The house of silk: a Sherlock Holmes novel

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For the first time in its one-hundred-and-twenty-five-year history, the Arthur Conan Doyle Estate has authorized a new Sherlock Holmes novel. Once again, The Game's Afoot... London, 1890. 221B Baker St. A fine art dealer named Edmund Carstairs visits Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson to beg for their help. He is being menaced by a strange man in a flat cap - a wanted criminal who seems to have followed him all the way from America. In the days that follow, his home is robbed, his family is threatened. And then the first murder takes place. Almost unwillingly, Holmes and Watson find themselves being drawn ever deeper into an international conspiracy connected to the teeming criminal underworld of Boston, the gaslit streets of London, opium dens and much, much more. And as they dig, they begin to hear the whispered phrase-the House of Silk-a mysterious entity that connects the highest levels of government to the deepest depths of criminality. Holmes begins to fear that he has uncovered a conspiracy that threatens to tear apart the very fabric of society. The Arthur Conan Doyle Estate chose the celebrated, #1 New York Times bestselling author Anthony Horowitz to write The House of Silk because of his proven ability to tell a transfixing story and for his passion for all things Holmes. Destined to become an instant classic, The House of Silk brings Sherlock Holmes back with all the nuance, pacing, and almost superhuman powers of analysis and deduction that made him the world's greatest detective, in a case depicting events too shocking, too monstrous to ever appear in print...until now.

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ISBN
9780316196994
9780316196987
9781611136890
9781611136906
9780316204675
UPC
9781611136890
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Also in this Series

  • The house of silk: a Sherlock Holmes novel (Sherlock Holmes novels (Anthony Horowitz) Volume 1) Cover
  • Moriarty (Sherlock Holmes novels (Anthony Horowitz) Volume 2) Cover

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Fans of Arthur Conan Doyle's original Sherlock Holmes stories may enjoy both these adaptations. Return of Sherlock Holmes stars the original Holmes in the 21st century, and Anthony Horowitz is authorized by Conan Doyle's estate to write new Holmes stories. -- Katherine Johnson
Both are brooding, stylish Victorian mystery series that pay homage to distinguished literary forebears; while less well-known than characters inspiring the Sherlock Holmes series, detective Charles Maddox (of Charles Dickens' Bleak House) proves here to be an equally canny sleuth. -- Kim Burton
These series have the genres "historical mysteries" and "adaptations"; and the subjects "detectives" and "holmes, sherlock (fictitious character)."
These series have the genres "historical mysteries" and "adaptations"; and the subjects "detectives," "holmes, sherlock (fictitious character)," and "london, england history."
These series have the genres "historical mysteries" and "adaptations"; and the subjects "holmes, sherlock (fictitious character)" and "london, england history."
These series have the genre "adaptations"; and the subjects "holmes, sherlock (fictitious character)," "london, england history," and "british history."
These series have the genres "adaptations" and "victorian mysteries"; and the subjects "holmes, sherlock (fictitious character)" and "london, england history."
These series have the genres "historical mysteries" and "adaptations"; and the subjects "detectives," "holmes, sherlock (fictitious character)," and "london, england history."
These series have the genres "adaptations" and "victorian mysteries"; and the subjects "holmes, sherlock (fictitious character)" and "london, england history."

