Member Reviews

What I thought would be a clever use of these iconic characters personalities never fully materialized into a convincing narrative. Patterson's trademark short chapters failed to allow for any character development. I just didn't enjoy this at all.

Was this review helpful?

The title of this book had me hooked. It intrigued me to see how they weaved in stories from the original Homes, Maple, and Poe.
In this book we meet three PIs. With names like theirs, they are the perfect crime solving trio. People are left wondering if those are their real names. There are several similarities between them and their namesakes; they are not only very smart, great at deduction, and “sniffing out” crimes but also great at solving crimes.
This book kept me in suspense. It left me curious in some parts and cracked me up in others. It is a satisfying read, but it does leave you wanting more books with these three protagonists.

Was this review helpful?

Holmes, Marple, and Poe is a new private investigator firm in NYC solving cases. This book was such a fun read. . I like how the authors catch the essence of the three sleuths, I loved that the three investigators have similar personalities and traits as their namesakes. Holmes and his acute olfactory senses, Maple’s enjoyment of the old tipple of Sherry. Pope’s weakness for fast flashy cars. There’s rarely a dull moment. The pace is fast with the short, snappy chapters, that are fulled of twists and turns as they encounter some nefarious and some deeply unpleasant characters along the way . The pace felt like a modern police show, complete with several ongoing mysteries and a light touch of personal lives to keep it moving. The mysteries are all interesting, but this isn't a solve as you go book, so the results reveal themselves in a Conan Doyle style. This book was a wild ride and will be a great new series! I can’t wait for the next installment.

Thank you to Little, Brown and company , and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

Was this review helpful?

My thanks to Net Galley and Little Brown for allowing me to review this arc.

Always been a fan of James Patterson, Edgar Allen Poe, Agatha Christie and Holmes. So when I saw a book with 3 members of a PI firm with these names, I was intrigued to read, and was not disappointed. Rach member of the team had their own talents. I thought there were too many mysteries at first and this was all over the place, but things tied together. I hope there is more to come in this series.

#NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

I’ve always been a fan of Sherlock, so when I saw this book, I knew I had to give it a chance. And I’m glad I did.

There were so many cases floating around, I was sure something was going to be missed. But sure enough, even the one thing at the very beginning that was a waving red flag for me was eventually wrapped up. I loved how the three PIs worked together. Each of them had their strong suits and their vices, and it was interesting to see how those things worked for or against them as they worked their cases.

I felt the cast of characters was interesting and intriguing and liked trying to piece things together as I was reading. I think the only thing I wish could have been done differently is just to not have quite so much. I feel the book left off in such a way that this could easily be a series, and it felt like there was so much shoved in here that could maybe have been split up to allow for a little more detail or intrigue for the cases that did make the story.

Overall, it was a great read and I hope to see more of these characters in the future.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

"Holmes, Marple & Poe Investigations" is a captivating and imaginative mystery novel that introduces readers to a trio of private investigators in New York City who bear the names of famous literary detectives but possess their own unique skills and enigmatic backgrounds.

Brendan Holmes, known as "The Brain," brings a Sherlock Holmes-like ability to identify suspects through deduction and logic. Margaret Marple, "The Eyes," relies on her keen powers of observation, reminiscent of Miss Marple's knack for noticing details others miss. Auguste Poe, "The Muscle," is the fearless and relentless investigator who pursues leads, no matter how dangerous or dark they may be.

The concept of these detectives taking on the names of literary legends adds an intriguing layer to the story, and the author's creativity shines through in their distinct abilities. The dynamic between the three investigators is well-crafted, and their contrasting skills make for a compelling team.

The narrative is driven by both the cases they take on and the mysterious pasts of the investigators themselves. As they tackle daring cases and employ unorthodox methods, they become the talk of the town, attracting the attention of NYPD Detective Helene Grey.

Detective Grey's solo investigation into her enigmatic competitors adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story. Her pursuit of the truth and her attempts to unravel the secrets of Holmes, Marple, and Poe make for a thrilling subplot that keeps readers engaged.

The writing style of the novel pays homage to the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, and Edgar Allan Poe, drawing inspiration from their iconic detective stories. The plot unfolds with clever twists and turns, reminiscent of the best mysteries in the genre.

While the book offers a fresh take on the detective genre and presents an intriguing set of characters, some readers may find certain elements of the plot a bit predictable or reliant on familiar detective tropes. However, the overall execution and creativity make up for any minor predictability.

In summary, "Holmes, Marple & Poe Investigations" is a delightful and engaging mystery novel that combines the allure of famous literary detectives with a modern twist. Fans of classic mystery fiction will appreciate the nods to iconic characters while enjoying the new and compelling investigations at hand. It's a clever and entertaining addition to the genre that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to #LittleBrownandCompany and #NetGalley for providing this #ARC Advance Reading Copy. Expected publication date is January 8, 2024 • 4 Stars

Another mystery thriller by James Patterson but this one has a literary theme. The future offspring of Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marple, and Edgar Allen Poe form the most sought-after private investigation agency in New York City. Together they tackle a high-stakes art heist, a kidnapping case, a decade old unsolved murder, an underground prison, along with corruption and bribery at the highest levels of power.

