Holmes's Book represent a clear vision of the paper of government's to deliver social services through technology infrastructure and confirm how government's processes have to modify its sense to deliver major benefits to more citizens. It is highly recommended.

This informative, well-researched and brightly written overview of government e-business will fill you in on how far governments worldwide have come in offering services via the Internet, and what more they have to do to make the most of what the technology has to offer. It's a fascinating read that highlights the Internet's incredible power in bringing people, causes and issues together in the name of social activism, politics and democracy. We from getAbstract recommend this book to all readers with an interest in better - or at least more efficient -government.

This is a very good IRENE ADLER book. Maybe a bit predictable, but a fun read. However, I was disappointed to learn that it was really only a re-named re-issue of IRENE's LAST WALTZ, not a new book. I haven't cared for the two newest Carole Nelson Douglass Irene books, Chapel Noir and Castle Rouge, much too gruesome. But, I do hope she goes back to writing this type of book.

This book is actually a reprint of a book under a different title. The original title was Irene's Last Waltz, and it is the 4th in the series. In it, Irene Adler Norton, whom we first met in Arthur Conan Doyle's short story, "A Scandal in Bohemia," returns to Bohemia to discover that an impostor has been put in the place of the real king and that a nocturnal monster is stalking the capital city.

Before reading this one, you may wish to read the previous books in the series in this order: Good Night, Mr. Holmes; Good Morning, Irene; and Irene At Large. (As far as I have been able to determine these have not been reissued under different titles but may be in the future). After this book, there are two more books: Chapel Noir and Castle Rouge.

Whoever thought that Irene Adler, subject of only one Holmesian short story, would cause such a stir among fans? Now Carole Nelson Douglas at last brings to life a character that had only been mentioned save for her one famous line in "A Scandal in Bohemia": "Good night, Mr Holmes." From the inspiration of _the_ woman comes this fantastic first in a series that gets better and better. Not only are the books exciting, but they're refreshingly _funny_, filled with subtle wit and humor. Appearances by famed historical personages (Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, and later on the Divine Sarah Bernhardt) and famed fictional personages, Holmes and Watson themselves, make this series both realistic and amusing to read.

The characters in the Irene Adler series are complex: after reading the first three books, I still can't figure out whether or not I love or hate the character of Irene herself. Irene is the ultimate diva-detective, solving mysteries for the sake of curing her own boredom, and approaches everything with an impish enthusiasm. Impossibly radiant and beautiful, she eclipses the series' true heroine, the "Watson" to Irene, Penelope Huxleigh: a plain and proper parson's daughter who gets mixed up in Irene's life by mistake, in a very similar way that Watson met Holmes. Nell is the most intriguing character in the series, and easiest to identify with, even if she comes off as a prude at times. Anyone who has felt a "third wheel," or has been left in the shadows because of a more attractive friend, will relate to Nell. Barrister Godfrey Norton makes up the third of this main-character trio, who is astonishingly likeable - he adds a definite spark to the series that would surely be lost without him.

_Good Night, Mr. Holmes_ and the books that follow it (two or three of which are out of print and hard to find at present) will probably best liked by women, because it very accurately (and bemusedly) presents a female version of the Victorian era - one from a "modern" woman and one more subdued and conformist, and two different feminine views (from Irene and Nell) of Sherlock Holmes himself. It's very interesting to see Holmes as a minor character and adversary - and don't worry, Holmes fans: Nelson writes Holmes and Watson well.

I strongly recommend reading "A Scandal in Bohemia" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (found in _The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes_) before turning to the Irene Adler series, in order to get acquainted with the characters and see the Watsonian point of view on the case portrayed in _Good Night, Mr. Holmes_.

Ms. Douglas is a talented and practiced writer. This book and the others of this series show how well she has honed her craft.

