Member Reviews

I had so much fun with this book! A private investigation team in New York with names like Poe, Marple and Holmes, how could you go wrong.

I loved that the 3 investigators had similar personalities and traits as their namesakes. The reactions for people on the outside hearing their names were hilarious. I really do hope this is the start of a new series from James Patterson. We now have a good insight to these characters and they have formed a relationship with the police, it would be shame to not see them again.

As always with this author, we have short and punchy chapters that makes you want to keep reading. I devoured this book in less than 24 hours and I did not want it to end. Another triumph from one of my favourite authors.

Thanks so much again to the team at Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century for allowing me early access to this book. Always an honour to read.

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I read this book on holiday and found it a perfect holiday read. I loved the premise of three new private investigators with names that link them to famous historical figures. I liked the links to these figures throughout - the literary references and the re-use of phrases from Sherlock Holmes, all very cleverly built in to the narrative.

I sincerely hope that this is the start of a new series. I feel this first book has laid the groundwork for this. The PIs have a base and a business that is really taking off. They have a staff member and a relationship with the police. They need a second outing and a third and so on......

I loved this book. It is written in James Patterson's usual style - short chapters, fast paced narrative, lots going on and really great story telling to keep the reader interested.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Random House UK, Cornerstone for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Holmes, Marple and Poe by James Patterson

This has quickly become my favourite James Patterson novel to date. I have been a fan of his work for many years, but this book really reminded me why I love this author! His writing style remains one of the best around and his books never fail to bring me enjoyment, mixed with all the nail-biting suspense you expect from a mystery thriller novel.

James Patterson novels usually follow one crime or one criminal, but this one was packed full of different storylines which meant that this book was fast paced and gripping right from the outset. There were certain underlying plots, such as that of model Lucy, that make little sense when we first read of them, but the author very cleverly then interwines all of these storylines into one, all revolving around our trio of Investigators. I found myself totally enthralled by the world of Holmes, Marple and Poe Investigations and got sucked into the drama right alongside our main characters.

The characters are interesting, hilarious and unique. The trio of private investigators really made this book stand apart from the authors previous works. They are normal people, albeit highly intelligent and resourceful, so we feel they are relatable and root for them at every turn. The fact that each character had their own underlying plot line was also cleverly put together and kept the mystery/suspense alive throughout. Holmes' and Poe's addictions were an interesting addition and highlighted that everyone has problems they may be hiding beneath the surface, even those who may appear respectable and well put together on the outside. Marple was my absolute favourite character in this, and I loved the sense of humour between the three main characters. The humour added a nice break from all the heavy content and made me giggle out loud at multiple points.

I would love a sequel to this book, as I would love to hear more about these three private investigators. Believe me, if James Patterson writes it, I will definitely be reading it! I cannot recommend this book more. Its reminiscent of The Thursday Murder Club, so fans of that series should definitely give this a go!

Overall I rated this book 5 out of 5 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and James Patterson for this ARC.

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Arrrrgggghhhh.... I'm going to keep this short and sweet because to cut a long review short I just didn't like it.

I LOVE James Patterson but maybe it's the collaboration, it just didn't feel like a Jamez Patterson. Yes the short, punchy chapters are there but overall it just wasn't for me.

The first half wasn't too bad but the second half just seemed to lose all direction, some things had me shaking my head with confusion and alot of things happened without resolution.

Sadly this one is a 'nope' from me but I know ,Amy others will absolutely love it.

With thanks to netgalley and Random House UK for the ARC.

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Thanks to Netgalley, Team James Patterson and Penguin Random House for the ARC of this book.
When I first started the book I wasn't sure at all that I was going to read all of the book but it grows on you very quickly. The characters reflect their original traits exactly but with the modern twist they need to bring them up to date. Love the additional characters of Helene Grey and Virginia. The cases they become involved in are perfect for them and I am sure that more stories could be written using these characters and I hope they are. Excellent read.

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in a new series, Brendan Holmes,Margaret Marple and Auguste Poe get together to form a new Detective Agency in New York. After the opening night of their luxury offices they are brought in to investigate a rare art theft from a supposedly impregnable safe , at the same time they are asked to find out about a kidnapping of a multi millionaire and his stepdaughter,the wife being told not to involve the police. After paying the ransom money they follow up on leads and all is not as it appears on the surface. Margaret visits a site where numerous art fakes are being copied and fed back on to the market. They also trap a family of murderers who have been killing for over 60 years and hiding the bodies in an underground vault.It also appears that the detectives have a lot in common with their namesakes,Brendan with his fondness for Opiates. A fast moving drama with many twists that will keep you gripped.

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I wanted to read this book just because of the word play on the names, but once I started reading it I was soon deeply involved in following the multiple strands of the plot. There are several overlapping threads that come to a head at different points in the book, but I have to say I say that I saw through the kidnapping plot very early on.
I hope that this book is the first installment in a series, because there are a lot of unanswered questions about the main characters and I would like to learn more about them.

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I enjoyed this book based on the famous detectives of the same names. The dialogue feels similar with many dry and/or sarcastic comments throughout the text. Inevitably the investigators are successful and their work appears to have the charmed life of original Sherlock Holmes stories. It feels unusual for a James Patterson book but this did not distract from the story. I found it difficult to get into at the start but worked into the investigation and enjoyed it.

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A great story of investigation with a twist. The main characters are brilliantly described so you can almost see them in your head as they travel through the story.

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This is an slick and thrilling new journey for James Patterson.
Three ‘famous’ names establish their own agency in New York. Poe, Holmes and Marple are not unlike their namesakes and they are able to assist the unwilling authorities to solve both a kidnapping and historical murders.
The mystery is solved but not who this mysterious team is
Great.

