The Return of Moriarty

Sherlock Holmes' Nemesis Lives Again

By: John Gardner

Narrated by: Robin Sachs

Once again, the game is afoot . . . What really happened in Switzerland between Moriarty and Sherlock Holmes in 1891? And why is Holmes, now in London at 221B Baker Street, curiously uncooperative with Scotland Yard’s inquiries? Furthermore, why has Moriarty planned a grand meeting with the international crime syndicate? These are the questions that make up the larger mystery of the sinister Professor Moriarty’s return.

©1974 John Gardner. All rights reserved. Introduction copyright © 2012 by Otto Penzler. All rights reserved. (P)2012 AudioGO

The Family Moriarty

Any additional comments?

I remember reading this book back in the late 70's (and the sequel as well) and found it to be one of the best Sherlock Holmes take-offs I had ever read. Of course, Holmes doesn't directly appear, although oft talked of, but authors have been building on Doyle's characters for a century and most have failed to hit the mark. John Gardner does, with flying colors.
The professor has returned to London (it seems he survived Reichenbach Falls as well) and is tending to his family. That is what he calls his criminal organization. Think Vito Corleone and you will be right on track. And if he looks out for his people, his people better be there to greet him when he wants them. To further the 'Godfather 'comparison, he is conscienceless, brutal, and quite deadly. Holmes said of Moriarty, 'He is the organiser of half that is evil and of nearly all that is undetected in this great city...' and you will be convinced. Still, at times the reader/listener finds himself pulling for the bad guys, although as the story goes on those guys become very bad indeed. The ending left open room for a sequel which appeared a couple of years later. I understand that book, 'The Revenge of Moriarty' will be re-released next year.
Robin Sachs is an excellent narrator as he provides just the right touch of menace in his voices he describes the goings-on of the gang.
Some Holmes aficionados may be a bit offended by Sherlock's attitude to all this (reported indirectly), but I found this to be a very entertaining tale, and will be happy to download the sequel when it becomes available.
Rickapolis

The Return of Moriarty:

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this to a friend if they were not avid Holmes fans. I found this book to be too heavy on narration and not enough exchange between characters.

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

No it did not. I do not think it was because of the story line though.

What three words best describe Robin Sachs’s performance?

Perk up Robin.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The Return of Moriarty; An Explanation: Sherlock Holmes' Nemesis Lives Again

Any additional comments?

For the whole first section of the book, the narrator was to humdrum. Most of what he read was without stress where needed, or not enough stress. I might be feeling this way because I am spoiled. I have read MANY books where Susan Boyce is the narrator. That lady has spark in her voice.

Ugh

I hated this book. The women were all pliant and lovely, the men were all the same except for their “uniforms.” Moriarty was a nineteenth century Mafia don. They were all flat; no character development. I’ll never read another book by this author.