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Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery #1
The Last Moriarty
A lovely young American actress from the D'Oyly Carte Opera Troupe comes to 221B Baker Street on a cold November morning, desperately seeking assistance from Sherlock Holmes. Inexplicably, Holmes agrees to help, even though the Prime Minister of England and his cabinet need Holmes to solve a murder case that could threaten a high-stakes meeting with John D. Rockefeller and J.P. Morgan. The clock is ticking. Holmes will need all his physical and deductive powers to preserve innocent lives and prevent political and economic chaos on both sides of the Atlantic. Yet even Holmes cannot foresee how much the ultimate outcome will depend on a mother's sacrifice, a daughter's hopes, and on the true identity of the last Moriarty.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2014
1679 people are currently reading
2049 people want to read
About the author
Charles Veley
82 books87 followersDuring the 1980's, he read the entire Sherlock Holmes canon to his then-ten-year-old daughter at evening story time. She's now become historical novelist Anna Elliott and he's thrilled to be her coauthor on the Sherlock and Lucy Mystery Series. There are now thirty-four Sherlock and Lucy adventures on Amazon, with more coming!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews
July 18, 2017
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are enlisted by the Prime Minister to solve the murder of John D. Rockefellers security agent before the incident can derail an upcoming British-American summit. At the same time, a young woman contacts Holmes to help her find her parents.
I was quite looking forward to reading this book after seeing it on Amazon and was happy when I saw it on NetGalley. Now I'm glad that I didn't buy it since it was so predictable that it was hard to enjoy reading the book. Predictable and sometimes utterly jaw dropping ridiculous. Especially when it comes to Sherlock Holmes, or I should say that all that is ridiculous with this book has to do with Sherlock Holmes, because he is nothing like Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes and that's the biggest problem with the book. Giving Sherlock Holmes a past that really goes against the man that Doyle wrote about is something I just can't abide with.
I also had some problem with the story, the biggest problem was that the characters weren't that memorable. It felt like every time I picked up the book and they mentioned some name I just sat there thinking "who was he again?". Also, jealousy over a woman that's why professor Moriarty set out to destroy Holmes? Come on!
So no, this book didn't work for me. I'm picky when it comes to Sherlock Holmes stories. I want Sherlock Holmes to be Sherlock Holmes, not some romanticized version and I want a good story!
I received this copy from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review!
I was quite looking forward to reading this book after seeing it on Amazon and was happy when I saw it on NetGalley. Now I'm glad that I didn't buy it since it was so predictable that it was hard to enjoy reading the book. Predictable and sometimes utterly jaw dropping ridiculous. Especially when it comes to Sherlock Holmes, or I should say that all that is ridiculous with this book has to do with Sherlock Holmes, because he is nothing like Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes and that's the biggest problem with the book. Giving Sherlock Holmes a past that really goes against the man that Doyle wrote about is something I just can't abide with.
I also had some problem with the story, the biggest problem was that the characters weren't that memorable. It felt like every time I picked up the book and they mentioned some name I just sat there thinking "who was he again?". Also, jealousy over a woman that's why professor Moriarty set out to destroy Holmes? Come on!
So no, this book didn't work for me. I'm picky when it comes to Sherlock Holmes stories. I want Sherlock Holmes to be Sherlock Holmes, not some romanticized version and I want a good story!
I received this copy from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review!
April 9, 2023
As a boy I believe I read all of the Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I remember walking around with a very large hardback copy of The Complete Stories of Sherlock Holmes. It was one of my introductions to mysteries and love of books.
That was a long time ago and I can't really compare to the original but I think it is safe to say you can't improve on the original. Still this was an enjoyable story. Several historical figures tossed in tossed in to add authenticity to the period. You get a real sense of Victorian London. The story opens in 1895 with Holmes and Watson being summoned by Holmes brother, Mycroft.
They are taken to a hospital where the body of a man lies on an examination table. The man was an employee of a powerful American who is coming to London for an imortant meeting with government officials. Holmes quickly determines that he was murdered. The Prime Minister wants Holmes to investigate and solve. The meeting is with with John D. Rockefeller and J.P. Morgan and the future of England is at stake.
At the same time Holmes meets a young American actress, Lucy James, from the D'Oyly Carte Opera Troupe. She comes to 221B Baker Street asking for his help. Even though the Prime Minister has requested his help with the murder investigation Holmes agrees to help Lucy.
There are a couple of surprises in the story but no great deductions. So who is the last Moriarty? That will be revealed. An enjoyable story but if you have not read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle you should do so.
That was a long time ago and I can't really compare to the original but I think it is safe to say you can't improve on the original. Still this was an enjoyable story. Several historical figures tossed in tossed in to add authenticity to the period. You get a real sense of Victorian London. The story opens in 1895 with Holmes and Watson being summoned by Holmes brother, Mycroft.
They are taken to a hospital where the body of a man lies on an examination table. The man was an employee of a powerful American who is coming to London for an imortant meeting with government officials. Holmes quickly determines that he was murdered. The Prime Minister wants Holmes to investigate and solve. The meeting is with with John D. Rockefeller and J.P. Morgan and the future of England is at stake.
