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Arrowood #1
Arrowood
1895
London is scared.
A killer haunts the city’s streets; the poor are hungry; crime bosses are taking control; the police force is stretched to the breaking point.
The rich turn to Sherlock Holmes, but the celebrated private detective rarely visits the densely populated streets of South London, where the crimes are sleazier and the people are poorer.
In the dark corner of Southwark, victims turn to a man who despises Holmes, his wealthy clientele and his showy forensic approach to Arrowood—self-taught psychologist, occasional drunkard and private investigator.
When a man mysteriously disappears and Arrowood’s best lead is viciously stabbed before his eyes, he and his sidekick, Barnett, face their toughest quest to capture the head of the most notorious gang in London…
In the bestselling tradition of Anthony Horowitz and Andrew Taylor, this gloriously dark crime debut will haunt readers long after the final page has been turned.
London is scared.
A killer haunts the city’s streets; the poor are hungry; crime bosses are taking control; the police force is stretched to the breaking point.
The rich turn to Sherlock Holmes, but the celebrated private detective rarely visits the densely populated streets of South London, where the crimes are sleazier and the people are poorer.
In the dark corner of Southwark, victims turn to a man who despises Holmes, his wealthy clientele and his showy forensic approach to Arrowood—self-taught psychologist, occasional drunkard and private investigator.
When a man mysteriously disappears and Arrowood’s best lead is viciously stabbed before his eyes, he and his sidekick, Barnett, face their toughest quest to capture the head of the most notorious gang in London…
In the bestselling tradition of Anthony Horowitz and Andrew Taylor, this gloriously dark crime debut will haunt readers long after the final page has been turned.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 23, 2017
291 people are currently reading
3561 people want to read
About the author
Mick Finlay
8 books192 followersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickfinlayau...
Mick Finlay was born in Glasgow and grew up in Canada and England. He now divides his time between Brighton and Cambridge. He teaches in a Psychology Department, and has published social psychological research on political violence, persuasion, and verbal and non-verbal behaviour. Before becoming an academic he worked as a tent hand in a travelling circus, a butcher's boy, a hotel porter, and in various psychology-related roles in the NHS and social services. He reads widely in history, psychology, and enjoys a variety of fiction genres (including crime, of course!)
Mick used his background in psychology to write 'Arrowood', a historical crime fiction novel set in Victorian London. It is published HQ (Harper Collins) in the UK and by Mira in the USA. Translations are available by Harper Collins in a number of other countries (e.g. Japan, Brazil, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Holland, Finland, Norway and Sweden). The sequel, 'The Murder Pit', came out in Jan 2019 (UK), Feb in N America, and other countries later this year (dates to be confirmed).
“Gangsters, pornographers, drunks and Fenian terrorists abound in this Victorian noir detective novel, which crackles with energy and wit.” The Times (of London) – Top 100 Summer Books
“Arrowood is the Victorian workingman’s answer to the higher-class Sherlock Holmes — a foul-mouthed, hard-drinking, shabby detective with a seriously bad attitude toward his more famous counterpart.” Seattle Times – 10 of the Summer’s Hottest Crime Fiction Titles
Mick Finlay was born in Glasgow and grew up in Canada and England. He now divides his time between Brighton and Cambridge. He teaches in a Psychology Department, and has published social psychological research on political violence, persuasion, and verbal and non-verbal behaviour. Before becoming an academic he worked as a tent hand in a travelling circus, a butcher's boy, a hotel porter, and in various psychology-related roles in the NHS and social services. He reads widely in history, psychology, and enjoys a variety of fiction genres (including crime, of course!)
Mick used his background in psychology to write 'Arrowood', a historical crime fiction novel set in Victorian London. It is published HQ (Harper Collins) in the UK and by Mira in the USA. Translations are available by Harper Collins in a number of other countries (e.g. Japan, Brazil, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Holland, Finland, Norway and Sweden). The sequel, 'The Murder Pit', came out in Jan 2019 (UK), Feb in N America, and other countries later this year (dates to be confirmed).
“Gangsters, pornographers, drunks and Fenian terrorists abound in this Victorian noir detective novel, which crackles with energy and wit.” The Times (of London) – Top 100 Summer Books
“Arrowood is the Victorian workingman’s answer to the higher-class Sherlock Holmes — a foul-mouthed, hard-drinking, shabby detective with a seriously bad attitude toward his more famous counterpart.” Seattle Times – 10 of the Summer’s Hottest Crime Fiction Titles
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 383 reviews
May 1, 2017
So I have finished my Easter Book. An anti-Sherlock Holmes set in 1895 London at the height of the notorious detective’s fame. The tagline on the book is "London Society takes its problems to Sherlock Holmes. Everyone else goes to Arrowood."
Arrowood and his very capable assistant Norman Barnett investigate the seedy underside of London. Cases are brought to a conclusion (not solved) using hard graft, illegal means when necessary, amateurish psychology and a lot of luck (both bad and good). This particular story has the classical Crime Noir storyline. A beautiful Femme Fatale brings a compelling case to a down on his luck hard-boiled detective. Can she be trusted? Of Course not! The conclusion is gritty and not one Mr. Holmes would have been proud of, but more fool him.
I would have liked a little more character development - but this is the first novel so there is plenty of time.
Recommended to anyone who enjoys a mystery with their historic fiction and is not afraid to bash the snobbery of Detective Holmes :)
Arrowood and his very capable assistant Norman Barnett investigate the seedy underside of London. Cases are brought to a conclusion (not solved) using hard graft, illegal means when necessary, amateurish psychology and a lot of luck (both bad and good). This particular story has the classical Crime Noir storyline. A beautiful Femme Fatale brings a compelling case to a down on his luck hard-boiled detective. Can she be trusted? Of Course not! The conclusion is gritty and not one Mr. Holmes would have been proud of, but more fool him.
I would have liked a little more character development - but this is the first novel so there is plenty of time.
Recommended to anyone who enjoys a mystery with their historic fiction and is not afraid to bash the snobbery of Detective Holmes :)
April 2, 2019
I just can't resist reading a book that is set in the same time as Sherlock Holmes. And, the book did seem really promising with Arrowood being the poor man's Sherlock Holmes. However, I had some problems with the story. First, with Arrowood himself and his Sherlock envy. I mean his alias is Locksher and he can't seem to be able to deal with Sherlock Holmes being so popular. Several times does he rant about that. And, it was irritating, and it didn't get better as the story progressed. Thankfully his trustworthy assistant Norman Barrett saves the day. He is, in my opinion, the one that saved this story and made continue reading. Barrett is also very clever and has not the temperament that Arrowood has. Barrett may be Arrowood's Dr. Watson, but Barrett is pretty clever himself and honestly, he would probably do better on his own.
As for the story. It was not easy to get into. The first time I tried reading it did I put it away because the intro didn't grab hold of me. This time did it go better, but I did feel now and then that the story just didn't hold my interest. What kept me going is that I wanted to know the truth about the missing Frenchman and I also hoped that Sherlock Holmes would make an appearance. All and all the mystery was OK, although I had a hard time remember all the characters that showed up. And, to be honest, Arrowood isn't as clever as Holmes and without Barett would he be at a loss.
So, would I read more books in this series? Only if the author promised me that Holmes himself would be in it, otherwise I do not have much interest in reading more books. This one was OK, but reading more about Arrowood isn't something that interests me much.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review
As for the story. It was not easy to get into. The first time I tried reading it did I put it away because the intro didn't grab hold of me. This time did it go better, but I did feel now and then that the story just didn't hold my interest. What kept me going is that I wanted to know the truth about the missing Frenchman and I also hoped that Sherlock Holmes would make an appearance. All and all the mystery was OK, although I had a hard time remember all the characters that showed up. And, to be honest, Arrowood isn't as clever as Holmes and without Barett would he be at a loss.
