Book Review
Moriarty
by Anthony Horowitz
Harper © 2014
Plot Summary:
Anthony Horowitz leverages the style of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to bring to life a new tale of suspense and intrigue. Set just after the events at Reichenbach Falls, a New York detective from the famous Pinkerton Agency shows up in Switzerland to investigate Moriarty’s death. His warning of a power vacuum created by Moriarty’s loss is severe. There are ruthless and violent criminal leaders in London working to solidify their power in the British criminal underworld.
Working with Inspector Jones from Scotland Yard, the two investigators pursue a menacing, ruthless and mysterious crime boss through the streets of Victorian London. Can they stop him before he lays claim to Moriarty’s criminal authority?
My Thoughts:
I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes. Over the years, I’ve been entertained by each of his adventures. I said a silent thanks to Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat for creating the faithful (but modernized) adaptation of the famous duo brilliantly brought to life on British television in 2010 by Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman.
Additionally, I cringed watching “Elementary”, Hollywood’s attempt to do the same.
Anthony Horowitz boasts this tale is the first sanctioned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s estate since his novel House of Silk (© 2012). Horowitz was picked by the estate to bring House of Silk to life, and I see why.
Anthony Horowitz has written some of my favorite stories from screenplays for Midsomer Murders, Poirot to the Detective Daniel Hawthorne books. His ability to adapt his style in order to elicit the appropriate tone and pace is remarkable.
Whether you are a purist fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle or just an avid mystery buff, this book is worth your read.