It is my opinion that The Seven Percent Solution is possibly one of the best Holmesian pastiches ever written.
It shows the terror of being in the clutches of narcotics and he difficulty of over coming an addiction. I swear that if anyone
is considering doing cocaine or any drug for that matter, if they read this book, they will change their minds and never even
attempt the stuff.
It also shows the rapid decline of the human mind as narcotics start to very slowly consume every aspect of the
user's life. The fact that the user is Holmes is equally terrifying for fans of the great detective.
The book also does great justice to Watson's character. Meyer illustrates the platonic love between the men, and
their devotion to one another. Watson, in his determination to save the life of his friend, tells Mary that "he is ready to
spend money as if it were water." The book also shows Mary Watson nee Morstan's devotion to the great detective and her love
for her husband. Together Mary and Watson devise a way to get Holmes to Vienna.
The character of Sigmud Freud is very well drawn. Although I must confess I do not know much about the man (don't
let my psychology teacher hear me say that! LOL) his character seemed extremely real and his quirks sounded as though they
could have been his own.
The case that Holmes eventually involves himself with, is also extremely interesting. We readers are confronted
with one of the most vile antagonists ever encountered in Sherlock ian stories.
The Seven Percent Solution is a must read for Sherlockian and Holmesians alike as well as mystery
lovers in general. Meyer certainly did an outstanding job and should be commended.
