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A Professor & Mrs. Moriarty Mystery #3
Moriarty Brings Down the House
An old friend brings a strange problem to Professor and Mrs. Moriarty: either his theater is being haunted by an angry ghost or someone is trying to drive him into bankruptcy. He wants the Moriartys to make it stop; more, he wants Angelina to play the lead in his Christmas pantomime and James to contribute a large infusion of much-needed cash.
The Moriartys gladly accept the fresh challenges, but the day they arrive at the theater, the stage manager dies. It isn’t an accident, and it is most definitely not a ghost. While Angelina works backstage turning up secrets and old grudges, James follows the money in search of a motive. The pranks grow deadlier and more frequent. Then someone sets Sherlock Holmes on the trail, trying to catch our sleuths crossing the line into crime. How far will the Moriartys have to go to keep the show afloat? And will they all make it to opening night in one piece?
The Moriartys gladly accept the fresh challenges, but the day they arrive at the theater, the stage manager dies. It isn’t an accident, and it is most definitely not a ghost. While Angelina works backstage turning up secrets and old grudges, James follows the money in search of a motive. The pranks grow deadlier and more frequent. Then someone sets Sherlock Holmes on the trail, trying to catch our sleuths crossing the line into crime. How far will the Moriartys have to go to keep the show afloat? And will they all make it to opening night in one piece?
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About the author
Anna Castle
32 books238 followersAnna Castle writes the Francis Bacon mysteries and the Professor & Mrs. Moriarty mysteries. She has earned a series of degrees -- BA in the Classics, MS in Computer Science, and a Ph.D in Linguistics -- and has had a corresponding series of careers -- waitressing, software engineering, grammar-writing, assistant professor, and archivist. Writing fiction combines her lifelong love of stories and learning. She physically resides in Austin, Texas and mentally counts herself a queen of infinite space.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 15, 2018
This is the third of Anna Castle's Prof. and Mrs. Moriarty series. I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first two, but still it was well written. I think it was because I was not fascinated by the theater history as I might have been. It seemed odd that Prof. Moriarty took to managing a theater as easily as he did, having absolutely no experience. I did enjoy reading about the costuming and some of the theatrical effects used in the 1800s. The solution did not disappoint, either.
August 7, 2018
When a distressed theater owner comes to the Moriartys for help, Angelina jumps at the chance to get back on stage in a plum role during a Christmas pantomime. Moriarty himself is more cautious, but is soon led to invest both his money and his detective skills into the Galaxy Theatre. But as the accidents affecting the production take a sinister turn, it becomes increasingly doubtful whether the show can go on. Moriarty cudgels his brain to discover who could possibly profit if a theater company goes under while trying to protect his wife and other principals from loss of life or limb. At the same time, he must evade the watchful gaze of Sherlock Holmes who is determined to catch the professor in some sort of felony.
The third book in the Professor & Mrs. Moriarty series provided an intriguing look at the backstage of a Victorian theater. The jealousies and rivalries between the dressers, the lighting managers, the scenery movers, and the actors is shown in high relief. Angelina is charming as usual, desperately dieting to shed a few pounds before returning to the stage that she deserted a decade ago. Her brother Sebastian, one of London's most sought after male leads, takes on the new role of theater manager, using his extensive experience to govern every aspect of the show. Moriarty himself, learns the theater business in an astonishingly short time, finding that his acumen for financial matters may bring him a fine return on his investment as well as help solve the mystery of the murderous ghost at the Galaxy Theatre. This novel is a worthy continuation to the series, and an enjoyable mystery story in its own right.
The third book in the Professor & Mrs. Moriarty series provided an intriguing look at the backstage of a Victorian theater. The jealousies and rivalries between the dressers, the lighting managers, the scenery movers, and the actors is shown in high relief. Angelina is charming as usual, desperately dieting to shed a few pounds before returning to the stage that she deserted a decade ago. Her brother Sebastian, one of London's most sought after male leads, takes on the new role of theater manager, using his extensive experience to govern every aspect of the show. Moriarty himself, learns the theater business in an astonishingly short time, finding that his acumen for financial matters may bring him a fine return on his investment as well as help solve the mystery of the murderous ghost at the Galaxy Theatre. This novel is a worthy continuation to the series, and an enjoyable mystery story in its own right.
