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

The Game's afoot!

Great writing, great reading, satisfying and complete resolution. Who could ask for anything more.

Best New Holmes in 25 Years

Dr. Watson wrote this story in 1915 and gave it to his solicitors to hold before publishing for 100 years. This documents a case that he and Shelock Holmes worked in 1890. They were called to two seemingly unrelated cases which end up being intertwined in a most unusual fashion.

Sherlock and the good doctor go to an opium den, Holmes is thrown into jail and is charged with murder and there are a wide variety of different characters and expositions in this wonderful tale.

Anthony Horowitz captures the style of the original great detective writer, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and there are enough twits and turns in the story to keep you on the edge of your chair to the end. Derek Jacobi's narration keeps you interested even through those long passages of exposition and postulation.

The best new Holmes story since the 7 Percent Solution. A wonderful presentation and certainly worth your listening time.

Great narration of a Sherlock and Watson detective adventure

Mysterious adventure as told by John Watson. Sherlock is arrested, jailed and shot at during this wild tale. Narrated by Sir Jacobi. Recommend for many entertaining hours.

Fine Fan Fiction, but I Expected More

There are good things in this book, but it definitely felt like an homage to Sherlock Holmes rather than the real thing. In that sense, it is not so very different from other Holmes fan fiction out there. The writing is good. Horowitz can imitate 19th century English English well. But knowing Horowitz's superb work on the "Foyle's War" TV series, I expected better plotting, and more interesting use of the Holmes world, rather than a parade of Victorian cliches.

It is true to the VIctorian setting to have gay characters and poor Irish characters denigrated by the establishment and narrator, but I'm not sure that's an aspect of the Victorian world I like to hear reiterated.

Horowitz emulates Doyle perfectly

I was apprehensive when grabbing this title. However this feeling was quickly held at bay with Holmes first explanation of his detective abilities. Take the chance on this one its worth the risk!

Tour De Force

I listened to the audiobooks version of this and what an utter delight to have Derek Jacobi as narrator. I can see why Horowitz is an approved author to carry on the Sherlock Holmes legacy. This was not an homage to Sir Arthur but a cloning of style, wit, plotting, and character. This, however, took us to darker and more malevolent alleys than Doyle would have dared or even imagined. Tour de force. I'm glad I did listen to it rather than read. I would still be lingering over the prose. And who could resist Derek Jacobi's voice in your ear...<wink>

Classic Holmes, wonderfully narrated

I loved the twists and turns and multilevel plot. I would recommend this audiobook to anyone who appreciates a great adventure well told. Derek Jacobi’s narration was superb.

I got bored pretty quickly

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

No. It was dull compared with other SH stories

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

Have a faster pace to catch the reader's attention. I didn't finish it, so I can't say.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

It was well done, but DULL.

Did The House of Silk inspire you to do anything?

Haha! Yes. Move on to a new book.

Any additional comments?

I love SH and was eager to see what this book would offer. I so wanted to like it, but it was difficult to get into. Audiobooks should excite the listener, not put them to sleep. I normally just power through a confusing or dull book hoping that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I couldn't do that with this book. I lost patience. Maybe in a few months or longer, I can try again....

Way too long

The story is good but excessively drawn out. The number of details that add nothing to the story is amazing.

Pretty close to Doyle...

Very much in AC Doyle’s writing style except I had figured out a few of the key details before they were revealed which I never did with original Sherlock Holmes stories. Otherwise enjoyable to listen to and interesting plot.