Template:Infobox Story
The Sudden Death of Cardinal Tosca is a Sherlock Holmes pastiche by Francis London. Originally published in July 2015 in Germany, it was later included in the *First Collection* released through Tolino Media (ISBN 978-3-7579-7739-9 , also available on Google Play) in October 2023.
The plot is inspired by the case involving Cardinal Tosca, a case mentioned in the canonical story *The Adventure of the Black Peter*.
Plot[]
In 1895 London, the Pope visits to negotiate with the Anglican Church. When Cardinal Tosca—who was part of these talks—is found dead, one of the Pope’s envoys asks Sherlock Holmes to assist in investigating the case. Holmes collaborates with Dr. Watson and Inspector Lestrade to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death.
Characters[]
Canonical[]
Mentioned Canonical Figures[]
- Pope Leo XIII
- Cardinal Tosca
Original to this story[]
- Cardinal Silvano
Mentioned Canonical Cases[]
Watson alludes to a recent deception involving a fake fingerprint, referencing *The Adventure of the Norwood Builder* (the forgery was committed by Jonas Oldacre), and noting the scientific advance that fingerprints from two individuals can differ—based on the discoveries of Ivan Vučetić in 1891. Vučetić’s method was first used successfully in solving a double murder in 1892.
Notes[]
- Watson references the discovery that fingerprints vary from person to person, as first reported by Argentinian scientist Ivan Vučetić in 1891 and first applied successfully in 1892.
- Francis London’s writing here echoes the scope and style of Conan Doyle’s original *Strand Magazine* publications.