January 16, 2018
If you’re wondering whether the world really needs another take on James Moriarty, wonder no more! I was a skeptic but am hooked on Anna Castle’s Professor and Mrs. Moriarty Mystery Series.
I’ve been a huge Sherlock Holmes fan since I was a kid, but have stuck pretty much to the canon (well, with the exception of Cumberbatch’s Sherlock, of course!). After finishing the last of Anna Castle’s historical Francis Bacon Mystery Series (which are great fun and prompted me to read up on the real Francis Bacon), Kindle suggested the first two Moriarty books, Moriarty Meets His Match and Moriarty Takes His Medicine.
Castle’s Moriarty is not the evil criminal mastermind of Arthur Conan Doyle’s imagination or the crazed consulting criminal portrayed by Andrew Scott in Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss’ Sherlock. Instead he’s a retiring, balding genius, successful gambler, and decent pugilist who was wrongly run out of academia and became a bureaucrat at the Patent Office before meeting Angelina Archer, the love of his life and a beautiful, kind actress with a somewhat questionable relationship with the truth. The pair team up to solve late-Victorian era murders sometimes with the help of Holmes, sometimes with him hot on their heels—Holmes and Watson remain a bit suspicious of the couple who make their fortune gambling and hire well-meaning if dodgy staff.
In Moriarty Brings Down the House, mysterious doings at a popular playhouse lead James and Angelina into an adventure in the theater world. Angelina is in her element taking on the lead role in a spectacular Christmas pantomime while James takes over management of the theater, worrying about the budget and the skimpiness of Angelina’s costumes. Mayhem and murders ensue.
Castle does her historical research and all of her books include real people along with the fictional, and are richly descriptive of their time and place. The historical notes at the end of each book are a nice touch and Castle’s blog (https://www.annacastle.com/blog/) is loads of fun to read.
Although the action in this book seems to take a bit longer to ramp up than in the first two in the series, James and Angelina are smart and nicely drawn characters with a very sweet relationship. The story is light-hearted fun and I’m already looking forward to the next installment!
Disclosure: I received a free advance copy of the book in return for an honest review.
I’ve been a huge Sherlock Holmes fan since I was a kid, but have stuck pretty much to the canon (well, with the exception of Cumberbatch’s Sherlock, of course!). After finishing the last of Anna Castle’s historical Francis Bacon Mystery Series (which are great fun and prompted me to read up on the real Francis Bacon), Kindle suggested the first two Moriarty books, Moriarty Meets His Match and Moriarty Takes His Medicine.
Castle’s Moriarty is not the evil criminal mastermind of Arthur Conan Doyle’s imagination or the crazed consulting criminal portrayed by Andrew Scott in Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss’ Sherlock. Instead he’s a retiring, balding genius, successful gambler, and decent pugilist who was wrongly run out of academia and became a bureaucrat at the Patent Office before meeting Angelina Archer, the love of his life and a beautiful, kind actress with a somewhat questionable relationship with the truth. The pair team up to solve late-Victorian era murders sometimes with the help of Holmes, sometimes with him hot on their heels—Holmes and Watson remain a bit suspicious of the couple who make their fortune gambling and hire well-meaning if dodgy staff.
In Moriarty Brings Down the House, mysterious doings at a popular playhouse lead James and Angelina into an adventure in the theater world. Angelina is in her element taking on the lead role in a spectacular Christmas pantomime while James takes over management of the theater, worrying about the budget and the skimpiness of Angelina’s costumes. Mayhem and murders ensue.
Castle does her historical research and all of her books include real people along with the fictional, and are richly descriptive of their time and place. The historical notes at the end of each book are a nice touch and Castle’s blog (https://www.annacastle.com/blog/) is loads of fun to read.
Although the action in this book seems to take a bit longer to ramp up than in the first two in the series, James and Angelina are smart and nicely drawn characters with a very sweet relationship. The story is light-hearted fun and I’m already looking forward to the next installment!
Disclosure: I received a free advance copy of the book in return for an honest review.
January 14, 2018
I love Anna Castle's work!! These are cozy mysteries, without the gore and yuck that we often see in works that rely on it to sell the story or the book. Anna uses historical figures and events to craftily weave a story around themes in our past that still carry significant weight in our world(s) today. I was given an advance copy of this book so that I could write this review, and enjoyed the reading.
