Holmes and Moriarty

by Gareth Rubin, Kristina Ehlers Brun Madsen (Translator)

Kan du løse mysteriet før den største detektiv nogensinde?  

Sherlock Holmes og hans trofaste ven Dr. John Watson er blevet hyret af skuespilleren George Reynolds. George vil have dem til at finde ud af, hvorfor publikum, der kommer for at se ham optræde hver aften, er de samme mennesker, kun iført forklædninger. Er der noget uhyggeligt på færde, og i så fald hvad?

I mellemtiden har Holmes’ ærkefjende, professor James Moriarty, sine egne problemer. Impliceret i mordet på en bandeleder må Moriarty og hans næstkommanderende Moran flygte fra politiet for at finde ud af, hvem der står bag.

Men deres efterforskning sætter dem i vejen for Holmes og Watson, og det varer ikke længe, før alle fire indser, at samme person er efter dem. Med liv på spil, ikke kun deres egne, må de danne en usikker alliance for at afsløre den sande skurk. Med spor, der fører dem til et hotel i Schweiz, og en sammensværgelse langt større, end nogen af dem havde forventet, hvem kan man så stole på, og vil nogen af dem overleve?

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Thriller, Historical, Audiobook

301 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2024

About the author

Gareth Rubin is a British journalist and author. His journalism covers social affairs, travel, architecture, arts and health. His novel Liberation Square is a mystery thriller set in Soviet-occupied London.

In 2013 he directed a documentary, Images of Bedlam, about the connection between art and mental illness and how art can help people express that which they cannot put into words. It was filmed at the Bethlem Royal Hospital (‘Bedlam’) and interviews artists with a history of psychiatric illness.

He previously worked as an actor on stage and television.

Reviews

[Gianluca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Solitamente non do voti bassi ai libri perché so che dietro la stesura di un libro c’è tanta ricerca, ore spese cercando di mettere insieme tante idee e voglia di trasmettere emozioni al lettore.
Ebbene, in questo libro, non ho trovato nulla di ciò.
Attirato dalla trama e un po’ incuriosito dopo aver letto “the turnglass”, mi sono imbarcato nella lettura di questo romanzo.
Non ho avvertito lo spirito della Londra del 1800 e lo Sherlock Holmes in questo libro mi sembrava un impostore che si spacciava per lui.

Probabilmente rileggendo il libro e sostituendo il nome di Sherlock Holmes con un nome di fantasia potrei trovare anche vagamente leggibile questo libro ma, per ora, il mio voto è 2⭐️

[Rita · Rating 2 out of 5]

CONFUSIONE E LACUNE

Libro ancora più deludente, se paragonato a "The turnglass", che invece mi aveva fatto impazzire. Ho seguito la trama con interesse solo perché credevo sinceramente che sarebbe migliorata, le premesse (nonché la caratterizzazione dei personaggi) sembravano interessanti. Alla fine, però, mi sono resa conto della confusione della trama, delle sue lacune e, soprattutto, dell'epilogo inconcludente.

[˗ˏˋ꒰ ♡ ꒱ sebastian ༄ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I see so few authors capture the relationship between Moriarty and Moran so well, but Gareth Rubin manages it easily. I like that he made Moriarty seem more human too, rather than this cold, unfeeling, reptilian man. You really get the feeling that they are just the foils of Holmes and Watson.

I love the amount of Victorian slang in this, was pleasantly shocked I recognised so much of it!

My arachnophobia had no love for this, though, in fact it's almost reignited it 😂 That is the only downside in this, in my opinion, my skin's crawling just thinking about the buggers!

[Jola (czytanienaplatanie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

W najnowszej powieści Garetha Rubina aż roi się od pająków! Ostrzegam jeśli ktoś ma arachnofobię, ale te sympatyczne, plujące jadem stworzonka są bardzo istotnym elementem fabuły, na którym ta wręcz się opiera.