This is a deeper look at Irene Adler who was a character in Doyle's, "A Scandal in Bohemia". She was one of the few people and the only woman to outwit Sherlock Holmes. The book retells the story from Adler's viewpoint and goes on to solve some other puzzles. Irene Adler, as she appears in the Douglas books, is truly an amazing woman. One would be hard pressed not to have admiration for her and her enormous abilities. She is shown as a virtuous, honest, married woman in this book instead of the "fallen woman" she is portrayed to be in the Doyle book.
All the narrative is done from the supposed diary of Penelope Huxley (Adler's Doctor Watson). Ms. Huxley is a dedicated spinster who apparently is meant to be the conscience of Victorian London. Some of her straight laced, over done morals are a bit trying but she is probably representative of the outlook of "proper" Victorian England. Penelope is a whiz at taking notes, much as Archie Goodwin is a supposed human tape recorder (Nero Wolfe series). It's very convenient to have someone on hand to do nothing but observe and record, thereby giving more credence to the story. There is much name dropping in this and all the other books of the series. Famous characters appear here and there for no apparent reason except to give added spice to the book. I think anyone who likes the Holmes series or who likes to boost the status of women in general will enjoy this book and the ones following it.

I've read other "Holmes" fiction by Laurie R. King and was always disappointed that those books didn't have the essence of Holmes pairing him up (in marriage no less!) with a teenage girl.
But this book was a breathe of fresh Sherlock Holmes air. It starts out slowly and was a bit hard to get into, but it really spins along at the end and you can't put it down! I really enjoyed the way the whole story played out. I was most fond of Miss Penelope Huxleigh and Godrey Norton...even more than Irene.

A mysterious photograph. A disappearing company. A man with two identities. All this and more in the book, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This book includes puzzling mysteries such as The Case of Identity, in which a husband suddenly disappears, and A Scandal in Bohemia, in which a king tries to steal a photo, but needs Sherlock Holmes' help. This book is suitable for all people ages 10 to adult. It's puzzling and complex, yet adventuresome and amusing, able to catch all readers' eyes. Unfortunately, the book does have some boring parts, but its captivating stories and perplexing mysteries more than make up for this. Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes team up together once again and form what may be one of the best detective book yet, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

I rate this book 4 stars because it reel you in on a hook and it will not let go until you have read the whole thing. Its a keeper any person thats read it would say. It on the egde, exciting, and most of all it is very clever. Did I tell you that it is also Adventurous.

The book is about two main people. One is the great Sherlock Holmes and his ever faithful Dr. Watson. They go on Adventures together and make there murder look like a fool for even thing to fool the great team.

A quick example from the book is a evil uncle and two women in the house that the woman own. One day one woman was found dead and the local law enforcement had no clue until the great team of Sherlock and Watson were on the case. ...
That is just one of the many stories told. So if you want a fast pace book. Read The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

Dear peers, My opinion is that the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is one of the best book I have ever read.Sherlock Holmes is a good book because it challenges your knowledge. The plot are full of mystery and action.As I read the book, I could not put it down because I felt that I was Sherlock solving the case. Sherlock was one of the best in his time peroid. This information can be found at Conan Doyle's website. The author was known for his intelligence and ways of solving mysteries. For an example in the Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes Mr. Waston said "you are the best". He was admired all over Scotland. He always wanted a mystery to challenge his intelligence. before the person even knew what they would say he knew. He never told them, he would just wait and try to catch them in the act. Some people say Sherlock is nosey and rude. For an example he didn't listen to the man when he asked him what his daughter was doing in his office. Another example he went into someone basement because he was sure the criminals were making a tunnel to rob the city bank. Sometimes when he lies, the lies are to help other people from imbarassment.for example in the case of the star spangled banner. He said that the man got bit by his pet snake when he was playing with it. Sherlock figured the girl had been through enough and If he was to tell her it would make her depreesed and imbarass if someone should ask her about the incident. If you are in to mystery and adventure then The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes is the book for you. Your'e not be able to put the book down after you start to read it. You should not judge a book by it's cover: It may look oldfashion but the stories are great even in modern times.

This story is very much in the Doylist style. It has a very classic mystery format which put me to mind of the Sign of Four. Fast paced, interesting characters. The only flaws would be that Holmes presence tantalizes in its absence and everyone is way to good a makeup artist.