So, would I read more books in this series? Only if the author promised me that Holmes himself would be in it, otherwise I do not have much interest in reading more books. This one was OK, but reading more about Arrowood isn't something that interests me much.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review
March 20, 2017
Drunken and bitter about the 'undeserved' notoriety of Homes and Watson, this detective is not what you'd expect. He is, in fact, rather unappealing and despite the various successes in his past, i'm not sure i'd trust him to investigate any case of mine. Even more so because that would mean I was stuck in the midden that is south London in 1895. Suffice it to say that the author does particularly well at imagining this dank, dangerous, and decidedly underclass world. The criminals that stalk the pages are particularly vivid and any curtailment of their actions by Arrowood and his trusty sidekick, Barnett, often seems to be more luck than judgement. At times this is amusing, others frustrating.
Overall it offered something a bit different, but i'm not sure this duo had enough allure to bring me back for another helping.
ARC via Netgalley.
Overall it offered something a bit different, but i'm not sure this duo had enough allure to bring me back for another helping.
ARC via Netgalley.
February 10, 2017
Down south, London town
In South London in the 1890s, William Arrowood is fat and bald (‘a potato of a man’), physically unfit, exhibits problems with alcohol consumption and has a pathological aversion to Sherlock Holmes. For various reasons Arrowood finds himself a private investigator; like Holmes he has an assistant, a working class tough with a sensitive interior called Norman Barnett. Arrowood professedly bases his deductive methods on a study of the minds of those involved in his cases. This meets with very mixed success – it is hard to know whether he is incompetent or lazy – but occasionally he strikes gold.
This is a riotous rough diamond of a novel. It possesses all the elements of a Holmsian investigation, but very much rooted in the working classes of South London: Irish independence fighters, forced prostitution rackets, corrupt security forces and devious business men all give the narrative a sharply contemporary flavour. Arrowood’s determination, Barnett’s decency and drive, the cast of London characters, the presentation of living conditions of the time, the lively dialogue all contribute a to an amusing and very entertaining read. This would appear to be the first in a series involving these characters. I would be very pleased to follow their story.
In South London in the 1890s, William Arrowood is fat and bald (‘a potato of a man’), physically unfit, exhibits problems with alcohol consumption and has a pathological aversion to Sherlock Holmes. For various reasons Arrowood finds himself a private investigator; like Holmes he has an assistant, a working class tough with a sensitive interior called Norman Barnett. Arrowood professedly bases his deductive methods on a study of the minds of those involved in his cases. This meets with very mixed success – it is hard to know whether he is incompetent or lazy – but occasionally he strikes gold.
This is a riotous rough diamond of a novel. It possesses all the elements of a Holmsian investigation, but very much rooted in the working classes of South London: Irish independence fighters, forced prostitution rackets, corrupt security forces and devious business men all give the narrative a sharply contemporary flavour. Arrowood’s determination, Barnett’s decency and drive, the cast of London characters, the presentation of living conditions of the time, the lively dialogue all contribute a to an amusing and very entertaining read. This would appear to be the first in a series involving these characters. I would be very pleased to follow their story.
July 20, 2017
I absolutely love the tagline of this book: London Society takes their problems to Sherlock Holmes. Everyone else goes to Arrowood.
That totally caught my eye when I was scanning Netgalley in search of new books to read this summer. An anti-Sherlock Holmes sounded refreshing and new. I have been watching the TV show Sherlock (which if you haven’t watched it, go right now to Netflix and start!) and I love the modern take on it, so I thought that something like an anti-Sherlock read would be complimentary.
This was an interesting one and not what I was expecting at all. It was much darker and gritter than I thought it was going to be. I mean yes, it’s an anti-Sherlock novel but I expected Arrowood to at least be somewhat likable! I could never really warm up to him at all. I don’t know that I ever really liked him in any way shape or form. In fact I felt like his assistant did most of the work while he took the credit. I felt like the novel should have been called Barnett.
The mystery itself was ok, it did drag on for a little too long in my opinion but I liked the gritty, darker parts of the mystery just fine. I think the book itself had all the right ingredients but the mixture just didn’t develop into a masterpiece. It’s like someone left out the yeast to make the story rise. Everything was there to make it really really good, but something critical was missing and for me that was a likable, charismatic main character.
The summary made it sound a lot more exciting than it turned out to be. It was ok, but not an overly engaging mystery which made me sad. I had really hoped to like this one but I just didn’t. I have read a lot of other reviews on this one and I seem to be in the minority. Everyone else seems to really like it, but for me it was a complete miss. I would have rated it one star but I did like Barnett and I liked some parts of the mystery, plus I did keep reading the book for quite a while so there was clearly something that kept me reading. If I had really disliked it, then I would have moved it to DNF, but I didn’t, I kept plugging away. So I figured it at least deserved two stars.
See my full review here
That totally caught my eye when I was scanning Netgalley in search of new books to read this summer. An anti-Sherlock Holmes sounded refreshing and new. I have been watching the TV show Sherlock (which if you haven’t watched it, go right now to Netflix and start!) and I love the modern take on it, so I thought that something like an anti-Sherlock read would be complimentary.
This was an interesting one and not what I was expecting at all. It was much darker and gritter than I thought it was going to be. I mean yes, it’s an anti-Sherlock novel but I expected Arrowood to at least be somewhat likable! I could never really warm up to him at all. I don’t know that I ever really liked him in any way shape or form. In fact I felt like his assistant did most of the work while he took the credit. I felt like the novel should have been called Barnett.
The mystery itself was ok, it did drag on for a little too long in my opinion but I liked the gritty, darker parts of the mystery just fine. I think the book itself had all the right ingredients but the mixture just didn’t develop into a masterpiece. It’s like someone left out the yeast to make the story rise. Everything was there to make it really really good, but something critical was missing and for me that was a likable, charismatic main character.
The summary made it sound a lot more exciting than it turned out to be. It was ok, but not an overly engaging mystery which made me sad. I had really hoped to like this one but I just didn’t. I have read a lot of other reviews on this one and I seem to be in the minority. Everyone else seems to really like it, but for me it was a complete miss. I would have rated it one star but I did like Barnett and I liked some parts of the mystery, plus I did keep reading the book for quite a while so there was clearly something that kept me reading. If I had really disliked it, then I would have moved it to DNF, but I didn’t, I kept plugging away. So I figured it at least deserved two stars.
See my full review here
June 6, 2017
OK. So... I did not really like this book. I see what Finlay was trying to do here, but it just didn't work.
1) Arrowood is the discount, cheaply-made version of Sherlock Holmes. He is the Dollar General of private investigators. He is gross. Sweaty, fat, balding, farts all the time, messes around with prostitutes... He is cocky and always acting superior to Sherlock Holmes and most everyone else. He is not a likable character. In fact, I happen to dislike him very much.
2) The person who does all of the work in the case us Barnett. I did like Barnett. He is the equivalent of Watson. But tougher. Like street fighter tough. But again, how many severe beatings can one man take and not tell Arrowood to get lost?
3) The book drags on forever. I thought it would never end. And how many times was that poor boy going to get kidnapped before they stop putting him in harm's way!?!?!
All in all, I don't recommend the book and I'm glad I'm done with it.
1) Arrowood is the discount, cheaply-made version of Sherlock Holmes. He is the Dollar General of private investigators. He is gross. Sweaty, fat, balding, farts all the time, messes around with prostitutes... He is cocky and always acting superior to Sherlock Holmes and most everyone else. He is not a likable character. In fact, I happen to dislike him very much.
2) The person who does all of the work in the case us Barnett. I did like Barnett. He is the equivalent of Watson. But tougher. Like street fighter tough. But again, how many severe beatings can one man take and not tell Arrowood to get lost?