Historię dwugłosowo opowiadają najbliżsi współpracownicy geniuszy sprawiedliwości i przestępczości, czyli doktor John H. Watson i pułkownik Sebastian Moran. Ich narracje są różne, jak ogień i woda. Z jednej strony elegancki, nieco zadufany, wierny kronikarz Holmesa, z drugiej ociekający pewnością siebie, chełpliwy współpracownik Moriarty’ego. Zderzenie tych perspektyw pozwala na podglądanie dwóch stron tej samej gry z subiektywnymi przemyśleniami, sympatiami i antypatiami narratorów.

Ale nie to jest najciekawsze, bo niespodziewana i wymuszona przez okoliczności współpraca dwóch tak błyskotliwych adwersarzy jak Holmes i Moriarty, to dopiero gratka dla każdego miłośnika kryminałów Doyle’a! I niesamowicie udało się Autorowi zachować nie tylko klasycznego ducha Doyle’a, ale również osobowość bohaterów. A fabuła ma nie tylko rozmach geograficzny przenosząc nas z przedświątecznego Londynu w ośnieżone szwajcarskie góry, ale i znaczenie dla całego świata. Czy czwórce głównych bohaterów, którzy nie pałają do siebie miłością, a co więcej nie ufają sobie wzajemnie za grosz uda się powstrzymać nadciągającą katastrofę?

Gareth Rubin wzbogaca znane nam opowieści o Sherlocku o element nowoczesnych thrillerów przygodowych. Zyskujemy inną dynamikę akcji, wiele jej niespodziewanych zwrotów, ale też sekrety i zagadki z pogranicza historii, teologii i nauki. Fani Sherlocka znajdą tu wiele znajomych akcentów, w tym nieśmiertelną garść logiki i dedukcji oraz nieodzowną szczyptę mroku, ale nic nie będzie podane klasycznie.

Mamy więc intrygę o naprawdę wysoką stawkę z tajemnicą, która zahacza o granice mistycyzmu i obłędu. Mamy duet genialnych umysłów skazanych na współpracę, a do tego mroczne legendy i gotycki klimat. Czy trzeba więcej, by wpaść w pajęczą sieć utkaną umiejętnie przez Autora? Mimo że nie lubię pająków, zrobiłam to bez zastanowienia.

Gareth Rubin udowodnił, że klasykę można odświeżyć z ogromnym szacunkiem, a jednocześnie z pazurem nowoczesnego thrillera. Jestem absolutnie zachwycona i zazdroszczę każdemu, kto tę przygodę ma dopiero przed sobą. Nie zwlekajcie ani chwili! Dajcie się złapać w tę sieć!

[Akemichan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tw: secondo me non va bene per gli agorafobici.

Ho grande stima per chi pubblica apocrifi di Sherlock Holmes. Sono fanfiction che ce l'hanno fatta, che hanno uno status. Come tutte dovrebbero avere, per altro, e come ogni fanfiction che si rispetti sono fatte di wishfulfillment.

Nel particolare caso di questo libro, il trope dei nemici giurati costretti a collaborare. Sherlock e Moriarty, che nel canone si sono scontrati una volta solo perché Conan Doyle voleva far fuori il suo investigatore, qui sono rappresentati come grandi rivali, ben consapevoli l'uno dell'altro, con il Colonnello Moran che diventa una sorta di Watson cattivo (carini i suoi pov, finché non diventano troppo caricaturali).
Ci sta. Mi ha divertito la possibilità. E devo dire che il libro parte benissimo, con un caso da risolvere da parte di Sherlock che richiama molto il canone, questi avvenimenti che sono senza logica e senza senso finché non arriva lui a scoprire l'inghippo.
E devo dire che la parte di George mi è piaciuta, mi ha ricordato un altro apocrifo in cui si scopriva che le opere di Shakespear erano state scritte dalla regina d'Inghilterra, simpatico anche quello.


Purtroppo, però, il libro non rispetta le premesse. Oltre ad alcune scelte narrative che personalmente non sono di mio apprezzamento (i ragni che paiono creature mitologiche, un certo esoterismo/scientifico nella risoluzione del caso) ho trovato semplicemente che il finale non desse spiegazioni vere di quello che era successo. Il giallo originario si interseca con tutto un mistero che alla fine lascia ben poco e benché in parte si possa comprendere durante la narrazione, manca tutto l'aspetto legato alla conclusione finale di Sherlock che è, be', un po' il fulcro di queste storie.
Un vero peccato.

