Moriarty

Anna Kronberg Thriller #2-4

by Annelie Wendeberg

Europe, late 19th century. Antibiotics have yet to be invented, and germs take a death toll that lets the number of murders appear negligible. But when a cholera victim is found floating in one of London’s drinking water supplies, Dr Anton Kronberg — England’s best bacteriologist — is called upon to investigate. He crosses paths with Sherlock Holmes. The detective immediately discovers Kronberg’s secret — a woman masquerading as a man in order to practice medicine — a criminal deed that could land her in prison for years to come. The two highly analytical minds provoke and annoy each other at once. Eventually, they must team up to unravel a spiderweb of murder, espionage, and bioterrorism that spreads across continents.


This book contains more than 60 illustrations, and compiles the first three books in the Kronberg Thriller The Devil’s Grin, The Fall, & The Journey.


Contains foul language, non-explicit sex-scenes, explicit dissection scenes, violence, and considerable female power.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Adult, Suspense, Historical

438 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 29, 2014

About the author

Annelie Wendeberg likes to throw morally grey heroines into impossible situations just to watch disaster unfold. Her books have sold nearly a million copies worldwide in multiple languages through both independent and traditional publishing. When she's not writing, you can find her herding goats, making cheese, and saving owls and kangaroos from peril.

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap.

I finished reading the Holmes canon almost exactly one year ago. I immediately began reading Holmes works by writers other than Doyle, because I can't get enough Holmes and Watson. Out of the 11 I've read so far, this book (which is actually three books put together) is my favorite. (Although I know Anna is the main character, not Holmes. Which is really just fine be me because I heart her.)

The main character, Anna Kronberg, is a complete badass. The depictions of Holmes and Watson are believable. Those characters from the canon who are merely two dimensional tools Doyle used to move a couple of the stories along are fleshed out wonderfully here. I don't want to say anything about the plot or about the ACD stories around which the plot takes place because I don't want to spoil anything. But I will say that canon fans will greatly enjoy this book. People who have never read any of the canon will also enjoy this book.

A teensy word of warning for those with fragile dispositions: There is violence in this book. There are graphic depictions of Victorian-era autopsies. There is sex, though not terribly graphic. There are a few OH MY GOD DID THAT SERIOUSLY JUST HAPPEN moments. I guess basically, this is not your grandpa's Sherlock Holmes.

But holy crap, is it ever great.

[Larry · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book of this bundle was really good but by the end of the third book things were getting really stretched. The author had really started to push the boundaries of believability and was stretching scenes out. I will not read the next two books.

[Eero · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a long while to get through this book, which combines the three Kronberg novels dealing with Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty into one volume; and they are better considered as one long novel in three parts. The whole story is set partly in the same timeframe as "The Adventure of the Final Problem", and before "The Adventure of the Empty House" and supposedly tells the "true" story of what happened with Professor Moriarty, one which Dr. Watson could not tell.

It doesn't really feel like a Sherlock Holmes story, because there is not much brilliant detective work going on. Rather it is a scientific historical thriller involving the development of germ warfare and using the characters of Moriarty and Holmes, with both of whom the protagonist has complicated relations. The focus is always on the hyper-competent Anna Kronberg, who strives to do things that are considered impossible for women at the time, even masquerading as a man and using a fake penis in her pants as camouflage if need be.

[Cass Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW

This was a remarkable trilogy. This review is also for 'The lion's courtship'. The author has put an enormous amount of time and research into both of these books. There are a number of editorial issues relating to the use of language for the time. As the books are written on the cusp of the 20thC I believe some slips are ok. The characters are first rate and the inclusion of 'The Ripper' is very clever. 5 STARS for both.

[R.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best thriller series I've read in a long time. The descriptions were clear, concise and evocative. The amount of research that must have gone into this is incredible, from the food, to the clothing that was worn in that period of time. I never paused for a second but read through each book. I liked the main character, a woman who dresses as a man in order to go to medical school and then practice as a doctor. My hat is off to the author.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book

This book contains danger, romance, intrigue, suspense, science and medicine in the most interesting way. It also presents history and women's roles in society of the 1890s, in a way that opened up new views of that period. I also loved the author's representation of Sherlock Holmes and his enemy, Moriarty. I am sorry to have finished the book, I wish there were as more of the story to come!

