The Final Solution

icking up about 20 years after Sir Arthur Conan Doyle left off with his world-famous detective, Chabon brings us a final Sherlock Holmes mystery. The sleuth, whom Chabon never names outright, is now in isolated, but contented retirement, his principal occupation looking after bees. Along comes a Jewish refugee boy (we’re in World War II England) and his loquacious parrot. The bird ruffles local feathers, a gentleman is bumped off and Holmes is back at it. This is a charming little book. Chabon’s use of language is pure delight, full of subtle touches and gleaming insights into the mysteries of the human heart. A fast and pleasurable read.