Moriarty Returns a Letter

Baker Street Letters #4

by Michael Robertson

Michael Robertson has delighted mystery readers and Sherlock Holmes aficionados everywhere with his charming and innovative Baker Street mystery series, where brothers Reggie and Nigel Heath are charged with answering letters to Holmes that arrive at their law office, located at 221B Baker Street. Now, Reggie and Nigel are back in a case that would confound even Sherlock himself. An exhibition of vintage Sherlock Holmes letters has opened at the Marylebone Hotel. As Reggie and his beloved Laura embark on a pre-wedding trip, someone from Reggie and Nigel’s past—someone whom they thought was long gone—reappears, causing a whole slew of new problems for the brothers. Written with Robertson’s characteristic charm, Moriarty Returns a Letter is a standout mystery in a much-loved series, perfect for fans of the smash hit television shows "Sherlock" and "Elementary." 

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Thriller, British Literature, 21st Century

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2014

About the author

MICHAEL ROBERTSON works for a large company with branches in the United States and England. His first novel in the series, The Baker Street Letters, has been optioned by Warner Bros. for television. He lives in San Clemente, California.

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here is the good news. This is a short book. And it is a Baker Street Mystery. Which implies that it has a Sherlock Holmes flair to it and it is a series.

Brothers Reggie and Nigel Heath rent 221B Baker Street with the understanding that they are expected to answer the fan mail letters to the infamous Sherlock Holmes. And of course, what typically happens, is that sometimes a letter arrives that puts them onto a case.

As long as you aren’t looking for Sherlock Holmes brilliance, readers won’t be disappointed. The dialogue is rather quirky, the characters are flat, but easily likable. The plot and ending were predictable and anti-climatic. And the setting was fine.

Still, this story is written with charm, in a cozy cute and predictable sort of way that made the story more entertaining than mystery-worthy.

So, what is next for this reader? I think this is it for me. How about you?

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

All good things come to an end.

[Lucie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new take on Sherlock Holmes books. Two brothers have law offices at 221B Baker Street and as part of the lease they are supposed to answer all letters that come addressed to Holmes. After the opening of a historical display which included some of the letters from as early as 100 years ago, one of the brothers and his actress fiance leave on an engagement trip. A person from their past reappears and causes more problems. A truly innovative approach to the new Sherlock Holmes b00ks. I discovered this is not the first in the series, but I will certainly go back to the beginning and read them all.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much of a mystery, since the family history is outlined from the beginning, and the writing is a little flat.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mystery that kept me guessing, but some things were assumed to be the case. Some of the plots were not wrapped up in nice, neat packages.

I found it frustrating that Reggie was a barrister, but throughout the book he appeared to be a dimwit. Lauren too was too trusting...kind of flighty in some parts. You are driving in the middle of nowhere and see a man standing in the rain, so you back up to see if he needs help? Really, did you not understand when you stopped the first time, the gas attendant did something to the car.

[WhatShouldIRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I'm enjoying this series more and more with each book. This story was very good and the mystery moved along at a good pace. Some of it was told in flash backs to get the history of the mystery in this one and that made a nice blend of historical mystery blending into the present day.

The only quibble I had was that one of the characters was pretty nonchalant about being in possible peril, but otherwise it entertained me. And the ending! It reminded me so much of.....well, you'll have to read the book to find out!

[Sharron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as strong as previous titles in this series, but entertaining and certainly easy to read, so it fit the bill during this busy holiday season.

[Phyllis Barlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

The game's afoot once more!! We're back with barrister brothers Reggie and Nigel Heath who have law chambers at 221B Baker Street. Part of the lease agreement states that any letters arriving addressed to Sherlock Holmes will not only be responded to, but also retained on premises.
In this adventure, a hotel that is over 100 years old is having a grand reopening after extensive renovations and for part of their exhibit, they have requested letters addressed to Sherlock Holmes to make a display. The owner of the office that houses the letters decided to send old letters from the 1800's to ensure no living person would be mentioned, and not risk a lawsuit.
Little did he know this ties in with the history of the hotel owners.
This was such an entertaining story that I read the entire thing in one day. If you ever liked Sherlock Holmes, you will really enjoy this. There are two more in this series, and I will be really sad to see the end of it.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#4 in the Baker Street Letters series. This 2014 series entry by author Michael Robertson is above average. With a most ingenious plot, the tale starts in 1893, and with a short visit to 1944, arrives at the novels setting in the London of 1998. There are references to prior cases for the enjoyment of series fans, but they don't have to be read to appreciate this offering. A lively, fun read.

