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retired_to_alternate_universe's review
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I've always been a fan of Sherlock Holmes stories and was very impressed with how well the prose of this novel mirrored that of Arthur Conan Doyle's original works.
rynflynn12's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
simplycelestial's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
terrym10's review against another edition
4.0
I have read all of Sherlock Holme's stories, and I'm a fan of Anthony Horowitz, so I thought I'd enjoy reading this book. It turns out I just wasn't in the mood, so I tried listening to it instead. Boy, was that the right decision! It's narrated by Derek Jacobi, who I fell in love with while watching (twice!) Last Tango in Halifax on PBS. He does such a remarkable job drawing you into the story that I almost gave it 5 stars just because of him!
The story itself is worthy of Conan Doyle. Horowitz does an amazing job bringing Doyle's touch to the page. The subject matter is what sets the story apart in time, as The House of Silk is a high-reaching juvenile male sex club (trafficking ring). I don't think Doyle would have written about the matter back in the day. To me, that was the only way I could tell that it wasn't written by him.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it and I plan on looking up other books narrated by him right now!
The story itself is worthy of Conan Doyle. Horowitz does an amazing job bringing Doyle's touch to the page. The subject matter is what sets the story apart in time, as The House of Silk is a high-reaching juvenile male sex club (trafficking ring). I don't think Doyle would have written about the matter back in the day. To me, that was the only way I could tell that it wasn't written by him.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it and I plan on looking up other books narrated by him right now!
laurareane's review
4.0
Audiobook. I really like Horowitz writing style.
Very engaging book. Multiple twists- although I saw one coming, I was still entertained until the end.
Very engaging book. Multiple twists- although I saw one coming, I was still entertained until the end.
mask's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
cultneophyte7's review
4.0
Sherlock Holmes has always been my favorite criminal investigator, right up there with Tintin. Before I got into this book, I hadn't read any of the Holmes works not written by the great Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This was my first, and I actually ended up enjoying it.
When I first got into this, I had a few reservations. The first couple of chapters didn't help at all either. The fear that it wouldn't live up to the expectations was always there. But the book recovered pretty quickly. The portrayal of Holmes might have been a tiny bit different from the one we've come to known, but that is to be expected from a different author. That being said, the writing style was strikingly similar and I loved it for that.
While the book might have been a bit predictable at certain points, the rest of the book made up for it.
But I was actually wrong. I had missed one tiny detail, and someone cleared it up later that the case had actually taken place before, not after the Reichenbach incident, only penned later. Still doesn't explain why Moriarty provided the help though. Maybe he just wanted someone to do his dirty work for him?
The book as a whole was an immensely satisfying read, not just in terms of the story and writing, but also in terms of the way it ended. Couldn't have asked for a better ending. The only thing that bothers me is one I can't mention, so as to avoid spoiling it. My first Holmes book in years certainly didn't disappoint. Just the thing to grab if you want more Holmes action. Recommended for the Sherlock fans out there.
When I first got into this, I had a few reservations. The first couple of chapters didn't help at all either. The fear that it wouldn't live up to the expectations was always there. But the book recovered pretty quickly. The portrayal of Holmes might have been a tiny bit different from the one we've come to known, but that is to be expected from a different author. That being said, the writing style was strikingly similar and I loved it for that.
While the book might have been a bit predictable at certain points, the rest of the book made up for it.
Spoiler
Like, it was fairly obvious that Rivers was actually Holmes in disguise. And then, of course the man with the key was Moriarty. Firstly, I had a hard time believing this because the Reichenbach falls incident had already been mentioned. SO he survived, eh? How? And Why did he wait so long? And why help Holmes at all?But I was actually wrong. I had missed one tiny detail, and someone cleared it up later that the case had actually taken place before, not after the Reichenbach incident, only penned later. Still doesn't explain why Moriarty provided the help though. Maybe he just wanted someone to do his dirty work for him?
The book as a whole was an immensely satisfying read, not just in terms of the story and writing, but also in terms of the way it ended. Couldn't have asked for a better ending. The only thing that bothers me is one I can't mention, so as to avoid spoiling it. My first Holmes book in years certainly didn't disappoint. Just the thing to grab if you want more Holmes action. Recommended for the Sherlock fans out there.
bsolarz's review
4.0
I found it very interesting that Anthony Horowitz was the first author allowed to write about Sherlock Holmes (except, of course, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle).
I have personally never liked the stories of the original Sherlock Holmes but I was impressed with the story that Horowitz presented. The skill, thought and planning that he would've had to take on really fascinates me as this book had so many twists and turns and just when you thought that you had something figured out and felt you were ahead of the story, it was completely turned around.
I am in awe that he was able to write such a great story - and keep it relatively easy to read in the modern age while sticking closely to the politeness and geniality of people in that era.
I have personally never liked the stories of the original Sherlock Holmes but I was impressed with the story that Horowitz presented. The skill, thought and planning that he would've had to take on really fascinates me as this book had so many twists and turns and just when you thought that you had something figured out and felt you were ahead of the story, it was completely turned around.
I am in awe that he was able to write such a great story - and keep it relatively easy to read in the modern age while sticking closely to the politeness and geniality of people in that era.