At the same time Holmes meets a young American actress, Lucy James, from the D'Oyly Carte Opera Troupe. She comes to 221B Baker Street asking for his help. Even though the Prime Minister has requested his help with the murder investigation Holmes agrees to help Lucy.
There are a couple of surprises in the story but no great deductions. So who is the last Moriarty? That will be revealed. An enjoyable story but if you have not read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle you should do so.
March 1, 2022
I’m embarrassed to admit I’m not much of a Sherlock Holmes fan. However this was very good and bodes well for the rest of the series.
May 17, 2015
Perfectly enjoyable pastiche. One might wish for slightly more deductions that made the man so famous and slightly less melodrama, but alas, there it is. Plenty of twists and turns and some pretty clever uses of real historical figures and events, as the famed detective uses his inimitable mind to prevent another November 5th from occurring, all while navigating some...well some family drama. Interesting spin on the character's history and, of course, left sequel ready. Fun quick read.
May 24, 2015
Three and a half stars, for me.
The Premise:
A meeting between captains of industry is threatened. Men connected with the upcoming meeting keep turning up dead, and all signs indicate that a criminal organization on par with the defunct Moriarty gang is responsible. Possibly even the successor of the Moriarty gang, as Colonel Sebastian Moran has escaped from prison, and he had help.
Into the mix is thrown a young actress, Lucy James, whose ties to this shadowy organization grow ever more perplexing and sinister as she enlists Holmes's help to hunt for her true parents. At the same time, both Miss James's plight and the murderous plot begin to shed light on Sherlock Holmes's past.
The Good:
The writing is lovely, and amazingly faithful to the source. It's very rare to find pastiche that really has the sound and the feel of Conan Doyle's writing. Watson's voice is authentic, and at no point was I drawn out of the story by awkwardly modern - or awkwardly Victorian - language.
It is also very well researched, with that strong sense of place that is so essential to mystery and to Holmesian mystery particularly. Well researched without being a treatise on Victoriana. Some works have a tendency to lift passages straight from textbooks, but all of Veley's references feel natural.
The Bad:
Much of the story was, sadly, predictable, and the foreshadowing heavy-handed. Certain twists were not so much hinted as laid out. Nothing ever really surprised me, and the mystery was thin.
I would also have liked more sleuthing, more of the hunting and connecting that ought to characterize Holmes stories. I'd characterize this one more as suspense than mystery, which I suppose is all right, but wasn't what I was expecting.
Worth Noting:
Veley's Holmes is an emotional sort. I am not one of those who thinks Holmes should always be an emotionless machine - he shows himself in Canon to feel strongly, though he generally keeps his feelings under tight control. In the context of Veley's storyline, I feel that the little displays of affection, distress, and concern were entirely appropriate, but I do know that many aficionados would take issue.
In Conclusion:
I enjoyed this one. I finished it in two sittings, which has been an increasingly rare occurrence for me. It did not blow me away, but the end hints at a coming sequel, and I will certainly look for it when it arrives.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Premise:
A meeting between captains of industry is threatened. Men connected with the upcoming meeting keep turning up dead, and all signs indicate that a criminal organization on par with the defunct Moriarty gang is responsible. Possibly even the successor of the Moriarty gang, as Colonel Sebastian Moran has escaped from prison, and he had help.
Into the mix is thrown a young actress, Lucy James, whose ties to this shadowy organization grow ever more perplexing and sinister as she enlists Holmes's help to hunt for her true parents. At the same time, both Miss James's plight and the murderous plot begin to shed light on Sherlock Holmes's past.
The Good:
The writing is lovely, and amazingly faithful to the source. It's very rare to find pastiche that really has the sound and the feel of Conan Doyle's writing. Watson's voice is authentic, and at no point was I drawn out of the story by awkwardly modern - or awkwardly Victorian - language.
It is also very well researched, with that strong sense of place that is so essential to mystery and to Holmesian mystery particularly. Well researched without being a treatise on Victoriana. Some works have a tendency to lift passages straight from textbooks, but all of Veley's references feel natural.
The Bad:
Much of the story was, sadly, predictable, and the foreshadowing heavy-handed. Certain twists were not so much hinted as laid out. Nothing ever really surprised me, and the mystery was thin.
I would also have liked more sleuthing, more of the hunting and connecting that ought to characterize Holmes stories. I'd characterize this one more as suspense than mystery, which I suppose is all right, but wasn't what I was expecting.
Worth Noting:
Veley's Holmes is an emotional sort. I am not one of those who thinks Holmes should always be an emotionless machine - he shows himself in Canon to feel strongly, though he generally keeps his feelings under tight control. In the context of Veley's storyline, I feel that the little displays of affection, distress, and concern were entirely appropriate, but I do know that many aficionados would take issue.
In Conclusion:
I enjoyed this one. I finished it in two sittings, which has been an increasingly rare occurrence for me. It did not blow me away, but the end hints at a coming sequel, and I will certainly look for it when it arrives.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2015
Any time a Moriarty is involved you know Sherlock is going to have his hands full. Add in a top secret government meeting between the PM and several american billionaires and you have a recipe for some evil to pop up.
Some plot twists and revelations that Sherlock fans will love
Recommmended
Some plot twists and revelations that Sherlock fans will love
Recommmended
December 13, 2022
Well, this was very, very good. I enjoyed how well captured the feeling of Victorian London was, and, at least to me, the voices of the characters sounded authentic and true to canon.
