Before Mall of America There was Winter Festival

Would you listen to Sherlock Holmes and the Ice Palace Murders again? Why?

Yes. Its a well written Holmes/Watson story. It has a lot of historical background regards St. Paul. Hamm's Brewing, for example, briefly interwoven into the story, famous people of the time and place and the Winter Festival which has taken place since 1886 and still going strong!

What other book might you compare Sherlock Holmes and the Ice Palace Murders to and why?

Other books or audio books in the Minnesota Mysteries Series by Larry Millett.

What about Steve Hendrickson’s performance did you like?

Diverse voices for characters. Enthusiastic performances, the pace of the story as he developed the story. Very pleasant, easily understood voice. And he doesn't snort! lol Some of the big name narrators snort!!! I hate that!!!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There is a sense of suspense as the crime is resolved.

Any additional comments?

I love stories that build on historically accurate background. This story does that.
I love Holmes and Watson. This story has that.
I enjoy audio books that are performed well. Steve Hendrickson provides that.

This review copy audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost. I am happy to give my honest review of it. Thanks for the opportunity and the enjoyable hours!

3 people found this helpful

Elementary good listening

I am a big Holmes fan for several decades and this series had took me back in time.
I felt Mr. Hendrickson had recaptured Basil Rathbone persona and thoroughly enjoyed his reading.
As for the story, I felt that it wasn't as good as the first but still enjoyable.
The reason why was in the original writing, most people other than a few like Holmes, were witless and 'blind'. Holmes could be sarcastic which in the first book Watson finally addresses that behaviour and receives an apology (well for Holmes anyways).
Anyways, I'm ordering the 3rd book.

2 people found this helpful

Off the mark

When an author chooses to write a novel where Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are the lead characters, they had better bring their A-game. In Doyle's originals,both Holmes and Watson have such distinctive styles, both in their vocabulary and in their methods of questioning/interrogating witnesses. It's probably why so many readers back at the turn of the 20th century believed them to be real people. And with such a large body of work to draw from, I would think a talented writer could do a better-than-passable job of bringing these 2 characters to life in a brand new setting with a brand new mystery. Apparently it's more difficult than I had assumed.
Clearly Mr. Millett has skills. Unfortunately, capturing the style and wit of A.C. Doyle isn't one of them. Write this story, and keep writing new mysteries. Just stop doing it with Holmes and Watson as the lead protagonists.
Also have to mention the narration. Similar to the writing, not awful. But compared to Stephen Fry's Holmes and Watson, it's a severe disappointment. The main problem... he uses the same voice and delivery style for both characters! It's simply unforgivable. I recall one particular passage where Holmes and Watson were interviewing a witness. Holmes had just asked a couple of very leading questions, where it was clear from the wording that he was becoming irritated with the witness. But Mr. Hendrickson chose to ask them with a tone as though he were asking about the weather. That is something Watson would often do... but never Holmes!
Sorry, but this can only receive 2-stars, given that it was written in the Sherlock Holmes universe.

1 person found this helpful

Creative and fun

I really enjoyed listening to this fun and creative work. I recommend it strongly. Excellent narration as well.

Great audiobook series

The author does a great job of bringing Sherlock to the US and creating stories that are not predictable nor cliche. I am not sure why the author feels the need to justify Sherlock's presence in the US by weaving an elaborate prologue. It is unnecessary, boring, and adds nothing to the book. Next book I'll skip it all together. I say this because I almost gave up on book 1 but I'm happy I didn't. There is no need to justify fiction in this way. Authors inspired by others works have the right to be creative as long as they respect the original character Doyle created. Lastly, the narrator is an excellent voice actor and a great choice and I hope he narrates the full series.

Loving the Minnesota Series

Loving the entire Minnesota series. A great sequel to the Red Demon. Very excited about the third novel.

It's OK. But why Minnesota?

I have read a lot of Sherlock Holmes based books. This was not the best and not the worst. I don't understand why the whole series is in Minnesota. One book set there was ok for something different, but a whole series? It's not a very interesting place. Sorry, Minnesota. I would enjoy another setting. I don't think I will continue with the series (not just because of Minnesota).

A C Doyle needn't worry

it was OK. it could easily have been reduced several chapters in length by deleting the sensationalism intended to build suspense. Instead of suspense, I feels it builds annoyance. The story overall is fine but it is too long winded for its own good at times.

Excellent!

I like everything about Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson. I especially like how Larry Millett continues the extraordinary reasoning abilities of Holmes.

4 stars

Sherlock Holmes and the Ice Palace Murders by Larry Millet
Narrated by Steve Hendrickson
Run Time: 11 hrs and 21 mins
Summary:
Holmes and Watson get called to Minnesota once again. This time, they’re there to investigate the baffling disappearance a city scion.

Additional Comments:
• The book didn’t seem that long because I play books at a faster speed.
• I like Shadwell. You get to know him a lot better this book. I think he may have had a small role in the previous book.
• The conclusion’s intriguing.
• Women in these books seem to come in only 1-2 flavors. Absolutely beautiful and stunning or nonexistent.
• The series is decent fun for Sherlock Holmes fans. It’s written in the same rambling, sometimes charming style. It annoys me occasionally when it takes the narrator (Watson) forever to make a point, but they’re still good, clean fun.
• End is satisfactory.

Conclusion:
Classic historical mysteries.
*I got the book on a free code site. I understand I do not have a set-in-stone obligation to share my thoughts, but have freely chosen to do so anyway.