The Fifth Heart

By: Dan Simmons

Narrated by: David Pittu

Length: 23 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1893 Sherlock Holmes and Henry James come to America together to solve the mystery of the 1885 death of Clover Adams, wife of the esteemed historian Henry Adams--a member of the Adams family that has given the United States two presidents. Clover's suicide appears to be more than it at first seemed; the suspected foul play may involve matters of national importance.

Holmes is currently on his great hiatus--his three-year absence after Reichenbach Falls, during which time the people of London believe him to be deceased. Holmes has faked his own death because through his powers of ratiocination, the great detective has come to the conclusion that he is a fictional character.

This leads to serious complications for James, for if his esteemed fellow investigator is merely a work of fiction, what does that make him? And what can the master storyteller do to fight against the sinister power--possibly named Moriarty--that may or may not be controlling them from the shadows?

©2015 Dan Simmons (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Strength is in the characters, not the story

Simmons plays with historic people, fictional and real, as a child plays with superhero action figures. The result is similar to the conversation game of imagining having dinner with your favorite famous figures, living or dead.

I enjoyed the mix of history and fiction, but the sheer number of cameo appearances was dizzying.

The question regarding the reality of the characters was intriguing and I laugh/groaned at the literary jokes - "I hate change of perspective, but I'm doing it anyway," and "I hate epilogues, but here it is."

Overall, a fun adventure. It is easy to compare it to Simmons' "Drood." In that comparison, however, the mystery in "Drood" is more heart stopping than in "The Fifth Heart."

Good but odd

This is a Sherlock Holmes novel I assume to be set after the Conan Doyle stories. I liked the book though I thought it a bit over long and unnecessary in a couple spots. The book is very interesting as it as much historical fiction as it is a Holmes story. I looked up at least a half dozen things concerning this book. Starting with the 5 of Hearts. There are a few spots in which the story flow is broken and we the reader are surprised by the "you don't do this in a novel" moments. I found the book to be odd and worth my time. I find myself wondering if Simmons decided to break as many rules of writing as he thought he could. Wondering also if I was being tested and found wanting because I like the book anyway, or if Simmons tried a grand literary experiment and it worked for me. There are a couple main mysteries. A number of surprises. Plenty of history. Plenty of historical characters who were used within the fiction, which I found distracting, and I trust that Simmons was careful in this use. 1 is a terrible book. 2 is a book that really bothered me but maybe your tastes would allow you to enjoy it. 3 is a good book that is mundane, or in this case a book above the common that is not for everyone. 4 is a book I really enjoyed that I believe to be above common goodness in quality. 5 is a truly fine or great work and I seldom give 5's.

Wish the story would keep going. Enjoyed so much!

Exceeded expectations. Combined such interesting characters and locations...just an overall great read.
Hope to find more like this and soon.

Truly Great Sherlock Holmes

I am a big fan of Sherlock Holmes pastiches, and this is the best. The ever creative Dan Simmons reimagines Sherlock Holmes in a most satisfying way. The narrator David Pittue gives one of the best performances of the Holmes voice that I have heard. This is the best Audible title I have encountered.

Luken Adler was correct.

I really enjoyed this story. The narrator was quite skilled at bringing all of the characters to light, and I have enjoyed Dan Simmon's work since I read HYPERION many years ago. And here is the "but".

But...I've never liked the few stories of Henry James that I have had the misfortune to read. Perhaps I lack the literary snobbery that is required to digest his works, but, like I said, never a fan. I absolutely hate the James character in this novel. I found him annoying, pretentious, and boring (very much how I feel about his literary works) with a lack of focus that belittled the other characters of this book. Otherwise, the book is fantastic. Just tune out the parts with the unappealing James.

Luken Adler was correct...Henry James's stories are painful to read...unless of course you like pain.

great story but the editing on the audio...well..

What made the experience of listening to The Fifth Heart the most enjoyable?

the story line...love the historical background with the hole Sherlock aspect!!! I didn't read up on this so I would go blindly into it...glad I did....sorry for the spoilers to anyone that would read this...

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

yes...even when i thought i knew what was next i was wrong a few times...I do like being fooled...

What three words best describe David Pittu’s voice?

versatile, nice, smooth

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

nope...I listened to it riding my bike or driving...

Any additional comments?

the editing on the audio wasn't totally smooth...I could tell on the editing due to the timing in the phrasing...that was a bit annoying...otherwise i fully enjoyed the book...kind of wanted the story to continue...so I will be listening to it again...OH totally guessed the issue with one character...maybe Dan meant to do that...peace

true sherlockian novel

I have run every single Sherlock Holmes novel and short story at least three and I try to read any Sherlock in novel... This is one of the best that I have ever read, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would be proud

Dan Simmons at his best

Another awesome Simmons book. Those of us with a love of the classics will appreciate both the protagonists. :)

An Abundance of Patience

The concept for this novel is brilliant. The writing is magnificent. The story is engaging, but . . . readers need to settle in and be prepared for details, details, details. If you like Dickens, you might enjoy The Fifth Heart. It is rich in atmosphere and characters but it is a bit of a slog to get through. If you are prepared for that, it is an intriguing novel, worth the commitment to it. Just know what you are getting in to first.

For Any Sherlock Fan

I've been a mad Sherlock Holmes fan since I can remember, and I pick up anything that casts him as a character, and watch all the TV shows and movies. This was especially a fun book because of the actual historical characters also involved, and the way it plays with the nature of reality. Dan Simmons has never failed me as far as providing a great read, a well thought out story with dynamic characters who say and do such interesting things. Sherlock Holmes in this, as in all other stories about him, was bigger than life and did things that would of course be impossible in the real world, but who on earth wants the real world when we could have Sherlock instead? The only thing I rated lower than 5, and still at 4 "It's Great" is the narrator for a lack of differentiation of character and accents. It didn't take away my enjoyment at all, but I know other narrators could have done a better job with it.