This hardback is Anthony Horowitz' latest offering, and is a Sherlock Holmes story, written with the approval of the Conan Doyle Estate and the Sherlock Holmes society. I have to confess I'm a bit of a fan of Mr. Horowitz, as his work helped my offspring to appreciate books when he was an adolescent, and I like 'Foyles' War' for which he wrote the scripts.

The Book is published on decent paper, with an attractive dustjacket and with a feature you don't see on many modern books, a bookmark attached to the spine, so you don't lose your place or your bookmark when you drop the book and fall asleep.

Which you don't because this is a rattling good tale, which makes a compelling read. I read it in three sittings, and had I not been entertaining guests, would probably have read it in one.



The narrative keeps to Conan Doyle's style and there are some familiar characters, but without being a pastiche. The plot has some twists which echo today's London, including of course Dr. Watson having been wounded in Afghanistan. There are a few plot twists along the way, and a surprising conclusion or two at the end.

I really enjoyed this book, and it's a tribute to Mr. H. that even though he's past his teens, the offspring jumped at the chance to borrow the book from me.

Review by Boldnotold.



Four mushroom heads.