Holmes on the Range is the debut novel from Steve Hockensmith, published February 7, 2006, by St. Martin's Minotaur. It introduced the characters of Gustav "Old Red" Amlingmeyer and his younger brother Otto "Big Red" Amlingmeyer. In 2007, Holmes on the Range was a finalist for the Anthony Award for Best First Novel, Dilys Award, Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best First Novel, Macavity Award for Best First Novel, and Shamus Award for Best First Novel.

Plot summary

In 1892, cowboy Gustav "Old Red" Amlingmeyer listens to a Sherlock Holmes story "The Red-Headed League" read by his younger brother Otto "Big Red" Amlingmeyer while on a cattle drive, and decides to follow in his new hero's footsteps by using logic and observation to solve mysteries. Unfortunately for him, cowboys do not often stumble on to mysteries and he practices his craft until the pair are hired by a ranch to perform maintenance. When the general manager of the ranch shows up dead after a stampede and everyone believes it an accident despite some suspicious circumstances, Old Red uses his new skills to see that there is more to it than what appears. As the mystery gets deeper and the bodies start to mount, the brothers learn that there is more to solving crimes then simply following the clues - there are also bullets to dodge.

Characters

Cantlemere Ranch

Hornet's Nest Hires

Investors & staff from England

Other characters

Release Details

Reception

Holmes on the Range received starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, who wrote, "Sherlockians, western fans and mystery lovers who enjoy their whodunits leavened with humor should all be delighted by Hockensmith's captivating debut". They further indicated that "the melding of genres will remind some of the late Bill DeAndrea's western Nero Wolfe pastiches, while the skillful plotting and characterization augur well for the sequel". Kirkus Reviews called the novel "a winning twist on a proven franchise," noting that the "playful chapter titles add authenticity and flavor". Publishers Weekly also provided the audiobook a starred review, writing that "narrator William Dufris gives a virtuoso performance". They highlighted how "Dufris creates believable, distinctive voices for a large and colorful cast [...] and does it so well that a listener might well believe he's listening to a full troupe of actors".