[Priya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always intrigued to see what other authors will do with the Holmes and Watson dynamic and this one was a very interesting and action filled plot including the arch nemesis of Homes, Moriarty and his sidekick Moran.

Beginning with a theatre actor George calling on Holmes regarding his suspicion that the audiences of his plays are always the same people in disguise, Holmes and Watson are set on a course that takes them all the way to a remote hotel in Switzerland. Joining them with much reluctance on both sides are Moriarty and Moran who find themselves figuring out the truth behind several gang related murders. Racing to save their client George, Holmes and Watson realise they are in the middle of a much bigger and dangerous game.

This plot had so many threads and the way they all came together was diabolic. The spiders that featured prominently in the narrative were creepy to comprehend as were all the scenes involving them in such detail! I felt that the forced partnership between the sworn enemies was well done with their inherent distrust of each other always apparent. I did think the identity of the narrator was confusing at times since it switches between Watson and Moran quite suddenly sometimes and it took me a while to realise who was then speaking.

Overall I enjoyed this adventure with Holmes and Moriarty.

[Francesca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I personaggi di Arthur Conan Doyle vengono ripresi e portati all'interno di una nuova avventura tra le strade di Londra e i sentieri di un paesino tranquillo in Svizzera.

Raccontato da due voci, quella dell'immancabile Dott. Watson, amico fidato e compagno d'avventure di Sherlock Holmes, e quella del Colonnello Moran, braccio destro del professor Moriarty e con una predilezione per la violenza e le scommesse, questo romanzo ci trasporta nella Londra di inizio Novecento in un turbinio di situazioni alquanto bizzarre.

É il dicembre del 1889, siamo sulla fine del decennio e si sta vivendo un periodo di grande fermento sociale, culturale e di cambiamenti che coinvolgono tutta l'Europa. Su questo scenario facciamo la conoscenza di George Reynolds, un giovane attore ingaggiato per interpretare Riccardo III in una produzione itinerante in cui lui sembra l'unico con un minimo di esperienza teatrale. Ma non é la sola stranezza: ad ogni rappresentazione ritrova ad assistere sempre le stesse persone travestite in modo diverso. Temendo una truffa si rivolgerà a Holmes per arrivare al fondo della faccenda.

Nel frattempo, Moriarty è coinvolto in una guerra tra gangster rivali: cercando di fare da piacere tra due boss criminali, per non attirare troppo l'attenzione di Scotland Yard, resta coinvolto nella morte di uno dei due leader avvenuta in un appartamento di Whitecheappel. Sarà cosí che il Napoleone del crimine e il suo aiutante, il colonnello Moran, si ritrovano a fuggire dalla polizia e ad indagare per scoprire chi c'é dietro questa trappola. Due delle menti più brillanti del loro tempo, due indagini parallele destinate ad incontrarsi, due facce della stessa medaglia che dovranno collaborare per salvare loro stessi e non solo.

Gareth Rubin riprende la tradizione, senza starvolgerla ma aggiornandola un po' e aggiungendo del suo: con la sua scrittura attenta e un lessico consono, che non vede una parola fuori luogo, cattura l'essenza delle avventure e delle brillanti deduzioni che ci si aspetta dal grande Sherlock Holmes, riproponendo i personaggi come archetipi contemporanei. Un lavoro apprezzabile e ben riuscito, senza dubbio, ma che mi conquista solo in parte.

Sono una grande amante dei romanzi di Arthur Conan Doyle e, per quanto abbia trovato la lettura scorrevole e la curiosità di risolvere il mistero sia sempre presente e ti trasporta pagina dopo pagina, mi é rimasta questa sensazione di star leggendo una fanfiction con protagonisti Sherlock Holmes e il professor Moriarty. Una fanfiction ottimamente scritta, ma nulla di più. Lo stesso mistero, per quanto interessante e bizzarro, che ricalca in parte il caso "La Lega dei Capelli Rossi", risulta nella sua conclusione un po' lacunoso e con delle forzature.

