The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a new mystery for Sherlock Holmes and it is told by his trusted companion, Dr. John Watson. The author’s note at the back of the book said that he was approached by the trustee to write this. Dr. Watson has reached a ripe old age and is writing down some last memories he had of Sherlock Holmes; ones which he previously could not have published. As Holmes and many other protagonists had passed away and Watson’s plan to have this manuscript locked away until he also has passed, it was deemed safe to set this out on paper.
Watson has been married for about a year when he found himself visiting his old friend, Holmes, on Baker Street and of course, once again involved in his adventure. What began as a request of help from a frightened man turned sinister when his stalker was found dead. However, as always, things are never as they seem especially with Sherlock Holmes at its centre. They sought Mycroft’s assistance for information and they received advice to stay away. Because it’s Sherlock Holmes, a mystery can never stay a mystery! He plunged directly into the whirlpool and by a conspiracy of the highest degree, he found himself in prison accused of murder. With his usual resilience, bountiful resources, and great bolt of energy, Sherlock Holmes once again proved himself to be the greatest detective of the time.
Overall, I thought this book to be fairly successful in emulating Dr. John Watson’s original story telling. The language (which the author also has acknowledged at the end of the book) was modernised a little so as “not to put-off” today’s readers. The mysteries themselves, I think, was worthy of Doyle’s own though one particular perversion probably was not publish-able back then. I have no doubt that such things may have existed though I’m not sure if Doyle would ever have thought to write such things. Other than that, a great adaptation of Sherlock Holmes & his sidekick, Dr. John Watson.
Tien's Blurb 