Title: The Sherlockian
Author: Graham Moore
First published November 30, 2010
350 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780446572590 (ISBN10: 0446572594)
Rating: 3.66
Overview
In The Sherlockian, readers are transported to the late 19th century, where Londoners are in shock after the death of their beloved detective, Sherlock Holmes. Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Holmes, is despised by fans who view him as the assassin of their hero.
However, in 1901, Doyle brings Holmes back to life with no explanation. Fast forward to present day and literary researcher Harold White is initiated into The Baker Street Irregulars, a prestigious society for Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts.
When the world’s leading Doylean scholar is found murdered, Harold uses his knowledge from countless detective stories to take up the search for the missing diary and the killer. The Sherlockian is a thrilling mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
About the Author
Meet Graham Moore – a talented novelist and screenwriter who has achieved great success in his career. His screenplay for THE IMITATION GAME not only won the Academy Award but also the WGA Award for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2015.
It received nominations for a BAFTA and a Golden Globe. Graham’s first two novels, THE LAST DAYS OF NIGHT and THE SHERLOCKIAN, have been published in 24 countries and translated into 19 languages.
The former was even named one of the best books of the year by the Washington Post, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the American Library Association. As for THE SHERLOCKIAN, it was nominated for an Anthony Award.
Graham’s third novel, THE HOLDOUT, is set to be published by Random House on February 18, 2020. When he’s not writing, Graham lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Caitlin, and their dog, Janet.
Editoral Review
The Sherlockian by Graham Moore is a captivating mystery novel that explores the world of Sherlock Holmes fandom while simultaneously unraveling a real-life murder case. Moore is a screenwriter and novelist who has previously won an Academy Award for his work on the screenplay for The Imitation Game.
With The Sherlockian, Moore demonstrates his ability to create a compelling mystery with a cast of engaging characters. The Sherlockian follows two storylines, one in the present day and one in 1900s London.
In the present, a Sherlock Holmes enthusiast, Harold White, is invited to join the prestigious Baker Street Irregulars club in New York City. However, his trip takes a dark turn when he is murdered after the club’s meeting.
In the past, we follow the infamous last case of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, which takes place in 1900s London. The parallel narratives offer a unique and exciting twist on the typical murder mystery.
The main characters in the present storyline are Harold’s friend and fellow Sherlock Holmes enthusiast, Alex Cale, and a detective in training, Sarah, who is hired to investigate Harold’s murder. Meanwhile, in the past storyline, we follow Arthur Conan Doyle and his assistant, Bram Stoker, as they investigate a string of murders in London.
Both storylines are vividly described and packed with detail that will keep the reader engaged from start to finish. Moore seamlessly blends fact and fiction, weaving historical details throughout the novel.
The themes, such as the power of storytelling and the relationship between fact and fiction, are explored with intelligence and nuance. Additionally, the way Moore’s characters grapple with the darker aspects of Holmes’ legacy, such as his drug addiction and treatment of women, adds complexity to the book.
The Sherlockian is not without its flaws, however. At times, the pacing can be slow, and some readers may find the jumping back and forth between the two timelines confusing.
Additionally, while the characters are fleshed out and interesting, some readers may not find them particularly likable. Overall, The Sherlockian is an excellent novel that will appeal to both mystery lovers and fans of historical fiction.
Moore’s writing is superb, and his ability to create a story that blends history and fiction is truly impressive. The book is a must-read for anyone who is a fan of Sherlock Holmes or who enjoys a good mystery.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
