We head to the realm of prequel in this month’s A Book & A Beer with the backstory for the elder Holmes brother, in the book Mycroft Holmes.
What makes this peek into a little mentioned character in the books who has been enlarged upon in TV and movies is that the novel was co-written by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Yes, that one. As well as Anna Waterhouse who has screenwriting credits on her resume.
The actions begins at a crew race in England but spends the bulk of the time on the island of Trinidad. Where there is a rash of killings with an apparent supernatural bent. The book re-creates the winning formula of a Holmes brother with a trusted friend at his side, using his wits to solve a crime. There are turncoats and near death adventures before the final coup de grace is delivered by Mycroft back in England with the Queen in attendance.
To start off the beer choices, the first selection is Carib Royal Extra Stout from the Carib Brewery on the island. Staying in the dark malt realm and tying in the profit motive of the mystery is Oil Piers Porter from Surf Brewing here in California. Then I would add the IPA from the Cigar City Humidor Series to honor Douglas the cigar man and right hand to Mycroft.