An Opened Grave: Sherlock Holmes Investigates His Ultimate Case [Paperback]

L. Frank James (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 25, 2006

In the midst of retirement, Sherlock Holmes is lured into what he believes to be a simple missing-person case. While investigating his new case, an apparent miracle saves his life and causes him to begin to question his own world-view. His client, the lovely and devout Miss Elizabeth Hackberry, off ers him an explanation for the life-saving miracle—an explanation that challenges all that he knows and believes. In his attempt to prove or disprove Miss Hackberry’s belief that God was the One who saved his life, Holmes reaches the conclusion that he must personally investigate the most controversial, ancient mystery of all time—the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a result, Holmes and Dr. Watson set out on a dangerous journey to Jerusalem. Along the way they face imprisonment, slavery, starvation, sheiks, and evil spiritual practitioners. An Opened Grave most likely will find its way into the hands of doubting friends and family members of the Christian audience. The story draws us into an ongoing debate between Homes and Watson as they attempt to rule out the impossible, and leave us only with the Truth. Though not intended to be a treatise on apologetics or doctrine, An Opened Grave credibly and respectfully addresses most of the popular and philosophical objections to belief that are held today.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Reminiscent of G.K. Chesterton's Father Brown Mysteries. A great accomplishment!" -- --John Eldredge, best-selling author of Captivating and Wild at Heart

"The fictional vehicle allows the reader to examine assertions about Christ in a more entertaining method... I enjoyed the journey. -- --Author's Choice Reviews, Carolyn R. Scheidies

Review

A wonderful combination of language, mystery, theatre, and apologetics. It’s witty, pithy, earnest, creative, and God-seeking. Reminiscent of G.K. Chesterton’s Father Brown Mysteries. A brilliant weaving of good detective fiction with profound issues of faith. A great accomplishment!”— John Eldredge, best-selling author of Captivating and Wild at Heart

“Frank James is one of the most creative and engaging writers I have ever met. His latest novel pulls you right into the greatest story of all time.”—Hugh Ross, author of numerous books and President of Reasons to Believe

BEST BOOKS OF 2006, USA Book News, Winner for Religious Fiction

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Product Details

• Paperback: 230 pages
• Publisher: The Salt Works (September 25, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1934080004
• ISBN-13: 978-1934080009
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,224,760 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A surprise awaits the reader, November 8, 2006

By 

Novel Reviews "www.novelreviews.blogspot.com" (Every City, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Opened Grave: Sherlock Holmes Investigates His Ultimate Case (Paperback)

James has captured the classical writing style of the great Sherlock Holmes mysteries, and An Opened Grave is certain to touch the hearts of his Christian audience in a very special way.

Die-hard mystery fans may be initially disappointed when the famous duo finds a time-machine which enables them to experience the time of Christ firsthand. However, James has used the unlikely scenario as an artful vehicle and unique platform on which to base the logical debates between Watson and Holmes as they experience beliefs and miracles in modern England and the ancient Middle East. James' ability to present both sides of each debate is admirable.

While An Opened Grave is entertaining, the book's debates are what will stay with his readers long after they have put the book down.

Reviewed by Marjorie Smith

17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Case Indeed!, January 22, 2007

By 

Darkendale "Raven" (VA USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: An Opened Grave: Sherlock Holmes Investigates His Ultimate Case (Paperback)

Mr. James manages to take a religious question and make a very good Sherlock Holmes mystery from it, while retaining the original question, and leaving it up to the reader to decide whether or not Holmes has proved his case. Holmes is a driven man in this book, he must know if the story of Christ rising from the dead is true or false. With the help of The Time Traveler's time machine (from H.G. Wells), Holmes and Watson travel into the past. Beset by scheming Druids and ruthless Roman Soldiers, they find themselves in Jerusalem on the day of Christ's crucifixion. Holmes must get Watson free of prison, then examine the tomb from which Christ has already risen. They witness the angels tell the women that Christ has risen. They see the risen Jesus. Holmes is convinced, Watson less so. The argument for both sides is presented cleverly. Whatever you may believe, this book is a treasure not to be easily overlooked. Quoth the Raven...

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sherlock meets Josh McDowell, June 9, 2007

By 

Reading Fan "Romans 8:1" (Baltimore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Opened Grave: Sherlock Holmes Investigates His Ultimate Case (Paperback)

This book was an entertaining lark that takes the great detective Sherlock Holmes and his worthy assistant Dr. Watson back in time to witness the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ. Sherlock wants to discover if the roots of Christianity are real or conjured up by the zealots of Christ's day. Of course, it will come as no surprise that the foundation of Christianity is found to stand the scrutiny of the world's greatest detective. In the process, we learn some good, basic apologetics about the veracity of Christianity's claims, very reminiscent of Josh McDowell's 'Evidence That Demands a Verdict'.

You need not worry that this is a heavy-handed book on theology, however. There is a story to tell of how Sherlock and Watson manage to get transported back in time, how they manage to survive once they get there (barely!), and how they get back without damaging the space-time continuum too much. I liked the interplay between Holms and Watson, the villians, and even the character of Jesus Himself. There was lots of mystery and humor to spice up the tale. It was, of course, written in the syle of Sir Author Conan Doyle.

It was a fun story and I felt a little better off for having read it.