Sherlock Holmes – The Red Tower

Crain Manor’s future is in doubt, as family heir James Crain is seduced by medium Madame Farr. As Crain’s skeptical friend, Dr. Watson agrees to attend one of Madame Farr’s seances…and has an encounter with a spirit. When the strangeness at Crain Manor claims the life of Crain’s sister, Lady Esther, Watson calls upon his friend Sherlock Holmes to unravel the mystery before it’s too late.

Ah, the potentially haunted family estate. It’s a popular setting for Holmes novels — this is the third variation I’ve read in as many months — and in the wrong hands, it can feel disappointingly cliche.

However, that’s not a problem for The Red Tower, as Latham imbues the characters and the setting with enough depth, detail, and intrigue to overcome any familiar tropes. A complex and satisfying mystery, complete with family secrets, business intrigue, a touch of supernatural trickery, and the laser-focused observations of the inimitable Holmes makes for an enjoyable addition to the Holmes canon.

Plus, Watson is allowed to take center stage for much of the novel, which was a highlight. He’s portrayed as super-competent, observant, and a worthy equal rather than a witless sidekick — the character shines in Latham’s hands.