2-1/2*

Paris 1890: Sherlock Holmes / Theo & Vincent van Gogh / art forgeries / and a murder mystery (sort of).
A bit of a farce as Watson recounts a long ago case in which Holmes (using a pseudonym) was involved but did not solve. One of the few I presume.
An ok read.19 s Kathy3,576 252

Dr. Watson, Sherlock Holmes and Vincent Van Gogh in one book? Yes! A very well done investigation of circumstances surrounding Van Gogh's death.16 s Nancy BilyeauAuthor 15 books901

In his follow up to 'The Strange Case of Eliza Doolittle,' Timothy Miller combines the thrill of a Sherlock Holmes investigation with the intoxicating atmosphere of the 1890s Parisian art scene. The historical research is superb, woven into a suspenseful story with touches of humor. This is a rollicking read. Highly recommend it.5 s John Lee700 9

I cant say that I was ever a great fan of Sherlock Holmes even in his original form as created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. May be it was the way that the detectives mind worked in its irrational way and came up with unexpected solutions based on mere observational clues that your average armchair detective hadnt a chance of seeing. However, the glowing of a couple of my friends , and may be the inclusion of a bit of Art history, encouraged me to give this one a try.

Well, it was a 'strange case' indeed. Set in France rather than in London or even England for a start and with Sherlock disguised under a different name and even John Watson exchanged for another as the assistant and cataloger of events. (Did I spot a Holmes clue as to his identity?)
I was pleased to see, however, that the author maintained tradition by having the esteemed Doctor as the person who introduced the story , set the scene and rounded everything off at the end.

To give the author his due, I admired the amount of research that must have been undertaken here and I thought that the chase and action section was particularly well written.

The plot was multi layered and complex with a fair sprinkling of well known names from the period's art fraternity. I found Google most helpful in showing soon of the paintings mentioned that I didnt know.

I enjoyed the read but not, I fear, as much as others. For me its a solid 4. Will the authors earlier mystery about Eliza Doolittle find its way onto my shelf? For sure it doesnt hold the same attraction for me but, we shall see.2 s Susan5,821 60

If you've ever wondered whether Vincent Van Gogh really committed suicide, or what was the role that his good friend Gauguin played in his downfall, this may be the book for you. Sherlock Holmes, working under his mother's name Vernet, links with a famous German connoisseur (working under a Russian name for some reason) to find forgeries in the Louvre. Their quest brings them into a nest of Impressionists, scorned by the experts, and the mysterious case of Van Gogh, to whom Holmes is strangely attuned. As they travel up and down the French railroad system, Vernet mystifies the German narrator, who just wants to go home to his wife and family, but finally exposes the people behind the Louvre thefts.historical-mystery mystery-europe2 s Rebecca927 121

This was a rather delightful Sherlock Holmes adventure. It was refreshing reading a modern writer who actually understands who Sherlock Holmes is as a character. He's not an automaton or a jerk. He's a fiery and compassionate soul who values truth and justice above all else. I do think it could have done a better job of depicting Theo Van Goghe at a few points in the book.fiction historical-fiction mystery1 Ivor Armistead397 11

Timothy Miller joins a list of authors (including Nicholas Meyer and Anthony Horowitz) who have produced credible and entertaining new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. In “The Strange Case of the Dutch Painter” Miller has Holmes traveling about France under the nom de guerre of Monsieur Varnet investigating the death of Vincent Van Gogh and uncovering a ring of art thieves and forgers. 1 Rusty Dalferes119 2

This was a solid entry in the continuing adventures of Sherlock Holmes that should be appealing for fans of Doyle's original stories. While it was not the most exciting or twist-laden Holmesian tale, it was a decent mystery that I would recommend to fans of detective fiction and Victorian-era novels.