3) The book drags on forever. I thought it would never end. And how many times was that poor boy going to get kidnapped before they stop putting him in harm's way!?!?!
All in all, I don't recommend the book and I'm glad I'm done with it.
March 26, 2017
Fancy a Sherlock Holmes without all the smugness? Possibly when things don't seem to be all that easy? When he's struggling to pay rent and buy food?
Well meet Arrowood.
What he lacks in manners and respectability he certainly makes up in diligence and brainpower.
What I loved most about this was the fact that Arrowood wasn't perfect, he made mistakes and got emotionally involved, was led by his heart, was down on his luck and had an extremely bossy sister.
He was believable, and likeable, terribly flawed, and a bloody genius. I know who I'd turn to if I had a problem that needed solving, and it wouldn't be to a man in a ridiculous hat!
Well meet Arrowood.
What he lacks in manners and respectability he certainly makes up in diligence and brainpower.
What I loved most about this was the fact that Arrowood wasn't perfect, he made mistakes and got emotionally involved, was led by his heart, was down on his luck and had an extremely bossy sister.
He was believable, and likeable, terribly flawed, and a bloody genius. I know who I'd turn to if I had a problem that needed solving, and it wouldn't be to a man in a ridiculous hat!
September 19, 2017
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April 7, 2023
« London Society takes their problems to Sherlock Holmes. Everyone else goes to Arrowood. »
I expected Arrowood to have a Lupin gentleman-style about him. He doesn’t - in fact his assistant Barnett is far more respectable. The miserly backstreets of 19th century London are well described, and the political backdrop is obviously well-documented.
It felt like all the ingredients for a super mystery read were brought together, but it simply didn’t work for me - I found it convoluted, and the pacing was off - so it made for a long read that wasn’t truly enjoyable.
I expected Arrowood to have a Lupin gentleman-style about him. He doesn’t - in fact his assistant Barnett is far more respectable. The miserly backstreets of 19th century London are well described, and the political backdrop is obviously well-documented.
It felt like all the ingredients for a super mystery read were brought together, but it simply didn’t work for me - I found it convoluted, and the pacing was off - so it made for a long read that wasn’t truly enjoyable.
June 21, 2018
Siento que llevo una eternidad con esta lectura. Esperaba algo al estilo Sherlock Holmes, siendo que además ocurre en la misma época, pero ha sido dar vueltas y más vueltas a lo mismo una y otra vez. Hay un cóctel entre los fenianos, Sherlock e incluso Jack el destripador que no llega a sacarle provecho por intentar juntar todo en un mismo libro. El Inspector Arrowood no ha estado mal como personaje, me recordó un poco a Backstrom y Barnett no ha logrado convencerme del todo.
June 28, 2021
2.75
Nếu để nói là fan trinh thám nên đọc cuốn sách này thì không đúng lắm. Cá nhân mình thấy cuốn sách này hơi nửa vời, là trinh thám điều tra nhưng những yếu tố cốt lõi để cho thấy rằng đây là thể loại trinh thám thì không đầy đủ và thậm chí là làm chưa tới. Truyện sẽ không dành cho fan trinh thám cứng cựa muốn suy luận điều tra đâu (đừng kì vọng vào twist nhé).
Cụ thể hơn, thứ nhất là vụ án. Vụ án bắt đầu là cô gái nhờ cậy thám tử Arrowood đi tìm em trai mất tích. Từ vụ đó lan sang dây mơ rễ má lằng nhằng với giết người, buôn bán súng, băng đảng, một đống hỗn độn các thể loại và đến cuối cùng thì mình không nhận ra được vụ án ban đầu có liên quan gì nữa. Thủ phạm thì tầm đến giữa truyện là Arrowood cùng anh trợ lý Barnett cũng đoán ra được rồi, mình thì cứ đọc tiếp để đợi xem kẻ chủ mưu cuối cùng là ai mà hóa ra kẻ chủ mưu đã biết t��� giữa truyện. Tất cả vụ án thực chất là những sự việc không thực sự có liên quan được chắp nối vụng về, cảm giác như là một vụ án hoàn chỉnh nhưng chỉ là những mảnh vụn vặt thiếu liên kết.
Ngoài ra thì vụ án còn liên quan đến băng đảng, mình không thích băng đảng lắm.
Thứ hai là nghiệp vụ điều tra của Arrowood. Arrowood rất coi thường khả năng của Sherlock Holmes và khinh thường cái suy luận quan sát của Holmes. Arrowood coi trọng việc đọc cảm xúc để từ đó suy ra thông tin quan trọng. Mình mong đợi một cách phá án dựa trên quan sát cảm xúc của Arrowood nhưng rốt cuộc mình lại rất thất vọng. Sự thất vọng ở đây là mình không thấy được phần thể hiện chuyên môn của Arrowood. Arrowood cả truyện không làm gì, tương đối thụ động, luôn nóng nảy, mất bình tĩnh, thiếu kiểm soát, thậm chí còn hay gây nguy hiểm cho người giúp đỡ mình. Phần lớn thúc đẩy diễn tiến truyện là những hành động của Barnett, người điều tra chính của truyện. Nhưng những điều tra của Barnett chủ yếu là những chuyện tình cờ xảy ra, tình cờ Barnett thấy người này, thấy người nọ khả nghi, còn lại thì mình cũng không coi việc điều tra này là có chủ đích rõ ràng.
Thứ ba, động cơ của cô gái tìm em trai. Arrowood ngay từ đầu thấy cô ấy nói dối. Đến khi phát hiện ra lý do tại sao cô ấy nói dối thì mình chưng hửng. Lý do hoàn toàn thiếu thuyết phục và không thể tin được, nói dối tất cả chỉ việc mỗi mục đích nhảm nhí như vậy, mà còn thể hiện sự coi thường khả năng của Arrowood nữa. Toàn bộ vụ án được dựng nên từ động cơ quá thiếu vững chắc và nực cười nên mình càng không thể tin được cả chuỗi sự việc về sau.
Thứ tư, cái này thì chắc là chỉ mình thôi nhưng mình không thích cách tác giả liên tục miêu tả Arrowood là người béo. Cứ tầm 1, 2 trang là lại có chi tiết tả Arrowood to béo, mà không chỉ đơn giản là to béo, mà tác giả còn tả đến mức quá lố như là nhiều mỡ, nhiều ngấn. Mình không hiểu sao tác giả phải lặp đi lặp lại hình ảnh Arrowood béo phì như vậy trong đầu người đọc, có mục đích gì góp phần cho cốt truyện không - ai có thể giải đáp giúp mình vướng mắc này?
Nhưng mình vẫn vớt vát cho cuốn này được thêm 0,75 là do không khí truyện thể hiện đúng chất tồi tàn, lụp xụp của nơi thường dân, nghèo, tội phạm băng đảng đầy rẫy. Đọc truyện cũng không quá phải động não và đọc giải trí tương đối ổn, nên mình cũng đọc vèo cái là xong.
Nói chung thì nếu mình có nghèo và muốn nhờ phá án thì mình cũng sẽ không nhờ cậy đến thám tử Arrowood đâu.
Nếu để nói là fan trinh thám nên đọc cuốn sách này thì không đúng lắm. Cá nhân mình thấy cuốn sách này hơi nửa vời, là trinh thám điều tra nhưng những yếu tố cốt lõi để cho thấy rằng đây là thể loại trinh thám thì không đầy đủ và thậm chí là làm chưa tới. Truyện sẽ không dành cho fan trinh thám cứng cựa muốn suy luận điều tra đâu (đừng kì vọng vào twist nhé).
