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Richard T. Ryan
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The Vatican Cameos: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure Paperback – November 7, 2016

by Richard T Ryan (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 198 ratings
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When the papal apartments are burgled in 1901, Sherlock Holmes is summoned to Rome by Pope Leo XII. After learning from the pontiff that several priceless cameos that could prove compromising to the church, and perhaps determine the future of the newly unified Italy, have been stolen, Holmes is asked to recover them. In a parallel story, Michelangelo, the toast of Rome in 1501 after the unveiling of his Pieta, is commissioned by Pope Alexander VI, the last of the Borgia pontiffs, with creating the cameos that will bedevil Holmes and the papacy four centuries later. For fans of Conan Doyle's immortal detective, the game is always afoot. However, the great detective has never encountered an adversary quite like the one with whom he crosses swords in "The Vatican Cameos.".
Previous page
  1. Print length
    312 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    MX Publishing
  4. Publication date
    November 7, 2016
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.68 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1780929897
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1780929897
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Winner of the Underground Book Reviews 'Novel of the Year -- People's Choice Award."

["The Vatican Cameos" is] an extravagantly imagined and brilliantly written Holmes story." -- Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author and the creator of Jack Reacher

By Fran Wood | For NJ.com
on November 13, 2016 at 8:45 PM, updated November 14, 2016 at 2:03 PM

That Sherlock Holmes never falls out of favor with readers (or TV viewers or movie goers) explains why Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary sleuth continues to inspire writers. Some are moved to pen their own Sherlock adventures, while others employ Doyle's muse to create new characters and plot lines in the spirit of the original canon.

Richard T. Ryan falls into the first category. The debut in his series, "The Vatican Cameos" (MX Publishing, 312 pp., $16.95 paperback), is just out, and die-hard fans will not be disappointed.

Full disclosure up front, Ryan sent me a pre-publication galley some months ago, asking if I'd read it and, if so moved, write a blurb. I've never met Ryan, but it was a flattering request, and I imagined my late father -- a devoted fan of the ACD books -- nudging me to say yes.
fwBLOG111317a.jpgMX Publishing

The story is crafted not only in the style of Sherlock's creator, but rife with all the trappings, starting with the character traits of Holmes and Watson and their procedural approach to problem solving, on to the imaginative means of maneuvering around inevitable hurdles, and down to minutia that makes the storytelling indisputably authentic.

The title, at least from my research (I didn't consult the author), seems to have been inspired by a remark in one of Holmes' mysteries referring to a case "pertaining to the Vatican cameos." In fact, Doyle never wrote about that case, but apparently the mention of it was sufficient to ignite Ryan's imagination.

Incidentally, Ryan comes to the subject fully prepared; a Google search elicits the revelation he previously authored "The Official Sherlock Holmes Trivia Book (Quinlan Press).

The story opens with a Roman Catholic cardinal calling on Holmes at his Baker Street lodgings to beg his help in recovering cameos created by Michelangelo in the 16th century that have been stolen from the Vatican. Purportedly, they were commissioned by Pope Alexander VI, the last of the Borgias to be elected pope, and whose deplorable reputation for vice "remains a blot on the papacy."

Holmes and Watson travel to Rome. They warily arrived at the Vatican, having neither clues nor a sense of who their enemies might be. The story time-travels between 1501, at the time Michelangelo was creating the cameos, and 1901, when Homes and Watson meet with Pope Leo XII.

Ryan has captured not only Holmes' voice but the pattern of his thinking process and logic, and the mystery is laced with an abundance of Holmes' trademark characteristics and arcane knowledge. (Holmes displaying an encyclopedic knowledge of the Vatican's architecture, for instance.)

At the story's center is a papal primer that provides the reader with a cultural history of the political struggle between Church and State.

Watson's narrative perfectly captures Holmes' arrogance and trademark knowledge of the obscure. Once you've read "The Vatican Cameos," you'll find yourself eager awaiting the next in Ryan's series.

As am I.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ MX Publishing (November 7, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 312 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1780929897
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1780929897
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.3 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.68 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 198 ratings

About the author

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Richard T. Ryan

Richard T. Ryan

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A lifelong Sherlockian, Richard Ryan is the author of "The Official Sherlock Holmes Trivia Book" as well as a book on Agatha Christie trivia. His first six novels, "The Vatican Cameos: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure," "The Stone of Destiny: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure," "The Druid of Death," "The Merchant of Menace," "Through a Glass Starkly," and "Three May Keep a Secret" are available from MX Publishing, London. His seventh novel "The Poisoned Pawn: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure" is due out in the fall from MX. He is also the author of "B Is for Baker Street: My First Sherlock Holmes," which is available as both a traditional paperback as well as a coloring book..

