Mystery

The story begins in 1894 when Moriarty starts the journey to his revenge of the six people who have thwarted his ambitions. Starting in the United States where he undertakes a financial fraud to gain money to begin his plans. Can Inspector Crow and Sherlock Holmes stop him.
An enjoyable read ( )

Moriarty, the famous archenemy of Sherlock Holmes, is back and intent on settling scores with powerful members of the underworld, Inspector Crow, and our favorite detective, Sherlock. Crow and Sherlock team together, excluding Dr. Watson, to stop him before he can ruin their respective careers and reputations.

Fun period mystery adventure. ( )

You almost have a sense that Gardner is some kind of professor of 19th criminal argot who has turned to writing fiction because, well, what else can you do with that sort of knowledge? The book is studded with archaic language and footnotes that weave fact and fiction together, but certainly enough fact to stamp Gardner's authority all over this re-creation of an extended episode in the rivalry between Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty. Where else would you find a reference to the giant foot driven drums (the original treadmill) that used to be a form of punishment and mechanical power in prisons, and the name it was given by those who toiled on it, 'the endless staircase'. The story is essentially one of illusions, written largely from Moriarty's perspective. This is an interesting variation on the usual Sherlock Holmes story, and Watson (Holmes' regular chronicler) is completely banished from the story. Gardner it seems will brook no other story-teller in his make-believe world. Gardner himself takes on a disguise, presenting himself as a writer who has come into possession of the original diaries of the greatest criminal mastermind who ever lived, and who has elected to 'tone down' the story and present it to the public. The role gives Gardner some licence (which he fully exercises) to give the telling of the story, as well as the story itself, a dry, sparse sort of feel. But for all of that, it moves along at a cracking pace before reaching the sort of inconclusive conclusion that promises a sequel, which in due course was delivered. Certainly one for the fans, but it makes much more sense, if you are making the acquaintance with Gardner's Moriarty for the first time, to start with the first novel in the series, 'The Return of Moriarty'. ( )

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Revenge of Moriarty: Sherlock Holmes' Nemesis Lives Again by John Gardner is a re-release by Open Road Media/Pegasus books. I recieved a digital copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. I believe this book was originally published in 1975. As the title states, Moriarty is alive and well and back in London. Detective Crow and Sherlock Holmes are on the villian's list of people he seeks to destroy. As always the professor is diabolical and cunning. He hatches a complicated plan to take over as the leader of underworld crime in Europe as well as getting rid of his enemies. Each member of his gang that had branched out on his own while Moriarty was away is taught a valuable lesson as to who is really the one in charge. But, when it comes to besting Crow and Holmes, Moriarty may have met his match.The author writes this book as if it were actual events and not a novel. This is a unique approach and I felt like at times I was reading a true crime novel set back in the 1800's.I thought this was a clever way of telling the story. I have to admit though that I struggled to keep up with all the characters. Moriarty has quite an entourage and used other people to help him carry out his schemes. I also found myself a little bored at first. But, if you continue on with the book, the action picks up and through the last half of the book I was a lot more engaged. This was an interesting read if nothing else. I would recommend this book to fans of Sherlock Holmes and mystery lovers that enjoy old school detective stories. Overall I would give this one a C+.Thanks again to the publishers and Netgalley for the oppportunity to read and review this book. ( )