Moriarty

Professor Moriarty #3

by John Gardner

John Gardner's Moriarty is a posthumous novel, and that is a shame -- for several reasons. One, because it is the last book we will see from one of the most protean of crime thriller writers, a man who made a mark in a variety of different genres and whose prolific output never suffered a slackening of quality (as was the case with so many of his contemporaries and predecessors, such as Robert Ludlum and Alistair MacLean). Secondly, because this book is an adroit historical crime novel, an innovative entry in the field which is (these days) becoming a touch overcrowded. And finally (and most importantly), because Moriarty is one of the most intelligent and striking extensions of the character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as the arch nemesis of The Great Detective, Sherlock Holmes.

Gardener had been such a capable practitioner in so many fields that it was no surprise when he proved so able at reinventing Doyle's master criminal. John Gardner had created the clever Boysie Oakes novels (ingenious parodies of Ian Fleming's Bond adventures) before very successfully taking up the Fleming legacy directly, and creating several new adventures for 007. Gardener's more serious thrillers (in the John le Carré/Len Deighton mould) featuring the agent Herbie Kruger were polished entries in the espionage field, and a series of novels featuring Moriarty demonstrated his mastery of a variety of genres. This last novel may be published after the author's death, but it's a fitting end to the series. Moriarty has been forced to flee England and live in America during the 1890s, but he returns to London in 1900 to find that his huge criminal empire has been rifled by the new crime boss idle Jack Idell. A grim and bloody battle ensues, delivered with all the panache that John Gardener demonstrated throughout this beguiling series. --Barry Forshaw

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Crime, Audiobook, Classics, Adventure

320 pages, Hardcover

First published November 10, 2008

About the author

Before coming an author of fiction in the early 1960s, John Gardner was variously a stage magician, a Royal Marine officer and a journalist. In all, Gardner has fifty-four novels to his credit, including Maestro, which was the New York Times book of the year. He was also invited by Ian Fleming’s literary copyright holders to write a series of continuation James Bond novels, which proved to be so successful that instead of the contracted three books he went on to publish some fourteen titles, including Licence Renewed and Icebreaker.

Having lived in the Republic of Ireland, the United States and the UK, John Gardner sadly died in August of 2007 having just completed his third novel in the Moriarty trilogy, Conan Doyle’s eponymous villain of the Sherlock Holmes series.

Reviews

[Iain · Rating 2 out of 5]

Readable, not not something I'd recommend. The novel didn't really capture the sense of Holmesian Victorian London that I was hoping for and it seemed to rely too heavily on a mixture of fan-ish interpretations of the inconsistencies in Conan-Doyle's short stories and an ill-conceived notion that quoting lyrics from the popular songs of the day would somehow create a sense of authentic atmosphere. As a piece of fan-fiction, it's a decent enough attempt; as a professional novel I felt it fell far short of expectations.

[Caroline · Rating 1 out of 5]

Whew. This was not good. Posthumous, perhaps. I think it was not edited before being released. Our protagonist is a bad guy, but once that's been developed we find the guys against him are child slavers and "baby farmers" (wtf?). There are hundreds of period songs injected seemingly at random into the text, and no suspense created before major plot advancements. Truly weak work. No Sherlock, and NOT in the style of ACD.

11/52/2009

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

SHERLOCK HOLMES FANS DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. It's crap--one of the worst books I've read in a long time. Admittedly Sherlock & related pastiches are always a gamble, & this book was a losing one. There is only the thinnest of plot lines thru the entire novel, & Gardner endlessly introduces character after character, while only developing Moriarty himself. Furthermore, Mr. Gardner seems much too fond of prurient sexual topics & descriptions, many of which would have made his 007 blush crimson, & none of which Holmes fans want to read. The single redeeming factor of 'Moriarry' is the period descriptions, but Gardner even takes this too far in his overuse of the dialect.

[Erth · Rating 5 out of 5]

now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.

The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.

i would highly recommend this author and this book.

