For the first time since the death of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a new Sherlock 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 bestselling novelist and Holmes expert Horowitz is sure to bring a compelling, atmospheric story to life. 320 pp. (Mystery/Detective)

Reviews

"Horowitz truly pulls off the wonderful illusion that Arthur Conan Doyle left us one last tale... Close your eyes and you can smell the shag tobacco of Holmes' church warded pipe as he sorts through the evidence."-- San Diego Union Tribune

Jacobi, whose readings of many of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories have been impressive, more than does justice to Horowitz's standout pastiche, easily one of the best ever attempted. The dark and somber plot plunges Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson into the dark underbelly of Victorian London in search of the titular house, the mere mention of which sparks fear at the highest levels of the British government. The detective's probe overlaps with a murder case linked to the stalking of an art dealer, apparently by an old nemesis from America. Jacobi is unparalleled at making his vocal characterizations distinct: his Watson has an inherent warmth and humanity and is a sharp contrast from his rendition of the doctor's higher-pitched and higher-energy companion. Even minor parts, such as Holmes's smarter older brother, Mycroft, a pawnbroker, and members of Holmes's young assistants, the Baker Street Irregulars, benefit from Jacobi's considerable gifts. Fans of Doyle's original stories are in for a real treat, both from the compelling story itself, and this memorable and gripping performance from Jacobi. A Little, Brown/Mulholland hardcover. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.