Welcome to the January edition of the Readers Den!

Sherlock Holmes is back and better than ever with the Arthur Conan Doyle Estate's authorization of the novel The House of Silk: A Sherlock Holmes Novel by Anthony Horowitz. This month we will discuss the House of Silk and its similarities/differences to the original series and the spirit of our favorite sophisticated sleuth.

Once again, THE GAME'S AFOOT...
London, 1890. 221B Baker Street. Dr. John Watson is our beloved narrator as he and Sherlock Holmes submerge into a new world in this action packed adventure. An art dealer visits our favorite duo — he is being terrorized by a wanted criminal in a flat cap. Sure enough, his family is attacked and the first murder occurs…

From London to the streets of Boston, this newly discovered international criminal conspiracy holds Watson and Holmes captive. They find themselves being drawn ever deeper into a plot where they hear "the House of Silk" What is it? Who is it?

Will this conspiracy be the end of society?

Finally a new novel has been sanctioned by the Arthur Conan Doyle Society and many reviewers are all a-roar!

"Exceptionally entertaining ... one can only applaud Horowitz's skill ... impressive ... an altogether terrific period thriller and one of the best Sherlockian pastiches of our time." — The Washington Post

"The hype surrounding what's being billed as the first pastiche ever officially approved by the Conan Doyle estate is amply justified ... authentic. Horowitz gets everything right-the familiar narrative voice, brilliant deductions, a very active role for Watson, and a perplexing and disturbing series of puzzles to unravel-and the legion of fans of the originals will surely be begging for Horowitz to again dip into Watson's trove of untold tales." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Worthy of [its] canonical inspiration ... an impressive read ... Horowitz plots masterfully, foregrounding Holmes' trademark investigative techniques against Watson's pacey narration." — The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"Can Horowitz astonish us? Can he thrill us? ... Emphatically, yes!" — The Guardian (UK)

Borrow the print or large print form of the novel >>

Check back during the month of January for discussion questions and for more information about Sherlock Holmes and Anthony Horowitz. Comments are welcome!