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A review by jfkaess
The Seven-Per-Cent Solution: Being a Reprint from the Reminiscences of John H. Watson, M.D. by Nicholas Meyer
3.0
3 Stars - I confess to a mixed opinion of this book.
In its favor, the story is interesting, even a page turner. I had no problem generating interest to finish the book. Holmes and Watson are, of course, interesting characters, but i suspect that this is mostly a result of being thoroughly familiar with all of their adventures written by their creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and not because of this author. As an example, the character and personality of Sigmund Freud is very one dimensional and not well fleshed out at all. There are enough twists and discoveries to hold the interest of the reader.
As negatives: Holmes says "elementary" far too often compared to the original stories. The writing is adequate, but not as well crafted as that of Doyle. Worst of all, there are some twists involving Moriarty that just don't sit well with me. I see their appeal in retrospect, but found them disconcerting in the story itself.
If you are not well familiar with the original canon of stories about Sherlock Holmes, and are more familiar with him based on movies and TV shows, you will likely find this story very enjoyable. If you are more deeply shaped by the original stories, you will find this book enjoyable, but also wanting.
In its favor, the story is interesting, even a page turner. I had no problem generating interest to finish the book. Holmes and Watson are, of course, interesting characters, but i suspect that this is mostly a result of being thoroughly familiar with all of their adventures written by their creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and not because of this author. As an example, the character and personality of Sigmund Freud is very one dimensional and not well fleshed out at all. There are enough twists and discoveries to hold the interest of the reader.
As negatives: Holmes says "elementary" far too often compared to the original stories. The writing is adequate, but not as well crafted as that of Doyle. Worst of all, there are some twists involving Moriarty that just don't sit well with me. I see their appeal in retrospect, but found them disconcerting in the story itself.
If you are not well familiar with the original canon of stories about Sherlock Holmes, and are more familiar with him based on movies and TV shows, you will likely find this story very enjoyable. If you are more deeply shaped by the original stories, you will find this book enjoyable, but also wanting.