http://www.neilgaiman.com/images/exclusive/Shadows.gif
Through the 'net's mysterious ways I came accross this short story, by Gaiman (http://www.neilgaiman.com/index.asp). There isn't too much to say about him, since he is a well-known monster in terms of creativity.
This time he delivers a short story about an incredibly smart detective, much in the way of Chesterton (http://www.gutenberg.org/catalog/world/authrec?fk_authors=80), another one of my favourite writers. But with a twist, of course. In the cover of the book that originally contains this story says "Sherlock Holmes enters the dark, nightmare world of H. P. Lovecraft". Almost. I'd rather say "Father Brown (http://www.chesterton.org/G!/v1n1.whobrown.htm) meets Lovecraft".
By the way, this story was nominated for best short story in the 2004 Hugo Awards (http://www.noreascon.org/hugos/nominees.html), and it won.

It's short, it's great, it's free and it's one click away:
http://www.neilgaiman.com/exclusive/StudyinEmerald.asp

Hint: you might find it interesting to navigate the rest of his site.

Thanks for the link to the story Francesco. A good read and an interesting twist at the end. I'm a sucker for Sherlock Holmes stories. Good thing there's no shortage of authors writing their own versions. I have a book called Murder in Bakerstreet edited by the tireless Martin H. Greenberg with several such new Baker Street mysteries. Of course I doubt these stories will have the touches of the supernatural that Gaiman throws into his. Thanks again.

thanks for the link. I havent even followed it yet but I love gaimen and am alway happy for something free of his!

Thank you! Gaiman wrote some wonderful novels, among which Neverwhere (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0380789019/qid=1105971029/sr=8-8/ref=pd_ka_1/104-2444687-3387168?v=glance&s=books&n=507846) is probably my favorite.

Thank you! Gaiman wrote some wonderful novels, among which Neverwhere (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0380789019/qid=1105971029/sr=8-8/ref=pd_ka_1/104-2444687-3387168?v=glance&s=books&n=507846) is probably my favorite.

Funny you should mention it. I was in the bookstore this morning and noticed Neverwhere on the shelf. Thought about picking it up since I've never read any of Gaiman's novels. Looks like Fictionwise (http://fictionwise.com/servlet/mw;jsessionid=gfiCjqeZb42+mMU3uz8CqTjmi1Q?a=rewrit e&url=/ebooks/eBook4060.htm)has it too and for a full $0.20(USD) less than Amazon!

And you guys say ebooks aren't cheaper than their dead tree versions :D

I guess I shouldn't complain. I mean it's like getting the DRM for free!

Ok enough joking. I'll check it out Alexander and thanks.

*GRIN*

With your sarcastic sense of humor, you are definitely going to love this book. Trust me!

That is my favorite book of his. I actually bought it in a gas station for a trip. Best gas station buy ever. I really didnt enjoy his American Gods though. It was also rated as one of the best SF books of all time. Go figure.

I'm in the middle of Neverwhere.
;)
Can't put it down, really.

I'm in the middle of Neverwhere.
;)
Can't put it down, really.
Glad you like it... My girlfriend originally recommended it to me, so now I am passing it on ;)