[Wes · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting trilogy that I actually really enjoyed. Taken from the perspective of someone caught in the middle of Moriarty and Holmes and seeing both genius minds at work. Somewhat slow moving in places but more than made up for with the development of the principle characters and the little love triangle between then. A well written trilogy from a writer I haven't read before and it would be well worth the effort tracking this one down.

[alansplace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! Neatly fills the time period between THE MEMOIRS OF SHERLOCK HOLMES' The Final Problem and THE RETURN OF SHERLOCK HOLMES' The Adventure of the Empty House, the period of time when Holmes was thought to be dead. Exciting, dramatic, and touching. A super read! A fantastic story!

[Jean W. Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

I have loved Sherlock Holmes forever and have rarely been pleased with new 'chapters' in his life. This was perfect! I really enjoyed hearing the story from such an extraordinary woman's point of view. Wendeberg captured the essence and nuances of the characters so well, I was totally immersed. Great read!!

[Terri Weitze · Rating 5 out of 5]

This an excellent read for most fans of Sherlock Holmes, even though Holmes is not included in big chunks of this trilogy. And while I suppose each book could stand alone, I can't imagine not reading all three in order, as they parallel the Holmes world. I don't know what else I can say without a spoiler. I hope you like it as much as I did.

[Anne Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I interesting, well written, thought provoking. Enjoyable take on the Holmes cannon. I have always been a fan of Sherlock Holmes, written and movies, but only when done well. This definitely is done well.

[Twodogs333 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a trilogy in one book. I really liked it. Wendeberg does a great job keeping the piece period for the most party. Part fan-fic, part medical examination.
:)

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bundle of 3 books. I do NOT have the Kindle edition - I have it for the Nook. It took me quite a while to finish this because I was reading other books at the same time.

Overview:
Anna Kronberg has passed as a man for 12 years in order to go to medical school and become a doctor, which is unheard of for a woman. She meets Sherlock Holmes while checking a body for cholera which is found floating in the city waterworks, and he sees through her disguise but does not give her away. They suspect someone is deliberately infecting people with cholera as an experiment, and team up to find out who. This eventually leads them to Moriarty, who abducts Anna, threatening her father in order to force her to concoct biological weapons for war. She eventually escapes and joins up with Holmes again, this time to find out why Moriarty was expecting a war. By this time both Moriarty and most of the original group are dead, and Moriarty's kill-man Sebastian Moran becomes the enemy.

The Devil's Grin: covers most of what is described above, up through Anna's first escape and the beginning of her feelings for Holmes, who shies away.

The Fall:After bringing down most of the group that was experimenting with human subjects, Anna has escaped to her cottage, but she is found by Moriarty's tame killer, Sebastian Moran, and taken to Moriarty's home to work on biological weapons. They choose Anthrax and Glanders, to kill both men and horses. She is forced to act as if she is in league with them. Eventually she manages to escape, but at great cost to herself.

The Journey: After escaping again, Anna joins forces with the Holmes brothers. Anna and Sherlock travel on foot hoping that Moran will come looking for them. Anna finally gives birth and the ending is left hanging a bit - presumably for sequels. This one may have been the weakest of the three books.

Overall I really enjoyed the stories, although the first one was the best - they started petering out gradually after that, becoming easier to put down although still intriguing. I doubt if I will continue with any sequel, though.

[Liz Etnyre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moriarty: Anna Kronberg Bundle comprises The Devil's Grin, The Fall, and The Journey. (~400 pgs total) These are also marketed as individual stories – they should not be. This should be one ~3-400 page book, with three main parts. Not a bad story – but drags and gets bogged down in detail or repetition quite often. (-and sometimes becomes rather overly angsty.) Conversely, some parts seem comparatively rushed. I liked the 'prequel' (The Lion's Courtship) better. 3.5/4 of 5 for prequel, 2.5/3 of 5 for main 3 books – both, but especially the main three, would have benefited from better editing (for pacing and length.) Still, if you like Sherlock Holmes tales, you will likely not regret adding these to your library.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting. Pulls the reader in with the story. I became invested in the character, Anna, and her alternative life as a man at a time when it was illegal for women to practice medicine. She is a strong willed, courageous woman, with a wiley wit and sense of self-preservation. She also cares a great deal for others, and the reader can empathize with her internal struggle to be true to herself, intellect vying with emotion. Kept me engaged and entertained.