The mystery itself was really great and I liked the idea of Sherlock Holmes keeping his presence in London hidden, after the Reichenbach events. And that he did tell Watson *laughs*
The final historical notes are a very clever resource, truthful and yet a little bit tongue in cheek *g* I deeply enjoyed them, too.
The mystery itself was really great and I liked the idea of Sherlock Holmes keeping his presence in London hidden, after the Reichenbach events. And that he did tell Watson *laughs*
The final historical notes are a very clever resource, truthful and yet a little bit tongue in cheek *g* I deeply enjoyed them, too.
April 21, 2021
I enjoyed the book and hope that this is indeed the end of the Moriarty group. Reoccurring villains is a little too much. Recommend this book as it also explains the Lucy James origins. It was in the hope of the latter that I read this volume.
May 7, 2014
Excellently paced with enough action to support the detailed moments of sleuthing. I particularly enjoyed the added female companions to Sherlock's roster.
August 24, 2025
3 stars (Audible Plus Catalog). A decent continuation of the Sherlock Holmes series, although it deviates from canon + Sherlock's deductive reasoning isn't as sharp as the Conan Doyle series. I'm committed to reading the next in this series to see how it progresses.
May 5, 2023
Mycroft Holmes takes the unusual step of visiting his brother Sherlock and Dr. Watson at 221B Baker Street, to summon them to an important meeting at the Diogenes Club. The meeting will involve the Prime Minister and other senior ministers, and concern a planned conference with important American businessmen--for highly sensitive reasons.
At the meeting at the Diogenes Club, they learn the Prime Minister believes word has leaked and there may be an attack planned on this conference. It would be a major embarrassment to the government--and as events unfold, Holmes and Watson become increasingly irked that avoiding embarrassment appears to be the biggest consideration. Little of Holmes's security advice is headed; his brief is simply to prevent the attack while his advice is ignored.
A man is found dead, and is discovered to be an employee of John D. Rockefeller Sr., who of course is one of the prominent businessmen involved. When Inspector Lestrade, Holmes, and Watson attend the examination of the body, it's Holmes who realizes the man was not drowned, as initially believed, but suffocated with chloroform. Mr. Rockefeller's head of security was murdered. Shortly thereafter, a carriage is blown up with dynamite, outside the hospital--and inquiry into existing records shows that a very large amount of dynamite has been stolen over the past year. Something truly dangerous is afoot.
It's six years after Moriarty died, and Holmes was believed to have died, at the Reichenbach Falls. Since his return, Holmes has been keeping a low profile, but investigating this case takes him out more into public than he has until now. One of those necessary ventures is to the D'Oyly Carte Opera, housed at the Savoy Theatre--next to the Savoy Hotel, where the dead man was staying, and John D. Rockefeller Jr. is staying. This is far less conspicuous than going to see Rockefeller Sr. on his yacht.
However, while at the theatre, they encounter two women--a young American singer, who has recently been added to the chorus, by the name of Lucy James, and an older woman, Zoe Rosario, a violinist of considerable talent. Miss James has her own concerns to present to Holmes, and is both close to Rockefeller Jr., and very, very observant, making her a useful contact. Miss Rosario, among other interesting features, refers to Holmes as Sherlock, while Holmes quite clearly is avoiding her. This turns out to be more closely related to the main mystery than there is initially any reason to suspect.
The main story has Holmes and Watson trying to track down the real identity of, and an actual London residence of, Mr. Adam Worth, a principal investor in the D'Oyly Carte Opera, whom Mr. Carte admits to some serious doubts about, and has been trying to replace. Where is he from? What is his real background? And why do his properties seem to figure in the disturbing events surrounding the planned conference, while also seeming completely uninhabited?
There's a lot going on here, with some very interesting twists and turns along the way. It's a very interesting and ultimately satisfying story, grounded in the Holmes and Watson we know, and in the real history of the period.
I'm looking forward to reading more of these.
I received this book as a gift.
At the meeting at the Diogenes Club, they learn the Prime Minister believes word has leaked and there may be an attack planned on this conference. It would be a major embarrassment to the government--and as events unfold, Holmes and Watson become increasingly irked that avoiding embarrassment appears to be the biggest consideration. Little of Holmes's security advice is headed; his brief is simply to prevent the attack while his advice is ignored.
A man is found dead, and is discovered to be an employee of John D. Rockefeller Sr., who of course is one of the prominent businessmen involved. When Inspector Lestrade, Holmes, and Watson attend the examination of the body, it's Holmes who realizes the man was not drowned, as initially believed, but suffocated with chloroform. Mr. Rockefeller's head of security was murdered. Shortly thereafter, a carriage is blown up with dynamite, outside the hospital--and inquiry into existing records shows that a very large amount of dynamite has been stolen over the past year. Something truly dangerous is afoot.
It's six years after Moriarty died, and Holmes was believed to have died, at the Reichenbach Falls. Since his return, Holmes has been keeping a low profile, but investigating this case takes him out more into public than he has until now. One of those necessary ventures is to the D'Oyly Carte Opera, housed at the Savoy Theatre--next to the Savoy Hotel, where the dead man was staying, and John D. Rockefeller Jr. is staying. This is far less conspicuous than going to see Rockefeller Sr. on his yacht.