[Rubberboots · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in 1900 London, this is the story of Moriarty vs Jack Idell and his quest to top off Moriarty as the crime boss. Entertaining but a bit weak in terms of atmosphere and suspense. For a much better novel set in 19th century London, pick up Murder as a Fine Art by David Morrel.

[Stuart Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The big list of Stuff I Like includes Doctor Who, David Bowie, historical fiction, seventies telly and classic crime novels (a combination of all of these in one would be the perfect product for me). So I'm inclined to be attracted to things like John Gardener's 'Moriarty', the third and final book in a series which tracks the career of Sherlock Holmes' nemesis after he (allegedly) survived his encounter with the Great detective at the Reichenbach Falls.

Don't be put off by the fact this is the end of the series, btw. The first two books were written in the 1970s and the main connections between those and this book are explained by the author's preface. It's enough to know that Moriarty is back in London after a spell in the States and is looking to take his criminal empire back from one Sir Jack Idell ('Idle Jack') who has taken his place as London crime Kingpin.

Having read one of Gardner's Bond books and finding it...unassuming at best, I picked up this book cheaply in an excellent remainder bookshop just outside Manchester, attracted by the subject matter far more than the writer. And I'm glad I did. It's the sort of book I find myself gobbling up greedily, delaying putting the kids to bed to finish the chapter, walking slowly to the shops so I can read another couple of pages on the way, hiding in the bedroom to read just a little more. The writing is assured and never descends to pastiche and Gardner has clearly done his research (even including a glossary at the end).

What sets this apart form many other Holmes' sequels I've read (apart from the almost complete absence of Holmes!) is the set of characters who inhabit the book like very slightly shop-soiled Dickensian figures. Armies of punishers and dippers, lurkers and cracksmen create a backdrop against which Moriarty and his Praetorian Guard plot and scheme against Idle Jack and his minions, and in which disfigurement, torture and death seem a commonplace, even if love and humour also flourish in the most unlikely of places. It's a wonderfully immersive book, and an easy one to get lost in, as all good books should be.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

The very meaty story of Moriarty's return to London and his attempt to regain his influence as the crime emperor of The Big Smoke. Be prepared. Found it rather uncomfortable at times.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not badly written, but this book has no redeeming message. There is no good force battling against evil, only two evil forces each seeking to gain control over the underworld. Moriarty has returned to London only to find that his nemesis Idle Jack has been taking over his enterprise bit by bit. Through threats, bribery, and terror he wins back and controls the various fear-stricken boys, men, and women who work for him in order to survive. There is some effort to humanize Moriarty, but it is less than effective -- the most one can say is that Idle Jack is even more bereft of morality than Moriarty.

[Jason Parent]

DNF

[Todd Stockslager · Rating 2 out of 5]

Continuation of Arthur Conan Doyle's arch-villain Moriarty, who apparently died with Sherlock Holmes when both plunged over the edge of the falls in a case mid-career when Doyle was trying to kill off the fictional Holmes and take his writing career in a different direction. Foiled in this attempt by his demanding public (see The Doctor and the Detective: A Biography of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle), Holmes brought Moriarty back, and provided some additional detail to create a master criminal whose own fame and career were to continue to attract curiosity beyond the framework of Doyle's fiction.

This is Gardner's third trip to the Moriarty source, and other authors have been there as well. This was not, as I had hoped, a mystery tale where Moriarty matches wits with a private detective like Holmes, a Scotland Yard professional, or even a fellow criminal genus. Instead, this is basically a retelling of a mafia crime family story, much condensed and reset in Victorian England, with writing that is pedestrian and dated; this feels like a 1970s straight-to-paperback knockoff of "The Godfather." This has nothing to do with and no similarities to the Holmes' mysteries in either style, pacing, or skill.

Unless you really want a clumsy retelling of a mafia crime family story, much condensed and reset in Victorian England, stay away from this criminal mess.

