A brief installment, but a telling one. Holmes and Watson are clearly very interested in this case, but Snuff may have thrown them off the trail for a while at least.
More interesting is this business of lines – the ones Snuff draws in his head, a skill which is apparently solely the role of the familiars rather than the humans in this business, if Jack’s deference to Snuff in this matter is anything to go by. These lines connect the residences of the various players, and the point where they all intersect is where the Game itself will be decided. But where is that? And have we even met all the players yet? Do Holmes and Watson count as players?
A chapter lasting but a single page – Zelazny’s ode to the joys of domesticity, however unusual one’s domicile and denizens.
Holmes still about (the Game, after all, is still afoot), and a new player enters the fray – only this one wants to end the game once and for all.
One of the aspects I most enjoy about this book is the courtesy shown (for the most part) between players. It reminds me of the exquisite politeness that everyone shows each other in ‘The Princess Bride.’ It can’t last, of course, but it’s entertaining while it does.
The familiars conspire to conceal a murder (of a policeman, no less), despite having no idea who did it other than one of the players.
There’s also, for a brief shining second, a mention of Rastov’s icon, which he obtained from ‘a mad Arab who’d given up on Islam’ – who can certainly be none other than Abdul Alhazred – provides yet another hint as to what the Game might be about.
The midpoint of the month, and doesn’t everyone know it? Nearly every single player is seen in this chapter, all on last minute missions or out enjoying themselves, since this will be their last chance for frivolity for some little while.
Isn’t it reassuring to know that, after a few days, the authorities will notice that a policeman is missing, and maybe even do something constructive about it?
But enough snark. The real meat of today’s installment is the conversation between Larry and Jack, where Jack reveals a little more about the game and Larry reveals a little more about his motives. There’s nothing much conclusive here, but it’s fun to watch it all slowly unfold.
Also, this day marks the last day before the dark of the moon, after which point it appears that no one will be quite as friendly anymore.
Another good laugh – more of the same almost overdone politeness that made me laugh so much earlier, in one of the most enjoyably gruesome scenes you’re likely to find outside of the Addams Family.
And once more, Holmes watches and ponders… you know, based on the short stories of him I’ve read, he’s unusually slow in this. On the other hand, it is an unusually complex case 
Answers starting to come now – the reasons for Talbot’s reticence, some explanation of the site, and, most interestingly, the revelation that the Vicar is not what he seemed. Rather than being motivated by Christian fervour, it now appears that he intends to wipe out the competition. All of them.
So, for those keeping count, that leaves us with Jack, Snuff and Larry as Closers, the Vicar and (if Talbot is right) the Count as Openers, and all the other Players as yet unknown. Plus, Holmes, of course, who one assumes is playing a game of his own.
Things are really starting to heat up now – Holmes has taken permanent residence in the neighbourhood, the Count has summoned reinforcements, further evidence of the Vicar’s perfidy emerges, and so on. It’s all so exciting that it’s getting hard to stop reading after each chapter
A big one, this, and a lot of information to parse.
First of all, absolute confirmation that the Vicar is playing the Game too. And based on his late entry, he’s none too good at it.
Then there’s a little covering for Talbot by Snuff, as well as a variety of other tidbits – not to mention the Good Doctor and his creation taking centre stage for a brief but memorable cameo.
Oh, and how could I forget a little hint-dropping by Graymalkin as to what side she and her mistress are on?
Another long one, with three major points to it: first, the Great Detective is Great, but not infallible. He gets so into his violin playing that he briefly betrays his hidden identity in this chapter, although only Snuff seems to notice.
Second, it seems that Rastov and Quicklime are on the same side as Jack and Snuff, so the factions are becoming a little clearer.
Third, and most shockingly, it no longer matters what side the Count is on, as he won’t be turning up to fight for it now. I guess this means that Needle is homeless now…
Another big one, although the real news is hidden away at the start – that Graymalkin and Crazy Jill are Openers. The factions are starting to come to light at last..
Also, roll up for the magical mystery tour, as Gray and Snuff run headlong through the Dreamlands first described by H.P. Lovecraft. Interestingly, both cats and dogs appear to be led by elders of their respective species who dwell in the Dreamland.
Finally, one last phrase that is both excellent latin and dog latin. Sort of
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