However, while at the theatre, they encounter two women--a young American singer, who has recently been added to the chorus, by the name of Lucy James, and an older woman, Zoe Rosario, a violinist of considerable talent. Miss James has her own concerns to present to Holmes, and is both close to Rockefeller Jr., and very, very observant, making her a useful contact. Miss Rosario, among other interesting features, refers to Holmes as Sherlock, while Holmes quite clearly is avoiding her. This turns out to be more closely related to the main mystery than there is initially any reason to suspect.
The main story has Holmes and Watson trying to track down the real identity of, and an actual London residence of, Mr. Adam Worth, a principal investor in the D'Oyly Carte Opera, whom Mr. Carte admits to some serious doubts about, and has been trying to replace. Where is he from? What is his real background? And why do his properties seem to figure in the disturbing events surrounding the planned conference, while also seeming completely uninhabited?
There's a lot going on here, with some very interesting twists and turns along the way. It's a very interesting and ultimately satisfying story, grounded in the Holmes and Watson we know, and in the real history of the period.
I'm looking forward to reading more of these.
I received this book as a gift.
August 22, 2025
As I have mentioned in reviewing other series that feature Sherlock Holmes, I am not a fan of the original series, and it takes really good writing for me to enjoy him as a character.
This book is not such a book.
I have been reading other mediocre but readable books by this author and his daughter because they are available for free on Kindle unlimited, and I am holding off on rereading / reading other books that I truly love, saving them for an upcoming vacation. So I thought that I would give this one a try.
What I found here makes Conan Doyle's original stories look lively. Turgid prose, one dimensional characters, and the main "plot twist " is obvious from just about page one. Holmes himself is particularly poorly depicted. As for Lucy, why do we have to hear about her beautiful green eyes every time she appears? Sheessh!
You want my advice? Skip this series, and if you haven't read them already, go straight to Laurie R King 's Mary Russell series. Her Sherlock is believable, and even likeable.
ln fact, I am saving the latest in the series to read on vacation!
This book is not such a book.
I have been reading other mediocre but readable books by this author and his daughter because they are available for free on Kindle unlimited, and I am holding off on rereading / reading other books that I truly love, saving them for an upcoming vacation. So I thought that I would give this one a try.
What I found here makes Conan Doyle's original stories look lively. Turgid prose, one dimensional characters, and the main "plot twist " is obvious from just about page one. Holmes himself is particularly poorly depicted. As for Lucy, why do we have to hear about her beautiful green eyes every time she appears? Sheessh!
You want my advice? Skip this series, and if you haven't read them already, go straight to Laurie R King 's Mary Russell series. Her Sherlock is believable, and even likeable.
ln fact, I am saving the latest in the series to read on vacation!
July 16, 2022
In another turn of the Sherlock Holmes story, Holmes and Watson are called in to investigate the murder of a Pinkerton guard. The crime is linked to a high-powered meeting between the highest members of the British government and several mega-wealthy American businessmen, including J. P. Morgan.
As the sleuth and his friend delve into the murder as a prelude to an act of major sabotage linked to the German government, they also find that a young American actress is somehow involved as a target of the plan. The diverse threads of plot and counterplot lead Sherlock to two major discoveries; that his arch-nemesis Moriarty was not the last of his line; and that the actress, Lucy James, has a previously unknown connection to the great detective himself.
This is a quick moving story with plenty of action, but it was rather transparent. It didn’t take long to figure out who the characters were and what they were up to. An enjoyable, if not particularly challenging mystery.
As the sleuth and his friend delve into the murder as a prelude to an act of major sabotage linked to the German government, they also find that a young American actress is somehow involved as a target of the plan. The diverse threads of plot and counterplot lead Sherlock to two major discoveries; that his arch-nemesis Moriarty was not the last of his line; and that the actress, Lucy James, has a previously unknown connection to the great detective himself.
This is a quick moving story with plenty of action, but it was rather transparent. It didn’t take long to figure out who the characters were and what they were up to. An enjoyable, if not particularly challenging mystery.
August 8, 2024
The Last Moriarty by Charles Veley is the first book in the Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery series. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are asked by the prime minister to look into the murder of a security guard which may have international implications. This book takes place after Sherlock Holmes supposed death and before the revelation of his survival and is a nice addition. Being a long term Sherlock Holmes fan, I enjoyed this book and loved catching up with the characters once again.
July 4, 2020
Charles Veley brings us a slightly warmer Holmes with a hither to unknown backstory and a new member of his circle of trusted individuals. Although a bit different in tone from the original Sherlock Holmes tales, this book is every bit and good and should be a joy to all fans of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
August 31, 2020
Elementary my dear Watson
What a good book. I had read all Sherlock books and am so happy to find someone picking up the story. Truly enjoyable
What a good book. I had read all Sherlock books and am so happy to find someone picking up the story. Truly enjoyable
February 12, 2022
#26 This was awesome. Holmes is one of my all time favorites, and he’s brought to life again in this series. I’m excited to see where it continues, and how the new characters will figure in. I love how it stays true to the original Holmes, it’s like meeting an old friend again.