The second of Miller's new stories starring Sherlock Holmes begins with a prologue set not long after Holmes's death, with his partner, Watson, reminiscing about their lives together. As Watson peruses some items that Holmes bequeathed him, he discovers a manuscript describing an investigation that Holmes undertook in France in 1890 at the behest of his cousin, Lecomte, and a consortium of powerful French officials interested in getting to the bottom of a series of thefts of paintings that had been replaced by clever forgeries. Holmes goes about disguised as "Vernet," an investigator of vague authority. As Watson was not there himself, his place was taken by "Dr. Ivan Lermolieff," allegedly a German art expert and authenticator, himself posing as a Russian to the public, who may actually be someone else altogether. It was Lermolieff's manuscript that described the investigation, which took him and "Vernet" through the circle of nascent Impressionists, including as witnesses, suspects, and victims characters such as Vincent and Theo van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Toulouse Latrec, and other real-life artists, gallery owners, and French personages of repute.

The story was enjoyable in the standard way of Holmes novels: while not the most exciting or action-packed story, it had the main characters plodding progressively through clues while winging from one point in France to another. The list of suspects at first grows to include just about anyone the investigative pair meet, and then is gradually dwindled through the standard logic and deduction for which Holmes is known. And the conclusion of the French investigation, in a nod to some of the more frustration-inducing of Doyle's original stories, leaves just enough unresolved that there might be a thing or two for Watson to chew on in the epilogue. The one drawback I would identify is that "Lermolieff" is so similar to the original character of Watson as to be nearly indistinguishable apart from the focus on art, rather than medicine, such that it seems that the only reason to introduce the new character is to ensure reference to another real-life personage (the pioneering art historian Giovanni Morelli).

The book was well-written and -edited, with few typos or grammatical errors, and a whole boatload of Victorian words and phrases that will send the average reader to the dictionary a few times.

Overall, I give this a solid recommendation for fans of Holmes mysteries. Again, this is not a swashbuckling action tale, but it's a good depiction of the logical observation and deductive process that made Holmes famous.

Thanks to Seventh Street Books and my Book Fairies for providing me a copy of this book. Lorie HamAuthor 1 book45

The Strange Case of the Dutch Painter is the second book in Timothy Miller’s new Sherlock Holmes series. The books are presented as old cases that have never been published, but now that Holmes is dead, they now can be. The latest book is from a case that Watson was not a part of—he discovers the unpublished manuscript while going through Holmes’ papers.

This story is told by continental art historian Dr. Ivan Lermolieff, who accompanied Holmes on this case. As they investigate, Holmes goes by the name Monsieur Vernet. The pair have been asked to find several Old Masters paintings after the Louvre discovers that the ones they’ve been displaying are fakes. The task leads from Parisian art galleries to Vincent Van Gogh’s deathbed, where Holmes has doubts that the painter’s death was really suicide.

Just as Timothy used very familiar fictional characters in the first book, The Strange Case of Eliza Doolittle, in this book he uses familiar historical figures within the art world, including numerous now famous painters. I found myself wishing that I knew more about art history so I could more fully appreciate all the references—I am sure those that do have that knowledge will enjoy the story even more. But even if you have minimal knowledge of art history, everyone knows the name of Vincent Van Gogh, and it is still a fascinating Sherlock Holmes mystery.

Being that we only get a taste of Watson in the beginning and end of the book, the book does have a very different feel to it thanks to the different narrator, who is someone who doesn’t know Holmes and is often baffled and annoyed by him. But while I did miss Watson, it is nice to have a new Holmes story to enjoy and Timothy Miller does an excellent job of bringing that story to life and mixing in interesting bits of history. The mystery is filled with twists and turns, and there is even a bit of an added mystery in the epilogue. If you are looking for a new Sherlock Holmes story that is a bit different then you are used to, be sure to check out The Strange Case of the Dutch Painter. I look forward to seeing where Timothy Miller takes this series next! Trish MacEnultyAuthor 14 books40

This review first appeared in the Historical Novel Review:

After reading Miller’s delightful book, The Strange Case of Eliza Doolittle, I was excited to get a chance to review the second in his “Sherlock Holmes” series. His latest does not disappoint. In fact, centered as it is around the mysterious death of Vincent Van Gogh, the book is even more intriguing than the first mystery.