Cụ thể hơn, thứ nhất là vụ án. Vụ án bắt đầu là cô gái nhờ cậy thám tử Arrowood đi tìm em trai mất tích. Từ vụ đó lan sang dây mơ rễ má lằng nhằng với giết người, buôn bán súng, băng đảng, một đống hỗn độn các thể loại và đến cuối cùng thì mình không nhận ra được vụ án ban đầu có liên quan gì nữa. Thủ phạm thì tầm đến giữa truyện là Arrowood cùng anh trợ lý Barnett cũng đoán ra được rồi, mình thì cứ đọc tiếp để đợi xem kẻ chủ mưu cuối cùng là ai mà hóa ra kẻ chủ mưu đã biết t��� giữa truyện. Tất cả vụ án thực chất là những sự việc không thực sự có liên quan được chắp nối vụng về, cảm giác như là một vụ án hoàn chỉnh nhưng chỉ là những mảnh vụn vặt thiếu liên kết.
Ngoài ra thì vụ án còn liên quan đến băng đảng, mình không thích băng đảng lắm.
Thứ hai là nghiệp vụ điều tra của Arrowood. Arrowood rất coi thường khả năng của Sherlock Holmes và khinh thường cái suy luận quan sát của Holmes. Arrowood coi trọng việc đọc cảm xúc để từ đó suy ra thông tin quan trọng. Mình mong đợi một cách phá án dựa trên quan sát cảm xúc của Arrowood nhưng rốt cuộc mình lại rất thất vọng. Sự thất vọng ở đây là mình không thấy được phần thể hiện chuyên môn của Arrowood. Arrowood cả truyện không làm gì, tương đối thụ động, luôn nóng nảy, mất bình tĩnh, thiếu kiểm soát, thậm chí còn hay gây nguy hiểm cho người giúp đỡ mình. Phần lớn thúc đẩy diễn tiến truyện là những hành động của Barnett, người điều tra chính của truyện. Nhưng những điều tra của Barnett chủ yếu là những chuyện tình cờ xảy ra, tình cờ Barnett thấy người này, thấy người nọ khả nghi, còn lại thì mình cũng không coi việc điều tra này là có chủ đích rõ ràng.
Thứ ba, động cơ của cô gái tìm em trai. Arrowood ngay từ đầu thấy cô ấy nói dối. Đến khi phát hiện ra lý do tại sao cô ấy nói dối thì mình chưng hửng. Lý do hoàn toàn thiếu thuyết phục và không thể tin được, nói dối tất cả chỉ việc mỗi mục đích nhảm nhí như vậy, mà còn thể hiện sự coi thường khả năng của Arrowood nữa. Toàn bộ vụ án được dựng nên từ động cơ quá thiếu vững chắc và nực cười nên mình càng không thể tin được cả chuỗi sự việc về sau.
Thứ tư, cái này thì chắc là chỉ mình thôi nhưng mình không thích cách tác giả liên tục miêu tả Arrowood là người béo. Cứ tầm 1, 2 trang là lại có chi tiết tả Arrowood to béo, mà không chỉ đơn giản là to béo, mà tác giả còn tả đến mức quá lố như là nhiều mỡ, nhiều ngấn. Mình không hiểu sao tác giả phải lặp đi lặp lại hình ảnh Arrowood béo phì như vậy trong đầu người đọc, có mục đích gì góp phần cho cốt truyện không - ai có thể giải đáp giúp mình vướng mắc này?
Nhưng mình vẫn vớt vát cho cuốn này được thêm 0,75 là do không khí truyện thể hiện đúng chất tồi tàn, lụp xụp của nơi thường dân, nghèo, tội phạm băng đảng đầy rẫy. Đọc truyện cũng không quá phải động não và đọc giải trí tương đối ổn, nên mình cũng đọc vèo cái là xong.
Nói chung thì nếu mình có nghèo và muốn nhờ phá án thì mình cũng sẽ không nhờ cậy đến thám tử Arrowood đâu.
February 20, 2018
Whilst the rich rely on Sherlock Holmes to solve their cases, the rest of London turn to William Arrowood - a self-taught psychologist and occasional drunk.
Arrowood resents Holmes popularity, he firmly believes that he's a media darling due to Watson only publishing stories that show Holmes in a good light.
I loved how grumpy Arrowood is, with him constantly being critical of Holmes.
The story as a real grubby realism to it, the poorest side of London was perfectly realized.
The story was very entertaining with plenty of twists and turns.
Some really interesting characters, most notably he's sidekick Norman Barnett.
Arrowood resents Holmes popularity, he firmly believes that he's a media darling due to Watson only publishing stories that show Holmes in a good light.
I loved how grumpy Arrowood is, with him constantly being critical of Holmes.
The story as a real grubby realism to it, the poorest side of London was perfectly realized.
The story was very entertaining with plenty of twists and turns.
Some really interesting characters, most notably he's sidekick Norman Barnett.
June 2, 2017
I won a free ARC of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I like to think that it didn't affect my opinion in the slightest, but, hey: full disclosure. Anyone who thinks that sending me a free copy of their book will guarantee a cushy review is encouraged to try.
The tagline on the front cover is too good to be improved upon: "London society takes its problems to Sherlock Holmes. Everyone else goes to Arrowood." William Arrowood is not Sherlock Holmes. In his eyes, Holmes is a fraud who solves his cases more by luck than skill, whose popularity is based more on the wealth of his clientele and the literary skills of John Watson than anything else. Most of his associates are less harsh in their judgment of Holmes, and view Arrowood's obsession as more a quirk of personality than fact.
Arrowood may be set in Victorian London, but the setting is more gritty, the dark underbelly of Victorian society that Holmes rarely dealt with. A young French girl comes to Arrowood and implores him to find her missing brother. She fears the worst. Arrowood and his associate, Barnett, agree to take the case, but soon find themselves in over their heads and struggling just to stay alive.
This is a very promising beginning to what I hope is a series. The setting is well-depicted, and the characters believable. It's fun to read Arrowood's tirades about Holmes, and he points out flaws in several famous cases. This was a good read that held my interest. Recommended!
The tagline on the front cover is too good to be improved upon: "London society takes its problems to Sherlock Holmes. Everyone else goes to Arrowood." William Arrowood is not Sherlock Holmes. In his eyes, Holmes is a fraud who solves his cases more by luck than skill, whose popularity is based more on the wealth of his clientele and the literary skills of John Watson than anything else. Most of his associates are less harsh in their judgment of Holmes, and view Arrowood's obsession as more a quirk of personality than fact.
Arrowood may be set in Victorian London, but the setting is more gritty, the dark underbelly of Victorian society that Holmes rarely dealt with. A young French girl comes to Arrowood and implores him to find her missing brother. She fears the worst. Arrowood and his associate, Barnett, agree to take the case, but soon find themselves in over their heads and struggling just to stay alive.
This is a very promising beginning to what I hope is a series. The setting is well-depicted, and the characters believable. It's fun to read Arrowood's tirades about Holmes, and he points out flaws in several famous cases. This was a good read that held my interest. Recommended!
March 26, 2018
Eh, not bad, but give me Sherlock Holmes any day. Sorry Arrowood.
March 16, 2017
3-3.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from Harper Collins in exchange for an honest review.
It’s London 1894 and while Sherlock Holmes’ cases fill the headlines, another private investigator called Arrowood helps the people who can’t pay for the likes of Holmes. When Arrowood and his assistant Mr Barnett are put o the case of a missing Frenchman, they end up embroiled in something a lot more dangerous than it seems.
This is a fun, historic mystery novel set in the grimy streets of London and the world inhabited by the famous Sherlock Holmes. There’s lots of mentions of Holmes and Watson, and of their many solved cases which Arrowood likes to discredit, so I think people who loved Holmes will loves this book. I am not a fan of Sherlock Holmes and don’t know the stories so I’m sure there’s lots of little easter eggs in this novel that I missed but Holmes fans will find and enjoy.