May 20, 2022
The first I listened to this week -AND- quite a grand listen
My Full Review →
My Full Review →
February 29, 2024
This was excellent. I have read my share of Sherlock Holmes pastiche and I say with confidence that this is one of the better
March 24, 2016
I've been a fan of the Sherlock Holmes stories since I was in junior high, when I used to watch the old Basil Rathbone movies on Sunday afternoons. One year around 8th or 9th grade, someone bought me a volume of the complete stories for my birthday, which I devoured over the course of the summer. (“The Adventure of the Second Stain” being a favorite. ) I can truthfully say they've had an influence on my life, since, thanks to the “malign” influence of Rathbone and Holmes' creator Arthur Conan Doyle, I've been a pipe-smoker since high school. (Don't worry. I've stayed away from the “seven-percent solution”)
Since then, I've occasionally read modern pastiches on the Holmes stories. Some were excellent, such as Nicholas Meyer's “The Seven Percent Solution” (Dear God, why isn't this in Kindle format???), while others were just awful. The good ones not only captured the feel of late Victorian London, but understood Holmes' and Dr. Watson's characters, how they would speak, and their relationship to each other. The bad ones were only “Holmes in name only” and often had the characters saying or doing things they just wouldn't in “reality,” or thinking and speaking like a modern person. Some clearly had axes to grind or thought they were being edgy, making me wonder why the Doyle estate didn't sue them for damages.
I'm happy to say, however, that “The Last Moriarty” by Charles Veley largely falls into the “good pastiche” category. In fact I'd say it's very good and well-worth a fan's time and money.
(Warning: mild spoilers may follow.)
The story opens with the discovery of a dead American floating in the Thames. First ruled a suicide, Holmes (naturally) concludes it was a murder. He then learns the victim was in the employ of the Rockefellers and was in London as an advance man checking into security for a meeting between the highest levels of the British government and the richest men in America: Rockefeller, Morgan, and Carnegie. From there the plot involves multiple murders, terrorism, blackmail, Great Power intrigue, secrets from Holmes' own past, not one, but two damsels in distress, and Gilbert and Sullivan. Famous characters from the time also make their appearance: not only the Americans, but Prime Minister Salisbury and the impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte. And, as the title avers, Professor Moriarty himself is somehow tied up in this.
Author Veley paces the story well. Like a serial publication from that era, the story is broken up into many short chapters. The pacing is swift, but never rushed. An average reader could easily finish this over a weekend or even a single long night.
Veley captures the London of Doyle's tales nicely: you almost hear the horses' hooves' clack against the cobbles and feel the cold wind off the Thames. The characters largely sound like they should, too. My favorite dramatic interpretation of Holmes was the late Jeremy Brett's, whose performances in a British series from the 1980s and 90s set a bar I don't think anyone will ever clear, even Benedict Cumberbatch. When reading Veley's “Holmes,” I can hear Brett saying the lines. That to me is a mark of his success.
He's less successful with Watson's narrative voice, which doesn't sound quite right to me, and I think he gets it wrong when characters address each other by their first names. It's fine for the Americans, being a less formal people than the British, but for our two leads to call each other “Sherlock” and “John” with regularity, instead of “Holmes” and “Watson,” is off: acquaintances would say “Mr. Holmes” or “Dr. Watson;” male friends would address each other with last names without the honorifics. First names would only be used under moments of stress or emotional significance. This is a minor quibble, though.
Where I think the author really missteps is in his two final twists. No spoilers, but they involve Holmes' past and, I think, go one step too far in reinterpreting the character. The revelations go against two of Holmes' major attributes: his misogyny and, more importantly, the role of Irene Adler as “The Woman.” Veley handles the consequences of this well, but it's a step I would not have taken.
Some might criticize the villain for being a two-dimensional caricature, but I think it fits fine with what is, after all, a melodrama involving the theater.
Overall, I highly recommend Charles' Veley's “The Last Moriarty” to fans of period mysteries in general, and Sherlock Holmes fans in particular. It's enjoyable, fun, and even a bit gripping – a definite three-pipe read.
Note on the Kindle edition: Too often reviews of Kindle books make no mention of the format or the quality of the translation to electronic media – and Amazon is far too tolerant of publishers selling error-laden Kindle books. I'm happy to report “The Last Moriarty” has no such problems: the formatting is clean and easy to read, and I could find no typos that I recall. Well done!
Since then, I've occasionally read modern pastiches on the Holmes stories. Some were excellent, such as Nicholas Meyer's “The Seven Percent Solution” (Dear God, why isn't this in Kindle format???), while others were just awful. The good ones not only captured the feel of late Victorian London, but understood Holmes' and Dr. Watson's characters, how they would speak, and their relationship to each other. The bad ones were only “Holmes in name only” and often had the characters saying or doing things they just wouldn't in “reality,” or thinking and speaking like a modern person. Some clearly had axes to grind or thought they were being edgy, making me wonder why the Doyle estate didn't sue them for damages.
I'm happy to say, however, that “The Last Moriarty” by Charles Veley largely falls into the “good pastiche” category. In fact I'd say it's very good and well-worth a fan's time and money.
