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tacanderson's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Enjoyable with a good twist at. I did find myself questioning some of the decisions and what seemed like plot holes until you start to realize there's probably something else going on, but even with that suspicion, I didn't guess what was really going on.
jenpaul13's review against another edition
4.0
Sherlock Holmes. These two words will grab my attention, and for good reason since I like the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories, the mousey rendition from my childhood in The Great Mouse Detective, the BBC series, and the Robert Downey Jr. films. You could say I'm pretty well initiated into the world of Holmes. Oh, and let's not forget that when I studied abroad in London, I made sure to pop by 221 Baker Street. When I heard some buzz about Anthony Horowitz's Moriarty, my inner fangirl had a (not so) quiet little moment and I knew that I'd have to read it--and much thanks to Shelf Awareness for my signed copy.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
This Sherlockian story begins with an American Pinkerton agent, Frederick Chase, investigating the circumstances behind one of his men's death while undercover in London, which places him right in the middle of the infamous Reichenbach Falls double death of Moriarty and Holmes. Chase, meeting resistance from the Swiss authorities, is introduced to Scotland Yard detective Athelney Jones; Jones has conducted investigations where Holmes consulted and solved the case, thus creating a sort of obsession in Jones to become as observant as Holmes. Together the men are investigating the death of Moriarty and murderous crime spree occurring in London under American emigrants direction, which was supposedly controlled by the "Napoleon of crime" Moriarty.
The narration was something I enjoyed and provided a nice reprieve from the conventional, commonplace narrative of today. The entire plot was well strung together and while I anticipated the twist (which I cannot divulge because it will spoil the book for anyone who still wants to read it), I was still taken along for the ride of deceit and intrigued to see what the next clue will be and where it will take the two men. The writing and story both make me sympathetic toward Moriarty, which is something that is quite rare and difficult to do (although for those heavily invested in fandoms, it can be an all too common practice, which I am fully aware of).
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
This Sherlockian story begins with an American Pinkerton agent, Frederick Chase, investigating the circumstances behind one of his men's death while undercover in London, which places him right in the middle of the infamous Reichenbach Falls double death of Moriarty and Holmes. Chase, meeting resistance from the Swiss authorities, is introduced to Scotland Yard detective Athelney Jones; Jones has conducted investigations where Holmes consulted and solved the case, thus creating a sort of obsession in Jones to become as observant as Holmes. Together the men are investigating the death of Moriarty and murderous crime spree occurring in London under American emigrants direction, which was supposedly controlled by the "Napoleon of crime" Moriarty.
The narration was something I enjoyed and provided a nice reprieve from the conventional, commonplace narrative of today. The entire plot was well strung together and while I anticipated the twist (which I cannot divulge because it will spoil the book for anyone who still wants to read it), I was still taken along for the ride of deceit and intrigued to see what the next clue will be and where it will take the two men. The writing and story both make me sympathetic toward Moriarty, which is something that is quite rare and difficult to do (although for those heavily invested in fandoms, it can be an all too common practice, which I am fully aware of).
elendilkitten's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
I enjoyed this book a lot, and I almost half-guessed the twist at the end. Definitely interesting to read what is technically a Sherlock Holmes fanfic where he dies right at the start, and yet his presence is there throughout.
soni_fair's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
lalawoman416's review against another edition
5.0
It's not often that I read a book where I immediately want to re-read it as soon as I've read the last chapter (or in this case, the second to last chapter). This book starts just days after Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty heading over the Reichenbach falls. Pinkerton Detective Frederick Chase teams up with Professor Athelney Jones to take down an American criminal mastermind filling the void left behind by Moriarty. The writing is such a great homage to Doyle without being too on point so as to be distracting. The tone is dark, dreary, and exciting. Not enough can be said about this book, and yet nothing should be said so as to not spoil the book. Can't wait to read House of Silk.
elodiethefangirl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
humatariq's review against another edition
4.0
It started off quite slow, but built up to a really satisfying end. Keep writing more Horowitz...I'm officially a fan!
One thing that really bugged me throughout was at times it was quite deprecating about Holmes at times. It's one thing if Doyle writes that way about Holmes, he was the creator...and we all know how he tried to kill Holmes off. But it's another thing if Horowitz criticizes him. But it all works out in the end I guess.
One thing that really bugged me throughout was at times it was quite deprecating about Holmes at times. It's one thing if Doyle writes that way about Holmes, he was the creator...and we all know how he tried to kill Holmes off. But it's another thing if Horowitz criticizes him. But it all works out in the end I guess.
djorgenson112358's review against another edition
4.0
A clever, engaging novel. Maybe a bit to effusive in it's comments towards Holmes.
atomicyoghurt's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
augustine_em's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75