The Last Moriarty

By: Charles Veley

Narrated by: Edward Petherbridge

Length: 7 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Narrated by acclaimed British actor Edward Petherbridge, The Last Moriarty is set in London, 1895. On a cold November morning, a young American actress visits 221B Baker Street, desperate for Sherlock Holmes to protect her from the threats of a mysterious, menacing man who has recently appeared in her life. Holmes agrees to help, even though he has just promised the Prime Minister to solve the murder of John D. Rockefeller's security agent before the incident can derail an upcoming British-American summit. To find the agent's killer - and help the young actress - Holmes will need all his talents for both deduction and deception. But when another lovely woman, this one from Holmes's past, reappears and clues to the murder point to the late Professor Moriarty, the famously analytical detective must also look inward. Can Holmes prevent chaos on both sides of the Atlantic and unmask his newest client's shadowy antagonist? For Holmes and Watson, this is the case that will change everything. Revised edition: This edition of The Last Moriarty includes editorial revisions.

©2015 Charles Veley (P)2016 Charles Veley

An absolute delight!

As a fan of Sherlock Holmes for over half a century, I began this book with mixed feelings. There have been so many recreations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories, and many of these have fallen quite short of the mark. I hoped for the best, but feared I might be terribly disappointed. I’m delighted to say that my fears were unwarranted.
Charles Veley has done a magnificent job of writing an original story that follows in the true tradition of Sherlock Holmes. His writing skillfully evokes the era, characters, and elegant plotting of the original works, while making a few delightful additions of his own.
I found the story immensely satisfying. This experience was made all the more entertaining by listening to Edward Petherbridge’s exquisite reading of the book. (If there were ever a person who was born to to read Sherlock Holmes aloud, it is he). What a marvelous job! I found myself constantly smiling listening to his marvelous voice. All in all, I heartily recommend this book and Audible’s edition of it. When I finished it, I went about acquiring the rest of Veley’s works, as well as his books coauthored with his daughter, Anna Eliot. I suspect I am really going to enjoy these story’s, and look forward to the fresh addition to the canon made by Lucy James’s character.

Better than Doyle?

As Jabberwock has noted, I agree this was an excellent way to start a new series of Holmes' mysteries. I say 'better than Doyle' because A.C. Doyle had a tendency to tell his story in past tense, without the excitement of present danger. Veley takes us step by step, through Watson's pen, into and through the story. I find Veley's style is to have Holmes do a better job of explaining to Watson, to Lucy, and to the police what he has discovered and plans to do, instead of Doyle's way of hiding all of his cards close to his chest keeping his readers in the dark, making it seem like Holmes is some magician. I find all the voices of the characters distinct and appropriate to the original stories. Watson is also given much credit here and given important duties and responsibilities; he's not just a side-kick. The fantastic performance by Petherbridge made the entire book a pleasure to listen to. Of course, every American with the most nasal of tones. I plan to continue this series. Here go my credits!

I liked the story

I lived the story but the narrator wasn't the right man for the job. That is not to say he isn't skilled but I think someone more youthful and preferably a woman was more suited for this book and series.

perfect

I loved this rendering of Sherlock Holmes. It could have been written by the Sir Doyle himself.
The narration was authentic and you never got lost as to who was who.

What? Who?

Oh yes, It is Shirlock Holmes, back to us from another author. Good story, a couple of new characters, and " A BIG SURPRISE! Being a big Shirlock fan, anyone who gives me more to read I will try. I am glad I did read this one. Good reader who sounds right in his parts. If you are a purist ...don't bother!

Classic Sherlockian Story

The Last Moriarty isn’t bad, but at same time not great. The story is a typical Sherlock Holmes story, It has a few added twists, but in all honesty, they don’t add much to the story. Even some of the regular cast of characters feel somewhat shoehorned in, as if they didn’t really have a place in the book. Still, you can do worse for a non Conan Doyle adventure. Where this really needs to do better is in the performance. The narrator has little ability to differentiate characters, so much so that it was hard to keep track of who was supposed to be speaking. All of his American accents sounded like a southern voice, most likely Texas. Sherlock sounded way too close to Watson, and those sounded way too close to the female characters. It was a valid effort, and not bad of a novel, but the audio here needs redone.


I received this copy free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Sherlock Lives On

A young American actress visits 221B Baker Street seeking help from Sherlock Holmes and. despite the Prime Minister and his cabinet needing Holmes to solve a murder case Holmes agrees to assist the actress. Working on two cases at once is no match for Sherlock, even with the likes of John D. Rockefeller and J.P. Morgan being involved. Holmes must use all his physical and deductive abilities to prevent chaos in the political and economic spheres on both sides of the Atlantic and protect innocent lives. This is book one in the Sherlock and Lucy James series and she is introduced and becomes a major part of the unfolding mystery. Very enjoyable Listen!

Pure enjoyment!

Beautifully narrated by noted British actor, poet and artist Edward Petherbridge.
The introduction of Lucy into the Holmes cast of characters was/is an unexpected twist. I'm a fan!

The Title Says it All

An excellent Sherlock Holmes - DR. Watson adventure protecting two powerfully rich Americans from the criminal evil in London. Danger is possible during official meetings to discuss an alliance concerning Britain's energy sources for her Navy.
Some new and interesting female personalities are included, and a suggestion that they might appear again in future episodes by this author. I'll watch for them.

Compelling

Over 50 years a student of Sherlock Holmes took me willingly into this read listen. Was Not disapointed. The games afoot.