Professor Moriarty: The Hound of the D'Urbervilles

Excellent

I listen to audiobooks while I do housework etc to make the time go a bit quicker and I found myself clearing out wardrobes simply to listen to the next chapter. I am not a huge Sherlock holmes fan but I know the basic characters and they are all woven very skillfully in this excellent tale.I would recommend to anyone.

24 of 25 people found this review helpful

Rather wonderful

Sebastian 'Basher' Moran (the 2nd most dangerous man in London) details a few of his adventures with a certain Professor Moriarty.
Whilst similar in structure to those of their more famous contemporaries, it's all just a lot more fun.

The book is a rather lovely combination of Kim's love of the original source topped with an application of some superior characterization and, I know I'm repeating myself here, 'fun'. I was a little uncertain before downloading, but both the book and the narration had me grinning like a loon throughout. It dovetails beautifully with the stories of the now almost insufferable goody-goody pair to such an extent I find myself wondering what these two were up to throughout those more pedestrian chronicles.
I want more of this. Please?

23 of 24 people found this review helpful

A lively romp

Where does Professor Moriarty: The Hound of the D'Urbervilles rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's a really enjoyable read. It's not a masterpiece by any means and is, at times, derivative or a simple pastiche of other novels, although, I believe it was written to be so and is a great lark because of that.

What other book might you compare Professor Moriarty: The Hound of the D'Urbervilles to, and why?

Obviously, Sherlock Holmes - his nemesis Moriarty is the subject of the novel - but also George MacDonald Fraser's 'Flashman' has been mercilessly but appropriately ripped off in the guise of the narrator, Basher Moran.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

There are shorter tales in this larger work - they are all amusing and at times actually make you guffaw. The last tale is a little convoluted and not as jaunty, though.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

You could have done - it is a good old fashioned ripping yarn - but, you can also happily play as fast and loose with it as Basher does with his fillies.

Any additional comments?

A light-hearted cracker. Definitely one you could read again.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Awesome

This is a fantastic story, beautifully read. The author has put flesh on the bones of some of Sir Arthur’s villainous characters. It’s amazed me to discover how much they got away with before they fell foul of Mr Holmes.

14 of 15 people found this review helpful

Brilliant

Kim Newman writes this as an interesting take on the Sherlock world from the other side of the table, namely Moriarty and his 'right hand man' Colonel Sebastian Moran who is the main narrator of this book. Do not expect just one 'case' but a series of short stories that do link with each other. Also, it is very funny and I did get a few odd looks when laughing out loud when listening to this in a public place. It is book that I know I will be returning to time and time again. If you are a Holmes purist it may not be for you but give it a go and you might be surprised.

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

Surprisingly entertaining

...and very well read. A series of stories in the vein of Conan Doyle but from Professor Moriarty's and Sebastian Moran's perspective. Sherlock Holmes people will enjoy this listen very much because I did.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Amusing, but not a story that I'd come back to...

Lampooning many different authors such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and H. G. Wells this book purports to be a memoir found in a safety deposit box at a bankrupt London bank. It tells the story of Professor Moriarty, and his henchman, Basher Moran. As it unwinds the two influence many events such as fooling the foremost astronomer of their time, busting a spy ring, and confounding Sherlock Holmes.
This book is largely inoffensive although there is some implied strong language and behaviour. It is an entertaining read, but not one I'll be rushing to listen to again anytime soon. I can only equate this to mental chewing gum; it's not bad, but not going to stimulate any brain cells...

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Sub Flashman parody

What disappointed you about Professor Moriarty: The Hound of the D'Urbervilles?

The narration was well executed, but the stories themselves were a rip off from Flashman - manuscript discovered which turns out to be the memories of a cad. Unlike Flashman however it provided no great insight into the events of the era described and the humour seemed forced and much too self aware.

Has Professor Moriarty: The Hound of the D'Urbervilles put you off other books in this genre?

Yes - specifically books by this author.

What about Tom Hodgkins’s performance did you like?

The narration was very well done, but that wasn't enough to keep my interest.

Any additional comments?

I'm out of step with most reviews of this audio book so you might like it. I would strongly suggest that you try the sample before you buy the product.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

jolly good yarn

well written story in a modern Victorian style.
I enjoyed the slant on the sherlock Holmes books.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

WHAT A LOVEABLE VICTORIAN BOUNDER!

Would you consider the audio edition of Professor Moriarty: The Hound of the D'Urbervilles to be better than the print version?

I've not yet read the print version of this book but the narration is really excellent and captures the devilish mood of the infamous Col. Moran, Moriarty's villainous sidekick.

What other book might you compare Professor Moriarty: The Hound of the D'Urbervilles to, and why?

The listener will obviously want to compare this performance with Sherlock Holmes but although the stories in the performance are wicked variations of Conan Doyle's Holmes cases, the great detective and his sidekick are only mentioned once or twice.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The listener will enjoy all the stories in this performance but my favorite was the "Red Planet League", as it was very funny and pretty leftfield in places.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Overall, I found the stories very funny but flavoured with suspense, some mild horror, dubious morals and sheer inventiveness. A bit like modern day politicians, I suppose!

Any additional comments?

The happy marriage of an outstanding performance and creative and involving storyline, makes this a great and repeated listen.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful