November 2011 Book of the Month.

Featured on The Book Show on Sky Arts on 8 December 2011.

Shortlisted for the Galaxy UK Author of the Year Award 2011.

The first official new Sherlock Holmes mystery, written by global bestseller Anthony Horowitz. With devilish plotting and excellent characterisation, Anthony Horowitz delivers a first-rate Sherlock Holmes mystery for a modern readership whilst remaining utterly true to the spirit of the original Conan Doyle books. Sherlock Holmes is back with all the nuance, pace and powers of deduction that make him the world's greatest and most celebrated detective.

Synopsis

THE GAME'S AFOOT...It is November 1890 and London is gripped by a merciless winter. Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson are enjoying tea by the fire when an agitated gentleman arrives unannounced at 221b Baker Street. He begs Holmes for help, telling the unnerving story of a scar-faced man with piercing eyes who has stalked him in recent weeks. Intrigued by the man's tale, Holmes and Watson find themselves swiftly drawn into a series of puzzling and sinister events, stretching from the gas-lit streets of London to the teeming criminal underworld of Boston. As the pair delve deeper into the case, they stumble across a whispered phrase 'the House of Silk': a mysterious entity and foe more deadly than any Holmes has encountered, and a conspiracy that threatens to tear apart the very fabric of society itself...

Reviews

'A lifelong Sherlock Holmes fan, Anthony Horowitz is the perfect choice to pen the first new official mystery and what a triumph it is.While retaining faithfully the style of the originals, Horowitzs lively prose makes this exciting story just right for a new generation of fans'
Sarah Clarke, Bookseller's Choice THE BOOKSELLER

As far as I can see, Anthony Horowitz has done a thoroughly professional job and reading the novel felt to me like being in the company of an old and distinguished friend - or should that be two old friends?'  Mike Ripley, SHOTS

 'Brimming with informed enthusiasm, this skillfully crafted homage to Conan Doyle is so enjoyable that you're sorry when it fades away to the strains of Holmes playing his Stradivarius'
 Peter Kemp, SUNDAY TIMES

 'an exciting, well-crafted novel'  Andrew Lycett, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

About the Author

Anthony Horowitz is the author of twenty bestselling children's books, including the Alex Rider series. He is also a TV screenwriter. He lives in North London. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation