The Return of Moriarty

Sherlock Holmes's arch nemesis takes center stage in John Gardner's re-visioning of the Holmes myth from the perspective of criminal mastermind James Moriarty. Robin Sachs's steady narration deftly guides the listener though the underworld of Victorian London. Moriarty's plotting, scheming, and grandiose crimes take center stage, where previously, in the Conan Doyle stories, we saw these only through Holmes's detection of the clues left behind. Sachs's staid presentation is suited to the period of the novel, and his portrayal of the London criminal class is subtle where it could have easily been hackneyed. In addition to Moriarty's background story, we learn about a few of his cohorts, who are given far more character depth than in original Holmes stories, and Sachs's reading gives them even further dimension. F.T. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine

December 1, 2012

This 1974 title is a heretical take on the Sherlock Holmes canon. The world's first consulting detective scarcely appears, having made a deal with that Napoleon of crime, Professor James Moriarty, at Reichenbach Falls (this Moriarty is a brother of the original). Like Holmes, Moriarty resurfaces in London after three years of wandering and immediately begins to reestablish control of his criminal empire, with an eye to international expansion. Narrator Robin Sachs is tolerable but not compelling as he wades through the tale, underplaying throughout; Moriarty has little character development except for being presented as evil. Not a bad performance, but uninspiring. VERDICT Holmes fundamentalists and those who enjoy Victorian mysteries are this audiobook's best bet.--Don Wismer, Cary Memorial Lib., Wayne, ME

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