Its the trio's biggest case yet...

...but at present they're unfortunately operating as a duo.

When the three partners who form a detective agency are named Holmes, Marple and Poe, they certainly have set a high bar to meet for their clients. Despite their (nearly) impossible to discover backgrounds, they have developed a high profile reputation for cracking cases that have the police stymied. They consequently are none to popular with most of the men and women in blue, although they did form a connection with Detective Helene Grey during their last case (and which has led to a more personal relationship between her and Poe). it is Helene who contacts them when an horrific crime happens at a prestigious local hospital...six newborn babies have been stolen from the maternity ward and there is little in the way of evidence left behind. With six sets of frightened, angry parents crying out for help, the NYPD needs all the assistance they can get. With Holmes "away" (in fact, he is in a clinic trying to shake his opioid dependency), it is Marple and Poe who agree to help. It soon becomes apparent that Holmes' unique abilities are needed and his partners persuade him to join in the hunt...but he swears it will be his last case ever. As more children go missing both in the US and overseas, it is clear that this is a coordinated and highly professional criminal enterprise. Poe and Helene confront their own set of challenges, and Marple has her hands full with Poe's emotional crisis and Holmes' personal/professional one. Can the sleuths set aside their personal dilemmas and demons, get to the root of this child trafficking group and bring the innocent children home before they are lost forever?
in this second outing of the smart but flawed group of private detectives whose names and skill sets harken back to some of the most famous names in the annals of mysteries, an unimaginable crime has ripped apart six families and shocked even the members of the hardened NYPD. With a new and antagonistic head of the Major Case Squad with whom they must deal (or find a work-around), an important part of the Holmes Marple and Poe agency MIA and reluctant to return, and a major complication in the Helene/Poe relationship, the team is confronting major obstacles over and above the stolen children. A wannabe detective who latches on to Holmes at a mystery convention sets the still vulnerable off on a different case which will lead him to probe a major loss he suffered as a boy. and through which the reader learns some of his troubled backstory. The characters are more developed in this installment than they were in the first, and the mystery itself is intriguing and full of twists. Fans of author James Patterson will certainly enjoy Holmes Is Missing (especially if they read the first book in the series), as will fans of classic whodunnits by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie and Edgar Allan Poe. Some unexpected turns add to the enjoyment of this fast-paced read. Many thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for allowing me early access to the latest in a clever new series.

Holmes Is Missing is the thrilling second book in the Holmes, Margaret, and Poe series, and it only keeps getting better. These books are a rollcoaster of a ride filled with friendship, suspense, and the endless pursuit of justice. Holmes has return from rehab determined to end his partnership with the group since he feels that he has lost his sleuth abilities even though he gets sucked into a side investigation with a shady character that seems to be pursuing Holmes. Meanwhile, Marple and Holmes are on the trail of a kidnapper who just abducted six newborns from a private NY hospital. While Marples is jetting off to London to follow leads, Poe is trying to come to terms with the fact that his new lady love has a huge secret that could change the course of his life. Now all the friends seem to be pulled in all different directions, but when trouble starts to head their way, they always seem to pull together while having each others backs and solving the case. However, some things change between the group that I'm not sure will end to happily for the Homes, Marple, and Poe Investigations. I'm a sucker for a James Patterson Thriller, and he definitely delivers a perfect blend mystery and emotion. If you adore crime-solving adventures and the power of friendship, this is your next 5 STAR READ!

Note: I received a DRC from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
“It’s their toughest case yet. And their best detective is missing. Holmes, Margaret and Poe run the private detective agency that solves the crimes no one else can. Or they did – until Holmes said he wanted to leave the business and fell off the radar. In New York City, they are called to investigate the abduction of six newborns from a private hospital. Without Holmes, they try to investigate this terrible crime. They hear word of more missing babies in London, and Margaret follows the trail across the pond. But they need Holmes. To solve the crime of the century, first they must save their friend”.

