Books Reviews

The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: Seance for a Vampire – Book Review

By Jeff Swindoll Jul 20, 2010, 16:15 GMT

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s timeless creation returns in a new series of handsomely designed, long out-of-print detective stories. From the earliest days of Holmes’ career to his astonishing encounters with Martian invaders, the Further Adventures series encapsulates the most varied and thrilling cases of the worlds’ greatest detective.When two suspect psychics offer Ambrose Altamont and his wife the opportunity to contact their recently deceased daughter, the wealthy British aristocrat wastes ...more

Fred Saberhagen adds another title to his adventures of that creature of the night – Dracula. 

He brought two titans of Victorian literature together in 1978 with the Holmes-Dracula File (a re-title he wasn’t happy with since it really spoils the surprise) and even has them related as cousins (shades of Philip Jose Farmer’s Wold Newton Family in which many famous literary characters are related). 

The late Saberhagen (1930-2007) would once again step into the gaslight streets of London with Séance for a Vampire in 1994.  Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson are called in on the case of Ambrose Altamont.  The aristocrat is concerned that his wife is being had by a duo of spiritualists. 

During a séance, with Holmes in attendance, to contact the couple’s deceased daughter Louisa she actually does appear in the flesh.  However, her flesh is cold and white as she is a vampire.  During the confusion, Holmes is kidnapped and Watson turns to Prince Dracula to track down the missing detective.

If you’re a fan of Holmes, Dracula, or Saberhagen then Séance for a Vampire offers some easy rainy day reading.  However, if you are a fan of any of those fellows then the title may already be in your collection as this new edition is a reprint. 

Though if it is not in your library then Titan offers you a well done way to add it.  The game is afoot once again with Dracula in the driver’s seat. 

Visit the book database for more information.