The Great Game: A Professor Moriarty Novel (Professor Moriarty Novels)

By Michael Kurland

Book Overview

Labeled the "Napoleon of Crime" by an obsessed Sherlock Holmes, Professor James Moriarty is a prominent scientist, a keen analytical mind, and a dabbler in less than savory doings. Two friends and former associates of Moriarty - Benjamin Barnett and his wife, the former Cecily Perrine - are travelling in Europe in early 1891 when they realize that they have become objects of scrutiny from persons unknown. Things turn deadly when they find themselves in the midst of an attempted assassination of a German prince. Meanwhile in Vienna, the younger son of a British nobleman - indulging in what was then known as "The Great Game" of amateur spying - finds himself framed for the murder of his paramour and the assassination of an Austrian Duke. In London, an unknown caller arrives at Moriarty's door on a matter of great urgency. But before Moriarty can be summoned to speak with him, the stranger is shot by a crossbow bolt loosed by unseen hands. While a lesser man might be daunted, Moriarty is merely intrigued and begins to investigate. What Moriarty uncovers is a cabal that seems to be using assassination to destabilize the rule of the crowned heads of Europe. But he also senses that there is something even bigger than this operating - a conspiracy behind the conspiracy - and detects the workings of a mind quite possibly as clever as his own. Using his contacts, friends, and the not-so-desired help of his often nemesis Sherlock Holmes, Moriarty must save his friends and outwit his most cunning opponent while the fate of history hangs in the balance.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 031220891X
• ISBN13: 9780312208912
• Release Date: August 2001
• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.08 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 1.1" x 5.7"

Customer Reviews

Brilliant Book,

A complex plot told in such a way to make it easy for the READER not the author - that is skill of the highest sort. Not just for Holmes fans by any means. Its full of wit, wisdom and great characters. The Great Game has a real feel for time and place with echo of what is to come. Kurland's Prof Moriarty is a first rate creation. From one puzzle after another the excitement keeps building to Kraiser Willhem himself leading...

An enjoyable read

It is 1891, and political terrorism and assassination are sweeping Europe. Professor James Moriarty, a brilliant if often amoral scientist, finds himself sucked into the maelstrom when certain shadowy organizations take Sherlock Holmes' maundering accusations seriously, and decide they need to deal with this "Napoleon of Crime." Collecting an unusual assortment of allies, Moriarty must use all of his talents to penetrate this...

Total Page Turner

Michael Kurland has written a terrific book that contains clues and subplots that will keep the pages turning. As a reader, you get an deep understand of who each of the characters are, and you develop a new perspective of Professor Moriarty. In all honesty, I think this would make a great movie. It has all the suspense and mystery.

Moriarty Triumphant!

Michael Kurland is one of those authors that sneak up on you. One finds one of his books, enjoys it, and then one day you find another, and so forth. Until one day you are surprised to notice that you have accumulated quite a lot of his work. Kurland doesn't write the kind of double-barreled, memorable fiction that sticks in your mind, but he is a grand master of the well written, highly enjoyable tale which is the meat...

Witty and Delightful--Holmes and Moriarty

At the end of the 19th century, Europe teeters toward war. Anarchists and assassins have taken aim at the crowned heads and Sherlock Holmes, at least, sees a connecting thread. Someone, for some reason, is conspiring to overthrow the existing order.England lacks a professional spy organization--that role being served by aristocratic young men playing 'the great game.' When one of these amateur spies is accused of murder, his...