{"product_id":"2940044786714","title":"The Case of the Vatican Murder","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe third in a series of Sherlock Holmes forbidden-to-be-published Adventures under the Imprimatur of the Conan-Doyle Estate:\u003cbr\u003eA single, strong plot line dominates the story, but it has many tangled tributaries. It may be useful to list the names and attributes of new characters introduced:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e[An (X) denotes those who are killed in the story]\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCardinal Vecchio: A sinister cleric conspiring to win the Papacy\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFather Duncan: Watson’s Vatican-appointed attorney\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDr. John Dougherty (X): Watson’s friend and Afghan-campaign comrade at arms, later known to have been a spy for the British Government.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVesuvia (X): A prostitute who sets up Dougherty to be murdered\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMadam Fortini: Vecchio’s Mistress\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDr. Cobb: Discoverer of Dougherty’s unique murder\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDr. Corona: A Dougherty enemy who becomes Holmes’ helper\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA Sicilian (X): A specialist in the Vatican Cryptographic Chamber who alerts the Black Hand to Holmes suspicions\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBrenta (Vesuvia’s Twin): (in the same profession) Enraged at her sister’s murder, she becomes very helpful with introductions to the Don’s wife\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Don: (Capo de Tutti Capi) Boss of the Roman Black Hand; orders Vesuvia’s jealous lover’s death\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Don’s Wife: Helpful in engaging the Don’s assistance\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCaptain Kartini: Perfidious member of the rural policia who attempts to get Watson killed\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMaury: Unlikely nickname for Mauritzio Cartoglia, an old carabineri acquaintance of Holmes\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eProfessional Assassin (X): Kills the Sicilian and Vesuvia and perhaps another.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnique Venue at the time:\u003cbr\u003eBecause the Vatican is a City State within Italy, it has its own laws, courts, jail\/prison, morgue, etc., therefore criminals\/suspects must undergo extradition to be taken into custody by the Roman policia or the carabineri. It could legally try, convict, and if called for, execute individuals. Italy, and therefore Rome still observed the Napoleonic Code of justice, forcing the accused to prove their innocence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Plot in brief:\u003cbr\u003eAttending a Coroner’s Convention in Rome, Watson is accused of the murder of Dougherty because he was the last person known to have seen him alive. He is arrested and thrown in the local jail, unable to communicate in Italian.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHolmes eventually secures his release on the technicality that he was arrested on a site considered to be Vatican property, so he is bound over to the Vatican in Holmes’ custody, giving him the freedom to help in his defense, aided by Father Duncan. Using evidence found in Dougherty’s hotel room, they are led to confront Dr. Corona, who proves to be innocent, and becomes helpful.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVesuvia is identified as the result of a series of deductions; she admits setting up John, but is killed before she could testify.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWatson, mistaken for Holmes, survives two assassination attempts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Cardinal is implicated but offers a rational (though flawed) explanation for the perceptions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith all potential witnesses useless or dead, Watson is tried in court by an excellent prosecuting attorney, receives a brilliant defense by Father Duncan, but is convicted.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs the death sentence is in the process of being delivered, Holmes upsets the court with an Amicus Curiae appearance and presents evidence involving Dr. Cobb.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHolmes confesses to something so extraordinary that it is absolutely incredible to Watson.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bruce Briley","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47109720539376,"sku":"2940044786714","price":5.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/2940044786714_p0.jpg?v=1763965699","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/2940044786714","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}