While I enjoyed the mystery and the historic London setting, I was disappointed that the book was not in Arrowood’s POV but in Mr Barett - it threw me off at first for a bit and not only that but Arrowood himself was not really what I expected either. He didn’t seem, to me, that amazing of a detective at first though I gradually saw how he put to use his study of Darwin and human body language and reactions and I did enjoy that. I didn’t find any character in this book I overly liked (with the exception of Neddy) and I did find myself frustrated at times, particularly with the men’s continuous belief of everything the French woman told them even though they kept realising she was lying to them.
I did like how everything came about eventually and i did enjoy the book on a whole. I’m not surfier i would pick up the next one, if there is going to be more books focusing on Arrowood in the shops, but I would probably picket up in the library if i saw it.
I received a free copy of this book from Harper Collins in exchange for an honest review.
It’s London 1894 and while Sherlock Holmes’ cases fill the headlines, another private investigator called Arrowood helps the people who can’t pay for the likes of Holmes. When Arrowood and his assistant Mr Barnett are put o the case of a missing Frenchman, they end up embroiled in something a lot more dangerous than it seems.
This is a fun, historic mystery novel set in the grimy streets of London and the world inhabited by the famous Sherlock Holmes. There’s lots of mentions of Holmes and Watson, and of their many solved cases which Arrowood likes to discredit, so I think people who loved Holmes will loves this book. I am not a fan of Sherlock Holmes and don’t know the stories so I’m sure there’s lots of little easter eggs in this novel that I missed but Holmes fans will find and enjoy.
While I enjoyed the mystery and the historic London setting, I was disappointed that the book was not in Arrowood’s POV but in Mr Barett - it threw me off at first for a bit and not only that but Arrowood himself was not really what I expected either. He didn’t seem, to me, that amazing of a detective at first though I gradually saw how he put to use his study of Darwin and human body language and reactions and I did enjoy that. I didn’t find any character in this book I overly liked (with the exception of Neddy) and I did find myself frustrated at times, particularly with the men’s continuous belief of everything the French woman told them even though they kept realising she was lying to them.
I did like how everything came about eventually and i did enjoy the book on a whole. I’m not surfier i would pick up the next one, if there is going to be more books focusing on Arrowood in the shops, but I would probably picket up in the library if i saw it.
July 20, 2017
William Arrowood is a private detective and London's "alternative" to Sherlock Holmes whose clients are mostly the city's wealthier classes. Arrowood and his assistant Barnett are asked by a mysterious young Frenchwoman to find her brother who's missing after working for Mr Cream, one of London's nastiest crime lords.
Barnett is the narrator as Arrowood - who despises Sherlock Holmes - employs the writings of Darwin and the sheer force of his not very nice personality to question a number of people, leading him to uncover an Irish rebel plot to steal guns from the British Army with the aid of some unscrupulous senior Army officers.
1st time novelist, Mick Finlay, marvellously captures the seamier side of late Victorian London and portrays some marvellous Dickensian-type characters as Arrowood and his assistant become embroiled in an ever more dangerous investigation.
The plot creaks in places and the ending is a little too pat, but it seems there's more of Mr Arrowood and his friends to come. This book is set to become a TV drama optioned by Cave Bear Productions with British actress Kathy Burke already involved as executive producer.
Barnett is the narrator as Arrowood - who despises Sherlock Holmes - employs the writings of Darwin and the sheer force of his not very nice personality to question a number of people, leading him to uncover an Irish rebel plot to steal guns from the British Army with the aid of some unscrupulous senior Army officers.
1st time novelist, Mick Finlay, marvellously captures the seamier side of late Victorian London and portrays some marvellous Dickensian-type characters as Arrowood and his assistant become embroiled in an ever more dangerous investigation.
The plot creaks in places and the ending is a little too pat, but it seems there's more of Mr Arrowood and his friends to come. This book is set to become a TV drama optioned by Cave Bear Productions with British actress Kathy Burke already involved as executive producer.
August 8, 2017
For those Londoners unable to afford the services of Sherlock Holmes, there is William Arrowood. Arrowood is contemptuous of the methods employed by his more famous rival, preferring rather to use the new psychology in his investigations. In this novel, presumably the first of a series, Arrowood and his assistant Barnett are hired by a young woman to find her brother. Their investigation leads them into London's criminal underbelly and the initial mystery turns into several.
I love a good Victorian mystery and this book did not disappoint. The author painted a convincing picture of the time and introduced the reader to a number of interesting characters. My only complaint was that the plot was a little too complex and I occasionally got lost in the many storylines. Still an enjoyable read though and I look forward to the next in the series.
My thanks to Goodreads Giveaways and the publishers for providing me this copy.
I love a good Victorian mystery and this book did not disappoint. The author painted a convincing picture of the time and introduced the reader to a number of interesting characters. My only complaint was that the plot was a little too complex and I occasionally got lost in the many storylines. Still an enjoyable read though and I look forward to the next in the series.
My thanks to Goodreads Giveaways and the publishers for providing me this copy.
May 12, 2021
This swung between a 2 and a 4 in different places, so an average seems the fairest. The concept that a detective (Arrowood) hates Sherlock Holmes seemed a good starting point and I liked the fact that Arrowood is fat, greasy haired and fairly incompetent. His assistant,Barnett, seems to take beating after beating without complaint though and Arrowood has a disregard for the safety of others which a step too far. The plot was fairly convoluted. So- I’m not sure I’d continue with the series, but if anyone does read on, I’d be interested to know if any of these problems get smoothed over in the sequel.
March 25, 2018
Arrowood is een detective die zijn gemoedstoestand behoorlijk door collega Sherlock Holmes laat beïnvloeden. Hij vindt het belachelijk dat deze speurneus alle zaken wegkaapt terwijl hij helemaal niet goed weet waar hij mee bezig is. Dat Arrowood zelf een tikkeltje lui is, heeft daar volgens hem natuurlijk niets mee te maken. Op een dag komt Caroline bij Arrowood op bezoek en vraagt hulp omdat haar broer is vermist. Arrowood en zijn hulpje, Mr. Barnes, duiken op het mysterie...
Mick Finlay neemt de lezer op een fijne manier mee naar het eind van 1800. Door middel van subtiele gegevens, komen we in de sfeer van een Victoriaans Londen terecht. Het zijn de details die spreken; de armoede, de manier van vervoer, de munteenheid en meer van zulke dingen.
We beleven de zoektocht door de ogen van Mr. Barnes en dit geeft het boek wat extra's. Zo wordt je als lezer wat meer in het onderzoek betrokken, terwijl je tegelijkertijd meeleeft met zijn gevoelens richting zijn baas. Haat en liefde liggen dicht bij elkaar. Zo houdt Barnes van zijn werk en geeft hij in zekere zin om Arrowood, terwijl hij hem aan de andere kant maar een luie lelijkerd vindt waar hij niets tegen durft te vertellen. De gevoelens van Barnes worden op een geestige manier verwerkt en hierdoor staat het boek vol met donkere grapjes. Keerzijde hiervan is dat vooral Barnes goed wordt uitgediept, maar dat andere personages wat op de achtergrond blijven hangen.
De grapjes en het subtiel aanbrengen van de sfeer zijn de redding van het boek. Zonder dit was het niet meer dan een standaard detective geworden en daar zijn er helaas al (te) veel van. Arrowood heeft een kort lontje dat snel ontvlamt en het is lastig sympathie voor de grote man te krijgen. Barnes geeft affectie aan het verhaal. Hierdoor zal het toch meer lezers aanspreken dan wanneer het verhaal alleen om Arrowood had gedraaid.
Arrowood is een leuk verhaal voor de mensen die een langzame ontknoping waarderen en die van een Victoriaans Londen genieten. Sensatiezoekers kunnen beter naar een ander boek kijken.
