Saddle up for a wild ride with the Holmes on the Range Mystery series, where Sherlock Holmes meets the dusty trails of the American West! Steve Hockensmith’s clever blend of detective fiction and Western adventure follows cowboy brothers Gustav 'Old Red' and Otto 'Big Red' Amlingmeyer as they solve crimes in the 1890s, armed with grit, wit, and a passion for Holmes’ deductive methods. This unique series, which kicked off in 2003, has roped in fans with its humor and heart, offering a fresh twist on two beloved genres.
Picture this: two redheaded cowboys, out of work and down to their last pennies, stumble into mysteries that demand sharp minds and quick draws. It’s a delightful mix of brain-teasing puzzles and rootin’-tootin’ action, perfect for readers craving something new yet nostalgic.
How Holmes on the Range Mystery Began
Steve Hockensmith, a former journalist with a knack for short fiction, struck gold with his debut novel, Holmes on the Range, published in 2006. Inspired by his love for Sherlock Holmes and classic Westerns, Hockensmith crafted a series that started with a short story, 'Dear Mr. Holmes,' in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine in 2003. The tale of two cowboy brothers channeling their inner Holmes was a hit, earning nominations for major mystery awards and sparking a full-fledged series. Hockensmith’s goal was simple: merge the cerebral sleuthing of Conan Doyle with the rugged charm of the Old West, creating a world where deduction meets six-shooters.
The Heart of Holmes on the Range Mystery
The series follows Old Red, a 27-year-old cowboy with a crabby streak and a Holmes obsession, and Big Red, his younger, more easygoing brother who narrates their adventures with sardonic flair. In the first book, Holmes on the Range (2006), the brothers take a job at the secretive Bar VR ranch in Montana, only to uncover a murder that Old Red tackles with Holmes-inspired 'deducifying.' On the Wrong Track (2007) sees them guarding the Pacific Express train, dodging outlaws and unraveling a killer’s plot. The Black Dove (2008) takes them to San Francisco’s gritty streets, tangling with Chinatown crime lords, while The Crack in the Lens (2009) adds a personal edge as Old Red hunts a murderer tied to his past.
Hockensmith’s stories weave themes of brotherhood, perseverance, and ingenuity against the vibrant backdrop of the 1890s West. The series’ humor—think Big Red’s witty asides—pairs with intricate mysteries that keep readers guessing. Settings like dusty ranches, steam-powered trains, and bustling frontier towns ground the stories in historical grit, while the Holmesian logic adds a cerebral thrill. Fans love the balance of laugh-out-loud moments and edge-of-your-seat suspense, making each book a genre-blending gem.
Why Holmes on the Range Mystery Resonates
The series has carved a niche in mystery and Western circles, earning praise for its originality and charm. Holmes on the Range was a finalist for the Edgar, Shamus, Anthony, and Dilys awards, while The Crack in the Lens nabbed a Nero nomination. Critics from Publishers Weekly to The New York Times have lauded its clever plotting and colorful characters, comparing it to a lighter, funnier take on Sherlockian pastiches. For fans, the Amlingmeyer brothers’ underdog spirit and quirky dynamic offer a refreshing spin on detective duos, proving you don’t need a deerstalker to be a sleuth.
Its lasting appeal lies in its ability to bridge genres, appealing to Sherlockians, Western enthusiasts, and mystery lovers alike. By blending historical authenticity with playful homage, Hockensmith has created a series that feels timeless yet wholly unique, keeping readers eager for more adventures.
- First book published: 2006
- Number of novels: 7, plus short stories
- Awards: Finalist for Edgar, Shamus, Anthony, Dilys, and Nero
- Setting: 1890s American West
Dust off your Stetson and grab Holmes on the Range to dive into a world of clever mysteries and cowboy charm. The Amlingmeyer brothers are waiting to take you on a thrilling adventure!