Investigating Life's Mysteries with Sherlock Holmes. Review: This book is very hard to categorize. It is most easily described as a series of informal lectures on the religious viewpoints inherant in the published Sherlock Holmes stories. The individual essays are lively and interesting without feeling at all "Preachy" to one who has heard far too many sermons in the past. It is obvious that the author has thought extensively about the material and has concluded that there are strong religious elements in the tales.
The fact that the author is a Universalist minister with postgraduate degrees in Divinity and Writing indicates the main viewpoint of his writing. Rationalism and scientific examination of the universe provide a strong basis for religion that can de-emphasize Revelation as a source for faith. The strongly rational point of view of the Canonical writings fits well into this viewpoint and provides ample materials for religious analysis. The author makes a good case for the religious content of the tales and provides a number of insights into the thinking behind them and the assumptions buried therein. It also manages to be a warm and humane book by an author whose own nature gives his words a special glow.
This book is an intriguing analysis of the Canon. It is thought-provoking and well written by an enthusiastic Holmesian. If you enjoy such materials and enjoy speculating on philosophy and religion, this book belongs in your library.
Reviewed by: Philip K. Jones, 2003