Ma, al netto di questi dettagli che mi hanno poco convinta, rimane una lettura assolutamente piacevole che ha tutti i rimandi ai più classici dei romanzi del grande investigatore privato. Sicuramente apprezzabile dagli appassionati del genere e dai non.

[Liliana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Rubin, endorsed by the Conan Doyle trust, has written a new Sherlock Holmes mystery in which we see our beloved detective join forces with his adversary, James Moriarty for a case embroiled in twists and turns.
~
This book is written as though our story is being told by Watson and Moran, Holmes and Moriarty’s seconds; and although our favourite classics were also written in this style, going into this book I hadn’t known it was officially endorsed by the Conan Doyle trust and therefore hadn’t known about the writing format. Because of this, I was hoping, especially due to the premise of this book, to see both Holmes’ and Moriarty’s perspective rather than Watson’s and Moran’s. This is in no way a negative look upon the author or the story, just my own observation and wish as I truly think it would’ve made the story far more interesting watching those two minds work with and against one another.
~
Now quick confession, I have not read a single Sherlock Holmes book prior to this so my knowledge on the writing style and artistic decisions are weak at best. However, whoever chose to write Moran as someone speaks predominantly in cockney slang whilst also having him have gone to ETON and OXFORD is WILD!!! Made 0 sense, especially when he would take offence to people insinuating he wasn’t smart and so would constantly reaffirm to the reader and other characters of his high education. Baffling.
~
Now, do not take me remembering the bad parts first as that this book was overall bad! It wasn’t! It was however, a conspiracy theorists wet dream! The princes in the tower, man obtaining godly powers, and an underground temple of a biblical king. It at times made this story feel a tad of an overreach in terms of a Victorian mystery would be which was a shame for me because when reading historical mysteries one of the key aspects (for me at least) is that there is something wildly mundane at the core; although to the historical mind it’s something incredibly inventive. I would’ve much preferred there be at least one these aspects removed from the book, just to try and level the story back out.

Overall, the story and the plot were a genuinely enjoyable read! I was gripped trying to figure out how all these puzzle pieces worked together and where this story would go next! Holmes is just as much of a mastermind in Rubin’s story as he ever has been but do feel he could’ve utilised Moriarty in a much better way, by the end I wasn’t entirely sold on the fact that the two great minds did in fact need to work together. It seems as though one or both, separately, would’ve drawn the same conclusions whether working together or not. But if you’re looking for a Sherlock Holmes fix then for sure pick up Holmes and Moriarty by Gareth Rubin for “something’s afoot!”

Thank you to Simon&Schuster for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review :).

[4cats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gavin Rubin was authorised by the Conan Doyle estate to write a new Holmes novel and what a novel it's turned out to be. The dual narration really works so you get a chapter from Watson and then one from Moriarty's henchman Moran, giving the reader insight into both camps and why they are drawn together. This reads like a 'Boys' Own adventure' and it keeps up the pace, entertaining you right until the end. Here's hoping Rubin will be adding to the canon. A must for fans of Holmes.

[JuliesBookhismus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ganz gute Erzählung
Da ich Detektivgeschichten sehr gerne mag, musste natürlich auch diese her. Und wenn dann noch Sherlock Holmes dabei ist, freue ich mich besonders.
Leider hat mich die Geschichte nicht so vom Hocker gehauen. Die Leuchtespinnen waren dann doch etwas viel und das drumherum irgendwie zu wenig.
Nichtsdestotrotz hat es mich für die kurze Zeit gut unterhalten. Für Fans und eingefleischte Sherlocks aber bestimmt das Richtige

[Allmysonnats · Rating 5 out of 5]

Czy ktoś chciałby znowu przenieść się do mrocznego i pełnego smogu Londynu 1889 roku? Londynu pełnego zbrodni, występku i tajemnic, które sprawiają, że nikt nie może czuć się bezpiecznie? Ja chciałam. I na szczęście trafiłam na książkę „Holmes i Moriarty”.

