The Hapsburg Falcon Paperback – November 19, 2013

In this late era crossover of sorts with The Maltese Falcon, Holmes is called upon to look into the disappearance of the young Robert Hope Maldon, whose father believes has made off with valuable corporate shares. It soon becomes evident there is more to it than a cut and dry missing persons case, and early in Holmes' investigations into the matter, he learns "the woman" herself is both alive and plays a vital role in Maldon's mysterious vanishing.Irene Adler is resurrected, as it were, with an entreaty for Holmes' help with a conundrum of her own. True to form, she weaves a web of lies, deceptions, and gives the detective another run for his proverbial money, with some subtle parallels to how she bested him in SCAN thrown in for good measure. She is an extremely difficult character to manage in modern pastiche, and is almost always run through the mud in one way or another - worse, she has been reduced to a Mary-Sue in practically every work that features her name. While I will not say she was perfect here, this was more Doyle's Adler than I ever thought it was possible to recreate. She is made pivotal to the plot, but the author never once falls into the trap of presenting her as a love interest, does not even so much as intimate it. She is very much the very feminine cunning schemer she was in the original story. It also bears mentioning that the treatment of Holmes and Watson was equally canonical, each having the distinct flair of their canon counterparts.The story itself was also excellent, with several seemingly different points fusing into the main plotline concerning The Maltese Falcon. Certain instances were easily guessed at, while many others remained obfuscated until Holmes' reveal at the end. Despite some of the more veneer aspects, the fun in this one was the ride along the way, and it proved to be one I really did not want to end. A very enjoyable and altogether highly recommended read.

One of the best pastiches (or, lost manuscripts if you will) that I've read in some time. The writing is top-notch and the characterizations are right on, with more than the requisite number of allusions to the canon (e.g., the slightly bent fireplace poker) seasoning the mix. Miss Adler's formidable intelligence and charm are put to use on Holmes and Watson and the result is an interesting contest. The plot is complex but moves along well and comes to a satisfying conclusion. I hope we hear more from the author.

The story depends too much on any affection the reader might have for the connections with Hammet's falcon, rather than really developing a mystery or fleshing out characters. I found that the plot was disappointing, and while the characters seem pretty much true to Sir Arthur's writing, the "magic" of the relationships, the intensity of the adventure and the excitement of the chase, the "fun" of feeling Holmes is in control but keeping something back (with the reader wondering what they failed to observe), are all pretty much missing. This was not a Holmes or a Watson to whom I would want to reveal my secrets, to whom I would entrust my heart and life, or to whom I would return when I wanted comfort or friendship. I realize that it is very difficult to stay true to another author's characters, while continuing to explore relationships, to reveal complexities and to make it fresh and new, making the final story a creation of both authors'. But that is what we all hope for when we pick up a new Holmes story. I was distracted by several small errors that good editing should have cured. Not bad, but I finished the story thinking that this author could have done a lot better if they really tried and if they had risked a little more involvement and creativity of their own.

One of the most entertaining Holmes pastiches I have encountered in years. It helps, of course, if you are familiar with The Maltese Falcon - the book and the Bogart film.

Interesting. This is a story within a story. By the end, you realize that things are never as they seem; and motivations are not as simple as they first appear.

A very good story if you like Sherlock Holmes' stories, and Hammett's The Maltese Falcon. Well written!

As you might guess, there is a relationship to another literary falcon. Was fun to see the dynamics of Holmes, Watson and Irene Adler all together under the same roof.

While reading through this story I soon realized that although many elements and characters were present the available resources were squandered. No, it's not a really bad story but I get the image of a jet airplane that has taxied to the end of the runway and revved its motors to half speed. Yes, there is sound but not enough to move the craft down the runway much less take off. 'Pedestrian' is the word I would use. It did improve toward the end but overall you are left with the feeling the whole thing could have been done much better by simply utilizing what was available.