Re-reading the original Sherlock Holmes stories. Turns out Holmes has a brother in The Greek Interpreter.

Facts of the case: Holmes is contacted by his brother Mycroft, who spends his days at the Diogenes Club, a social club for the antisocial. Mycroft has gotten involved with an interpreter who has gotten caught up in a sinister kidnapping plot.

Great detective: We get some family history for Holmes. His ancestors were country squires, and his great uncle was a famous French painter. He says “art in the blood” helps him solve crimes.

Good doctor: Watson does the doctor thing when one of the suspects is pulled from a room filled with poisonous charcoal, saving the man’s life.

Who’s at the door: Welcome to the series, Mycroft. He’s the older brother by seven years, and is described as tall and stout. Holmes is quick to admit that Mycroft is smarter than he, but Mycroft never leaves the comfort his armchair to actually solve cases. (I’m not sure, but I think this is where the phrase “armchair detective” began.) Mycroft’s job is described as auditing books for various government departments.

Inspector Gregson, whom we met way back in A Study In Scarlet, returns as Holmes’ liaison with the police. We once again see a pageboy living at 221B Baker St., who summons a cab for Holmes, Watson, and Mycroft.

Action hero: Holmes packs a pistol before heading into the bad part of the city. He dives into action when discovering the deadly charcoal room, saving one of the two men inside.

Indubitably: Great fun. The introduction of Mycroft is nice character development for Holmes, and the case gets our heroes out and about in London having adventures against some creepy villains.

Next week: In the Navy.

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