(Warning: mild spoilers may follow.)
The story opens with the discovery of a dead American floating in the Thames. First ruled a suicide, Holmes (naturally) concludes it was a murder. He then learns the victim was in the employ of the Rockefellers and was in London as an advance man checking into security for a meeting between the highest levels of the British government and the richest men in America: Rockefeller, Morgan, and Carnegie. From there the plot involves multiple murders, terrorism, blackmail, Great Power intrigue, secrets from Holmes' own past, not one, but two damsels in distress, and Gilbert and Sullivan. Famous characters from the time also make their appearance: not only the Americans, but Prime Minister Salisbury and the impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte. And, as the title avers, Professor Moriarty himself is somehow tied up in this.
Author Veley paces the story well. Like a serial publication from that era, the story is broken up into many short chapters. The pacing is swift, but never rushed. An average reader could easily finish this over a weekend or even a single long night.
Veley captures the London of Doyle's tales nicely: you almost hear the horses' hooves' clack against the cobbles and feel the cold wind off the Thames. The characters largely sound like they should, too. My favorite dramatic interpretation of Holmes was the late Jeremy Brett's, whose performances in a British series from the 1980s and 90s set a bar I don't think anyone will ever clear, even Benedict Cumberbatch. When reading Veley's “Holmes,” I can hear Brett saying the lines. That to me is a mark of his success.
He's less successful with Watson's narrative voice, which doesn't sound quite right to me, and I think he gets it wrong when characters address each other by their first names. It's fine for the Americans, being a less formal people than the British, but for our two leads to call each other “Sherlock” and “John” with regularity, instead of “Holmes” and “Watson,” is off: acquaintances would say “Mr. Holmes” or “Dr. Watson;” male friends would address each other with last names without the honorifics. First names would only be used under moments of stress or emotional significance. This is a minor quibble, though.
Where I think the author really missteps is in his two final twists. No spoilers, but they involve Holmes' past and, I think, go one step too far in reinterpreting the character. The revelations go against two of Holmes' major attributes: his misogyny and, more importantly, the role of Irene Adler as “The Woman.” Veley handles the consequences of this well, but it's a step I would not have taken.
Some might criticize the villain for being a two-dimensional caricature, but I think it fits fine with what is, after all, a melodrama involving the theater.
Overall, I highly recommend Charles' Veley's “The Last Moriarty” to fans of period mysteries in general, and Sherlock Holmes fans in particular. It's enjoyable, fun, and even a bit gripping – a definite three-pipe read.
Note on the Kindle edition: Too often reviews of Kindle books make no mention of the format or the quality of the translation to electronic media – and Amazon is far too tolerant of publishers selling error-laden Kindle books. I'm happy to report “The Last Moriarty” has no such problems: the formatting is clean and easy to read, and I could find no typos that I recall. Well done!
November 20, 2019
First read Sherlock Holmes in my college days. I am glad his adventures continue.
January 26, 2020
I was pleasantly surprised how much this story felt like it was written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I kept having to remind myself that this book was recently. Veley did an excellent job crafting a seamless continuation of the famous fictional detective. Bringing Lucy James into this series as a main character sets Veley's Holmes apart from Doyle's and gives it its own voice.
I don't usually like modern continuations of classics (especially mysteries) but I liked this. I felt a bit bored at times but I've experienced that a occasionallg in some of Doyles stories and to me it just adds more authenticity to the story.
I don't usually like modern continuations of classics (especially mysteries) but I liked this. I felt a bit bored at times but I've experienced that a occasionallg in some of Doyles stories and to me it just adds more authenticity to the story.
May 7, 2019
For fans of the original Sherlock Holmes tales comes this interesting twist on what became of Holmes after his battle with Moriarty in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Final Problem." It is a few years after John Watson wrote of Sherlock’s death, and everyone assumes he is dead. The pair, still living on Baker Street, keeps a low profile while working occasionally for select clients, including Sherlock’s brother Mycroft and the British government. Holmes and Watston are brought in on a case because wealthy American, John Rockefeller’s head of security was murdered as he was preparing for a secret meeting involving Mr. Rockefeller, British officials, and other powerful Americans. The story gets more interesting with the appearance of an American actress, Ms. Lucy James, and her ties to both the young Johnny Rockefeller and the deceased James Moriarty.
Told much in the style of the original Sherlock Holmes tales, The Last Moriarty is shared via the memoirs of John Watson. Keenly observant, Watson details his observations on the physical and emotional aspects of the case and his friend, Holmes. Watson’s account is intimate, due to Watson’s close connection to Sherlock, giving readers insight into Holmes’s state of mind and well-being. The story shares the intertwining aspects of a plot against Mr. Rockefeller, et. al., and the origins of Ms. James, both equally riveting and interesting.
Overall, I enjoyed The Last Moriarty a lot; however, here is my problem. *start mini-rant* I was directed to listen to The Crown Jewel Mystery, the Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery prequel first. In that book, we learn all about Lucy James and her good friend Johnny Rockefeller. They traveled to London together, and he constantly was proposing to her. Now I go back to this book, the first one, written well before the fourth book, even though chronologically it takes place after it, and we learned that Lucy and Johnny are just acquaintances and in fact, hadn’t spoken since a concert many years ago. This is in direct conflict to what we learned in the prequel. In other words, book 4, the prequel, was modified to make a more interesting backstory, but it does not fit with what was originally planned in the series. This makes me nuts when a prequel is written after a series has been established, and the author/s change established backstory. *end rant* Anyhow, it bugged me for a while, but by the midpoint of The Last Moriarty, I was so engrossed in the story that the prequel fled my mind.