[Kris Loveid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love smart characters. I love strong female characters. Anna holds her own as a man and as a woman. not sure how I feel about sherlock's character but he's not the focus. The breaking points for the books were a bummer - so glad to read this as a bundle. If I had found this before the story was complete I would have been peeved. I'm going to look for more in this series. I like the Anna character.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars really. First book is very well done. But by the end of third, I was ready to stop. Pacing is erratic in the last half of this "bundle". There was more skipping ahead in time and quick passes through the plot. Started to read like a tv series instead of a work of literature. Overall it's good to very good, just not great.

[Ashley (Tiny Navajo Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

While Anna is not my favorite character, having her in the story gives us the insight to see one of the greatest villains of all time in a slightly different light. And I enjoy when I can see a different, less nuanced side to stories and their characters.

[Pam Crozier Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic trilogy!

A beautifully written and incredibly well-researched addition to the much-loved and long lauded Holmes stories told from a different perspective that was educational, intelligent, and refreshing. Excellent work!

[Tralina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

Fast paced, complex characters, believable story line. Supports itself quite well, no appearing gaps throughout the book. No apologies, this is a terrific read. I bought the rest of the series.

[Rob Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read, but slow in parts.

And some irrational and contrived plot twists.
As a man I found it a little to romantic in parts for my tastes.
Never the less it is an intriguing take on the recent spate of Sherlock Holmes tales.

[Heatherinblack · Rating 4 out of 5]

many twists and turns

i enjoyed this different version of sherlock. the mortal game of wits and logic was well done. too much of honor though. some lovable characters disappeared. that was sad. looking forward to the next book.

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book (trio?) but holy moly there were a lot of typos. It was so distracting that it took me out of the story every time I spotted one.

[Curt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thouroughly enjoyed this bundle. I love not only that it focused more on Moriarty than on Holmes, but it also seemed to incorporate ideas, like his presumed death, from the origianl source.

[Hannahlynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good series. Love a female protagonist.

[Maggie Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read all of the Sherlock Holmes stories and truly loving them, it was nice to see caring facets to Holmes outside of his friendship with Watson.

[gwen graves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

I have read the first three stories and when I got the this set I re-read story 2 and 3 and the the last one. I still like the 2 and 3 story the best.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book, The Moriarty Bundle, by Annelid Wenderberg in the Kindle version. I noted that the author had been awarded "The Blue Carbuncle" for the best modern Sherlock Holmes book of a recent year, so I thought I would give it a try. It was...ok.
This is a compendium of three novels which introduce Ms. Wenderberg's heroine, Anna Kronberg. At the beginning of book one, Kronberg is living in London disguised as a man. This disguise allowed her to study medicene and she received her MD at a time when women were not allowed such careers. Living as Dr. Anton Kronberg, specialist in bacteriology and contagious disease, Dr. Kronberg is called by the police to the scene of a body discovered near the Thames water reservoir. The police want to know if the woman's body shows signs of cholera. It does. As Dr. Kronberg goes about examining the corpse, she sees a lean,dark man creeping about the river bank, at times crawling on his knees as he examines the grass and mud with a magnifying glass. That is her introduction to Mr. Sherlock Holmes, who is also investigating the crime scene.
Without attempting to recap the convoluted happenings of this 866 Kindle pages book, I offer no spoilers when I say that it involves the possible use of deadly germs as weapons. The evil genius behind it all is of course Dr. James Moriarty, whom Holmes described in one of his own adventures as the most dangerous criminal in the world.

If this all sounds interesting so far, I thought so too. But I found that it wasn't going to last. Holmes hardly figures at all in either of the first two books of the trilogy, though Moriarty. Is prominent in the second, with Holmes mostly offstage.The first book mainly establishes the picture of Anna, or Anton , Kronberg. She is a brilliant doctor- scientist, interested in find cures for tetanus and cholera, and other diseases of the slums. Kronberg is a proto- feminist; she is feisty, spunky, brash and usually brusque in her dealings with others. In that way she resembles Holmes. She even shows the same remarkable powers of observation and deduction. The details of part one are mostly of her life in the Demi-world she inhabits, with some plot development.
The second book, is centered on a forced relationship with Moriarty ( no more about this for fear of spoilers). But I do not think that Moriarty comes really alive as an evil genius of crime. His presence on the page is rather as an ordinary less than moral conniving business man who will do anything to make money, whatever the cost in blood and life. He is certainly not a chilling, ominous presence as he should be.
Unlike the Conan Doyle books, the story drags quite a bit here, IMHO, with too much of Anna, damsel in distress, in the clutches of a dastardly villain. A bit of a bodice-ripper of a gothic romance. Up to now, the book rated no much more than two stars. I almost put it aside, but I plugged away.
By the third part of the trilogy, Ms. Wenderberg got it going better, with more suspense and tightening of the plot. Holmes plays a greater role in this part of the story than in the others. However, in Ms. Wendenberg's hands he becomes a softer personage, more affected by emotion than the cool, remote and aloof Holmes we know from the Conan Doyle stories. Whether this appeals to the reader is up to him or her. Of course, it is Anna who is the center of the author's focus, with Holmes as a supporting ( in rather a different sense of the term) than ever seen before.I thought that the ending was far too drawn out, which lessened the impact of the climax. In fact, there was not much of the climax at that. I had to re- read the ending to see if I was correct in my thought that the book just rather faded off into a "wait for the next exciting adventures of Anna Kronberg, doctor and detective.." No, don' t think I will be reading more.
I paid 99 cents for the book in a special sale. Just ok.