Compared to Ms. Castle's other works, and even earlier works in this series, this episode did not seem to carry the same impact, however. The story was slower to develop, and when it did, the characters just didn't seem to come alive as they had previously. I frequently experienced myself shaking my head trying to remember a player's previous behavior or dialog, and it felt as if the story just didn't flow.
About at the midpoint, the story took off and became much more compelling, but by that time, I'd lost at least some of my interest in what had happened and where we were going. If you've read the previous novels in this series, I suspect that things will flow a little better and though I had, the story just wasn't as cohesive as I've come to admire from Anna Castle. I certainly hope, however, that you enjoy it!
Compared to Ms. Castle's other works, and even earlier works in this series, this episode did not seem to carry the same impact, however. The story was slower to develop, and when it did, the characters just didn't seem to come alive as they had previously. I frequently experienced myself shaking my head trying to remember a player's previous behavior or dialog, and it felt as if the story just didn't flow.
About at the midpoint, the story took off and became much more compelling, but by that time, I'd lost at least some of my interest in what had happened and where we were going. If you've read the previous novels in this series, I suspect that things will flow a little better and though I had, the story just wasn't as cohesive as I've come to admire from Anna Castle. I certainly hope, however, that you enjoy it!
November 25, 2018
Angelina Moriarty is delighted to see her old friend come to visit (thinking he is going to tap her talent for his theater) but soon discovers that he needs the talents of her husband Professor Moriarty. The Christmas pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk is to open in three weeks, but the theater has been plagued with strange and very expensive occurrences. Everyone thinks the show is cursed and maybe even jinxed by an unfriendly ghost.
The Moriarty’s decide to give a helping hand with Angelina filling in as the lead role and James supplying the funds, they both use their smarts to uncover backstage secrets and grudges. Can they keep the show afloat, find out who is behind all the incidents, and actually have an opening night?
This book is the perfect touch of old-time mystery, intrigue, and suspense. And the surprise twist is that you get to see a different side of Professor Moriarty then portrayed in Sherlock Holmes mysteries.
The Moriarty’s decide to give a helping hand with Angelina filling in as the lead role and James supplying the funds, they both use their smarts to uncover backstage secrets and grudges. Can they keep the show afloat, find out who is behind all the incidents, and actually have an opening night?
This book is the perfect touch of old-time mystery, intrigue, and suspense. And the surprise twist is that you get to see a different side of Professor Moriarty then portrayed in Sherlock Holmes mysteries.
January 11, 2019
Moriarty Brings Down the House
If you've read one or both of the earlier books in this series, you know the Professor is married to Angelina, a former singer/dancer/actress. They are an unusual couple for the 1880's. The Professor is a former math instructor, turned patent examiner, turned gentleman of leisure via a very successful gambling tour of Europe during their honeymoon. He loves his wife to the point that he will do everything in his power to please her.
Thus, he agrees to investigate the mishaps plaguing one of the local theaters. And so begins an extremely interesting story of love, intrigue, betrayal and greed. It ends with the guilty parties receiving appropriate punishment. The Professor is now an active partner/owner in a theater.
I hope there will be another book as the characters are strong, likable and deserving of another adventure!
If you've read one or both of the earlier books in this series, you know the Professor is married to Angelina, a former singer/dancer/actress. They are an unusual couple for the 1880's. The Professor is a former math instructor, turned patent examiner, turned gentleman of leisure via a very successful gambling tour of Europe during their honeymoon. He loves his wife to the point that he will do everything in his power to please her.
Thus, he agrees to investigate the mishaps plaguing one of the local theaters. And so begins an extremely interesting story of love, intrigue, betrayal and greed. It ends with the guilty parties receiving appropriate punishment. The Professor is now an active partner/owner in a theater.
I hope there will be another book as the characters are strong, likable and deserving of another adventure!
January 12, 2018
Before, there are Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie... Now we have Anna Castle!
This is a very, very enjoyable story. I really like the fact that Sherlock wasn't so "present" and annoying in this book, just because I don't want to start hating him.
The author gave us a Professor Moriarty more human than the character from Doyle's novels. Here we have a man with soul, not just a cruel master mind. If he commits some little crimes he does it thinking in his people, not merely for his pleasure as in the Sherlock Holmes' stories.
But the best part of this book, at least for me, is the end. I mean the three last paragraphs of it. You just need to read it if you want to know why!
