Sherlock Holmes: The Four-Handed Game

by Paul D. Gilbert

Holmes and Watson find themselves bombarded with an avalanche of dramatic cases! Holmes enrols Inspectors Lestrade and Bradstreet to help him play a dangerous four-handed game against an organization whose power and influence seems to know no bounds. As dissimilar as the cases seem to be - robbery, assault, and gruesome murder - Holmes suspects that each one has been meticulously designed to lure him towards a conclusion that even he could not have anticipated. However, when his brother Mycroft goes missing, he realizes that he is running out of time...

Genres: Mystery

355 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2017

Reviews

[Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great and well researched story. Giving just enough answers to ask more questions, and more then enough intrigue to setup the final book of the trilogy.

Some great moments and character development in this book. Not just on Holmes but on Watson as well. Holmes always seemed to be mentoring role for Watson. Always telling/teachings him is “methods” in this book Watson proves to be an astute student, and at one point takes Holmes himself by surprise. There is also a possible appearance/confrontation to come with another infamous character from Victorian London.

The first few chapters all seemed to be their own short stories, with a thread linking them all up or to the main story. The reach and influence of the villains forces Holmes to use every resource/friends at his disposal. Can’t wait for the next book.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another totally brill Holmes pastiche! For a person who is having a severely hard time reading novel length books this year I'm literally just flying through this author's work.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1896 October A series of crimes are been presented to Holmes to solve. Why so many. Is there a reason for the number. Who is their adversary.
An entertaining story
(The second part of this trilogy)

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good series

The second book in a trilogy that has Holmes and Watson involved in a fast conspiracy. Murder and mayhem and a dark future, with a little betrayal thrown in, make the action flow. I look forward to the third book.Check it out.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Four-Handed Game is an exciting and super enjoyable Sherlock Holmes adventure. But wait. Before you read it, I'd highly recommend reading The Unholy Trinity, part 1 of this trilogy. Four-Handed picks up shortly after the events in part 1, and rapidly presents a series of intriguing new cases that arrive on Holmes doorstep. And the mortality rate for his clients is high! There is a sinister cabal plotting to distract Holmes from rooting out the hidden leader or leaders. As with the previous one, Gilbert conveys the characters of Holmes and Watson and their classic relationship with great fidelity to the original Doyle. The dialogue is spot on. The pace of the plot is swift, but not breakneck. Gilbert knows how to tell a story where there are just enough lingering questions to keep you reading for the answers. The only downside in these books is minor, that being some clunky sentences and style issues every once in awhile. Things like the same word repeated, such as "certainly," in three sentences in a row. And one case where the words "obviously" and "oblivious" appeared in the same sentence. I can easily ignore those sorts of editing issues given how wonderful and exciting the story is here. This one ends with a mild cliffhanger. I'm eager to get reading the next one!

[Dr Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having taken time out to read for a second time the first part of the trilogy, The Unholy Trinity. Before reading the second part of the trilogy, i found that this made The Four Handed Game run smoothy into the second book. The stories continued and made a lot of exciting reading, in The Four Handed Game with so many different scenarios and crimes developing, which as you read on through the book all intertwined together to force an outcome, which predominantly leaves you in no doubt where the third part of the trilogy is going to start up and develop. Having read all of Paul D Gilbert's books, this book has given me great pleasure as it was a very informative read, with lots of good background into what the late 1800s london was like. Paul made everything seem like it came to life, and i could see it all in my head. And now i cannot wait for the third part of the trilogy.

[Mr Sherlockian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the first part of the trilogy, my expectations for this were very high! I am happy to report, this was entirely justified. The story moves along at a breathtaking place and each chapter seems to contain a new and intriguing case. Holmes and Watson are pushed to there limits, and engage 2 allies on this magnificent adventure. Trying to avoid any spoilers, all i can say is that i cannot wait for the 3rd part.

Again Mr Paul Gilbert has left me mind blown!

[Roger Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th book i have read by Mr Gilbert that i have enjoyed, and undoubtedly this is the best book so far. The story is in griping and exciting from start to finish and was generally sorry when it came to an end. Therefore i'm looking forward to the next instalment of the sage and highly recommend it to all fans of Sherlock Holmes....

[Tim Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holmes is caught flat-footed as the bodies pile up.

[Alexa Gi · Rating 5 out of 5]

All what I will say is .. looking forward to the next book!