[Lynne · Rating 1 out of 5]

So wanted to like this, but I simply couldn't. I spent well over a week with this, and given that I am normally a very speedy reader, it was so disappointing that I found it very, very difficult to enjoy this. The characters seemed stilted and forced, Moriarty himself was more like a supervillain of the comic variety (not as in funny but as in strip cartoon mode), seemingly invincible and rather more like a Mafia boss. Gardner has researched the period impeccably but the actual plot of Idle Jack (Sir Jack Idell, barrister and gangster overlord) taking over Moriarty's turf was, sadly, faintly ridiculous, mainly through the paper characterisation of the central protagonists. Of course, the moll, Sal Hodges is a beautiful red-gold haired whore and we have the usual array of types rather than credible people.

A life-long fan of crime fiction both historical and contemporary, I really thought this novel would suit my tastes, sadly, I was disappointed.

[Brad McKenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everytime I see a book about Sherlock Holmes, or in this case his nemesis, I have to pick it up. I just wish I picked up the first book in this series first. Not that I couldn't follow along, it's just I'm not used to footnotes in non-classical fiction.

This book Moriarty does battle with a new kingpin, Idle Jack, who encroached on The Professor's territory whilst he was away. We see Jack only thrice in the whole book and the main action centers around Moriarty trying to find the mole in his "family". Perhaps, action is too strong a word. The pacing of the book is lacking. So much time is spent reflecting or giving back story that when something does happen, Mr. Gardner has trouble describing said action. It's almost like we're waiting for something big to happen and it never really does.

Perhaps I would think differently if I started this series at book 1, something I would suggest you do if you're inclined to pick up this book.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting reading... Moriarty as a Victorian-era Godfather. Don't expect any adventures with Holmes; this novel focuses squarely on his nemesis, James Moriarty and his numerous dark adventures. The book wrapped up with something of a let-down, almost as if Gardner was nearing the bell on a timed essay. That aside, a good, fast story that will leave you very grateful you weren't there in person.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost. The plot is great, the characters interesting and full-bodied, and Moriarty is one of the most interesting characters in the entire world of fiction. Sadly, the author's need to show off his research into the era's slang stilts dialogue and detracts from the plot. The end result is choppy writing and poor flow in an otherwise enjoyable book.

[Natalia · Rating 2 out of 5]

eh, I just don't see the point of a book set in the Sherlock Holmes universe, but lacking an appearance by Holmes himself.

The book itself was kind of slow-moving, especially compared to Conan Doyle's stories and books. There just wasn't enough dramatic tension.

[Kay Robart · Rating 1 out of 5]

A book about Professor Moriarty without Sherlock Holmes? That's not the only disappointment in this dull novel that features brutish and uninteresting characters.

See my complete review here:

http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/tag/m...

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK but nothing to write home about. Probably the death of the author had something to do with the abrupt ending. He was planning a 4th book in this series but didn't make it. Unless you were a fanatic about reading variations on the Sherlock theme - I wouldn't bother.

[Sketchycat8 · Rating 2 out of 5]

slow slow slow

[Kevin Orrman-Rossiter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not worth the effort; quite cartoonish characters and plot - Moriarty would not be pleased, Holmes would have used it to light his pipe.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very badly written book. The only thing that kept me going was the semi-interesting plot.

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Apart from having no real, three-dimensional characters, no plot arc, and nothing for the reader to care about, there’s nothing wrong with this book.

That said, here are the biggest annoyances in the book:

- There is nothing at stake. Moriarty is never in anything resembling real danger, and (despite what characters say), it doesn’t seem that he’s lost much of his criminal empire, and merely returning to London is all it takes to regain that. Since he seems to have superhuman abilities and fanatically loyal followers, there isn’t any dramatic tension.
- Characters are thinly drawn - I think the assumption is that we’ve read the two previous books, so we already know them - but unless it’s packaged as a trilogy, the book should fill us in on the missing details.
- Foreshadowing - Sal Rhodes has a Big Reveal in the final chapter of the book, which most readers should have figured out halfway through.
- James Bond - At times, I think Gardner forgot he was writing a faux-Holmes novel, because there are a few times that Moriarty (especially when he dispatches his enemy at the end) cooks up hare-brained schemes that seem more befitting of a colorful Bond villain. He even has a secret headquarters custom-built (the shark pool and piranha tanks are not explicitly mentioned, though I’m sure they’ll be there...)

