The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz

Taking on the challenge of writing the latest Sherlock Holmes novel can be daunting for any author, new or experienced.

The latest to try is Anthony Horowitz, an acclaimed TV screenwriter who created hits such as Midsummer Murders and Foyle’s War.

To recreate the style of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and bring the mystery, intelligence and intrigue to previous Holmes’ stories with a modern feel is no easy feat - but Horowitz delvers with The House of Silk.

There is an element of a TV drama feel about this novel and it would not be a surprise if eventually the story makes it onto the screen. As with the usual Holmes novels, The House of Silk is written from the view of Dr Watson, Sherlock’s trusted right hand man.

Horowitz cleverly explains early on, through Watson, that this latest story to the Holmes canon was so horrible and vile a tale that it has been locked away for years until it was deemed safe enough to be released to the public.

The House of Silk is arguably Holmes’ toughest challenge yet and one where his own safety, as well as those around him, is at risk. The reader is taken on a complex path, woven around a series of events and murders, seemingly unrelated to each other, before being brought together into a dramatic finale.  

For any Sherlock Holmes fans and even anyone who looks mystery crime novels The House of Silk is a must read.

The Review of Books score: 5/5