Holmes, Marple, & Poe, by James Patterson and Brian Sitts, is a twisted story featuring some very familiar names straight out of the works of the best mysteries of Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle, Agatha Christie, and Edgar Allan Poe. In New York City, three intriguing, smart, and stylish private investigators open Holmes, Marple & Poe Investigations in a building that used to be the sight of a bakery. A bakery where a mystery waits to be investigated. Who are these detectives with famous names and mysterious, untraceable pasts?

Brendan Holmes—The Brain: Identifies suspects via deduction and logic. He has an acute sense of smell, and takes after his namesake, Sherlock Holmes, by being addicted to heroin. Margaret Marple—The Eyes: Possesses powers of observation too often underestimated. Margaret may have a perfect memory as well. Auguste Poe—The Muscle: Chases down every lead no matter how dangerous or dark. Auguste loves his classic cars like the 1966 Pontiac GTO. The identity of Holmes, Margaret, and Poe remains an elusive puzzle, adding an extra layer of mystery to a story that has six different mysteries to resolve.

But let's not forget about the fourth member of Holmes, Marple, and Poe, and that would be Virginia, the office manager, who can solve almost any problem, including predicting what everyone needs at all the right moments. She fits in nicely, and even offers her own brand of assistance, as well as helping solve a death from 1954 in the building they now own. The agency’s daring methodology and headline-making solves attract the attention of NYPD Detective Helene Grey, who once worked for the FBI.

Her solo investigation into her three unknowable competitors who seem to have no background that she can trace back to see if they are real, or just hoodlums looking for a way to get in her way. She is also the only cop who falls in bed with one of the the investigators. The team’s first cases is that of Sloane Stone an attorney who disappeared. The second case is that of Huntley Bain who claims that someone told some priceless art from him.

As with almost every single James Patterson novel, the chapters are short, and the book flows from beginning to end. Each chapter deals with one of the main characters' complex personalities as well as the disappearance of people and how it is solved. The supporting characters add to the story that makes it so much more interesting. The authors have left an open ending to this story which I hope indicates that there might be a sequel in the not-to-distant future.

This book is very different for James Patterson. It features three intriguing and smart private investigators open Holmes, Marple & Poe Investigations. They are:

Brendan Holmes—The Brain: Identifies suspects through deduction and logic.

Margaret Marple—The Eyes: Possesses powers of observation.

Auguste Poe—The Muscle: Chases down every lead no matter how dangerous.

Where did these people come from and how do they solve crimes? It was not my favorite of Patterson books.

This book is an amusing look at three seasoned private investigators who are very good at what they do but who are keeping a lot of personal secrets. As the founders of their own detective agency, these three are a good fit with each other and for the readers, too. Each is quirky in his/her own way and each has special talents and abilities that they bring to the agency. Solving kidnappings, murders, thefts and other crimes is not a problem for these three as they combine brains and match wits with mastermind criminals who think that they can commit the crime and never do the time. These three prove them wrong and go the extra mile to let the police department and the FBI know who is responsible for finding out the truth. I loved the brilliant dialogue, the humor and the realistically flawed and genuinely relatable characters. Poe has a tendency to like fast cars whereas Marple has unexpected connections in some really high places. Holmes has an extraordinary nose for crime and can smell things and know exactly what he is smelling, kind of like a hunting dog but so much better. This book was the so much fun to read, with a fast pace and action constantly changing as the crime scenes change. I hope that this is the beginning of a new series because I am so ready for a new book featuring these three private eyes who are a little strange and a lot intelligent!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Holmes, Marple & Poe is a fantastic new book by James Patterson & Brian Sitts.
The title alone intrigued me.

Set in New York City, three unique private investigators open up a private investigator firm, Holmes, Marple & Poe Investigations.

Brendan Holmes—The Brain: Identifies suspects via deduction and logic.

Margaret Marple—The Eyes: Possesses powers of observation too often underestimated.

Auguste Poe—The Muscle: Chases down every lead no matter how dangerous or dark.

This book kept me flipping the pages. There are actually six mysteries, and the biggest mystery is who are Holmes, Marple & Poe as they have a mysterious, untraceable past.

I love the inclusion of animals in the story too.

This is an excellent, well written, witty book that I absolutely LOVED. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

This was so much fun! I hope it becomes a regular series. There were the mysteries that this modern team of private investigators solve and then there is the mystery of who these three people are. They’ve adopted the surnames of their favorite detective novels and each character has somewhat the talents and characteristics of those famous detectives: Auguste Dupin, Sherlock Holmes, and Miss Marple. But they are also modern people with modern tools.

They are joined in their investigations by a curious police detective who also is falling for Auguste Poe and a woman of many organizational talents who becomes the office manager for their rather odd agency.