Mick Finlay neemt de lezer op een fijne manier mee naar het eind van 1800. Door middel van subtiele gegevens, komen we in de sfeer van een Victoriaans Londen terecht. Het zijn de details die spreken; de armoede, de manier van vervoer, de munteenheid en meer van zulke dingen.
We beleven de zoektocht door de ogen van Mr. Barnes en dit geeft het boek wat extra's. Zo wordt je als lezer wat meer in het onderzoek betrokken, terwijl je tegelijkertijd meeleeft met zijn gevoelens richting zijn baas. Haat en liefde liggen dicht bij elkaar. Zo houdt Barnes van zijn werk en geeft hij in zekere zin om Arrowood, terwijl hij hem aan de andere kant maar een luie lelijkerd vindt waar hij niets tegen durft te vertellen. De gevoelens van Barnes worden op een geestige manier verwerkt en hierdoor staat het boek vol met donkere grapjes. Keerzijde hiervan is dat vooral Barnes goed wordt uitgediept, maar dat andere personages wat op de achtergrond blijven hangen.
De grapjes en het subtiel aanbrengen van de sfeer zijn de redding van het boek. Zonder dit was het niet meer dan een standaard detective geworden en daar zijn er helaas al (te) veel van. Arrowood heeft een kort lontje dat snel ontvlamt en het is lastig sympathie voor de grote man te krijgen. Barnes geeft affectie aan het verhaal. Hierdoor zal het toch meer lezers aanspreken dan wanneer het verhaal alleen om Arrowood had gedraaid.
Arrowood is een leuk verhaal voor de mensen die een langzame ontknoping waarderen en die van een Victoriaans Londen genieten. Sensatiezoekers kunnen beter naar een ander boek kijken.
June 22, 2020
Тук съм леко раздвоен. Като историческо четиво е доста добър роман, въпреки че като доста автори в жанра Финли изтърва точно къде да спре да подава подробности за обстановката. Като кримка - става, само ако я нямаше ръкавицата, която хвърля на Артър Конан Дойл. Подобно на Симънс в "Петата купа", Финли също критикува криминалните сюжети на историите за Шерлок Хоумс и отново, подобно на първия, не успява да завърти интригуваща криминална история.
Ароуууд и асистентът му Барет са двама лондончани, занимаващи се с частни разследвания по времето на Хоумс. При тях отиват онези, които не могат да си позволят Великия детектив, но това ги устройва напълно. И два��ата нямат интерес към заплетени случаи, водещи до насилие. Естествено, когато млада французойка се появява в кантората им, ще получат точно такъв случай. Детективите сякаш постоянно са водени за носа, полицията отказва да им съдейства, а клиента постоянно крие подробности. На всичкото от горе ще се наложи да се сблъскат с доста едра риба в престъпния свят, който не се свени да отнеме живот и се е зарекъл да им разкаже играта, още преди години.
Приличен роман, но Борхес има един разказ - "Пиер Менар, автор на "Дон Кихот", където с типичния си хаплив сарказъм, аржентинеца напада точно подобни произведения. Според мен е задължителен за всеки, който е решил да си мери... прозата с отдавна доказали се автори, особено когато ги делят десетилетия.
Ароуууд и асистентът му Барет са двама лондончани, занимаващи се с частни разследвания по времето на Хоумс. При тях отиват онези, които не могат да си позволят Великия детектив, но това ги устройва напълно. И два��ата нямат интерес към заплетени случаи, водещи до насилие. Естествено, когато млада французойка се появява в кантората им, ще получат точно такъв случай. Детективите сякаш постоянно са водени за носа, полицията отказва да им съдейства, а клиента постоянно крие подробности. На всичкото от горе ще се наложи да се сблъскат с доста едра риба в престъпния свят, който не се свени да отнеме живот и се е зарекъл да им разкаже играта, още преди години.
Приличен роман, но Борхес има един разказ - "Пиер Менар, автор на "Дон Кихот", където с типичния си хаплив сарказъм, аржентинеца напада точно подобни произведения. Според мен е задължителен за всеки, който е решил да си мери... прозата с отдавна доказали се автори, особено когато ги делят десетилетия.
June 19, 2023
"London society takes its problems to Sherlock Holmes. Everyone else goes to Arrowood."
So proclaims the cover of the first book in the series featuring Arrowood and his trusted and capable assistant Barnett. The plot of the book revolves around the pair trying to find a missing Frenchman whose sister is afraid for his life and sees Arrowood and Barnett get embroiled deeper and deeper into what seems like corruption at the highest level with a bit of Irish revolution thrown in.
Like Holmes and Watson, these two make an interesting pair, but in this case I felt that Barnett was as good as, if not better, than Arrowood. Arrowood's defining features would include his jealousy of Holmes, who he thinks isn't as capable as he is made out to be, and a study of psychology to know more about the people he encounters.
The beginning of the novel hooked me in but I felt that I started losing interest at about the fifty percent mark. The plot kept on becoming increasingly complicated and I have to confess there were moments towards the end where I flipped the pages to just get to the end. I can't say for sure that I will pick the next book in the series, but if I do, it will only be because of our narrator Barnett.
So proclaims the cover of the first book in the series featuring Arrowood and his trusted and capable assistant Barnett. The plot of the book revolves around the pair trying to find a missing Frenchman whose sister is afraid for his life and sees Arrowood and Barnett get embroiled deeper and deeper into what seems like corruption at the highest level with a bit of Irish revolution thrown in.
Like Holmes and Watson, these two make an interesting pair, but in this case I felt that Barnett was as good as, if not better, than Arrowood. Arrowood's defining features would include his jealousy of Holmes, who he thinks isn't as capable as he is made out to be, and a study of psychology to know more about the people he encounters.
The beginning of the novel hooked me in but I felt that I started losing interest at about the fifty percent mark. The plot kept on becoming increasingly complicated and I have to confess there were moments towards the end where I flipped the pages to just get to the end. I can't say for sure that I will pick the next book in the series, but if I do, it will only be because of our narrator Barnett.
October 3, 2019
It was an ok read. I think the author does paint a good picture of what it was like to live in the slums of London in the 19th century and the plot was interesting. The main character is somewhat unappealing and there is a lot of violence.
July 1, 2021
Siamo a Londra nel 1895, Arrowood è un ex giornalista caduto in disgrazia che per vivere fa il detective privato e detesta Sherlock Holmes, l'investigatore dei ricchi.
Al suo ufficio si presenta una ragazza di origini francesi che vuole ritrovare suo fratello. L'indagine porterà allo svelamento di una serie di misteri e di malaffari, sullo sfondo di una Londra vittoriana cupa e piena di miseria come la mostrava Dickens a quei tempi.
Una lettura piacevole e accattivante, anche se non priva di difetti.
Al suo ufficio si presenta una ragazza di origini francesi che vuole ritrovare suo fratello. L'indagine porterà allo svelamento di una serie di misteri e di malaffari, sullo sfondo di una Londra vittoriana cupa e piena di miseria come la mostrava Dickens a quei tempi.
Una lettura piacevole e accattivante, anche se non priva di difetti.
January 25, 2021
„Die High Society hat Holmes – alle anderen gehen zu Arrowood…“
Arrowood – in den Gassen von London spielt im viktorianischen Südlondon in den 1890er Jahren, jedoch handelt es sich hierbei um eine Szene, die viel dunkler und düsterer ist, als die Gesellschaft, mit der Holmes für gewöhnlich zu tun hat. Arrowood ist weder körperlich fit, noch sehr attraktiv. Er hat eindeutig psychische Probleme, die er oft im Alkoholkonsum erstickt und er hat eine strikte Abneigung gegenüber Sherlock Holmes. Aus verschiedenen Gründen wurde aus Arrowood ein Privatdetektiv. Wie auch Holmes hat er einen Assistenten, Norman Barnett, der ebenfalls wie Watson seine ganz eigene Vergangenheit mit sich bringt. Arrowoods Ansatz Fälle zu lösen, stützt sich auf deduktiven Methoden, auf die Untersuchung des menschlichen Denkens und ist davon sehr überzeugt. Diese Methode hat jedoch sehr gemischte Erfolge - es ist schwer einzuschätzen, ob Arrowood eher inkompetent oder doch nur faul ist, aber gelegentlich löst auch er mit seiner Herangehensweise Fälle.
