"Well then, if my identity lies in books, let's go read me a life."

 

 

I just finished another light read in between some heavy research and non-fiction stuff. This is a novel written about Sherlock Holmes and his arch nemesis Professor Moriarty. This book is not written by Holmes’ creator, Arthur Conan Doyle, but it was one of the many modern day narratives written in an attempt to keep the spirit and story of the genius detective alive.

John King did a pretty good job of staying true to the original version of Holmes but it helps if you have read the originals extensively because then you can project the real essence of Holmes into the story to keep it as true as can be. Reading this book is sort of like watching the modern movie adaptations. The director and in this case the writer can put their own spin onto the character and portray him is they see the vision. Robert Downey Jr. and Benedict Cumberbatch have done phenomenal versions of Holmes within the last 5 years but it is not necessarily the exact version that Conan Doyle created in the late 1880’s.

The narrative for this new adventure is an interesting one continuing on from the final dual of Sherlock Holmes and his equally brilliant rival James Moriarty. In the original series the two meet at the top of Reichenbach Falls for their final duel, with both being plunged over the side of the cliff, seemingly to their death. Holmes’ truest companion John Watson even thinks he is dead and is a deep state of grief. However, both men survive and continue their chess match of wits. This story tells us the story of Moriarty’s wife Susanna and daughter Anna while trying to explain how we went from revered master scholar to ruthless crime boss.

 

As a fan of all things Sherlock Holmes (I did name my dog Watson after all) this was a fun extension of the sleuth’s adventures. The collection of original Holmes stories is obviously a classic but it is nice to step outside of it a bit and read it with a modern flare. It is helping filling the gaping hole in my soul that keeps growing waiting for season 3 of PBS’ series Sherlock to come back.

How do Sherlock and Moriarty survive the fall? Can equations and science predict the activities of London’s criminal underground? Do Holmes and his companions bring an end to the terror of Moriarty? Find out in The Shadow of Reichenbach Falls by John R. Smith