Jestem ogromną fanką Sherlocka Holmesa. Lubię zarówno tego oryginalnego, stworzonego przez Arthura Conan Doyle'a, jak i tego bardziej współczesnego, którego spotkać można w filmach czy serialach. Kiedy zobaczyłam, że Gareth Rubin stworzył nową opowieść z mojego ulubionego uniwersum, nie mogłam się oprzeć. Ważnym dla mnie (być może też dla wielu wiernych fanów) był fakt, że ta książka została zaaprobowana przez The Conan Doyle Estate, organizację założoną przez członków rodziny Arthura Conan Doyle'a. Pozwala to na uznanie książki „Holmes i Moriarty” za jakiś mały fragment całości, na którą składają się wszystkie opowiadania, ekranizacje, sztuki i adaptacje.

„Holmes i Moriarty” opowiada jeden z nielicznych momentów, w którym Sherlock musi zdecydować się na współpracę ze swoim największym wrogiem – Jamesa Moriartym. Nikt nie spodziewa się, że będzie to łatwa współpraca, jednak stawka jest naprawdę wysoka. Ktoś zdecydował się pogrywać ze słynnym detektywem i Profesorem. Aby rozwiązać nietypową zagadkę nie pozostaje im nic innego jak połączyć swoje siły. To duet iście wybuchowy, jednak te dwa genialne umysły są w stanie rozwiązać każdą zagadkę.

Zabierając się za tę książkę postawiłam samej sobie pytanie: „Jak bardzo stylizowana jest narracja i czy odróżniłabym ją od oryginału?”. Po przeczytaniu całości dochodzę do wniosku, że książka napisana jest bardzo dobrze. Sama zagadka zbudowana jest w stylu Doyle’a, a dedukcja Sherlocka przebiega tymi samymi torami. Widać, że autor podszedł do pisania tej książki świadomie, odpowiednio się przygotowując. Odniosłam jednak wrażenie, że gdybym nie wiedziała co czytam i ktoś kazałby mi powiedzieć, czy jest to jednak z oryginalnych historii o genialnym detektywie, to z pewnością odpowiedziałabym, że nie jest to Doyle. Sama nie czytuję go aż tak namiętnie i często, jednak różnice są zauważalne.

Narracja powieści podzielona jest między dwie postaci. Pierwszą z nich jest Doktor Watson, tak, jak dzieje się to u Doyle’a. Drugim narratorem został Moran – pomocnik Moriarty'ego. Te dwa głosy przeplatają się ze sobą i opowiadając tę samą historię na dwa różne sposoby. To bardzo dobry zabieg, który chwyta czytelnika. Ja jednak jestem fanką tradycyjnej narracji Watsona i nie mogłam doczekać się każdego rozdziału napisanego z jego perspektywy.

„Holmes i Moriarty” to Sherlock w najlepszym możliwym wydaniu. Inteligentny, błyskotliwy i ze swoim specyficznym sposobem bycia. Dużym plusem tej powieści była też jej długość. Objętość książki jest idealna: odpowiednio długa by pokazać każdy najmniejszy szczegół zagadki, jednak nie przeciągnięta i nużąca. Kiedy już rozpoczęła się prawdziwa akcja, nie mogłam oderwać się od czytania. Nie czułam upływającego czasu, ani przewracanych stron.

Myślę, że to pozycja doskonała dla wszystkich fanów Sherlocka Holmesa. To jakościowa, doskonale napisana powieść, która przez cały czas trzyma w napięciu i zaskakuje czytelników swoją zagadką. Do takich opowieści jesteśmy przyzwyczajeni i właśnie taką tu otrzymamy.

[Momentansicht · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ihr kennt doch bestimmt den berühmten Privatdetektiv Sherlock Holmes. Zumindest gehört habt ihr alle von ihm, denke ich. Kennt ihr auch Professor James Moriarty, Holmes großen Gegenspieler, den Antagonisten?

Wusstet ihr, dass Moriarty lediglich in einer Erzählung, 'Das letzte Problem' und im Roman 'Das Tal der Angst' auftritt? Ansonsten wird er lediglich namentlich erwähnt.