This one begins when Watson comes across a painting, apparently by Van Gogh, among his deceased friend’s effects, accompanied by a mysterious manuscript, written in German. When Watson locates the author of the manuscript, an expert in authenticating paintings, the man relates an adventure he had with a man named “Vernet” — a detective who bears a striking resemblence to Sherlock Holmes. The untimely death, supposedly by suicide, of Vincent Van Gogh sets the pair on a quest from Paris to Auvers-sur-Oise to Arles to Montpellier and back in pursuit of forgers and murderers, risking life and limb as they traverse the countryside. They encounter various historical characters, including Theo Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Paul Gauguin. Our narrator can spot forgeries at a glance, but he makes no secret of his distaste for the Impressionists whose work is “a shadowless world, bereft of line or volume. Lurid pigments warred for attention…leaving the viewer to guess at the paintings’ subjects…” In spite of his discerning eye, he is always one step behind the detective and serves as the perfect foil.

While the book contains deft Holmesian plotting and a plethora of historical tidbits, the real draw for me is the extraordinary voice of Miller’s narrator: hilariously pompous, erudite, and evocative. The sheer riot of his descriptions captivates and invites readers to linger over the sentences rather than rush headlong through the story.
Kidlitter917 12

A DRC was provided by Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and Sherlocked review.

Just Jane Austen's characters, Doyle's Sherlock Holmes is destined to star in endless new adventures by writers - superfans all but of varying skills to balance their enthusiasm while maintaining more than a whiff of the Real Thing. A melancholy Dr. Watson narrates the case after finding a mysterious document in a deceased Holmes's papers. Apparently Holmes masqueraded once as Vernet, Parisian detective extraordinaire. He investigates a series of art forgeries of Old Masters which turns into an investigation of Vincent Van Gogh's death, with the aid of a reluctant art expert and Watson's doppelganger, Dr. Ivan Lermolieff, who has his own secrets - chieftly that he doesn't want to be there? (I know Dr. Watson, Sir, and you are no him.) There are cameos from a host of Impressionists and their peers, most significantly Gaugin, Toulouse-Lautrec, Suzanne Valadon and an assortment of art world nobles and nasties. Got that? Holmes pursues the truth of both the faux paintings and Vincent's fate by seemingly riding every train in France. Too many characters, real and imagined, clutter up the tale but there is some excellent research and period details that make it a worthwhile read, even if you your Holmes with Watson fighting Moriarty in foggy London town. Timothy Grubbs545 2

Sherlock Holmes and the mystery of Vincent Van Gogh

The Strange Case of the Dutch Painter by Timothy Miller isa newish Sherlock Holmes novel featuring all manner of crimes and secrets.

In a rare story where Dr Watson is not accompanying him, Holmes is hired for a case involving art forgery. When the events coincide with the mysterious death of a dealer’s brother, Sherlock suspects there’s a connection…

This begins the tale of Sherlock Holmes investigating the death of Vincent Van Gogh and how it’s tied to the odd crimes of the Parisian art scene…

Oddly, Sherlock spends the entire story under an alias with only a handful of references to his past (specifically his French heritage by way of his mother). His chronicler uses a similar alias, and he is perpetually one step behind Holmes throughout.

The novel showcases a great deal of the 1890 Parisian art world, from the dealers to collectors to the artists themselves…along with artistic opinions on various schools of art and the growth of Impressionism.

A decent complicated mystery with tons of minor figures from Van gogh’s life appearing throughout (and most in a fairly historically accurate way).

Recommended for Van Gogh and Holmes fans… Nancy1,594 2

3.75 After reading the synopsis of this story I was hoping for a bit more intrigue. It was the belief of Lermolieff and Vernet ( pseudonyms) were convinced that Sherlock Holmes had discovered information that Vincent Van Gogh was murdered..not dead from suicide. It was thought by some that Van Gogh painted duplicates of many of his works and hid clues in them. “A piece of the puzzle but not the whole puzzle” was there somewhere. Did Paul Gauguin ( Van Gogh’s neighbor) murder him? What’s up with Olympia..girl in the painting? Brad30 2