I can't wait for the next book in the series, Chapel Noir, which is finally coming out. These books take Irene Adler, the only woman to outwit Sherlock Holmes, and make her the star of her own show. The historical research is top-notch, the writing is witty, and the stories are impossible to put down. This one features the first beautiful blonde American princess of Monaco (Grace was a late-comer!) in a plot that threatens a royal wedding and reveals an old and complex scheme to control a hidden fortune. It's an amusing and authentic spoof of Conan Doyle, yet captures the mood of the Victorian era even while referencing more modern events and interweaving details from the Holmes Canon. Historical and mystery fans, including serious Holmesians, will love this absorbing and delightful adventure.

I have eagerly anticipated another Irene Adler book from Carole Nelson Douglas for several years now. I learned about "Chapel Noir" several months ago and eagerly rushed to the bookstore as soon as my copy arrived in the store. That said, I can admit I am a fan, albeit a slightly disappointed one.

No, I do not mind that the book is darker than the previous ones in the series. It fits the story. I love the growth and development of the characteters, so no complaints there. I can even handle a cliffhanger as much as I personally detest them. I hate waiting at least a year for a resolution in books I read primarily for entertainment.

What I didn't like was the constant change of narrator in the book. Yes, I understand it was necessary, considering the inevitable cliffhanger. Yes, I even like Pink (or whatever you want to call her). But although she is vastly different in personality from Nell, her narrative voice is not sufficiently different. I kept having to keep the narrative clues straight as to who was speaking, since the voices were all too similar. It's not that I was confused, but I had to work too hard to read the book just to keep the narrators straight, let alone the clues and story developments. It was horrific when I had to put the book down for a break and come back and figure out who was speaking before I could become immersed in the story. The narrative clues are dense, actually, and also slowed the flow of the story. It was as if the editor knew the voices were not different enough so we were peppered with narrative clues, not mystery clues, since the conceit had to be maintained to obtain the ending.

Still, Irene is back, and so is Nell. If you love them, reread the other books and venture onto this one. If you haven't read the former books, please start with them. Nell is a jewel, a Dr. Watson and an Archie Goodwin rolled all into a Victorian woman. Don't miss her. I love her. I just wish the book had been more about her again than Irene. Irene is wonderful, but Nell is the true heroine. Nell humanizes Irene's perfections.

If you also enjoy Holmes tempered with a strong female character, I highly recommend Laurie R. King's "The Beekeeper's Apprentice."

In 1889 American Irene Adler Norton resides in Paris with her beloved British husband Godfrey. At first the social swirl provides Irene with much distraction, but that quickly turns boring for the only known female to outwit and out-deduce the great Sherlock Holmes.

Thus, when the police, acting at the direction of a higher up, ask her to assist with the inquiries into the murders of prostitutes, Irene jumps at the opportunity. Upon seeing the brutalized corpse of the latest victim, a horrified Irene immediately thinks of London and Ripper. Unable to resist full involvement, Irene begins to investigate the grisly homicides only to find that once again she competes with the internationally renowned Holmes.

Anyone who enjoys the full Holmes pantheon (not just Doyle’s prime piece of heaven) will want to read the first Irene Adler novel released in several years. The story line is exciting as Victorian Paris comes to life through the eyes of Irene and her shocked companion Nell. Holmes also plays a secondary but important role. The who-done-it is cleverly designed so that it is elementary to Dr. Watson that this novel is quite appealing. Fans of Holmes will want to read CHAPEL NOIR, Carole Nelson Douglas previous Adler novels and demand a shorter gap for her next appearance.

Harriet Klausner

Irene Adler, heroine of "Good Night, Mr. Holmes" and other novels, returns in this great addition to the series. Sherlock Holmes fans will recall that Holmes always referred to her as "the Woman" after she outwits him in "A Scandal in Bohemia". Irene, along with her sidekick Nell and her husband Godfrey, ably carries her own series. I heartily recommend all of the Irene Adler books to any lover of mysteries.