He obtained his master's degree from the University of Notre Dame, where he majored in medieval literature; he is a die-hard fan of the Fighting Irish -- it doesn't matter what sport.

He has been happily married for 44 years and is the proud father of two children and two grandchildren.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
198 global ratings
Very Interesting Read!
5 Stars
Very Interesting Read!
Vatican Cameos: A Sherlock Holmes AdventureWritten By Richard T. RyanGenre: Mystery, Suspense, FictionI was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed this book. I have always enjoyed Sherlock Holmes but will be honest have never read one of his stories. I am very happy that I took a chance on this book.First, I actually got the audible version of this book and I have to say, the Narrator Nigel Peever was AMAZING! I have heard some audible books that I just had to return but Mr. Peever kept me enthralled through the entire story.Mr. Ryan did an excellent job telling two parallel stories in two different time periods. In the time of 1901 Mr. Holmes was asked by the current Pope to retrieve some cameos that have gone missing, and in 1501 Michelangelo was creating the cameos that Mr. Holmes will try to find 400 years later. I enjoyed the changing of the time periods, I never once had an issue of following along. The Story was very well written and flowed very well together. Mr. Ryan pieced these stories with amazing skill and I would HIGHLY recommend you to check it out.I will say that there are some graphic scenes in the later chapters (30-32 I believe) But as it pertained to the story, I didn’t feel that they were out of place. Great Job Mr. Ryan! I look forward to reading more books written by him!
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Top reviews from the United States

Kathryn Carse
5.0 out of 5 stars ... Vatican Cameos" is such a rich read that should satisfy both ardent and casual Holmes fans
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2017
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"The Vatican Cameos" is such a rich read that should satisfy both ardent and casual Holmes fans. Author Richard Ryan first uses a believable ploy for why an unpublished Sherlock Holmes mystery has surfaced. And then the mystery begins with dialogue and details that at once feel just right as an idle Holmes and Watson wonder what is next for them. They don't wonder for long when there is a knock on the door.

The cameos in question were commissioned in 1501 by Pope Alexander VI, an infamous Borgia Pope, who taps the rising star Michelangelo to create them. Now, 400 years later, they have disappeared and Holmes is summoned by Pope Leo XIII to find them before they are used to embarrass the Vatican.

Ryan smoothly alternates chapters between 1901 and the 16th century backstory, providing a mini cliffhanger at the end of each chapter that keeps the reader turning the pages. A considerable amount of research supports this book -- history of Italy, the papacy, artistic methods, historic characters -- but the author avoids bogging down the plot with history lessons. Rather he uses his research to serve the plot and the character of the brainy detective. The result is a both informative and entertaining mystery. Discover this new author now, quick, before his next book is out.
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Hieronymous Knickerbocker
5.0 out of 5 stars A Sherlock Holmes thriller intersects with 16th century political intrigue
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2018
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Whatever had led Pope Alexander to conclude that commissioning the greatest master of marble to sculpt the shocking and politically explosive cameos no longer mattered. They had rarely been seen by anyone for four centuries, but now, in a potentially devastating turn of events, the cameos were gone, vanished without a trace, only to resurface in the hands of a determined blackmailer. Enter Sherlock Holmes, summoned to Rome from his central London apartment to discreetly assist a pope in crisis.

So proceeds the narrative of how the mystery plays out. At its side is a recounting of how the dangerous cameos came to be in the first place. That’s right: Two stories are being told in alternating chapters. Only one of them directly involves Sherlock Holmes.

The typical Holmes adventure revolves around contemporary events. But in this case, the crime – and the events that led to it – are separated by four centuries. Author Richard T. Ryan, a Holmes scholar and prolific writer of Sherlock Holmes lore and tales, has deftly presented a pair of absorbing adventures, side by side. He provides historical context (the backdrop is Rome at the turn of the 16th century) in one chapter, and the relentless pursuit of a criminal mastermind by the indefatigable detective in the next.

For some this literary two-fer may not not flow like a standard Holmes volume but, then,  The Vatican Cameos: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure  isn’t a standard Holmes volume. Once you get the hang of the interleaved tales, the pages practically turn themselves. Purists may grumble at what seem to be alternating interruptions but the stories dovetail perfectly. Aficionados of the Holmes genre will quickly agree the writing of this quality addition earns its stars.
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Dave Hilemon
4.0 out of 5 stars Intrigue, and historical figures !
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2017
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This was my first 'Holmes' mystery. Don't hold that against me. I am a fan of novels that have a religious twist, and this one did not disappoint. It took me longer to read because historical characters in these pages made me pause and research on my laptop. This awareness makes reading more enjoyable for me, not everyone of course. This book is entertaining if you aren't history focused, but is more so if you are. Looking forward to other books by author Ryan.
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Jean Marie Kolinofsky
5.0 out of 5 stars Ryan brings Holmes to life
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2017
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There are a number of authors who have embraced Sherlock Holmes as their main character. One of them is Richard T. Ryan, who has brought Holmes to life in The Vatican Cameos. All of the key elements of a Holmes story are evident, including his acute powers of observation, his ability to use disguises and his pure logic. He is also up against an opponent as diabolical as Moriarty.

