GRAVES GATE

Dennis Burges

Carroll & Graf Publishers

ISBN 0-7867-1202-3 (hardcover)

June 2004

Mystery/Paranormal

In 1922 London, American journalist Charles Baker has been invited to a party hosted by the famous, and infamous, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Conan Doyle is famous, of course, for his detective fiction. Lately, he has become infamous for his serious belief in all things Spiritual, including a series of fairy photographs taken by two young girls. His belief in the validity of these photos has made him something of a laughingstock. He has asked Charles to help him investigate a letter, received earlier that week. Written on a piece of the Times, the letter claims to have proof of communication with the dead; it speaks of a page from his father’s sketchbook; a page known only to his deceased father, Conan Doyle himself, and one other person. Conan Doyle tells Charles that the writer’s source can only be his father’s psychiatrist, Dr. Bernard Gussmann. Dr. Gussmann died in 1909.

The writer of the letter has promised to provide proof of his/her ability to communicate with the dead, as long as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle performs a small favor. There is a woman in prison, sentenced to hang within a week’s time. The writer has provided three names. If Conan Doyle will arrange for any one of these three individuals to visit the condemned woman, the writer will provide the proof. Conan Doyle is, naturally, anxious to prove his theories to the public, but he is smart enough to realize that this could be a hoax. He asks Charles to investigate the matter. Charles’ investigation is complicated by the presence of Adrianna Wallace, a woman married to a much older Member of Parliament. Adrianna seems determined to join him in the investigation, regardless of appearances. There’s plenty that Adrianna hasn’t told Charles. And there’s plenty to investigate, as the case goes in unexpected directions.

This unique novel begins with a visit to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s private library and a discussion of Spiritualism, which, in those times, simply meant a belief in the paranormal. Conan Doyle is portrayed as an intelligent and nuanced man, who is not blind to his reputation, or to the possibility that he’s being taken. Charles makes the perfect foil, as a man whose war experiences have taught him to believe in only what he can see and touch. Charles’ personal dealings are perhaps a bit too naïve for a man of his age and experience; but Adrianna is clearly portrayed as a woman determined to do exactly what she wants to do. The story moves quickly, and takes several unexpected turns. The outcome is fairly dark, but ultimately satisfying. I hope to see more from this talented author in the future.