The house of silk: a Sherlock Holmes novel

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)