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This is a very, very enjoyable story. I really like the fact that Sherlock wasn't so "present" and annoying in this book, just because I don't want to start hating him.
The author gave us a Professor Moriarty more human than the character from Doyle's novels. Here we have a man with soul, not just a cruel master mind. If he commits some little crimes he does it thinking in his people, not merely for his pleasure as in the Sherlock Holmes' stories.
But the best part of this book, at least for me, is the end. I mean the three last paragraphs of it. You just need to read it if you want to know why!
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
January 12, 2018
As well-crafted as the first two volumes in this Anna Castle series, Moriarty Brings Down the House is a fun read. Like a play, conflict, and intrigue build with each chapter until the action-packed, heartwarming, and humorous finale. The plot focuses on the production of a “Panto” that must open on Boxing Day. Murder, accidents, and “theater spirits” plague the panto and plunge Moriarty into the unfamiliar world of the theater – the first home of Angelina, his wife, and her family. No adventure of Dr. Moriarty is complete without even a minor appearance of his nemesis Sherlock Holmes. Moriarty proves a master detective, whetting the reader's appetite for volume four in the series.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy
Received an Advanced Reader Copy
November 23, 2018
Review of MORIARTY BRINGS DOWN THE HOUSE
(A Professor & Mrs. Moriarty Mystery #3) by Anna Castle
If you always thought Professor Moriarty was “only” the sworn Nemesis of Sherlock Holmes, then give this series a spin. He's actually a rather likable (although sometimes pompous, arrogant, and sure of himself) Professor of Mathematics. His lovely wife Angelina is a former (and about to be again) famous actress on the London stage. Her good friend and theater owner tasks the Professor to investigate the Christmas pantomime he is staging, which seems to be “cursed” with a ghost and a high number of accidents. By the time Moriarty becomes involved, the dangers have escalated.
Thoroughly researched and set, this novel is a fine exposition of Victorian London and its Theater culture.
(A Professor & Mrs. Moriarty Mystery #3) by Anna Castle
If you always thought Professor Moriarty was “only” the sworn Nemesis of Sherlock Holmes, then give this series a spin. He's actually a rather likable (although sometimes pompous, arrogant, and sure of himself) Professor of Mathematics. His lovely wife Angelina is a former (and about to be again) famous actress on the London stage. Her good friend and theater owner tasks the Professor to investigate the Christmas pantomime he is staging, which seems to be “cursed” with a ghost and a high number of accidents. By the time Moriarty becomes involved, the dangers have escalated.
Thoroughly researched and set, this novel is a fine exposition of Victorian London and its Theater culture.
December 22, 2021
I love the author's playfulness with the Sherlock Holmes and James Moriarty characters. She admits she reshapes them for her own narrative purposes. Holmes is without any moral compass and Moriarty is rapidly softening under the influence of his wife. In this book of the series, Moriarty's wife, who is longing to return to the stage, takes a role in what appears to be an ill-fated production. The crew believe a ghost in the theater is responsible for all the mischief and injuries, but then a murder occurs. The production is in danger of shutting down. Moriarty wants to save the show for his wife and takes a half interest in the theater -- which also gives him access to solve the murder and stop the continuing damage being done. He does so, of course!
January 15, 2018
As a newbie to Anna Castle and the "Moriarty" series I am thoroughly hooked ! Her writing style made for good story flow and interesting characters.. I cannot wait to read them all in the series. It was hard to put the book down - I wanted to see how the mystery was solved and it did not disappoint. Five stars and looking forward to another wonderful story and cast of characters . Note - I received the download free promising to provide a review and I am glad I was chosen to do so . It was phenomenal.
January 4, 2018
It's 1886 London and an old friend of Angelina, Lionel Hatcliffe, would like her husband, the Professor to investigate the mishaps that have been occurring in his theatre. Are they all due to a malignant ghost or is there someone real behind all the events.
Really enjoying this series, and this in another good, well-written mystery, with some likeable characters especially the Professor.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy
Really enjoying this series, and this in another good, well-written mystery, with some likeable characters especially the Professor.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy
May 10, 2019
Fantastic storytelling & truly tangible characters!
I love the depth of the characters in this series! They are delightful & delicious. As a Sherlock Holmes fan, I wasn't sure I could get into a series where I am cheering for the dastardly Moriarty, but in these I have found myself drawn fully into the world inhabited by Professor Moriarty and the inimitable Archer clan! Well done!
