Ayo Onatade is an avid reader of crime and mystery fiction. She has been writing reviews, interviews and articles on the subject for the last 12 years; with an eclectic taste from historical to hardboiled, short stories and noir films
Sherlockians will certainly recognise the title ‘The Final Problem’ and will also appreciate the homage that is given to not only the books but also the Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes films and Dame Agatha Christie.
Set in the 1960s - Ormond Basil a former Sherlock Holmes playing actor currently ‘resting’ finds himself investigating a murder. Having been invited to stay on a boat by an old friend; however due to bad weather he has sheltered at a hotel [on a Greek island] instead. When one of the guests ends up dying in what is initially thought to be suicide - becomes a murder.
With his previous depiction of the great detective, it seems to make him the best person to solve the case especially since it is impossible for the police to attend. Initially a locked-room mystery becomes something more disturbing.
With nods to other crimes solved by Holmes interweaved into the story, the novel becomes a treasure trove for Sherlockians and detective readers alike. Arturo Pérez- Reverte's knowledge, research and clear love of the Sherlock Holmes books comes shining through in this homage.
It is enjoyable, fascinating and the influence of Christies And Then There Were None is clearly evident in this wonderful novel.
The Final Problem is a wonderful tribute to the Golden Age of Mysteries, but is also a cleverly constructed, intriguing piece of meta-fiction that becomes a cerebral mystery.
Absolutely sublime.