[Roisin Shanahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moriarty contained the first 3 books from Annelie Wendeberg featuring Dr Anton (Anna) Kronberg. Dr Kronberg is an anomaly in London as he is actually a she, working as a doctor and bacteriologist at St Guys in London. Living in the slums and treating the poor for free where no one suspects her deception.

One day she is called to a dead body floating in one of London's drinking water supplies. The body is suspected to be infected with cholera which could prove deadly for the people of London. Also at the scene is Sherlock Holmes who sees through Anna's disguise. Together they uncover the truth about the dead body and the conspiracy going on with a secret organisation. The first book "The Devils Grin" ends a bit abruptly.

The second book "The Fall" continues and introduces Moriarty to the stage. There is a lot of developing bacterias as weapons of germ warfare in this book. Moriarty takes center stage while Sherlock flits in and out, usually in a dress. This was not the best book of the three and could certainly not be read in isolation. As with all three books it contains pictures to illustrate which work quite well.

The third book "The Journey" continues on 3 days after Book 2 finishes. Sherlock plays as big a role as Anna in this one. Moriartys accomplice Moran is hunting Anna all over Europe while Anna and Sherlock try to figure out Moriartys intentions with his secret organisation and try to find out and capture the remaining members of said organisation.

I am unsure what AC Doyle would make of his characters Sherlock, Watson and Moriarty appearing in an alternate book. However Annelie Wendeberg remains true to the stories AC Doyle wrote and bits are woven in here with her story. In Book 2 Sherlock and Moriarty meet and fall to their deaths at Reichenbech Falls. In Book 3 Watson is lamenting his dead friend and writing up their last adventure together. Although there is a lot of frisson between Sherlock and Anna, it is more a meeting of identical minds and Sherlock remains pure for all purists out there that would be aghast at anything else.

I enjoyed the strong female character that kept her independence. Considering the times the book is based in Anna is a very accomplished lady and her father and benefactor were very forward thinking men. It is hard to imagine now, in an age where women can freely do whatever profession they like and pregnancy is not looked on with such abhorence as in this book that 100 years ago women were less than second class citizens.

The book contains the opening of "The Lions Courtship" which is a prequel to this trilogy

[Beth Haren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remember it's a trilogy!
I did not realize when I purchased the electronic version that it was three books in one. I have to admit that the whole concept appealed to me as it showcased a woman who has to masquerade as a man to become a doctor and expert in her field. That appealed to me as a woman and a professional who has more than once banged my own head on the glass ceiling (and against gender stereotypes).

I love this behind the scenes intrigue in the Sherlock Holmes world. I think it gives an interesting picture of White Chapel in the wake of The Ripper and some of the appalling atrocities of classicist society in the 19th century.

The novels almost lay the ground for the Special Branch and what might become SIS or MI6. I could see this becoming a foundation for a series worthy of Ian Fleming's legacy. I'd love to see it continued.

Now, for the parts I didn't like:
The dialogue was good, but occasionally difficult to follow. I frequently had to Terra's the passages to figure out which character was saying each line.
Moriarty was despicable. I know. He's supposed to be, but there just wasn't enough there to help me understand why Anna had any feeling Stockholm syndrome be damned. If that were the case she'd have never left. She had a strong enough mind to avoid that, she would have required a little more charm. He was too repulsive to me, somehow.
I would liked to have see more Watson, or at least have a little more interaction when Anna decides to keep Klara.
And last but not least, I wanted more hands on revenge on Moran. The victory at the hands of a woman would have been so satisfying.

That's all I have. It's a good series. It would be good to have more.