Brothers Reggie and Nigel Heath are back in a case that would confound even Sherlock himself. An exhibition of vintage Sherlock Holmes letters has opened at the Marylebone Hotel. As Reggie and his beloved Laura embark on a pre-wedding trip, someone from Reggie and Nigel's past--someone whom they thought was long gone--reappears, causing a whole slew of new problems for the siblings.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 stars) This is the 4th book in the series. The brothers have been asked to provide a selection of Sherlock Holmes letters for an exhibit at the Marylebone hotel. This request sets of a series of events that put both Reggie and Laura at risk as they travel to a family pre-wedding dinner. Moriarty is back, but in a completely unexpected fashion as we see how the Sherlock Holmes character came to life, impacting two families who are now on a path of convergence with Laura and Reggie in the crosshairs. This was a clever mystery with a double dose of redemption along the way.

[Camee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to read this for a book challenge I'm doing and otherwise would never of read this........ever. I liked the historical aspects and it was well written, but I was slightly excited about the mystery label on this and really there was no twist or case to be solved. It was more like a novel that used a Sherlock Holmes basis but had no mystery of its own. I chose to read it on a short flight and that is exactly the kind of thing this book is for - easily digestable entertainment for when you are trying to pass the time.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do like this series, but this was not my favorite. Maybe because it doesn't show the brothers in a nice light...or maybe they are showing they are human and make mistakes. It was a bit meandery, but it did tie some things together from previous books in the series.
I like the premise of the series with the two brothers being caretakers of 221B Baker Street and still getting letters for Sherlock Holmes. This book starts with the history of this.
Not my favorite but it won't keep me from reading the rest of the series.

[Susan B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reggie and Nigel discovered a murder from 1893 in London that was added to during WW II and then finally resolved in current day. I was glad to see Nigel finally come into the picture as the story plot finally escalated. Laura Rankin, actress and fiancee of Reggie was not the intended target of Moriarty - Darla Rennie but Reggie. Interesting how the author fit in the connection between Nigel and Darla
If you liked the beginning books you will enjoy this one..

[Brenda Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reggie Heath's law office happens to be at 221B Baker Street, London. Part of the lease agreement is that he must answer all letters addressed to Sherlock Holmes at said address. Of course, he gets involved in all sorts of mystery and mayhem. This is the fourth book in this series, so reading them in order will cut down on confusion. The plots are intricate, the characters interesting. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading them.

[Dustin · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I recommend the series, this was my least favorite of the first four books. It felt like the author was trying to stuff too many details into one story and the result was cluttered. All of the same characters make an appearance and you can likely guess the general outcome about 2/3rds of the way through.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far this is my least favorite of the Baker Street Books but it was entertaining enough and because I have enjoyed the series so much I gave it 3 stars when really it was a 2 star book. It continues right where the other one left off and the plot was a bit scattered and confusing. All in all, I'm glad I read it but it was lacking.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very easy read. I was a bit concerned for the first 50 pages because it made no mention about the previous characters of the series, just past events that led well into the rest of the book. The series characters seemed to not play too big of a roll in the storyline or with uncovering any mystery, it more or less just fell into place predictably, but overall, still a fine read.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reggie and Laura are stalked by a woman who believes that she is a descendant of Moriarty. Might appeal to fans who enjoy “criminal minds.” However, for me the plot just kept getting creepier and creepier.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherlock Letters

This series gets better and better. Twisty plot lines and likable characters. I also think there is a sense of realism: people really do write Holmes and what a predicament if someone answere!

[Ann Boytim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Letters still appear at Baker Street where the famous Sherlock Holmes supposedly resided. Stories go back into the past with these letters and Reggie still has to deal with them. Reggie and his lady love Laura are planning on getting engaged but again get sidetracked.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had difficulty putting this one down, especially towards the end. Not really a detective story, more of the telling of how a mystery resolves itself and the brothers' involvement. That being said, I think this is easily one of the best of the series.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this mystery was the best of the four I've read, maybe because there was more Sherlock Holmes Content. There are also flashbacks to the past (1893 and 1944) which are interesting, as well as the reappearance of characters from earlier books.

[Julie Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this 4th installment in this series. I thought the flashbacks gave some interesting depth to what was in the Sherlock Holmes archives. The mystery was intriguing and the story moved at a fast pace.

[Jeanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

A really bizarre plot where people think the evil Moriarty of Sherlock Holmes fame is real and one poor woman thinks he's a family member. There's some crazy stuff and yet it all feels very genteel and very British.

[Brandon Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great adventure by the Heath Brothers. I love that Nigel gets to help figure things out. This novel brings back multiple charecters from past books and progresses the story. Cant wait for the next book in the series.

[Nancy Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a convoluted plot evolving over several generations and mistaken identity. Keeps you on the edge of you seat until the end even though you know who the bad guys are.

[Cybercrone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this. My first read in this series but I expect I'll move on to all the others.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one yet.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

great series.

[Kathy Bartlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed this and will now go back and read others