northernfleabag's review against another edition
4.0
I really began to enjoy this book when I was able to read it at length, i think I've grown fond enough of Kurland's Moriarty to pick up the other books in the series.
I'm interested in the past relationship between Moriarty and Holmes that Kurland's hints at (I'm a big fan of authors interpretations), it seems a great way for him to keep his readership; if he carries it over to the other novels that is, which I sincerely hope so. It was also one of the few books that made me favour Moriarty over Holmes, it wasn't that the two simply switched places but presented them in roles I've rarely come across: the disgraced mathematics professor and Holmes as his ex-student with an unknown cause for vengeance. The trope seems popular enough, I guess I just must be missing them.
It was good to be on the other side of Holmes interferences for once, and to be made to feel as though Holmes really was the "busybody" he was reputed to be, Moriarty's maturity (as both an elder man and ex-teacher) shows through in scenes such as these; especially those when the subject of truce between the two is raised.
I'm interested in the past relationship between Moriarty and Holmes that Kurland's hints at (I'm a big fan of authors interpretations), it seems a great way for him to keep his readership; if he carries it over to the other novels that is, which I sincerely hope so. It was also one of the few books that made me favour Moriarty over Holmes, it wasn't that the two simply switched places but presented them in roles I've rarely come across: the disgraced mathematics professor and Holmes as his ex-student with an unknown cause for vengeance. The trope seems popular enough, I guess I just must be missing them.
It was good to be on the other side of Holmes interferences for once, and to be made to feel as though Holmes really was the "busybody" he was reputed to be, Moriarty's maturity (as both an elder man and ex-teacher) shows through in scenes such as these; especially those when the subject of truce between the two is raised.
dunneniamh's review
3.0
3.75 really. Certainly intriguing. I have always loved the character of Professor Moriarty- and to see him and Sherlock Holmes on the same side in this novel was definitely unexpected.
bookwyrm092's review
3.0
As a fan of Sherlock Holmes, I thought this novel would be an interesting read. It was a good overall story but there was too much unnecessary build up that did not contribute to the overall plot that well. Hopefully it is build up for the rest of the series. I was going to rate this a 2 star but the fast paced ending made up for slow build.
kpeninger's review
3.0
Despite giving it three stars, this is actually pretty solid for a Sherlock Holmes pastiche written in the 70s. Solid enough that I want to keep reading the rest of the series, because the author has some interesting ideas and characters, and I'd like to see where he goes with them.
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