Read This! The House of Silk: a Sherlock Holmes Novel by Anthony Horowitz

Those familiar with both Sherlock Holmes and Anthony Horowitz may have mixed feelings about this pairing. To clarify, “The Arthur Conan Doyle Estate chose the celebrated #1 New York Times bestselling author Anthony Horowitz to write the House of Silk because of his proven ability to tell a transfixing story and for his passion for all things Holmes,” according to the jacket flap. I admit I was a bit dubious about it ‒ though I’m honestly not very well acquainted with the Arthur Conan Doyle books ‒ but I am familiar with Anthony Horowitz’s writing. Yes, I’m a bit of a sucker for Alex Rider, even though they’re obviously every-little-boy’s-dream-come-true on paper, with plenty of Hollywood action, bad guys blowing up, itty-bitty bikinis and detailed descriptions of what’s under the hood of every car mentioned.

If you’re a fan of that sort of writing, The House of Silk might be a nice introduction to a very different yet very alike type of storytelling. If you’re not a fan, don’t worry, Horowitz proves he can write for grown ups with more selective tastes too. Would you recognize the first sentence? (I suggest reading it to yourself in a posh British accent for the full effect.)

I have often reflected upon the strange series of circumstances that led me to my long association with one of the most singular and remarkable figures of my age.

The House of Silk promises to stay true to the legendary characters and to entertain the reader with a riveting plot and mostly importantly, a very clever mystery. However, I would say that while a page-turner the plot feels a little modern, but I think it’s only a minor, human flaw.

Horowitz’s other books feel to me like a potato chips, salty, greasy goodness that you seem to finish all too quickly. And to quote Jay’s brand “Can’t… stop… eating… em’!” But if those books are like potato chips, the House of Silk is like those fancy vegetable chips, a snack that’ll make you feel less guilty and like you’re getting a least some nutrition out of it while only adding to the flavor.

Don’t miss this book!