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When cricket hero Rory McSweeney is accused of murdering his wife, all of England responds in horrified disbelief, including Inspector Wembley who heads the investigation. Months later, after one mistrial, the court is getting desperate to seat a jury. Perhaps it's no surprise, then, that even Sherlock Holmes receives a summons at 221B Baker Street. What's more surprising is that he—or someone remarkably like him—shows up and is chosen to serve, as is Nigel Heath, solicitor and occupant of 221B who often answers letters sent to the fictional detective.
From jury selection through opening statements and a wild trip to the Devon coast to gather evidence, THE BAKER STREET JURORS takes readers on an adventure, parts of which may be all too familiar to anyone who has ever been called to jury duty on either side of the Atlantic. However, while the crowds and endless waiting may be familiar, the rest of the plot is much more exciting than what the usual juror encounters. Nigel and his fellow jurors quickly find their numbers diminishing, and when they are trapped on a rain-swept island, the stakes are raised, and what have been minor inconveniences turn to murder. Reminiscent of tales by Agatha Christie, THE BAKER STREET JURORS soon has the remaining jurors suspecting each other and trying desperately to uncover the killer before they become the next victims.
For fans of the series, this fast read puts Nigel in the spotlight since his brother Reggie, most recently the main amateur sleuth, is otherwise engaged and doesn't make an appearance in this novel. Other favorite characters do, and Michael Robertson's clever inclusion of a Sherlock-like character having to serve on the jury is a nice twist. Strongly plot driven, the mystery moves along at a nice clip, and while the characters aren't deeply drawn, they're entertaining and fun to be with—especially Nigel who is quietly clever, particularly observant, and a bit in need of distraction. By the time it's all over, all questions are answered and justice is nicely served (in spite of it being a trifle manipulated). It also appears that Nigel is back in London to stay, so future additions to the series may have the brothers working together again. For those who are unfamiliar with the series, this is also enjoyable as a stand-alone book: there's no need to have any background, because Robertson fills in the pertinent details where they're needed but makes little reference to previous stories. Overall, it's easy to get caught up in the action, the characters are a delight, and the novel makes short work of a weekend getaway—or perhaps the hours spent waiting to be assigned to a jury.
§ Meredith Frazier, a writer with a background in English literature, lives in Dallas, Texas
Reviewed by Meredith Frazier, August 2016
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