Narration: Mr. Petherbridge does a great job. With his British accent and easy cadence, he fits the historical setting and feel of the book. He spends most time narrating Watson’s journal, which is shared in Watson’s first person POV. However, the story has extensive recounting of character dialogue, and Mr. Petherbridge adjusts his tone and accents appropriately. The individual voices aren’t wholly unique but distinguishing enough. He switches between British and American accents seamlessly. His female voices are slightly higher and softer, more feminine.
My Ratings:
Story: B/B+
Narration: B
Told much in the style of the original Sherlock Holmes tales, The Last Moriarty is shared via the memoirs of John Watson. Keenly observant, Watson details his observations on the physical and emotional aspects of the case and his friend, Holmes. Watson’s account is intimate, due to Watson’s close connection to Sherlock, giving readers insight into Holmes’s state of mind and well-being. The story shares the intertwining aspects of a plot against Mr. Rockefeller, et. al., and the origins of Ms. James, both equally riveting and interesting.
Overall, I enjoyed The Last Moriarty a lot; however, here is my problem. *start mini-rant* I was directed to listen to The Crown Jewel Mystery, the Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery prequel first. In that book, we learn all about Lucy James and her good friend Johnny Rockefeller. They traveled to London together, and he constantly was proposing to her. Now I go back to this book, the first one, written well before the fourth book, even though chronologically it takes place after it, and we learned that Lucy and Johnny are just acquaintances and in fact, hadn’t spoken since a concert many years ago. This is in direct conflict to what we learned in the prequel. In other words, book 4, the prequel, was modified to make a more interesting backstory, but it does not fit with what was originally planned in the series. This makes me nuts when a prequel is written after a series has been established, and the author/s change established backstory. *end rant* Anyhow, it bugged me for a while, but by the midpoint of The Last Moriarty, I was so engrossed in the story that the prequel fled my mind.
Narration: Mr. Petherbridge does a great job. With his British accent and easy cadence, he fits the historical setting and feel of the book. He spends most time narrating Watson’s journal, which is shared in Watson’s first person POV. However, the story has extensive recounting of character dialogue, and Mr. Petherbridge adjusts his tone and accents appropriately. The individual voices aren’t wholly unique but distinguishing enough. He switches between British and American accents seamlessly. His female voices are slightly higher and softer, more feminine.
My Ratings:
Story: B/B+
Narration: B
September 9, 2014
Okay...so I have to admit that there was a teensy tiny part of me that only bought this book because of my slight obsession with the show Sherlock. I have been dying to find out who is in fact going to be coming back in Moriarty's place in this fourth and possibly final season of the show (hopefully a woman, because there are not enough crazy women on that show), and so I thought this book, due to its title, might give me some sort of clue. Admittedly, it gave me no ideas, but I was really glad that I bought it.
The character of Sherlock Holmes has always been intriguing to me, and ever since I first read my first Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story starring this intellectual at a very young age, I have kind of felt a kinship toward Holmes. And Watson as well. So it was with a light heart that I began to read.
In this book, as with all the stories that I know, it has been written from Watson's point of view. Now as most of us know, he sometimes can be a little bit out of the loop from Holmes, which can be slightly annoying, but it makes him a sort of endearing character. The author of this work did justice to this fact.
I also quite loved that it had a new age feel to it. There were times that I definitely could relate it to being a possible continuation of the old works, it had a bit of the Doyle touch in some parts, but it also had that "new car smell." You could tell it had been written with a more recent hand. It felt clean and fresh.
The characters in this, besides Holmes and Watson, were wonderfully likeable, and I liked that Holmes has a secret past in this one. A past that subconsciously I know could definitely have happened, but one that I would not have imagined myself. At first I was a bit pensive about this part of his past, I thought "this isn't the Holmes I know", but after a few days of contemplation, it kind of fits. And although there is one part I might still be in denial over regarding his past life, I think this story was beautifully done.
I have to admit that there were so many twists and turns regarding the crimes of this story, it sometimes became a bit confusing and overwhelming, so this is a book more to be savoured than devoured to properly be able to appreciate this particular work.
The character of Sherlock Holmes has always been intriguing to me, and ever since I first read my first Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story starring this intellectual at a very young age, I have kind of felt a kinship toward Holmes. And Watson as well. So it was with a light heart that I began to read.
In this book, as with all the stories that I know, it has been written from Watson's point of view. Now as most of us know, he sometimes can be a little bit out of the loop from Holmes, which can be slightly annoying, but it makes him a sort of endearing character. The author of this work did justice to this fact.
I also quite loved that it had a new age feel to it. There were times that I definitely could relate it to being a possible continuation of the old works, it had a bit of the Doyle touch in some parts, but it also had that "new car smell." You could tell it had been written with a more recent hand. It felt clean and fresh.
