In The Hound of the Baskervilles, Dr. John Watson writes about Sherlock Holmes’ “famous investigation of the sudden death of Cardinal Tosca—an inquiry which was carried out by him at the express desire of His Holiness the Pope.” The express wishes of Sherlock Holmes, as expressed in a written note on the outside of an envelope, have been ignored, in order to bring this case before the public. “…sealed with a wax seal and the impression of a signet ring with the initial ‘S’. On the back flap were written, in that splendidly sprawling but legible hand with which I am now

familiar, the words ‘Not to be opened before September 25, 2014’.”

Hugh Ashton has written five highly acclaimed collections of Sherlock Holmes’ adventures (the ”Deed Box” and “Dispatch Box” series), as well as a Sherlock Holmes novel, The Darlington Substitution, all in the style of the originals by Sir

Arthur Conan Doyle, to whom he has been favourably compared by critics.

“Mr Ashton's echoes of Conan Doyle's work build in volume and add resonance and depth to the characters, while not contradicting them. The reader gains insight into Holmes' and Watson's relationship and the relationship between Sherlock

and his brother Mycroft. As is consistent with the originals, these insights are just tantalising hints, but careful readers will enjoy them.” (Kelly Quinn)