Der britische Journalist und Autor Gareth Rubin legt jetzt einen Krimi vor, in dem diese beiden literarischen Figuren und Erzfeinde erneut aufeinandertreffen. Holmes soll einen mysteriösen Fall rund um den Schauspieler George Reynolds lösen. Dieser bemerkt, dass jeden Abend bei seinen Theaterauftritten dieselben Menschen im Publikum sitzen, nur jedes Mal anders gekleidet und verkleidet.

Parallel dazu ist Moriarty dabei, die Gunst zweier Verbrecherbosse zu gewinnen. Als einer von beiden stirbt, ist Moriarty schon tief in den Fall verwickelt. Er flieht und muss alsbald mit Holmes zusammenarbeiten, um die beiden Fälle aufzuklären.

Die Handlung wird uns aus zwei Perspektiven erzählt. Zum einen erzählt Dr Watson den Schauspieler-Fall, zum anderen erzählt Moriartys Handlanger Moran das Komplott um den Professor.

Holmes und Moriarty ist ein klassischer und atmosphärisch dichter Detektivroman geworden, der uns ins viktorianische London begleitet. Enge und nebelverhangene Gassen, Gentlemen's Club, zwielichtige Gestalten, die Londoner Unterwelt. Ein großer Lesespass ist das.

Das ganze Buch ist eigentlich eine geschriebene Hommage und Liebeserklärung an Arthur Conan Doyle und seine Werke rund um Londons bekanntesten Privatdetektiven. Nicht nur für Fans von Doyle und Holmes geeignet.

[Runalong · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun light adventure tale with Holmes, Dr Watson, Professor Moriarty and Colonel Moran forced to work together for mutual benefit and possibly saving the world against a dangerous conspiracy. One to relax with and just enjoy the ride

Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...

[Helen_t_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:
London, 1889, at a time when several European countries are teetering on the edge of war. Sherlock Holmes and his faithful friend, Dr John Watson, however, are currently preoccupied with their latest case: an actor who wants them to solve the puzzle of why the audience who comes to see him perform every single night are the same people, only wearing disguises.

Meanwhile, Holmes’ archenemy, Professor James Moriarty and his right-hand man Sebastian Moran, find themselves unexpectedly embroiled in a gang leader's murder.

Before too long both parties realise that these two separate cases are linked and that they face a common foe. With their lives, and those of others at risk, Holmes and Moriart must form an uneasy alliance in order to unmask the true villain of the piece.

With clues leading them to a hotel in Switzerland and a conspiracy far greater than expected, who can be trusted – and will anyone of them survive?

My thoughts:
This new Sherlock Holmes novel, has been endorsed by the Conan Doyle Estate, with Rubin being only the second author to achieve this recognition, following in the steps of Anthony Horowitz.

It's quite a while since I last read any Sherlock Holmes novels, but from memory Rubin has done a good job of capturing the essence of them, as he gives these four characters of Conan-Doyle a new outing.

There are twists and turns aplenty, with lots of peril and adventure. I enjoyed the two distinctive voices of Watson and Moran as they each take alternate chapters to relate the story, and it was equally enjoyable to see Holmes and Moriarty working together and their grudging respect for each other developing.

I felt it took a little while for the plot to truly get going, and whilst you're quite a way into the story before you're able to identify who the real villains might be, the novel fairly rattles along.

Filling the shoes of Conan-Doyle is a big ask, and the weight of expectation significant, but Rubin makes a decent fist of it, producing an adventure that should satisfy any Holmes fan...though if you're an arachnophobe it may be best to approach with caution!

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

[Chiara LibriamociBlog · Rating 1 out of 5]

Abbandonato neanche a metà.
Storia sconclusionata, senza un filo conduttore intrigante, narrazione piatta quasi a emulare Conan Doyle con una brutta copia e soprattutto un’accozzaglia di elementi a introdurre una trama che non ha nulla di avvincente e non invoglia quindi a continuare la lettura.