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These books have the genres "adaptations, retellings, and spin-offs" and "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "detectives," "holmes, sherlock (fictitious character)," and "london, england history."
These books have the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "conspiracies" and "london, england history."
These books have the appeal factors first person narratives, and they have the genres "adaptations, retellings, and spin-offs" and "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "holmes, sherlock (fictitious character)," "london, england history," and "adler, irene (fictitious character)."
Both are grim historical mysteries set in Victorian London, where Jack the Ripper (or an admiring copycat?) stalk once more. House of Silk relates one of Sherlock Holmes' "lost" adventures, while Devil's Workshop features Scotland Yard's newly-created Murder Squad. -- Kim Burton
These books have the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "detectives," "london, england history," and "women murder victims."
These books have the genres "adaptations, retellings, and spin-offs" and "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "holmes, sherlock (fictitious character)" and "london, england history."
The strange return of Sherlock Holmes - Grant, Barry
NoveList recommends "Return of Sherlock Holmes" for fans of "Sherlock Holmes novels (Anthony Horowitz)". Check out the first book in the series.
These books have the appeal factors fast-paced, atmospheric, and intricately plotted, and they have the themes "urban police" and "wartime crime"; the genre "historical mysteries"; the subjects "detectives," "london, england history," and "english history"; and characters that are "flawed characters" and "well-developed characters."
These books have the genres "adaptations, retellings, and spin-offs" and "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "holmes, sherlock (fictitious character)" and "london, england history."
These books have the appeal factors first person narratives, and they have the genres "adaptations, retellings, and spin-offs" and "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "organized crime," "holmes, sherlock (fictitious character)," and "london, england history."
NoveList recommends "Charles Maddox novels" for fans of "Sherlock Holmes novels (Anthony Horowitz)". Check out the first book in the series.
Readers who enjoy Anthony Horowitz's retelling should consult Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories, which have enough intricate puzzles, rational deductions, vivid characterization, and charming period detail to win over modern readers. -- Derek Keyser

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Like Anthony Horowitz's books, Roland Smith's suspenseful, fast-paced adventure thrillers for tweens will satisfy readers who crave plot twists and nonstop action. -- Kathy Stewart
Both of these writers create boy-centric, fast-paced teen novels full of action and adventure. Richard Yancey and Anthony Horowitz also both employ humor, though Yancey's is darker and more gruesomely witty. -- Kelly White
Each author captures the experiences of ordinary boys undertaking extraordinary adventures in otherworldly realms. Rick Riordan is well known for his mythology-based, action-packed series, while Anthony Horowitz sends his courageous teen heroes into inventive spy fiction and suspenseful horror stories. -- Diane Colson
Anthony Horowitz breathes new life into Ian Fleming's iconic super-spy series with the continuing adventures of Bond -- James Bond -- set during the height of the international Cold War. Both Horowitz and Fleming deliver fast-paced action, deft characterizations, and nail-biting espionage adventures. -- Kim Burton
Both authors write suspenseful, intricately plotted mysteries, often with a metafictional narrative. Anthony Horowitz writes for children and adults while Sulari Gentill primarily writes for adults. -- CJ Connor
Underpinnings of British secret service operations are the core of both authors' fast-paced fiction for teens. Each author infuses adventure with espionage and their protagonists (often teen guys) frequently use computers and gadgets to unravel covert plots. -- Kathy Stewart
Both write literary metafiction (in which a fictionalized version of the author is a character within the storyline) and draw inspiration from classic mysteries in the vein of Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. McAlpine hews closer to his source materials, while Horowitz strikes out in unconventional directions. -- Kim Burton
Horowitz pens old-school spy stories whose 1950s' characters retain a love-'em-and-leave-'em perspective, while Matthews injects his modern spycraft adventures with an edge of lingering romance. Both write immersive, fast-paced, and action-packed spy thrillers that draw inspiration from classic conflicts of the Cold War's legacy. -- Kim Burton
These authors' works have the genres "spy fiction" and "humorous stories"; the subjects "courage," "assassins," and "international intrigue"; and characters that are "likeable characters."
These authors' works have the genre "spy fiction"; and the subjects "teenage spies," "rider, alex (fictitious character)," and "fourteen-year-old boys."
These authors' works have the genres "spy fiction" and "thrillers and suspense"; the subjects "detectives," "international intrigue," and "serial murder investigation"; and characters that are "likeable characters."