Arrowoods erster Fall beginnt mit dem Besuch eines jungen französischen Mädchen. Miss Costure kommt zu Arrowood und fleht ihn an, ihren vermissten Bruder zu finden. Sie befürchtet bereits das Schlimmste. Arrowood und sein Kollege Barnett sind sich einig, den Fall anzunehmen (nicht zuletzt aus Geldnot), geraten jedoch sehr bald in eine Intrige zwischen den Feniern, dem Besitzer des *** Barriel Beefs und anderen dunklen Machenschaften. Plötzlich müssen auch die beiden sich in Acht nehmen, um am Leben zu bleiben.
Finde die Idee eines zweiten Detektivs im viktorianischen London absolut klasse. Ich bin persönlich ein großer Fan von Sherlock Holmes Geschichten, Mr. Arrowood hingegen hält Sherlock Holmes für absolut überbewertet, was er immer wieder laut zur Schau stellt und sich über seinen berühmten Kollegen gern lauthals aufregt. Er verachtet Holmes Methode Fälle zu lösen. Seiner Meinung nach ist Holmes überhaupt nur bekannt, da Dr. Watson die besten Fälle biografisch aufarbeitet und veröffentlicht. Mr. Arrowood hingegen arbeitet lieber mit der Psychologie und Emotionen statt Deduktionen, denn er kann die Menschen wirklich lesen.
Was ich an diesem Buch am meisten mochte, ist die Tatsache, dass William Arrowood so ganz und gar nicht perfekt ist. Er macht Fehler und ist oftmals mehr emotional in die Sache involviert, als ihm lieb ist und gut tut. Er lässt sich oftmals von seinem Herzen beeinflussen und führen, setzt dadurch sein Glück aufs Spiel und gerät dadurch gern als Zielscheibe in den Mittelpunkt. Arrowood muss man nicht automatisch gern haben, damit man seine Geschichte mögen muss. Dafür ist er absolut authentisch, glaubwürdig und sympathisch, schrecklich fehlerhaft und trotzdem zielstrebig.
Kann euch das Buch wirklich wärmstens empfehlen, wenn ihr Detektivgeschichten (die auch noch im viktorianischen London spielen) gerne lest.
Arrowood – in den Gassen von London spielt im viktorianischen Südlondon in den 1890er Jahren, jedoch handelt es sich hierbei um eine Szene, die viel dunkler und düsterer ist, als die Gesellschaft, mit der Holmes für gewöhnlich zu tun hat. Arrowood ist weder körperlich fit, noch sehr attraktiv. Er hat eindeutig psychische Probleme, die er oft im Alkoholkonsum erstickt und er hat eine strikte Abneigung gegenüber Sherlock Holmes. Aus verschiedenen Gründen wurde aus Arrowood ein Privatdetektiv. Wie auch Holmes hat er einen Assistenten, Norman Barnett, der ebenfalls wie Watson seine ganz eigene Vergangenheit mit sich bringt. Arrowoods Ansatz Fälle zu lösen, stützt sich auf deduktiven Methoden, auf die Untersuchung des menschlichen Denkens und ist davon sehr überzeugt. Diese Methode hat jedoch sehr gemischte Erfolge - es ist schwer einzuschätzen, ob Arrowood eher inkompetent oder doch nur faul ist, aber gelegentlich löst auch er mit seiner Herangehensweise Fälle.
Arrowoods erster Fall beginnt mit dem Besuch eines jungen französischen Mädchen. Miss Costure kommt zu Arrowood und fleht ihn an, ihren vermissten Bruder zu finden. Sie befürchtet bereits das Schlimmste. Arrowood und sein Kollege Barnett sind sich einig, den Fall anzunehmen (nicht zuletzt aus Geldnot), geraten jedoch sehr bald in eine Intrige zwischen den Feniern, dem Besitzer des *** Barriel Beefs und anderen dunklen Machenschaften. Plötzlich müssen auch die beiden sich in Acht nehmen, um am Leben zu bleiben.
Finde die Idee eines zweiten Detektivs im viktorianischen London absolut klasse. Ich bin persönlich ein großer Fan von Sherlock Holmes Geschichten, Mr. Arrowood hingegen hält Sherlock Holmes für absolut überbewertet, was er immer wieder laut zur Schau stellt und sich über seinen berühmten Kollegen gern lauthals aufregt. Er verachtet Holmes Methode Fälle zu lösen. Seiner Meinung nach ist Holmes überhaupt nur bekannt, da Dr. Watson die besten Fälle biografisch aufarbeitet und veröffentlicht. Mr. Arrowood hingegen arbeitet lieber mit der Psychologie und Emotionen statt Deduktionen, denn er kann die Menschen wirklich lesen.
Was ich an diesem Buch am meisten mochte, ist die Tatsache, dass William Arrowood so ganz und gar nicht perfekt ist. Er macht Fehler und ist oftmals mehr emotional in die Sache involviert, als ihm lieb ist und gut tut. Er lässt sich oftmals von seinem Herzen beeinflussen und führen, setzt dadurch sein Glück aufs Spiel und gerät dadurch gern als Zielscheibe in den Mittelpunkt. Arrowood muss man nicht automatisch gern haben, damit man seine Geschichte mögen muss. Dafür ist er absolut authentisch, glaubwürdig und sympathisch, schrecklich fehlerhaft und trotzdem zielstrebig.
Kann euch das Buch wirklich wärmstens empfehlen, wenn ihr Detektivgeschichten (die auch noch im viktorianischen London spielen) gerne lest.
July 7, 2017
Arrowood
by Mick Finlay
Synopsis
London Society takes their problems to Sherlock Holmes. Everyone else goes to Arrowood.
The Afghan War is over and a deal with the Irish appears to have brought an end to sectarian violence, but Britain's position in the world is uncertain and the gap between rich and poor is widening. London is a place where the wealthy party while the underclass are tempted into lives of crime, drugs and prostitution. A serial killer stalks the streets. Politicians are embroiled in financial and sexual scandals. The year is 1895.
The police don't have the resources to deal with everything that goes on in the capital. The rich turn to a celebrated private detective when they need help: Sherlock Holmes. But in densely populated south London, where the crimes are sleazier and Holmes rarely visits, people turn to Arrowood, a private investigator who despises Holmes, his wealthy clientele and his showy forensic approach to crime. Arrowood understands people, not clues.
Review
Arrowood is a detective whose patch is south London, where life is hard, murder is rife and gangs of thugs rule by violence and threats. Arrowood's clients are poor, so hes extremely jealous of Holmes who is his words is only famous because Dr Watson's published works are popular and nothing to do with his skills as a detective. I loved Arrowood, his rants were really entertaining. He was grumpy, impetuous, but also a very skilled detective.
Arrowood's assistant Norman Barrett was my favourite character, he was tough, thoughtful and sensitive and often deduced things that Arrowood couldn't because of his quick temper. This mystery was a very tangled webb, but one I enjoyed immensely. Hopefully there will be more books to come. 3.5 stars
by Mick Finlay
Synopsis
London Society takes their problems to Sherlock Holmes. Everyone else goes to Arrowood.
The Afghan War is over and a deal with the Irish appears to have brought an end to sectarian violence, but Britain's position in the world is uncertain and the gap between rich and poor is widening. London is a place where the wealthy party while the underclass are tempted into lives of crime, drugs and prostitution. A serial killer stalks the streets. Politicians are embroiled in financial and sexual scandals. The year is 1895.
