Book Review: The Haunting of Torre Abbey

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Haunting of Torre Abbey     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Carole Bugge
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical
Series: Sherlock Holmes # 2
St. Martin’s, Feb 2000, $22.95, 272 pp.

Charles Cary sends Sherlock Holmes a note pleading with the detective and his associate Dr. John Watson to come to Torre Abbey as soon as possible. Charles insists that the fourteenth century ghost of an allegedly murdered monk is wandering the halls of the complex that was converted into a home over two centuries ago. Holmes finds the note interesting, but the follow-up telegram leaves Holmes worrying about the safety of the Cary family. Holmes and Watson travel to Devon to investigate the so-called spirit.

Almost upon arrival, Holmes concludes that the Cary family (Charles, his sister, and his widowed mother) and the help all hide secrets. He participates in a séance, but still believes that the happenings are more mortal than supernatural. Holmes wanders the moors that he knows from the Baskerville case, but soon finds himself investigating the more mundane, a murder.

As with her first Holmes novel (see THE STAR OF INDIA), Carole Bugge captures the essence of the era in her latest tale, THE HAUNTING OF TORRE ABBEY. The story line is enjoyable and fans of the great detective will relish a return to the famous moors. Though at times, Ms. Bugge allows her love for Watson and Holmes to permeate the tale, both charcaters are well designed and stay within Arthur Conan Doyle’s blueprint. Readers who relish more novels starring Holmes and Watson will find Ms. Bugge’s homage a triumph.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner