyable and satisfying finish.
If we get to revisit Sherman and Watson in the future I'll certainly pick up the book.
It has a strong start, and though I felt it slowed a little in the middle I think this is pretty understandable considering we don't have the constant motion and getting to know Sherman in the same way as we do in the first book. That being said it wasn't boring, and the end had a very enjoyable and satisfying finish.
If we get to revisit Sherman and Watson in the future I'll certainly pick up the book.
March 31, 2023
With this installment 5 minute sherlock is fast becoming a favourite series and i hope when part 3 is released it carries on the momentum.The characters have found their footing, and the mystery was really solid. Lovely absurdist touches that still felt grounded in reality and the growing understanding and affection that Watson has for Sherman now meant that the story for me was so much more enjoyable. Honestly loved this and was probably made even better reading the ebook alongside the audiobook as Scott Aiello's narration worked perfectly for the story
January 27, 2024
Another solid 3.5 stars, really. I rounded up last time, so down this time. The story is pretty engaging and the plot is creative. The characterization of Sherman Holmes is original, but runs the risk of getting really old. Don't know how many books Hayes will be able to sustain with this guy. Hayes also makes errors which are among my pet peeves: "a myriad of" instead of "myriad"; "utilize" when "use" would be perfectly clear and straightforward. Annoying, but not fatally so. I will read the third book. There isn't a 4th at this time, but 3 might prove to be enough for me.
September 23, 2021
Fun, witty, and quirky
This is an excellent sequel in the 5 minute Sherlock series. Drew proves again to be an excellent storyteller and displays a knack for clever wordplay. As much as it is about the mystery, this sequel continues to establish and expand the relationship between Sherman and Watson, which could be really cheesy, except it’s totally not. This book will have you turning page after page and leave you wanting more of the world’s greatest detective.
This is an excellent sequel in the 5 minute Sherlock series. Drew proves again to be an excellent storyteller and displays a knack for clever wordplay. As much as it is about the mystery, this sequel continues to establish and expand the relationship between Sherman and Watson, which could be really cheesy, except it’s totally not. This book will have you turning page after page and leave you wanting more of the world’s greatest detective.
February 9, 2022
An enjoyable modern update of the Sherlock Holmes idiom - crossed with secret agent thriller
.
Plenty of action, likeable characters and a decent mystery to solve.
I say decent - as the twist here in this tale was obvious to me from a long way out.
But I still enjoyed seeing the protagonists get there.
Would recommend to fans of Mystery and also to those who like their Spy stories with a twist of humour and slapstick.
.
Plenty of action, likeable characters and a decent mystery to solve.
I say decent - as the twist here in this tale was obvious to me from a long way out.
But I still enjoyed seeing the protagonists get there.
Would recommend to fans of Mystery and also to those who like their Spy stories with a twist of humour and slapstick.
August 27, 2024
A great sequel
This was a really fun adventure. Not a gritty crime thriller nor an overlong mystery, it was punchy and light-hearted. My only criticism is there were a fair few throwaway lines to jog your memory of what happened in book 1. As I only recently listened to that they felt a bit clunky and heavy handed.
The characters were fun, Watson has character growth, it's all there. The narration was great too.
This was a really fun adventure. Not a gritty crime thriller nor an overlong mystery, it was punchy and light-hearted. My only criticism is there were a fair few throwaway lines to jog your memory of what happened in book 1. As I only recently listened to that they felt a bit clunky and heavy handed.
The characters were fun, Watson has character growth, it's all there. The narration was great too.
August 27, 2021
Another great caper
Sherman Holmes and Watson settle into Portland with a brace of minor mysteries, most notably a haunted house that reminds me of the Winchester Mystery House on steroids. Plot twists, surprises, and the relationship between Watson and Holmes develops heartwarmingly.
Sherman Holmes and Watson settle into Portland with a brace of minor mysteries, most notably a haunted house that reminds me of the Winchester Mystery House on steroids. Plot twists, surprises, and the relationship between Watson and Holmes develops heartwarmingly.
November 5, 2021
Just splendid…
Mr Hayes has a way with characters and story. Every book of his I read just makes me smile on all sorts of levels.
I’ve read much of his work on Kindle Unlimited but will be purchasing all of his works because I want him to do more, more, more.
Excited for Case #3.
Mr Hayes has a way with characters and story. Every book of his I read just makes me smile on all sorts of levels.
I’ve read much of his work on Kindle Unlimited but will be purchasing all of his works because I want him to do more, more, more.
Excited for Case #3.
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