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Victorian mystery isn't my usual type of book to read and I did struggle with pace and writing style. There were pockets of gore, tension and the odd cliffhanger but sadly for me this didn't bring the pace up.
Although if you are a Sherlock fan, this would be good book for you as Rubin was endorsed by Conan Doyle trust, which is an honour for him.

Grateful for my gifted proof and adored receiving the book locked up and waiting to get the code to release the book.

[Joanna Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Holmes and Moriarty is a fun, gripping read that is a must read for any Sherlock Holmes fan.  

Although the story focuses on Holmes and Moriarty it is told from the point of view of their friends Watson and Moran.  Out of the two I much preferred Watson who seemed an altogether much more likable chap to the easily offended Moran.  Watson seemed calm and collected when helping with the case whereas Moran just seemed to want to fight everyone.  Neither of the two men seemed to like or trust each other much which made for some interesting, though often amusing, situations in the story.

I though the book was a bit of a slow burn as it does start out very slowly as we learn more about George’s quite bizarre situation but soon gathers pace to become very gripping indeed.  Moriarty has long been my favourite Sherlock Holmes villain so I loved watching the two of them work together for a change.  It was fascinating to see their minds work together as the try to solve the mystery.  There were lots of surprising twists that kept me guessing along with some quite horrific moments which I will remember for a while.  Without giving much away this is definitely not a book to read if you are scared of Spiders!  

Overall I really enjoyed this book and I’m really hoping that there might be a sequel as I’d love to see Moriarty and Holms working together again.  I thought the ending was brilliant and I really enjoyed watching everything come together at the end to a very satisfying conclusion.  More please!

[Ema · Rating 3 out of 5]

This new take on Sherlock Holmes masterfully reimagines the detective’s world, blending his classic intellect with the pulse-pounding excitement of adventures reminiscent of Indiana Jones. It takes readers on a journey full of intrigue and danger.

The plot kicks off when George Reynolds, an actor, seeks Holmes’s help, alleging fraud and reporting strange occurrences at the theater where audience members appear to be in disguise. Simultaneously, Professor Moriarty becomes embroiled in a deadly conflict between two rival gangs after one leader is mysteriously killed. The crime’s peculiar details suggest that their uneasy truce is on the verge of collapse, with Moriarty himself falling under suspicion.

What follows is a complex, high-stakes web of schemes that draws Holmes, Watson, Moriarty, and Moran into perilous territory. As they untangle the conspiracy, Holmes and Watson uncover a chilling plot tied to a Shakespearean play, threatening the Crown’s reputation and the nation’s stability. The mastermind behind the chaos is found gruesomely murdered, escalating the tension and putting the detective duo in grave danger as they race to uncover the truth.

The story’s strengths lie in its ability to delve into universal conflicts—loyalty versus betrayal, justice, and the blurred boundaries between good and evil. While richly detailed and layered, the narrative occasionally stumbles with scenes that feel overly intricate or messy. Yet these minor flaws pale in comparison to the overall depth and excitement of the story.

[Kelly Hollingworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

How wonderful to have a new Sherlock Holmes book to read and what a funny, clever book Gareth Rubin has written. We see the return of Sherlock and the loyal Dr Watson, hired to help actor George Reynolds with his strange audience in disguises, and their enemy Professor James Moriarty and his loyal Moran, who are implicated in a murder. The four need to join forces, but a they work together and who can they trust? I enjoyed the narration of Watson, then Moran and the mini cliff hangers and witty remarks at the end of each chapter. I also liked the mix of settings including London, Cambridge, Exeter and Switzerland and the fussy and clucky Mrs Hudson. There is a lot going on from Christmas 1889 to New Year 1890, all excellently written with the right balance of darkness and humour. I really enjoyed it.

[Hanlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

On December 27, 1889, two days after Christmas, the British Minister of War was killed in a rather unique and twisted manner. This event has the potential to cause catastrophic consequences in a world already on the brink of war. However, two individuals stand in the way of this impending disaster: Sherlock Holmes and Professor James Moriarty. Despite their mutual animosity and sworn desire to destroy each other, they find themselves collaborating as if they were long-time friends. Who is the mysterious person who is the mastermind behind this unexpected collaboration? And will this truce last?