I enjoy Patterson’s novels, but, face it, he is very prolific, and thus far I have only faithfully followed the Alex Cross series. If Holmes, Marple, and Poe becomes a series, I would be thrilled. I loved all the literary references in this book. And, who would you call if you had an unsolved case? I cannot think of none better than this trio.

Was this review helpful?

I haven't read a James Patterson book since he started using co-authors. Even then I think I only read maybe 3 of his books. Like most librarians I have mixed feelings on him. I don't know if this was intentionally or just a random idea he had but it's like he knew how to get certain readers back to him. He had me just by the title. Then I read the synopsis and I was all in. I read this book in one sitting. I was intrigued by some of the Sherlock traits that Holmes had in his book. I saw a bit of myself in Marple. Poe definitely intrigued me. It's set up so it might be a series. I hope it is. I will definitely be recommending this book at work. Too bad the patron will likely have a long wait.

Was this review helpful?

Holmes, Marple & Poe what a fun entertaining well written plot with non stop action plenty of surprises with a colorful cast of characters this is a must read for anyone that's a fan of the old mystery books . This would be a great first in series book hint hint!
I received a advance readers copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

Was this review helpful?

I haven't read a James Patterson in literal years, and this one, which boasted characters called Marple, Holmes and Poe, seemed intriguing. I'm not sure if it will be a series but it was enjoyable. I liked the small nods to the original stories, like the dog named Baskerville and the receptionist named Virginia. There were a lot of different threads/cases at play, some of them so minor that I forgot about them (the Lucy Ferry storyline most obviously), and I wish there had been one overarching case that felt like higher stakes. It was a little like short stories broken up into alternating chapters. Of the three main characters, I liked Marple, although I had no idea how old she was for most of the book and admittedly imagined her as old like her namesake. I also had trouble keeping Holmes and Poe straight because they are both only developed so far as their love of cars or weapons. Also, as another reviewer mentions, it's weird that one character is named for the author himself, but the other two for fictional detectives. It should have been either "Poe Doyle and Christie " or "Holmes, Marple and Dupin." Lastly, I wish the cases had been more of a twist - it was clear about how some were going to resolve. A while back, I read some Patterson books that really had some clever solutions but his later books seem to not care about shocking twists or revelations. Anyway, a fun read but nothing serious. Thank you for the chance to review!

Was this review helpful?

Three private investigators open a business in Brooklyn….can they live up to their famous names?

Holmes. Marple. Poe. Three names alluding to some of the best fictional detectives ever written. Here however we have Brendan rather than Sherlock, Margaret instead of Jane, and Auguste not Edgar Allan. The three partners buy an old building in Brooklyn to restore and turn into their combination offices and living space; when they find out that it was the scene of an unsolved murder decades earlier, it seals the deal for them. A year later they are ready to launch their agency in the public eye, and do so with quite a splash. A young woman was murdered and the NYPD has been under a tremendous amount of pressure from the public and the media to find her killer, but have come up empty….but the three private detectives solve the case, and make sure their contribution to the case is known. They make a couple of serious enemies in doing so, the Chief of Police of the NYPD (they made him and his force look bad) and the Mayor of NYC (turned out the murderer worked for him, also not a good look). They also make the acquaintance of NYPD Detective Helene Grey, who spends the book not sure if she wants to work with this trio of unconventional but talented investigators or just try to dig up information on who they really are, since they seem to have no backgrounds prior to their arrival in Brooklyn. The office phone starts ringing incessantly with requests for the sleuths’ help, including from a billionaire whose impenetrable security systems were breached and two of the priceless items in his collection stolen and a wealthy woman whose teenage daughter and second husband (plus their very large dog) have disappeared and she fears have been kidnapped. Oh, and then there are the bones in the abandoned subway….much is, as they say, afoot. The partners must utilize their gifts and work around their personal struggles to solve the many mysteries they have been hired to unravel.

This is a fun, quick read from an experienced hand at plotting mysteries. Readers of the classic detective novels whose names are invoked in this new work will enjoy finding the parallels between the new characters and their more established namesakes. There are more than a few, including lost loves and problems with narcotics, as well as the attributes for which the original characters were known (logical deductions and keen observations). I enjoyed meeting the new sleuths, although a few of their quirks seem a bit forced (sherry?) and the overall plot didn't have the depth I would have liked. It was less a case of my finding clues along the way to try to deduce the solutions as a reader, and more a case of having the uncovered clues revealed when the perpetrators were unmasked. Still an enjoyable read, and hopefully future outings will reveal more of the characters’ backgrounds and relationships with one another as well as provide the opportunity to solve the mystery as a reader. I would recommend this to Patterson fans of course, as well as to those who would enjoy a somewhat humorous and modern twist to some classics. Many thanks to NetGalley and to Little, Brown and Company for allowing me access to an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest reveiw.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you for the opportunity to preview Holmes, Marple and Poe. This is a really fun and entertaining mystery novel.
Three private detectives with interesting names find themselves in New York and they. Quickly solve a mystery of a dead woman. Soon everyone wants their help and they are going to do just that.
Fun and exciting book that is more than likely be a series.
3.5 stars

Was this review helpful?

