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evoltrah's review against another edition
5.0
This was a book written by someone who clearly loved Sherlock. Excellent story building and in keeping in the tradition of Doyle but also with its own strength of narrative voice. I liked how Horowitz wasn't tempted to modernize or "retcon" aspects of the character for the sake of a modern audience.
tex2flo's review against another edition
5.0
House of Doyle represented
It can’t be a simple thing to recreate the mood and language of Conan Doyle, but Horowitz has done it here. There is precisely the right amount of self-knowledge in Holmes, the steady hand and friendship of Watson, and the mysterious hint of the perpetual villain of Moriarity. Try as I might I only deduced one of the bits of the mystery though all were seemingly available to be concluded from the provided clues.
It can’t be a simple thing to recreate the mood and language of Conan Doyle, but Horowitz has done it here. There is precisely the right amount of self-knowledge in Holmes, the steady hand and friendship of Watson, and the mysterious hint of the perpetual villain of Moriarity. Try as I might I only deduced one of the bits of the mystery though all were seemingly available to be concluded from the provided clues.
georgecharrison's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This Sherlock Holmes mystery was read-worthy; however, it was very easy to be distracted from the narrative. The first half or two-thirds was not, in my opinion, typically a Holmes mystery. There were very good snippets to read, but the excitement didn't really begin until relatively late.
I must admit that my attention was unfocused and muddled at times by the end of a US election cycle and, especially, by the fact that I had just completed reading all of Agatha Christie's 66 mystery novels and 91 of her short stories. Also, I haven't read a Sherlock mystery in almost ten years. Still, despite what I say here, there are parts of the novel that are very exciting and well-crafted.
I must admit that my attention was unfocused and muddled at times by the end of a US election cycle and, especially, by the fact that I had just completed reading all of Agatha Christie's 66 mystery novels and 91 of her short stories. Also, I haven't read a Sherlock mystery in almost ten years. Still, despite what I say here, there are parts of the novel that are very exciting and well-crafted.
carolsnotebook's review against another edition
4.0
The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz lived up to its promise. It felt like a true Sherlock Holmes story told by his ever faithful Watson.
Sherlock and Watson were the characters I’ve known and loved for years. Watson’s narrative voice is true to the originals, but how much he cared for Holmes really shines through here. He can be a little dull, but he’s loyal and trustworthy. Holmes is his usual brilliant self, complete with his idiosyncrasies, vices, and amazing powers of deduction. The plot is full of twists, turns, and surprising revelations, but I don’t think you have to be a fan of the originals to enjoy this well-crafted mystery. And I do think it had a more modern feel than the original. As Watson says, today’s readers are “more inured to scandal and corruption than [his] own would have been.”
For the Holmes’ fans, Horowitz throws in a variety of well-known characters, including the Baker Street Irregulars, Inspector Lestrade, Mycroft, and even includes a cameo appearance by Moriarty.
Sherlock and Watson were the characters I’ve known and loved for years. Watson’s narrative voice is true to the originals, but how much he cared for Holmes really shines through here. He can be a little dull, but he’s loyal and trustworthy. Holmes is his usual brilliant self, complete with his idiosyncrasies, vices, and amazing powers of deduction. The plot is full of twists, turns, and surprising revelations, but I don’t think you have to be a fan of the originals to enjoy this well-crafted mystery. And I do think it had a more modern feel than the original. As Watson says, today’s readers are “more inured to scandal and corruption than [his] own would have been.”
For the Holmes’ fans, Horowitz throws in a variety of well-known characters, including the Baker Street Irregulars, Inspector Lestrade, Mycroft, and even includes a cameo appearance by Moriarty.
rionach's review against another edition
3.0
one day i’ll reread this. i think i’d have given it 4 stars if i had been in a mystery mood at the end of reading like i was at the beginning.
tonisut's review against another edition
3.0
By far the best pastiche I've ever read, and I very much enjoyed Horowitz's writing style. So why only 3 stars? The mysteries were, I thought, pretty obvious, which meant most of the book I was waiting for Sherlock Holmes to "catch on," which takes much of the fun out of a Sherlock Holmes book.
Well worth a read, but no one will ever come close to Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock.
Well worth a read, but no one will ever come close to Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock.
librarygoddess2's review against another edition
5.0
I recommend this book to anyone that likes strong character driven mystery. I had forgotten how much I loved Sherlock Holmes and his amazing powers of deduction before reading this book! It's truly a contemporary story with a turn of the century, late-1800s feel. The premise is that the story, recorded by Watson himself, was written and locked away for 100 years until readers had the constitution to handle it. I can't wait to read the next in the series, Moriarty.
gbweeks's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this recreation of Sherlock Holmes--I haven't read the original in many years so I wasn't concerned with strict comparisons. Horowitz constructs top notch plots with plenty of uncertainty and twists. A lot of disparate threads come together with a secret that goes to the highest social and political levels and threatens Holmes' life. From the U.S. to Dublin to London, with art dealers, criminals, opium dens, and high society. Good summer book.