Published Reviews

Publisher's Weekly Review

Jacobi, whose readings of many of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories have been impressive, more than does justice to Horowitz's standout pastiche, easily one of the best ever attempted. The dark and somber plot plunges Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson into the dark underbelly of Victorian London in search of the titular house, the mere mention of which sparks fear at the highest levels of the British government. The detective's probe overlaps with a murder case linked to the stalking of an art dealer, apparently by an old nemesis from America. Jacobi is unparalleled at making his vocal characterizations distinct: his Watson has an inherent warmth and humanity and is a sharp contrast from his rendition of the doctor's higher-pitched and higher-energy companion. Even minor parts, such as Holmes's smarter older brother, Mycroft, a pawnbroker, and members of Holmes's young assistants, the Baker Street Irregulars, benefit from Jacobi's considerable gifts. Fans of Doyle's original stories are in for a real treat, both from the compelling story itself, and this memorable and gripping performance from Jacobi. A Little, Brown/Mulholland hardcover. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Library Journal Review

This first Sherlock Holmes novel to be authorized by Arthur Conan Doyle's estate opens in 1908 with a retired Dr. Watson laying pen to paper a final time to recount the most scandalous case of Holmes's career. After a genteel London art dealer who is being followed by a stranger in a flat cap requests their aid, Watson and Holmes quickly find themselves racing through a warren of slums, orphanages, and opium dens in search of the mysterious House of Silk. What they discover threatens to shake London society to its very core. Verdict Devotees will thrill at the familiar dynamics and references to the Holmes canon while general mystery enthusiasts will appreciate the tight, compelling plot and nuanced characters. Lovingly crafted by the best-selling author of the Alex Rider series, this novel may serve as either an epilog for die-hard fans or an introduction for newbies to the famous duo. [See Prepub Alert, 5/16/11.]-Elizabeth Hanson, Chicago P.L. (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Library Journal Reviews

Great news, Sherlock Holmes fans! For the first time ever, the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has authorized a new Holmes story. In fact, the estate approached Horowitz, author of the top New York Times best-selling Alex Rider series. A Holmes expert, Horowitz says he's steeped in 19th-century literature and will aim for authenticity in plot, language, and character. At the same time, he knows he's writing for a contemporary audience, and so he "took care to make the plot completely gripping and fast-paced." No word on the content yet—the publisher will reveal clues with tantalizing slowness, as in a good (ahem) mystery. Okay, so other authors have used Holmes as a character; this situation is different, and it's exciting however it turns out. All mystery fans will want.

[Page 63]. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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LJ Express Reviews

This first Sherlock Holmes novel to be authorized by Arthur Conan Doyle's estate opens in 1908 with a retired Dr. Watson laying pen to paper a final time to recount the most scandalous case of Holmes's career. After a genteel London art dealer who is being followed by a stranger in a flat cap requests their aid, Watson and Holmes quickly find themselves racing through a warren of slums, orphanages, and opium dens in search of the mysterious House of Silk. What they discover threatens to shake London society to its very core. Verdict Devotees will thrill at the familiar dynamics and references to the Holmes canon while general mystery enthusiasts will appreciate the tight, compelling plot and nuanced characters. Lovingly crafted by the best-selling author of the Alex Rider series, this novel may serve as either an epilog for die-hard fans or an introduction for newbies to the famous duo. [See Prepub Alert, 5/16/11.]-Elizabeth Hanson, Chicago P.L. (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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PW Annex Reviews

The hype surrounding what's being billed as the first pastiche ever officially approved by the Conan Doyle estate is amply justified in this authentic, if melancholy, recreation of the beloved Baker Street characters by the creator of the acclaimed Foyle's War TV series. A year after Sherlock Holmes's death (from natural causes), Watson takes up his pen one last time to recount a case they shared in 1890 that was "too monstrous, too shocking" to appear in print. The opening is prosaic enough. London art dealer Edmund Carstairs asks for the detective's help after a shadowy figure in a flat cap, apparently an Irish-American thug bent on revenge, surfaces near Carstairs's Wimbledon home. When a murder follows Holmes getting involved, the trail leads him and the good doctor to a powerful secret society known as the House of Silk. Horowitz gets everything right—the familiar narrative voice, brilliant deductions, a very active role for Watson, and a perplexing and disturbing series of puzzles to unravel—and the legion of fans of the originals will surely be begging for Horowitz to again dip into Watson's trove of untold tales. Author tour. (One-day laydown: Nov. 1)

[Page ]. Copyright 2011 PWxyz LLC

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