What a gem. Miller has elevated the Sherlock Holmes detective genre by dropping us into the art world revolution of Paris, 1890’s. Gore Vidal and E.L. Doctrow before him, Miller has married a captivating plot with famous historical figures. In this case, a gallery of under-appreciated-at-the-time artists, from Van Gogh to Gaugain to Toulouse-Lautrec. Far more than a police procedural, we’re given a historically accurate glimpse of an art world undergoing a dramatic sea change against a stylish Victorian-era backdrop. On top of that, it’s enormously entertaining and fun. Kathy181

Maybe give this a 2.5. Lots of artist names thrown around and I wasn’t familiar with many of them. The mystery of the story wasn’t really solved, as far as I could tell. Had to look u lots of words that I wasn’t familiar with. Finally gave up on looking them up and just went with trying to figure their meaning from the context. The book became much more interesting as you got close to the end. Don’t think I’d recommend this one to others, unless they were really into artists. Christopher42 1 follower

Haven't read a Sherlock Holmes mystery in years but this peaked my curiosity because of the use of art crime, which is always fascinating, and using real life people (Vincent Van Gogh) to forge a new story. The prose here is sharp and Holmes deduction skills are on full display.
This is Timothy Miller's second Holmes mystery following The Strange Case Of Eliza Doolittle, which I haven't read. Lorelei Armstrong73 5

This was fabulous. I will read this one again. If you have _any_ interest in Sherlock Holmes, read this book. The characters are spot-on, the settings interesting, the supporting characters fully-formed, and the research and style support the story perfectly. I wish it were a hundred pages longer, but I suppose I can wait for Timothy Miller's next book! Helena StoneAuthor 31 books126

Fascinating mystery, but a bit bewildering in that Sherlock Holmes goes by a different name throughout the story and Dr. Watson is mostly absent from the book. At times it felt more a lesson in art history, the impressionists, specifically, but thankfully they have also fascinated me, so that wasn't an issue.historical mystery Clare RhodenAuthor 23 books46

Sherlock Holmes meets the Van Gogh family in a classic mystery solved by a super sleuth. A successful homage to the original stories, with great bonus material for art aficionados. Witty in the traditional style, this is a book that Sherlock fans will enjoy.british character crime ...more Judith941

This second stand alone novel featuring Holmes has a new twist - incorporating a historical figure (Vincent Van Gogh) into the story line. Impressive research and colourful characters, I just loved this case!historical-mystery literature-british nancy-suggested ...more Emilya NaymarkAuthor 2 books88

This is my absolute favorite kind of novel: art mixed with Sherlock Holmes. I loved every word. Highly recommended! Warners3 1 follower

An interesting book to read, art theft, detective work, history etc. Refreshing to read something with proper grammar and spelling which today’s authors are badly ignorant of. ~~*Julie Kawalec-pearson155 4

Did not finish..... kenneth m gray67 2

The Strange Case of the Dutch Painter by Timothy Miller is a highly entertaining and educational book. Thank goodness Kindle has a dictionary feature that I used quite often. My vocabulary and art knowledge has increased! Timothy Miller tells a tale of both Sherlock Holmes and the conceits of the art world.
Dr. Ivan Lermolieff makes for a fine temporary replacement for Doctor Watson. The author evokes the Holmes persona perfectly and I thoroughly enjoyed his depictions of the various artists of the time. The battle between Holmes and Gaugin on the moving train was worth the price of the book! I'm not sure if this will make sense but I find Miller's descriptive writing evokes movement his characters don't just speak I sense the movement in the environment they are in. All in all a tale of great detective work with interesting characters likable as well as not and a fun informative old fashioned romp. Thank you author Timothy Miller for a wonderful reading experience and teaching me some things. James ZiskinAuthor 12 books154

Timothy Miller’s The Strange Case of the Dutch Painter will delight Sherlockians, art lovers, and æsthetes of every stripe. With meticulous research and great erudition, Miller has written a stunning addition to the enduring and evergreen canon of Sherlock Holmes adventures. Highest recommendation for this remarkable novel.1 Brooke251 4

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