The characters in this, besides Holmes and Watson, were wonderfully likeable, and I liked that Holmes has a secret past in this one. A past that subconsciously I know could definitely have happened, but one that I would not have imagined myself. At first I was a bit pensive about this part of his past, I thought "this isn't the Holmes I know", but after a few days of contemplation, it kind of fits. And although there is one part I might still be in denial over regarding his past life, I think this story was beautifully done.
I have to admit that there were so many twists and turns regarding the crimes of this story, it sometimes became a bit confusing and overwhelming, so this is a book more to be savoured than devoured to properly be able to appreciate this particular work.
October 16, 2020
Good read
Good alignment with original mysteries, ok characters, fair pace look forward to further character development in later books and more venues like the original books.
Good alignment with original mysteries, ok characters, fair pace look forward to further character development in later books and more venues like the original books.
August 11, 2015
I just couldn't get into this one. The Holmes and Watson dynamic didn't feel right, the conflict with the enemy seemed trite, and I wasn't able to really like any of the side characters. Nobody was particularly witty or complex or anything... Sometimes Holmes was the typical Holmes, five steps ahead of everybody, and then at other times, Holmes would say, ok we need to do "a" and "b"! And then Watson would say we should also do "c". "C" would be something very common sense or very logically following "a" and "b", but Holmes would compliment the suggestion like he wished he'd thought of it, or was so proud of Watson for thinking of it.
I kept waiting for the plot to pick up or the characters to get interesting and by 85% of the way through, I just really didn't care how it ended. I finished it because I didn't want to quit at that point, but even at the end, I still just felt like I didn't really care about what happened.
I kept waiting for the plot to pick up or the characters to get interesting and by 85% of the way through, I just really didn't care how it ended. I finished it because I didn't want to quit at that point, but even at the end, I still just felt like I didn't really care about what happened.
July 11, 2017
When the Prime Minister and his cabinet requires Holmes to solve a murder involving John D. Rockefeller and J.P Morgan, the great detective obliges, intrigued by the details of the case. A young actress brings new light onto the case, and changes everything.
As far as pastiches go, this is done very well. Told from the point of view of Dr. Watson, it's very similar to Conan Doyle's voice, which is not easy to do. The new characters are interesting enough in their own way.
The mystery was a little disappointing. Everything seemed complicated at first, but it really wasn't. Holmes, if I'm perfectly honest, was more sentimental than I expected, which was interesting to see but not the Holmes I love.
For Holmes lovers who like to try something new, I would recommend this.
As far as pastiches go, this is done very well. Told from the point of view of Dr. Watson, it's very similar to Conan Doyle's voice, which is not easy to do. The new characters are interesting enough in their own way.
The mystery was a little disappointing. Everything seemed complicated at first, but it really wasn't. Holmes, if I'm perfectly honest, was more sentimental than I expected, which was interesting to see but not the Holmes I love.
For Holmes lovers who like to try something new, I would recommend this.
April 22, 2016
I am going to have to call it quits on these Sherlock imitations. I have yet to find one that captures the energy and brilliance of Doyle's original. And this one--this is one of the worst.
The story was trite. The characters confusing at best and flat at worse. And worst of all, it seemed that the author kept throwing in all this historical information not because it was necessary to the story or that it helped flesh out the story but because he wanted to wow the reader with all his research.
If you are thinking of giving this a go, don't. Spend your time re-reading one of your favorite Sherlock by Doyle stories. Trust me, you'll be better off.
The story was trite. The characters confusing at best and flat at worse. And worst of all, it seemed that the author kept throwing in all this historical information not because it was necessary to the story or that it helped flesh out the story but because he wanted to wow the reader with all his research.
If you are thinking of giving this a go, don't. Spend your time re-reading one of your favorite Sherlock by Doyle stories. Trust me, you'll be better off.
February 15, 2017
Does not end as strongly as it begins, April 20, 2016
This review is from: The Last Moriarty (A Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
The plot is stretched rather thin in places and often depends upon coincidence. Family relationships play a large part in the story. Some of those relationships are not very believable. Holmes and Watson bumble along into danger and capture by the villains far too often. Many of the characters are real life people, including John D. Rockefeller and family, J. P. Morgan, Richard D'Oyly Carte, a mention of Theodore Roosevelt, Adam Worth (one of the models for Professor Moriarty) and several others.
This review is from: The Last Moriarty (A Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
The plot is stretched rather thin in places and often depends upon coincidence. Family relationships play a large part in the story. Some of those relationships are not very believable. Holmes and Watson bumble along into danger and capture by the villains far too often. Many of the characters are real life people, including John D. Rockefeller and family, J. P. Morgan, Richard D'Oyly Carte, a mention of Theodore Roosevelt, Adam Worth (one of the models for Professor Moriarty) and several others.
August 7, 2022
If you like to read books in a chronological order , this is not the first in the Lucy James series. Read The Crown Jewel first. It is a short ( 100 pages) book . It is worth reading and will hold your interest.
However this book stands on its own .
I have read hundreds of pastiches on Sherlock. Also many series that attempt to involve specific women in his life. So I was a little reluctant to start another.
So glad I did. This was the best one by far. Easy to read and follow. Also I liked breaking up the book into many chapters.
Ordering the next four books now.
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