Holmes is approached by Cardinal Oreglia on behalf of Pope Leo to investigate the theft of several cameos that were created by Michelangelo. The cameos were commissioned by Pope Alexander to depict members of the Curia representing sins of the flesh. They could cause an embarrassment to the church if revealed and are being used to blackmail the pope.

Ryan alternates chapters of Holmes 1901 investigation with those of Michelangelo's creation of the cameos in 1501. His commission introduces him to the Borgia family and the politics within the church provide threats to his livelihood.

For any fan of Holmes or historical mysteries, this story will keep you entertained and looking forward to Ryan's next mystery.
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W. C. Newman
3.0 out of 5 stars Print on demand. Complete, bit poorly printed.
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2023
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Many errors; words joined that should not have been; print quality was below average, with some lines light then the next line dark...
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Colleen Shirley
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing attention to detail.
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2021
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When Holmes is called on a matter of importance to a meeting with the pope in 1901, it is quickly deduced that history from 4 centuries ago affects his newest case. The author does a fantastic job of keeping the reader intrigued by alternating timelines in each chapter. The essence of Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson remains true to the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle creations. The historic names, locations, descriptions are accurate (except those which are specifically fictional for the story) and I was transported to the locations each time.
If you like Sherlock Holmes, or just a good detective story, this one is for you.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A BRILLIANT PASTICHE
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 9, 2017
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REBEL WITH OUT A COAT
This book is very very well written and thought out, and also very very interesting. The chapters alternate between Sherlock and Dr Watson investigation the theft of the Vatican cameos and Michael Angelo carving the cameos. Although the cameos do not apparently exist, a lot of the facts about the various pope' s is based on fact. Both Sherlock and Dr Watson are faithfully written to the original canon and I believe that sir Arthur Conan Doyle would actually approve. Well done to Richard T. Ryan on writing such a great book.
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Craig Stephen Copland - author of New Sherlock Holmes Mysteries
5.0 out of 5 stars Rich in history; an engaging who-done-it Sherlock Holmes story
Reviewed in Canada on March 27, 2017
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If you enjoy deeply researched historical fiction, combined with not one but two mystery/thriller stories, then you will really enjoy this excellent Sherlock Holmes pastiche. The author has obviously done his homework and woven a Sherlock Holmes mystery around the events connected to the unification of Italy and the resolution between the secular power of the Italian state and the eternal and spiritual authority of the Church and the Vatican. But underneath that story is the struggle that took place back in the early 1500s during the decadent days of the Church and culminating in the passionate creative struggle of Michelangelo - which eventually led to the masterpiece of the Sistine Chapel. If all you want is a lightning fast action/thriller, this is not for you. But if you enjoy the historical fact laden story set in a significant time in history, then you will like this. I did, and recommend it to like minds.
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Anja Nicolaus
5.0 out of 5 stars Very recommendable!
Reviewed in Germany on April 8, 2018
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As a Sherlock Holmes fan, I have not only read all of Arthur Conan Doyle's stories and novels, but also many "spin-offs". Few of the latter are as good as the "Vatican Cameos". The author manages to capture the language and mood of the original stories and combines them with a thrilling mystery. The story alternates between 1501 - when the cameos were made - and 1901 - when Holmes and Watson investigate their disappearance.
The historical background has been thoroughly researched and it's a pleasure go delve into Renaissance Italy and meet Michelangelo, Leonardo and their contemporaries. Holmes and Watson are very believable and there are many allusions to the original stories for the Sherlock fans to enjoy.
Very recommendable!
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended
Reviewed in Germany on October 12, 2016
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I‘ve read in one review that “Richard Ryan channels Dan Brown as well as Conan Doyle”. I disagree because Dan Brown’s novels tend to be utter rubbish for the last 100 pages or so.
But this book is brilliant from beginning to end. It’s a page turner and highly recommended. Definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
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JAMES W MOFFAT
4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect pastiche?
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 15, 2017
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Nice interplay between the early 16th century and the early 20th century. Alternating chapters keeps one eager to continue reading. Lots of interesting information on some of the great painters/sculptors is woven into the narrative. Holmes and Watson come across as close to the original stories, and the experienced "Holmes" reader will find much that is recognisable.
A nice little read for a winters afternoon by the fire, with a glass of Italian wine.
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