The House of Silk

by Anthony Horowitz
The House of Silk cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 8624
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780316196987
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2011-11-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

For the first time in its history, the Arthur Conan Doyle Estate has authorized a new Sherlock Holmes novel, penned by the celebrated author Anthony Horowitz. The story begins in London, 1890, where Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson are drawn into a complex case involving an international conspiracy connected to the criminal underworld of Boston and the gaslit streets of London. The mysterious phrase 'the House of Silk' leads Holmes and Watson to uncover events too shocking to ever appear in print until now. The Arthur Conan Doyle Estate chose Horowitz for his ability to tell a transfixing story and his passion for all things Holmes. The House of Silk brings back the world's greatest detective with all the nuance, pacing, and analytical powers that made him legendary. This novel is destined to become an instant classic, depicting a case that threatens to tear apart the very fabric of society.

Reviews
JC Bernthal's Book Reviews · 2013-06-16
disappointing 2.50

Horowitz's novel is well-plotted but falls short in character development and intellectual depth. The story feels more like a children's book than a classic Holmes mystery.

While The House of Silk is well-plotted, it falls short in character development and intellectual depth. The characters feel un-Holmesian, and the story feels more like a children's book than a classic Holmes mystery. The novel is entertaining, but it's not likely to become a classic in its own right. If you're a fan of Sherlock Holmes, you might be disappointed by the lack of depth and complexity in the characters and plot. The House of Silk is a good read, but it's not likely to become a classic in its own right.

Quick quotes

    Well-plotted, clichéd, intellectually vapid, and with utterly un-Holmesian characters

    Horowitz's novel resembles a children's book that has been revised by PD James

    The story feels more like a children's book than a classic Holmes mystery

Reader Dad · 2011-10-30
brilliant 4.50

The House of Silk is a must for all fans of Sherlock Holmes, offering pitch-perfect characterisation and a complex, involving plot. The novel is a brilliant addition to the Holmes canon.

If you're a fan of Sherlock Holmes, you won't want to miss The House of Silk. The characterisation is pitch-perfect, and the plot is complex and involving, making it a brilliant addition to the Holmes canon. The novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good detective story, and it's sure to become a classic in its own right. The House of Silk is a testament to Anthony Horowitz's skill as a writer, and it's a novel that you won't be able to put down.

Quick quotes

    The House of Silk is a must for all fans of Sherlock Holmes

    Pitch-perfect characterisation combined with a complex and involving plot

    The novel is a brilliant addition to the Holmes canon

The Guardian · 2011-10-27
excellent 4.50

Anthony Horowitz captures the essence of Holmes and Watson, delivering a clever and engaging mystery. The novel is a testament to Horowitz's skill in maintaining the spirit of the original stories.

If you're a fan of Sherlock Holmes, you'll appreciate how Anthony Horowitz has managed to capture the vibe and intelligence of the iconic characters. The mystery is cleverly constructed, with a complex plot that keeps you guessing until the end. It's a testament to Horowitz's skill that he can maintain the spirit of the original stories while adding his own unique touch. The novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good detective story, and it's sure to become a classic in its own right.

Quick quotes

    Having read this book, Anthony Horowitz has done an excellent job at not only capturing the vibe and intelligence of Holmes and Watson

    The novel is a testament to Horowitz's skill in maintaining the spirit of the original stories

    The mystery is cleverly constructed, with a complex plot that keeps you guessing until the end

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