If you are a James Patterson fan you will love this book!!
Brian and James did a bang up job with this one!

Three Private Investigators take you on an adventure. Storyline does not disappoint!!!

Was this review helpful?

Terrific read. Wonderful idea for a series.
Two Men and a Woman.
Poe, Holmes and Ms Marple open a PI office in NYC and off we go with a fabulously interesting and
brilliant trio who each bring a unique talent to the team.
They are brought in, by the mayor, to help find two stolen artworks that are worth billions and were
taken from his friend's very secure residence and the story just gets better and better from there.
While everyone they cross paths with are astounded and shocked at their names, the three ignore
all the amazement and incredulity that surrounds them and stay straight focused on solving the
crimes in front of them. great suspense, intrigue and pure entertainment.
Characters are greatly defined and so clearly readable you can see them right in front of you.
Here's hoping the crime soling trio continues on their chosen paths,
Book Two????

Was this review helpful?

Let me just start by saying the name of this novel drew me straight in. If you are a crime/mystery fan you are bound to have read about Sherlock Holmes, Miss Jane Marple and Edgar Allen Poe. So that leaves me at the question - how in the world do you get these three together in one book by James Patterson and Brian Sitts. Holmes, Marple and Poe , a new detective agency in NYC made up of........wait for it.....Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple and Auguste Poe. While their names are different than the famous detectives that we know and love, they each have the essence of the originals, making this a seriously fun read that never has a dull moment. There is so much going on that you will be spinning in circles, turning pages and when you reach the end you will surely need the next installment from this trio... because there has to be one! Thank you to NetGalley, James Patterson, Brian Sitts and the publishers for this book.

Was this review helpful?

A unique and fun take of the traditional thriller novels. I really enjoyed not only this story but it’s band of quirky detectives. I couldn’t put it down!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley, the authors and the publishers for an ARC of this novel.

This is the latest book from James Patterson and it's terrific. Three people with the last names of Holmes, Marple and Poe have started an PI firm and they are solving crimes and generally showing up the police commissioner. There is one officer, Helene Gray, who is interested in what they are doing and they work together somewhat. She is suspicious of them though as there are no signs that they existed before this. Who were they before they went public with their PI firm?

Like Helene Gray, there are a few secondary characters that are also interesting. They have an assistant that is very efficient and likeable, a cat and by the end of the novel, a dog. So it's also about the "family" they are creating and the community they are in.

The cases that they work on are compelling, and the characters are multi-layered and all have their own demons to deal with. I thought it was really solid work, well written, and I hope that we'll get more novels about the firm and their next cases.

Was this review helpful?

Holmes, Marple and Poe was everything. I hope it would be because I love the author, James Patterson, and he never lets me down. This story was about three PIs and the mysteries they solved. Holmes was a heroin addict and Poe tended to drink too much. Marple didn't seem to have any vices, although she did tend to go off on her own. But the three worked in harmony.

They were given two cases by the NYPD, but the FBI stepped in and took one of them and the NYPD took the other one back. Nevertheless, Holmes, Markle and Poe solved both cases.

I love the way James Patterson crafts his characters. He makes them very believable rather than fanciful. He has a way of bringing them to life. And he draws a story out in such a way that you can't wait to see what's going to happen next. I have read so very many of his books and he never disappoints. I gave this book five stars.

Was this review helpful?

This book has quirky characters, multiple cases, and so many possibilities for the identity of the guilty parties that I couldn’t help but keep reading.

Holmes, Marple, and Poe couldn’t be more different from each other. It is those differences that allow them to work so well together.

They appear mostly normal on the outside, but each has a secret or two we find out the bare minimum about through the course of this book. These quirks and secrets will keep this reader coming back for more.

I really liked how this book ended with some unanswered questions. This is a great set up for the next installment in this series. The cases each wrapped up nicely and I was surprised at who the guilty party was in each case. I was sure I had it figured out but of course I didn’t factor in those little twists Mr. Patterson and Mr. Sitts so nicely inserted.

I am definitely looking forward to the next installment.

Thank you to Little Brown for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

When I first saw the title of this book I knew I had to read it as I’m a huge Sherlock Holmes fan! I was so honored to get to read the Arc copy and had a lot of fun with these characters! The concept of the book was great, but it lacked the cliffhangers I’ve come to know and love from James Patterson. I’m giving it a solid 3 stars as it was really good but it didn’t have me obsessed like I thought it would. It just felt like it was missing something. Anyway, thank you @Netgalley for approving me for the ARC!

Was this review helpful?