It’s totally fanciful that they encounter these interlocking mysteries and know just the right sorts of people to help them solve them and, also that the same NYPD officers would be assigned to the very same investigations. But it was fun to suspend disbelief and go along for the ride. I look forward to the next one in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Three books in three days and they have all been delightful. James Patterson is one of my favorites and I've come to like Brian Sitts as well. Like all Patterson books this one is fast paced and entertaining. It is oh so imaginative and for anyone who has ever read and loved Edgar Allan Poe, Christies' Miss Marple, or Sherlock Holmes, the characters in this book are familiar and it is wonderful to breath them in again. Although all the mysteries are solved in this book there is one question readers will ponder - who are these private detectives really?

Three detectives with famous last names and unknowable pasts. A plethora of cases for them to solve. Patterson and Sitts have created a fun new series with great unique, complex characters, and good mysteries for them to solve. I flew through this book, finding myself really invested and really enjoying it. I’m hopeful that this series continues.

As a lover of mystery novels, I was thrilled to receive a complimentary copy of James Patterson's "Holmes, Marple & Poe," and it did not disappoint. This book is a masterful blend of intrigue and homage to the greats of the detective genre.

Patterson, with his characteristic flair for suspense and twisty plots, has created a narrative that feels both fresh and respectful to the legacy of these iconic characters. The novel seamlessly intertwines the sharp intellect of Sherlock Holmes, the intuitive understanding of Miss Marple, and the dark, psychological depth of Edgar Allan Poe's storytelling. It's like watching the masters at work, but with Patterson's unique spin.

The story unfolds with a complexity that keeps you guessing until the very end. Patterson weaves the narratives of the three detectives in a way that is both clever and engaging. The pacing is perfect, with each chapter drawing you deeper into the mystery.

What I particularly appreciated was how Patterson stayed true to the essence of each character. Holmes' brilliant deductions, Marple's keen observations of human nature, and Poe's macabre undertones are all beautifully integrated. It felt like a celebration of the detective genre, a tribute to these characters who have stood the test of time.

Patterson's writing is, as always, sharp and easy to dive into. The dialogue is snappy and the descriptions vivid, creating a rich, immersive experience. The book is not just a mystery; it's a journey through the nuances of human nature and the ever-intriguing puzzle of a well-crafted crime.

In conclusion, "Holmes, Marple & Poe" is a must-read for fans of detective fiction. Patterson pays homage to the legends while adding his unique twist, making this book a thrilling and satisfying read. It's a reminder of why we love detective stories so much – the intrigue, the suspense, and the satisfaction of a mystery unraveled by the keenest of minds.

A new team of sleuths has hit the NYC area. They are really good, really wealthy, and at least one of them has a deep, dark secret. They bend some laws to get what they need, but, did I say they are really good at what they do? But who are they, really? Hmm. Another secret.

This book has the feel of the start of a new series and I will enjoy reading any future books in the series. I like the characters. The situations they find themselves in are interesting.

While not a frequent reader of James Patterson's novels, I have enjoyed them in the past, and when this title popped up in my queue, I had to give it a chance. One never knows how much Patterson vs. his co-author contributed, but truthfully, I'm more about the quality of the writing, the depth of the characters, the tone of the dialog and prose, and the locale of the setting. I very much enjoyed this one and hope it becomes a series. So many clues were dropped about possible future crimes and mysterious connections, I'm fairly certain it's intended to be one, but likely dependent upon how readers react to this initial release.

Focused on 3 detectives, each harboring a complex, mysterious background, the books covers 6 different cases in which they rotate who takes the lead while setting up a new agency. Partnering closely with local cops, they annoy and frustrate them to no end, yet one police person ends up falling into bed with one of the detectives. Each personality is somewhat modeled after their namesake but they also have differences and stronger affiliations to unexpected attributes than we would have assumed at the outskirts.

While not a single threaded mystery, there is lots of continuity between the supporting characters and the relationships between the three detectives. I look forward to seeing where this one goes, especially with the addition of my favorite new character, Virginia, the office manager, who can solve almost any problem, including predicting what everyone needs at all the right moments.

NYC plays prominently. Animals are abundant. The mysteries are mostly straightforward but present obstacles that need someone with a peculiar ability to find the truth. An easy read, completed it in one sitting over the course of three-ish hours. Definitely recommended as a good intro to the author's style (Brian Sitts). Solid foundation, but needs to add stronger layers and complexity to the drama in the background. That will likely come with time if this becomes a series.

The James Patterson book factory has cranked out another winner. My goodness, I don't know how he does it.

Description:
In New York City, three intriguing, smart, and stylish private investigators open Holmes, Marple & Poe Investigations. Who are these detectives with famous names and mysterious, untraceable pasts?

Brendan Holmes—The Brain: Identifies suspects via deduction and logic.

Margaret Marple—The Eyes: Possesses powers of observation too often underestimated.

Auguste Poe—The Muscle: Chases down every lead no matter how dangerous or dark.