The police don't have the resources to deal with everything that goes on in the capital. The rich turn to a celebrated private detective when they need help: Sherlock Holmes. But in densely populated south London, where the crimes are sleazier and Holmes rarely visits, people turn to Arrowood, a private investigator who despises Holmes, his wealthy clientele and his showy forensic approach to crime. Arrowood understands people, not clues.
Review
Arrowood is a detective whose patch is south London, where life is hard, murder is rife and gangs of thugs rule by violence and threats. Arrowood's clients are poor, so hes extremely jealous of Holmes who is his words is only famous because Dr Watson's published works are popular and nothing to do with his skills as a detective. I loved Arrowood, his rants were really entertaining. He was grumpy, impetuous, but also a very skilled detective.
Arrowood's assistant Norman Barrett was my favourite character, he was tough, thoughtful and sensitive and often deduced things that Arrowood couldn't because of his quick temper. This mystery was a very tangled webb, but one I enjoyed immensely. Hopefully there will be more books to come. 3.5 stars
March 25, 2017
Arrowood, ‘the guvnor’ is a private investigator. He solves the cases that Sherlock Holmes wouldn’t be interested in. He is overweight, drinks heavily has no social skills and detests Sherlock Holmes. But despite his many faults he is loyal to those who work with him and his clients.
The narrative is told by his assistant Barnett. Barnett has suffered a personal loss that he hasn’t discussed with the guvnor and he regularly suffers physical abuse. Some of it from the guvnor but also from the police and the people they encounter in their investigations.
What appeared an easy case for the team proves increasingly baffling and dangerous. I just wanted to protect Neddy, as well as give him a bath. It was hard to work out who they could trust, everybody including the police seemed to have their own agenda.
The description of a life in poverty in the London slums was the best that I have read in a long time. Not only could I visualise it, I could also smell and even taste it. Very convincing and I would love to read more about Barnett’s experience of a slum existence.
I have said it before, about numerous books but this would make great television. 19th century crime fiction, in the same city as Sherlock Holmes but could be a completely different world.
With thanks to the publisher for the copy received via Netgalley.
The narrative is told by his assistant Barnett. Barnett has suffered a personal loss that he hasn’t discussed with the guvnor and he regularly suffers physical abuse. Some of it from the guvnor but also from the police and the people they encounter in their investigations.
What appeared an easy case for the team proves increasingly baffling and dangerous. I just wanted to protect Neddy, as well as give him a bath. It was hard to work out who they could trust, everybody including the police seemed to have their own agenda.
The description of a life in poverty in the London slums was the best that I have read in a long time. Not only could I visualise it, I could also smell and even taste it. Very convincing and I would love to read more about Barnett’s experience of a slum existence.
I have said it before, about numerous books but this would make great television. 19th century crime fiction, in the same city as Sherlock Holmes but could be a completely different world.
With thanks to the publisher for the copy received via Netgalley.
January 26, 2018
I enjoyed this book, although there were times that I wondered why it was titled the way it was. Although the story is loosely arranged around the character, it is not really focused on him as per se and we, as the reader, get a much better view of Arrowood's assistant as he is the one the story flows through.
Arrowood was a contemporary of Sherlock Holmes and he also happened to call himself an investigative detective but he didn't have the glitz and press of Holmes, nor the connections. He just so happened to be the guy that can solve the mystery but goes about it the long, hard way. Plus his assistant also happens to be the guy that does all the legwork and gets all the beatings.
It was a fun story, certainly rougher around the edges than a Sherlock Holmes mystery goes. We get to be in the thick of the solving as opposed to finding out how the devil Holmes solved it at the end of the story. I liked that aspect. It certainly makes things more believable and it was a grittier and nastier aspect that really lent itself to the times. Not sure if I liked the character of Arrowood mind you, and was thankful he really had little to do with most of the story. It will be interesting to see if it continues as a series
Arrowood was a contemporary of Sherlock Holmes and he also happened to call himself an investigative detective but he didn't have the glitz and press of Holmes, nor the connections. He just so happened to be the guy that can solve the mystery but goes about it the long, hard way. Plus his assistant also happens to be the guy that does all the legwork and gets all the beatings.
It was a fun story, certainly rougher around the edges than a Sherlock Holmes mystery goes. We get to be in the thick of the solving as opposed to finding out how the devil Holmes solved it at the end of the story. I liked that aspect. It certainly makes things more believable and it was a grittier and nastier aspect that really lent itself to the times. Not sure if I liked the character of Arrowood mind you, and was thankful he really had little to do with most of the story. It will be interesting to see if it continues as a series
May 15, 2018
Bij het zien van de schitterende cover van Arrowood van Mick Finlay kan je alleen maar verwachten dat je een verhaal gaat lezen in de stijl van Sherlock Holmes. Of dat ook zo is mag je zelf gaan bepalen.
Het is een verhaal dat je van het begin tot het eind bezig houdt. Als je er eenmaal in begint, kan je niet meer stoppen met lezen. Je wilt weten hoe het verder gaat, of een bepaald persoon wordt gevonden en of de genoemde daders worden gepakt. Elk hoofdstuk eindigt zo, dat je direct het volgende hoofdstuk wilt lezen. Steeds als je denkt te weten hoe het verhaal gaat lopen, blijkt het anders te lopen en val je van de ene verbazing in de andere. Niets lijkt te zijn wat het is. Bepaalde personen blijken totaal anders te zijn dan verwacht, je begrijpt er dan niets meer van en moet dan een stukje terug lezen om te lezen of je het echt goed gelezen hebt. Het is een verhaal vol mysteries dat loopt naar een deels verrassend plot. Soms is het wat saai, maar dat is niet storend, want evengoed leest het boek vlot weg.
Mick Finlay heeft er goed aan gedaan door niet gelijk in het begin de achtergrond van de hoofdpersonen te vertellen, maar het geleidelijk te verdelen over het boek.
Lees verder op https://surfingann.blogspot.nl/2018/0....
Het is een verhaal dat je van het begin tot het eind bezig houdt. Als je er eenmaal in begint, kan je niet meer stoppen met lezen. Je wilt weten hoe het verder gaat, of een bepaald persoon wordt gevonden en of de genoemde daders worden gepakt. Elk hoofdstuk eindigt zo, dat je direct het volgende hoofdstuk wilt lezen. Steeds als je denkt te weten hoe het verhaal gaat lopen, blijkt het anders te lopen en val je van de ene verbazing in de andere. Niets lijkt te zijn wat het is. Bepaalde personen blijken totaal anders te zijn dan verwacht, je begrijpt er dan niets meer van en moet dan een stukje terug lezen om te lezen of je het echt goed gelezen hebt. Het is een verhaal vol mysteries dat loopt naar een deels verrassend plot. Soms is het wat saai, maar dat is niet storend, want evengoed leest het boek vlot weg.
Mick Finlay heeft er goed aan gedaan door niet gelijk in het begin de achtergrond van de hoofdpersonen te vertellen, maar het geleidelijk te verdelen over het boek.
Lees verder op https://surfingann.blogspot.nl/2018/0....
September 21, 2017
So, I don't think I would trust Arrowood to solve any case of mine, he is drunken, bitter and a very angry man. His main source of rage is the success and popularity of Sherlock Holmes. Arrowood is the poor man's choice when they need a private investigator... mainly because he comes cheap. This is an interesting, if slightly confusing first case that we join him on. To be honest I am not 100% sure I managed to put together the complex story of Feinian gun runners, French sex slaves, murder and missing people, even after the whole thing was 'explained'. However I did enjoy the story and it is a good opening introduction to some characters with great potential.
February 6, 2017
BRILLIANT!! IF YOU LOVE SHERLOCK , YOU WILL LOVE THIS!! PUBLISHED MARCH 2017
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