"Chapel Noir" finds Irene and Nell embroiled in a hunt for a demented killer. The year is 1889. Jack the Ripper--aka "Saucy Jack"--prowled the streets of London's East End only the previous fall. No arrests were ever made in the Ripper murders. Could the Ripper have moved his operation to Paris? With the able assistance of Pink, a young American woman, Irene and Nell pursue the killer through the streets and catacombs of Paris.

I have only one quibble with this book: because the story will be continued in the next volume, the cliff-hanger ending leaves the reader hanging. But this unsatisfying climax only whets the reader's appetite for more.

Since I began reading this series, I had occasionally wondered if Penelope "Nell" Huxleigh, sensible parson's daughter and friend to the great Irene Adler, would ever find a special "someone" of her own. Irene, after all, has been happily married to Godfrey since the end of "Good Night, Mr. Holmes" (no spoiler there, as this is revealed in the Holmes version of the tale). I was pleasantly surprised with the nature of the match the author chose to make-- fitting with Nell's background, yet appropriate to her present and future. Quentin is simultaneously able to hold Nell up as an icon of respectability, yet admire her for her present adventures (much as she denies them). And in doing this, he encourages her to see herself more as we, the readers, have come to see her-- competent, practical, and intelligent.

The period references to the "Great Game"-- the ongoing struggle for domination between England and Russia, the two major world powers of the day-- were also detailed and well-written, and added a satisfying texture to Watson's past, as well as adding suspense to the plot. (Those who liked this aspect of the story might also like Margaret Ball's "Flameweaver" and "Changeweaver" novels, though these are historical fantasy rather than mystery.)

Oh, and the mystery itself was pretty good too. :)

I find this book, as others in the series, a delightful addition to the Sherlockian canon. The adventures of Irene Adler loop in and around the known timeline of Sherlock's exploits, and the few tantalizing glimpses we have of the Great Detective keep him very definitely in character, unlike many ham-handed attempts by other authors. I highly recommend the entire series, and can't wait until it moves into the mysterious 2-year hiatus so unsatisfactorily explained by Mr. Holmes after his supposed death.

I have read other supposed Sherlock Holmes take offs, This one succeeds by not recreating Sherlock Holmes but one of the characters from the original series. I enjoyed the female viewpoint and the tidbits of Sherlockian lore she weaves through the adventure. This was the first of the series that I have read, I have just bought the previous two and will spend a couple of great nights reading them. Hope Ms. Douglas bring out more in the series.

These last two books by Douglas have been diappointing, indeed. I borrowed Castle Rouge and skimmed through only to keep up on the relationship between Quentin and Nell. I hope the next book in this series is more in keeping with the first three.

Slow, confusing, not very believable, (and to top it off Pink is beyond irritating). I was very disappointed in this installment in the Irene Adler series. As a long time fan I have been quite disappointed in the last two books

Castle Rouge is a breathtaking work of depth and quality. Never has Irene been so fascinating or determined, and never has she found herself in a situation to match this one. This is a sumptuous read!

Personally, I believe that this is the greatest work that Holmes wrote. Through Elsie Venner, Holmes tried to oppose Calvin's idea that humans are morally responsible for their inherited flaws, and this is perfectly demonstrated through Elsie's serpentine characteristics and following "humanization" and death. It succeeds in being a forerunner of inherent symbolism in literature, but I feel that the black "mammy" character degrades this book in my eyes, just proving that Holmes was not as great or as original as we would hope. He did not have to stoop to such racism to prove a point or create a meaningful story. Still, his work deserves its rightful accolades.

A collection of four short stories of varying lengths which seem to reflect the author's desire for Holmes and Watson to investigate cases in the north of England, presumably not too far from the author's current and/or childhood home.

While readable, I found these stories not particularly enjoyable and I was easily distracted from them. I was annoyed by the names that are employed to conceal the "identities" of the people involved - the Rt. Hon. Treasure Fortune M.P. indeed! Krihc House near the village of Chirk. And why the strangely named Inspector Indigo Strap insists on calling Captain Rufus Carrick "Capting" is not plain to me.

Underlying this are four stories which, while not bad, are sub-Conan Doyle in their content. Not a book I could recommend.