I love the depth of the characters in this series! They are delightful & delicious. As a Sherlock Holmes fan, I wasn't sure I could get into a series where I am cheering for the dastardly Moriarty, but in these I have found myself drawn fully into the world inhabited by Professor Moriarty and the inimitable Archer clan! Well done!
May 18, 2019
The third book in the series, this one takes place primarily in a theater, as Lina returns to the stage and drags her husband into another mystery and bit of insanity. Just as fun as the first two books, but the mystery isn't as well hidden, I had most of it figured out before the halfway point. Still, it was good, and Sherlock Holmes gets his own case out of it.
July 26, 2020
Moriarty and the Archer’s
The Professor uses his powerful mind to help his wife and her friend in the theater who is having problems with “ghosts”. The story is set in Sherlock Holmes London, well written, fun, easy to read with likable characters who become people one likes. On t the next one!
The Professor uses his powerful mind to help his wife and her friend in the theater who is having problems with “ghosts”. The story is set in Sherlock Holmes London, well written, fun, easy to read with likable characters who become people one likes. On t the next one!
May 13, 2019
Moriarty Brings Down the House
This is the third volume of the Moriarty/Holmes series that I have read. The only problem that I have with this book is that it is the final in the series at this time. Again, this book is a very enjoyable read.
This is the third volume of the Moriarty/Holmes series that I have read. The only problem that I have with this book is that it is the final in the series at this time. Again, this book is a very enjoyable read.
January 30, 2018
Professor and Mrs Moriarty are out of this world fantastic. They are both asked to help solve a mystery of whether there is a ghost. It’s impossible to stop reading. Don’t miss out.
February 29, 2020
I'm here for Lina. There were some parts that didn't work for me, but overall Lina ftw!
September 27, 2021
I enjoyed this one too, especially since I have a distant theatre background.
November 26, 2021
I missed not having Sherlock Holmes in the whole story. The bad guy was obvious from the first appearance. I wouldn’t be surprised if he shows up in another book
November 17, 2023
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Such a thrilling book. I have only seen behind a stage in a theatre a handful of times from performances when I was young. But getting to hear about some of the inner workings in this book was great! So many hiding spots, so many bustling people, and no one pays that close attention to the inside man who happens to be lurking everywhere.
I love hearing about Lena Lovingtons fans and how amazing an actress she was.
If you are an artist at heart this is a book for you. The mystery and details put into the story make it a very thrilling tale.
Such a thrilling book. I have only seen behind a stage in a theatre a handful of times from performances when I was young. But getting to hear about some of the inner workings in this book was great! So many hiding spots, so many bustling people, and no one pays that close attention to the inside man who happens to be lurking everywhere.
I love hearing about Lena Lovingtons fans and how amazing an actress she was.
If you are an artist at heart this is a book for you. The mystery and details put into the story make it a very thrilling tale.
January 13, 2018
Anna Castle truly has the gift of being a fine storyteller. I read a great deal of historical fiction in the past – Agatha Christie in my teens was one of my favorite – and later more contemporary authors like Michener. But have gotten away from it. I was recently made aware of Castle through a post on someone’s blog and thought her latest novel deserved a read. Wonderful!
Sometimes a story has a way of making me recall something from my past whereupon my recollections become mingled with story, making the story more alive. This story did that by bringing back memories of a misty, late night tour of London where an actress led a few of us around to all the haunted spots where Jack the Ripper’s victims had met their unfortunate demise.
The author’s grasp and knowledge of antiquated informal British English, as well as the theater literally transports you back in time. Her character development is fantastic, and the plot twists and turns will keep you reading well past your bedtime.
Now I have to start the series from the beginning!
Disclosure: I received a free advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Sometimes a story has a way of making me recall something from my past whereupon my recollections become mingled with story, making the story more alive. This story did that by bringing back memories of a misty, late night tour of London where an actress led a few of us around to all the haunted spots where Jack the Ripper’s victims had met their unfortunate demise.
The author’s grasp and knowledge of antiquated informal British English, as well as the theater literally transports you back in time. Her character development is fantastic, and the plot twists and turns will keep you reading well past your bedtime.
Now I have to start the series from the beginning!
Disclosure: I received a free advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews