The house of silk by Anthony Horowitz

"The house of silk" by Anthony Horowitz. This book is published by Mulholland in 2011 and has about 400 pages. This is Book 1 of new Sherlock Holmes series.

Dr. Watson's wife is away and he has come to stay with Sherlock Holmes. Edmond Carstairs comes to them with the case of flat hat gang that he encountered when he was in America. His sister Elisa, mistrusts his American wife Catherine. A Baker Street irregular goes missing. Sherlock Holmes is arrested for murder of a girl. There is an eye witness.

Who is the man in flat cap? What does he want? What happens to the irregular, Ross? Why is Sherlock arrested? What is the mystery of The House of Silk?

Story takes place in 1890 England. A man comes to Sherlock for help. A street boy who is doing Sherlock's bidding is killed and his death is on Sherlock's conscience. Sherlock's arrest is a testimony of a large conspiracy that involves well placed gentlemen from the upper crust of the society. There is an attempt on Sherlock's life exacerbating the circumstances. A white silk ribbon is found at various locations. Is it a message or a warning?

The story is written in the style of the original author and is good. Watson, as usual, can't see what is obvious to Sherlock. But he does his job of a chronicler diligently. There are several twists to the story that retains reader's interest.

Author has given an interesting justification as to why Dr. Watson did not publish this story earlier. Author argues that this level of corruption can't be digested by the readers of this generation and hence the story should be published 100 years later. Smart!

However the crime is also of a despicable nature and displays the corruption of society. What is 'The house of silk'? Is it a gang of robbers? Is it a drug cartel? Is it a secret society? Is it a brothel? Is it a gang of black mailers? Well if I tell you, Sherlock's efforts would be wasted. You will have to read the book for it.

Why did I read this book? Sherlock Holmes. 

What I didn't like? Climax not very exciting.

What did I like? Same style. Prison break.

If you like Sherlock Holmes stories, read it.