As those of you who have read my blog for any length of time know, I am a lover of all things Holmesian. Not having read any Conan Doyle, I was first introduced to Holmes by author Laurie R. King, and her Mary Russell series, the first of which is The Beekeeper’s Apprentice. I adore the series – and currently have the latest one, Pirate King, out from the library, with the slightly unrealistic hope that I can read it before it is due back.
After reading the first few of King’s Holmes/Russell mysteries, I decided it was time I read the original. I quickly made my way through all of the original Holmes stories and novellas by Arthur Conan Doyle. They are, of course, brilliant. I also recently read – and enjoyed – The Sherlockian by Graham Moore.
When I heard there was a new Sherlock Holmes novel out – not a pastiche, but an actual Holmes novel narrated by John Watson – I have to admit I was a bit worried. I didn’t know anything about Anthony Horowitz, other than that he was the author of the Alex Rider series for kids. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that I didn’t even know he was a UK author – I thought he was American.
My ignorance aside, it appears that Horowitz is a respected author and lover of the Holmes canon – so much so that the Conan Doyle estate has endorsed his novel The House of Silk. That was enough to convince me – and then I saw this video of Horowitz reading from the preface:
The House of Silk now sits very close to the top of my to-be-read list. I think it will be a perfect winter read.
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Twitter: bermudaonion
says:
I can’t wait to get my hands on this book!
bermudaonion (Kathy)´s last post ..Review: Shockaholic
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Kathy – Me, either!
I’ve had this book on my list ever since I heard about it! I agree, Carrie; it will be a perfect winter read.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Beth – I hope I can get my hands on a copy – maybe some Christmas money? LOL
Twitter: BethFishReads
says:
The trailer / reading is awesome. Wow!!!! It wasn’t on my list but it is now. Thanks!
I also wanted to welcome you to What’s in a Name 5. Hope you have fun with it.
Beth F´s last post ..Review: The Preacher by Camilla Lackberg
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Candace – I know – I wonder if he’ll do a reading of the audiobook? He would be great! And I’m looking forward to WIAN 5 – it’s my favorite challenge.
Twitter: GrandOldMovies
says:
Thanks for the heads up on this. I’m not only a Holmes lover, but have also enjoyed the pastiches of his tales, particularly the ones written by Conan Doyle’s son with John Dickson Carr. This new one looks like a must-read!
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Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
GrandOldMovies – if you haven’t already, you should definitely try the Laurie King series!
I can’t wait to read this one. I do so love Holmes.
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Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Carol – me, too.
Twitter: artemisfowliii
says:
Hey!
Have you read the book since you posted this feature? I’ve been meaning to, but other things have gotten in the way. I have, however, heard from several Sherlockians that it’s rather disappointing. If you’ve read it, what are your thoughts?
Also happy to hear that you love all things Holmes – so do I! I read some of the stories when I was younger, and am now rereading some and reading the ones I haven’t read. What are your thoughts on the recent film/TV adaptations (the Guy Ritchie one as well as the TV series Sherlock)?
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Anastasia – I haven’t had time to read it yet, unfortunately! I haven’t even seen any reviews, so I wasn’t aware that it was getting some disappointed buzz. My favorite Holmes continuation is the series by Laurie R. King, that starts with The Beekeeper’s Apprentice.
I enjoy both of the Holmes film/TV reboots very much – I just see them each as a different interpretation/side of Holmes. I have a friend that doesn’t like the Guy Ritchie ones because it emphasizes Holmes physicality over his intellect, but it doesn’t bother me. Plus Robert Downey Jr. is fun to look at!
Have you read The Sherlockian by Graham Moore? That’s another spin-off type novel that’s a lot of fun.