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rosieclaverton's review against another edition
4.0
Very enjoyable read - light, fun mystery in Doyle's vein without too much peril or violence. I ended up liking Moriarty much better than Holmes, and Barnett is a great co-protagonist. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
jonathanpalfrey's review against another edition
3.0
This is a rather unlikely story, but it makes pleasant reading, and it's been carefully written to include many details of the period (late 19th century) and locations (Constantinople, then London). It seems to me that Kurland made a good job of it; the story, the characters, and the dialogue are all entertaining.
It's not my favourite kind of story (I normally read sf or fantasy), but I can read this kind of thing now and then.
It's set in the world of Sherlock Holmes, but I can't really comment on that, not having read most of the original Sherlock Holmes stories. What I can tell you is that you don't need to have read those original stories before reading this one.
It's not my favourite kind of story (I normally read sf or fantasy), but I can read this kind of thing now and then.
It's set in the world of Sherlock Holmes, but I can't really comment on that, not having read most of the original Sherlock Holmes stories. What I can tell you is that you don't need to have read those original stories before reading this one.
_evs_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Great world & character building - truly amazing. Kurland has a very old-fashioned way of writing, but I found it wonderfully nostalgic. There were a few scenes that were a little dry, but I nothing major. Sometimes I wish Moriarty wasn't so "perfect", though it was great seeing Holmes be wrong. It made the story more approachable.
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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