The House of Silk

A Sherlock Holmes Novel

By: Anthony Horowitz

Narrated by: Derek Jacobi

Length: 10 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Sherlock Holmes is the greatest detective in literary history. For the first time since the death of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a new Holmes story has been sanctioned by his estate, whetting the appetites of fans everywhere. Information about the book will be revealed as deliberately as Holmes himself would unravel a knotty case, but best-selling novelist and Holmes expert Anthony Horowitz is sure to bring a compelling, atmospheric story to life. With access to the estate's archives and careful study of the original stories, Horowitz is sure to weave a tale that satisfies new fans as well as the most dedicated Baker Street Irregular.

©2011 Anthony Horowitz (P)2011 Hachette

Clever, socio-historical, but pedantic by the end

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I'd recommend it to someone who likes Holmes and perhaps mysteries, in general.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

The author fixed many shortcomings of the original stories written 100 yrs ago, calling our attention to important things glossed over and evening out some unnecessary imbalances from back then. But Watson is still too daft and unsophisticated. His lack of insights are unbelievable and his over-emotionality seems one literary convenience milked dry.

Have you listened to any of Derek Jacobi’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Jacobi's a gem. I'd listen to him read a cereal box.

Do you think The House of Silk needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No.

Great story, great narrator

Where does The House of Silk rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is among the top ten audiobooks in my vast library.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The House of Silk?

Dr Watson is forced to wander through pea-soup thick fog to do surveillance on an opium den while Holmes investigates on his own. Mayhem ensues that changes both of their lives forever.

Which character – as performed by Derek Jacobi – was your favorite?

Derek Jacobi is a superb actor and narrator. I liked all his characters. His portrayal of Lestrade was spot on.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A mysterious organization is killing street children and has framed Sherlock Holmes for a terrible crime. Can Holmes and Watson uncover the conspiracy in time?

Any additional comments?

This was a great listen, and I plan on listening to it a few more times. The stories interweave together very well. Horowitz' descriptive style and the rhythm of the story pull you into the heart of a very cold and foggy winter in Victorian London, from seedy pubs to dangerous alleys to a forced coach ride and on to an inescapable prison. It is Dickens and Conan Doyle all rolled into one exciting story. This is the first book or audio by Horowitz I've read/listened to, and will definitely have to try another of his works.

Close to conan doyle

Impressively close to what the original could have been like. And an interedting mystery all on its own. Recommended if you like the Holmes saga

Did not disappoint!

While none can capture Sherlock Holmes as well as his creator, this was thoroughly entertaining

A story worthy of the great Holmes...

Really enjoyed this listen and consider the plot and story worthy of Sherlock and his master, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The narrative twists and turns and compels. The characters we've come to love are once again alive and well and fighting an evil that continues to plague modernity. I found the narration quite good, but only gave it 4 stars because I felt that Holmes was not portrayed in his usual terse manner. He was a bit more flowery than I imagine him, but that might just be me. Hope you like the book as much as I did.

The best!!!!

I have enjoyed this thoroughly!!!! The writing is perfection. Dereck Jacobi brought this to life like no other narrator than I’ve ever experienced. Do not pass this up if you are a Holmes fan

True Sherlock twists and turns.

This book holds true to the wonderful works of Sherlock Holmes. If you enjoy a book to simply have on in the background that doesn’t require a lot of attention to follow, this is a book for you.

PLEASE tell me there are MORE !

Absolutely excellent from first to last. Too engrossing to listen at bedtime - it wil keep you up. I'm a big fan of Holmes in many iterations - Larry Millett and Laurie King among others, but Anthony Horowitz really captures it all - the essence of a good Holmes story - plus excellent description of place, action and character - brought leaping to life by Derek Jacobi - truly a brilliant and lush performance. Even if you are not a Holmes fan - this is a great book. I'm pretty fussy and rarely, if ever, have given such an unabashed 5 star review. This one is sooooooo worth it.

Excellent

Both the story and the narration are fantastic. This story goes to a place that I did not at all expect for a Sherlock Holmes novel. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and felt this was perhaps one of the best I've listened to so far on Audible.

Perhaps not strictly true to Holmes, still fun.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Attempting to explore the beloved characters of other authors is tricky. I think maybe this story would have played better if it hadn't tried to take on Holmes, but had been a newly introduced detective. Having said that, it was entertaining.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

No.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

I liked his characters and he was very consistent - which I have to imagine is difficult. There were moments I had trouble understanding what he was saying, but that could have been me.

Was The House of Silk worth the listening time?

Yes, but buy it on sale.