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James Patterson doesn't disappoint with this one. The title characters are very cleverly written and so is the plot. Absolutely brilliant!

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Many thanks to Net Galley and Random House UK for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.
James Patterson has been one of my favourite crime authors for many years and this book did not disappoint.
In true Patterson style the reader is drawn in as the pages turn.
This book is a lot of fun, New York has a new PI firm, an interesting trio, who compliment each other and yet email individual intriguing characters. As the trio solve a few big cases there is a lot of mystery surrounding each of them, who exactly are Holmes, Marple and Poe?
A fast paced read with lots of twists, highly entertaining, I will be looking forward to more from this PI Team.

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The title of "Holmes, Marple and Poe" made me wonder what this could be about. I wondered if this was going to be a fantasy book but with that in mind, I started to read. Forget what i just said... it is a brilliant book, starts a bit slow but eventually gets dark and in the depths of a depraved mind... there are other crimes involved but without giving away anything it was interesting. I will just leave you with the thought of who are Homes, Marple and Poe. Thats for you to find out a five star from me

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Loved this book. Very funny and poetic... British and French fiction detectives with real life American modern day counterparts. The concept is great and I can see a whole series developing from this book, along with a tv series definitely. Very easy read.

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I am a long standing Patterson fan with Alex Cross being a favourite character of mine but Holmes, Marple and Poe might just nudge him off that podium!
A fantastic trio of mysterious investigators who seem to have skills beyond comprehension! I particularly loved the way the solves are explained in a matter of fact way without the characters needing to pontificate on their own brilliance.
More please Mr Patterson!

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Wow. I was drawn to this book because of the title and cover and it didn’t let me know this book. I was hooked from the very beginning to the very end I didn’t want this story or book to end as it was that good and that interesting and intriguing. The different characters in this book I really loved them all as they all had their own unique characteristics and their own backstory to how they become a part of the book and I loved that. I really enjoyed seeing how all the different characters worked together and how they got on with each other as they relationships though out the book made it more interesting. I liked how the 3 private investigators always solved the mystery’s before the cops did as it showed you how good they are at their jobs. I did found it had a bit to many characters in this book and I sometimes forget which character was who and what part of the book they went with that’s my only concern with this whole book. I really hope there is more books with these characters in the future as I would read about these characters again and again. Thank you net galley for the arc review xxx

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This was brilliant, funny, witty, sharp, clever and all the things a mystery book should contain. It was a bit more grisly than my usual reads but I coped and really enjoyed it
The characters are all as you would expect but more, there is obviously much lore to come and I am looking forward to the rest.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange of an honest review.

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Got a problem? Need a PI? Maybe you’ll call New York’s newest investigative agency of Holmes, Marple and Poe. That’s right, Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple and Auguste Poe have set themselves up in an old bakery in Brooklyn, where it transpires a young girl is murdered in 1954, case unsolved. When the disappearance of attorney Sloane Stone baffles the authorities, these three solve the case and become instantly famous, the phone is now ringing off the hook. They have an art theft to solve and and potential kidnappings. However, NYPD detective. Helene Grey is amongst those watching their every move. They may have made an enemy or two along the way, so watch your backs you three.

This book is such fun. I like how the authors catch the essence of the three sleuths, such as Holmes and his acute olfactory senses and Maple’s enjoyment of the old tipple of Sherry. Pope’s weakness for fast flashy cars gives much scope too for some exciting scenes. In places, the narrative is witty, funny and definitely as quirky as the main characters. I like the addition of Virginia, who becomes their efficient and much needed PA. Even better, is the air of mystery, that surrounds Holmes, Marple and Poe, who exactly are they?? What’s their story? Where have they sprung from? Like Grey, I’d really like to know…… and it’s a tantalising prospect!

The storyline takes several different directions which means there’s rarely a dull moment. The pace is fast with the short, snappy chapters, so typical of James Patterson’s style adding to that speed. It’s full of twists and turns as they encounter some nefarious and deeply unpleasant characters along the way . Poe’s penchant for cars and Holmes and Marple’s perspicacity adds an extra layer of excitement. All in all, a highly entertaining read and I’m already looking forward number two.

PS, I can’t be the only one that thinks it’s a bit strange that we have two of the greatest fictional detectives teamed with an actual author?? However, I really do enjoy the nods to all three which are so cleverly intertwined

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Cornerstone for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

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Being a fan of crime drama as soon as I saw this book I knew I wanted to read and review it ! It wasn’t just the fact that Patterson was the author but the title - Holmes , Marple & Poe - that there bought me in !

Set in NYC - this book offers mystery right from the start work multiple cases happening all at once , this lead to some confusion at times as to what was going on . That being said it is as an enjoyable read , love that the 3 of them work together and crack the case before the police which quite often is the case of private investigators …

I found it hilarious as whenever they introduced themselves the reaction was “ Are you kidding me “ , the touch of the private library containing the literary works of Holmes and Marples creators and Edger Allen Poe !

It’s certainly a fast paced plot twist book that will keep you on your toes . Thank you to netgalley for allowing me to read and give honest feedback .

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Holmes, Marple and Poe. Immediately the kind of thriller one might expect, and the type of characters which would populate it come to mind from those three names. James Patterson is no fool - there is characteristic DNA between their namesakes, but also an updating, a modernisation, and changes too. These characters are not Sherlock, Jane and Edgar Allan - they are new characters that share a surname, and thematic interests. There is murder, blackmail and chases, there is the page-turning quality you expect from Patterson and his collaborators.

As the launch of a new series, this is whip-smart, the characters come to life on the page through broad strokes - occasionally dipping into the cartoonish - and the plot cracks along. Is it enough to bring me back for a second adventure? Absolutely. It is one of those series' which has great possibilities, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for these private investigators. An excellent start.

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