The agency’s daring methodology and headline-making solves attract the attention of NYPD Detective Helene Grey. Her solo investigation into her three unknowable competitors rivals the best mysteries of Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle, Agatha Christie, and Edgar Allan Poe

My Thoughts:
Just naming the agency Holmes, Marple & Poe was sure to attract clients - if nothing else, out of curiosity. Funny, the characters possessed the qualities of the fictional characters! Great premise. The main characters are clever and don't mind stepping on toes in their investigations. After solving a high profile case, they are quickly in great demand. Some of the cases were a missing person, a theft, and even a serial killer. Such a fun book and well written in short chapters. I highly recommend!

Thanks for Little, Brown and Company through Netgalley for an advance copy. Expected publication is January 8, 2024.

Holmes, Marple & Poe by James Patterson and Brian Sitts offers a captivating blend of classic detective archetypes in a modern New York City setting, introducing three enigmatic private investigators: Brendan Holmes, the deductive 'Brain'; Margaret Marple, possessing underestimated powers of observation as 'The Eyes'; and Auguste Poe, the tenacious 'Muscle.' Their daring methodology and headline-worthy solves catch the attention of NYPD Detective Helene Grey, setting the stage for a thrilling narrative that rivals the best mysteries of Conan-Doyle, Christie, and Poe. The characters' mysterious pasts, dynamic chemistry, and clever storytelling make this novel a standout in the genre. With crisp writing, expert pacing, and satisfying plot twists, 'Holmes, Marple & Poe Investigations' is a must-read. Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for this advanced copy.

This was a fun little jaunt with multiple mystery strands that all tidied up at the end. A quick read with a play on beloved original characters. Maybe too many plot lines at once without enough depth to most, but sometimes that’s what you want out of an escape read.

What a fun read!

Thinking Marvel hero characters or scenes from Red is no stretch of the imagination when considering this title.
There’s a brilliant lineup of characters who, apart from sharing names with three of literatures greatest detectives, are also about as mysterious as you can get.
Each with their individual, merging peccadilloes. Auguste Poe enjoys fantastic, glorious cars, and from what we can gather, has a dead wife he can’t get over. Brendan Holmes has an extended olfactory sense and a heroin habit. Margaret Marples seems retiring, drinks sherry and is a kick “a” person with a photographic memory and friends in places way beyond High.
They’ve recently opened an agency in New York in an improbable location. They are currently investigating at least three cases that look like extending into something else. Then there’s the case closer to home!
Normally I’m a tad “Ho Hum” with Brian Patterson but I well and truly bought into the idiosyncrasies of these three wonderfully crafted characters.
Then there’s NYPD Detective Lieutenant Helene Grey is quietly investigating the three!
Improbable and impressive! Sit back and enjoy a crazy ride!

A Little, Brown & Co. ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

What a quirky, yet suspenseful book. The combo of Holmes, Marple and Poe was highly entertaining, yet had periods of levidity. This is a very good book.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.

I enjoyed this book so much! Typical fast paced Patterson/Sitts novel, which I love. I liked all of the characters, especially Poe. Their flaws and how real they felt was perfect for the story. This one feels like it's going to be a new series, and I will absolutely check out the next book when it's published!

Thanks Netgalley!

New York has a new Private Investigative team Holmes, Marple & Poe. When the NYPD has failed to solve the disappearance of a beautiful new lawyer, this team steps in to solve the case, grabbing the media attention and the disdain of the police along the way. The book follows the trio as they juggle several cases, but the biggest mystery of all might be their own identities. Each of these protagonists has character traits reminiscent of their namesakes. The addition of a quirky office manager, a sexy police officer, and a lot of slimy politicians and criminals make for a fantastic read. The dialogue is full of Sitts’s normal witty banter, and the book follows Patterson’s usual format of short, quick chapters. Despite the grave situations in the story lines, this is actually more of a fun read than a thriller. I certainly hope that this is the start of a new series, because I can’t wait to read more of their adventures.

I love these characters! The individual “mysteries” not at much. They had a lot of potential, but the execution seemed extremely lazy. It’s as if the writers decided to take the easy way out. I don’t know if these were supposed to come across as “cozy” mysteries or not. If they were, that explains a lot! But Holmes, Marple, and Poe are not the cozy mystery type!! Give us more!!!!!

After years without a James Patterson read, this one intrigued me with characters named Marple, Holmes, and Poe. While enjoyable, it lacked an overarching high-stakes case, feeling more like short stories in alternating chapters. Small nods to the originals, like Baskerville the dog and receptionist Virginia, were appreciated. I favored Marple, though her age remained unclear. Holmes and Poe needed more depth beyond their interests in cars and weapons. Naming one character after Patterson himself seemed odd, and the cases lacked surprising twists. A fun but not seriously gripping read.

The title sucked me in. This book has most of the goods, and needs a bit of a rework or something to take it from bland to WOW. The story kept me reading, but I just felt it came off flat, and that saddens me as I am a 100% fan of James Patterson. Holmes, Marple & Poe has the branches of longevity. I do look forward to book #2, cause there is lots of room to grow.
NetGalley, thank you for this copy in exchange for my honest review.