The narrative of the story is presented through the perspectives of Watson and Moran, who serve as firsthand observers of the events that transpire.

This was a highly enjoyable and engaging read, reminiscent of the original Arthur Conan Doyle's writing style.

[Emily Pankhurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing took you to the Victorian era with the language that was used and the description of the settings. There were a few words that I had to look up, but I enjoyed the experience.

The chapters were fairly long so you got a good chunk of the story before moving on. There was a lot of information to be imparted to the reader so the longer chapters helped to keep things straight. It was definitely a Sherlock Holmes level of mystery with intricately woven details that all came together at the end.

Aside from all the little details, something else that kept me on my toes was the swapping of characters' points of view. One minute you were reading from the traditional Watson point of view then all of a sudden you were reading from Moran's point of view. Whilst it was a surprise to be reading from a different point of view, it did give another layer to the story and gave the whole story a more rounded feel.

The characters were excellent, which was to be expected. They were the Holmes and Watson that I knew and I enjoyed reading about them in this new adventure. I also liked the Moriarty angle too. As with the originals, we were kept in the dark throughout most of the story whilst Holmes and Moriarty did all their working out behind the scenes.

There were a few different side characters that were added to the story, which helped to keep the mystery going and added to the suspense.

Lastly the settings. I loved the description of the settings. They took you to London and Switzerland, without being too overbearing. There were a lot of different things going on, so the description of the settings was well balanced with the action and was effectively used when it was key to the story.

Overall a good Sherlock Holmes mystery.

[Bludhound · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was SO good, I was constantly thinking about this book when I wasn't reading and kicking my feet while reading it and I had so much fun - it was like reading a fanfiction Conan Doyle - Style and that in the best way; it turned into a rather fantastical story in the end but somehow it was still explained scientifally enough that it didn't feel at odds with the rest of the book; all in all I loved seeing my favourite characters solve riddles together and I loved a lot how the characters were displayed; even though I really, really need to figure out what happened to Moran because he is, even in this very murderous (and thus very interesting) version, my baby

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes and his faithful friend, Dr John Watson, have been hired by actor George Reynolds. George wants them to find out why the audience who comes to see him perform every night are the same people, only wearing disguises. Is something sinister going on and, if so, what?

The story takes a dark turn, which leads to Holmes and Moriarty working together (begrudgingly).

It's a dual POV with Dr. Watson doing one chapter, and Colonel Moran - Moriarty's 2nd in command - doing the other.

A must for Sherlock Holmes fans.

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ich habe den Perspektivenwechsel zwischen Watson und Moran geliebt und bin großer Fan davon, dass mit dieser Doyle Estate autorisierten Fiktion die Moran / Moriarty Dynamik mehr Aufmerksamkeit bekommt. Der Plot war im Endeffekt sehr spannend, hat aber recht lange gebraucht um mich komplett zu catchen bzw. Sinn zu ergeben.

[Squeek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read. Intriguing story and a nice pace, with vivid characters to compliment. My only qualms are that some things seemed added only for convenience as there was little explanation for why they happened, and the plot was hard to follow at times

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read. Though anyone can write a Holmes story, it's hard to do it well. Rubin has done it well. The plot here was riveting and was well thought out and interesting. The concept, that Holmes and Watson must team up with Moriarty is of course, right from the offing, an interesting one. How on earth would that ever need to happen? An interesting premise that drew me right in from the start and didn't fail to deliver. I hope he writes more.

[Tracey Sinclair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engaging take on the classic characters.

[S. Nemo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the concept of this, especially Moran’s voice was entertaining. But, not sure if this was due to the translation, Watson’s voice wasn’t accurate. Also for all the lunatic Holmsians/Sherlockians, it was way too easy to solve in the end. Just men with a god complex, how disappointing.

[Ilse Kleine Deters · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Het is op zich wel grappig, voelt als een Sherlock aflevering.
Maaaar ik snapte er in het begin helemaal niks van

[Mapi Peacecraft · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bellissimo fino all'80%. Poi arriva Mycroft.