I bought this for a quarter at a jumble sale, and I’m still not sure if I got my money’s worth.

[Chazzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on three volumes of Moriarty’s journals, this third book in the series picks up in early 1900s London. Moriarty has returned to London after a good majority of his gang has gone over to Idle Jack’s gang.

Moriarty has just returned to live in his beloved London. His true love, Sal Hodges, is still there for him. He finds that many of his loyal followers have taken up with Sir Idell Jack — a man who deals in the sale of prostitution of children, but is moving into other criminal areas with his eye on becoming the master of London’s criminal world.

Moriarty finds he must count on his top four men to bring down Idell. Moriarty also suspects that there is a traitor among his men who is feeding information to Idell. The question is who is it?

A master of disguise, Moriarty utilizes various identities to get around and attain information and weave his web to catch the traitor.

The writing pulls you along through silent, cold and fog shrouded London streets, as you read to find out how the various characters fit into this Victorian tale.

I took my time reading this in order to enjoy the atmosphere, characters and unfolding of the story.

[Scoats · Rating 1 out of 5]

After suffering though not one but two prefaces explaining the backstory of the fiction of finding and decoding the Moriarty journals, I finally got the first page of the story which was overwritten and tedious. Then the next page had footnotes. That's when I bailed.

This reminds me of Michael Crichton at his worst. I know a lot of work went into this project and I'm sure the research is amazing but I can't be bothered. It feels like more work went into the research and engineering than went to the actual execution. Jonatha Strange & Mr. Norrell is an example where this sort of highly researched historical novel can really work.

Hardcore Sherlock Holmes fans will probably be in their element, but for the rest of us, it's a slog. A slog I'd rather not make. This book seems like it was a lot of fun for the author, but as a reader I wasn't having fun too. Which is OK, there are loads of other books out there to read.

[Jolie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book, for me, was a choppy, clunky, uneven slog. The backstory given to Moriarty is so outside of what I understand from the Doyle books as to be completely ludicrous. There are zero redeeming characteristics to any characters in the book; they are all sociopathic assholes. It isn't even particularly well written or maybe it was badly edited after the author died. Either way, I won't be bothering with anything else in this series or by this author. Disappointing.

[A.L. Bellettiere · Rating 1 out of 5]

I came upon this book at a library book sale last year and recognizing the name from Sherlock Holmes mythology, I thought this would be interesting.Total opposite. When I read ACD's Holmes Story, I never feel as I for a lack of drive to read them. This one, I felt that lack of interest. Whether it was because it was the final book, because Moriarty is much like the godfather or otherwise, like the Mary Russell books, I could not get into this one.

[Marilyn Fontane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Moriarty by John Gardner is so horrible that I was only able to suffer through reading about 1/3 of it. I had thought it might relate to Sherlock Holmes, but it is a battle between two evil characters, Moriarty and Jack Idell. The language is ugly. The characters are personifications of evil. Slight 19th C. slum background, better found in countless other novels. Don't read it. I only gave it one star because I could not give less. Nice color on the Dust Jacket however--perfect 19th C. pea soup London fog.

[Ronn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is rare that I think this, but I really wouldnt have minded if this book had been 50 or 100 pages longer. Gardner's Moriarty novels have all been pretty good, and I have enjoyed having him as the protagonist. A couple of other authors have taken this same route, and I have them on the shelf waiting to read. I hope they are as wsell written.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting novel, with a twist I quite didn't expect. Well two twists.n As a Holmesian this novel is right my street, although this book was the final book of a trilogy it seems. I am now looking for the other two novels in the series now.

Would I recommend the book? Yes I would

[Dennis Wales · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly intriguing material. I've never read something wherein the protagonist is such an infamous antagonist elsewhere in literature. It was more bawdy than I expected but then we are dealing with a book about a major crime lord, and a good portion of his empire is involved in brothels.

[S. Nemo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadly the series will never make it to a quartet. Yet it was exactly what I needed to read all those years. I’m happy to see the conclusions I’ve made about the Professor’s character in print. Only wish I could lay hands on those notebooks…