I read the first book last year, and I absolutely loved it. However, this book was even better than the previous. Holmes, Marple, and Poe are such fun characters to follow, with each of them getting their own problems to face in this book. The mystery was really interesting, and I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. If you enjoyed the first book, then you are really going to love this book as well.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I would like to thank NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Holmes is Missing is the 2nd book in the Holmes, Marple & Poe series, and I would highly recommend reading (and/or re-reading) the first book before jumping into this one. The first book provides a lot of Holmes' backstory, as well as for the other characters and the development of their company and relationships, which is crucial in this book.

That being said, this book hits the ground running! There is a new case to solve involving kidnapped babies, and Marple & Poe have to try to solve it alone without the illustrious Holmes, as he is "missing". The case takes a lot of twists and turns, and even teams up with The Scotland Yard in London. The stakes in this book are high, and the plot twists are sharp and on point. There are even a few red herrings thrown in for good measure. The foreshadowing and suspense in this book puts you on the edge of your seat, and makes you unable to stop until you figure out the case. It took me until 70% to figure this one out, and even then, there was still a few surprises I didn't see coming.

Also --- HOLY CLIFFHANGERS!! If ever there was a perfect setup for a third book, this is it. I can't wait to read the next one and find out how these "new developments" from this book play out! SO GOOD! I will definitely be recommending this book (and series) to my friends and book club!

This favorite author has written a page turner. From the beginning, I wondered what happened. With several red herrings, guessing was impossible. Realistic characters kept the story moving quickly. Mystery and intrigue at its best, I look forward to more of the same from this duo,
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC to read and review. All opinions are my own,

Second book with Poe, Marple and Holmes - hoping for many more!

Stolen babies and young children bring horrible thoughts of trafficking. Can they find them before they are too late. Not if the NYPD can stop them. Or if a crazy man can cause enough distraction! So much going on in this book - can stop reading til the last page!

When a hospital's nursery has 6 newborns kidnapped the parents hire Holmes Marple and Poe Investigations. Holmes meanwhile is hiding out in rehab but the team needs him to help with this case. While at a seminar Holmes is approached by a man who has proof of 23 murders that no one has put together since they all take place in different cities and are made to look like accidents. Holmes feeling he has lost his touch begins to investigate these murders on his own to see if he still has the knack for solving crimes.
I love the characters in the story and the way they all interact, it makes the story flow. There are so many twists and turns in the book that you just keep turning pages to find out whats going to happen next. Hoping to hear more from this group of investigators. Thanks to Netgalley and the authors plus the publishers Little Brown and Company for the chance to read this awesome book.

This is the second book in the series and I hope there are more. There are babies being kidnapped from the hospital nursery and Holmes, Poe and Marple are on the case.much to the dismay of the police. Another fun read.

Another great mystery from the dynamic oddball trio faced with a kidnapping nightmare it's a terrific read and these characters are just beginning their adventures

Another great book from James Patterson. I love this trio of characters. Always an exciting adventure happening.

So excited to read book #2 in the (Brendan) Holmes, Margaret (Marple), and (Augustus) Poe series by James Patterson. This 3-person PI firm tackles a new case of abducted babies from the hospital. But Holmes is largely absent until later in the book, and so Margaret and Augustus jump into investigating on their own.

This book felt a little more serious and dark because of it being baby-centric, plus Holmes has some demons he is battling. There is a romance angle I don't feel is necessary, and somehow they have an assistant/cook who can basically read minds (doesn't feel authentic). There is a lot of action and it also seems like Patterson is trying to humanize these characters, but it doesn't come as naturally through in the dialog and plot as one would hope.

Unfortunately I did not love this one as much as the first novel, despite being a big Patterson fan. But I'll definitely be a reader of the next book and will still recommend this book to crime fans. 3.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC.

This was a second book in a series, where I enjoyed the first book a lot. This takes the story of Holmes, Margaret and Poe and their private investigation company. This develops the characters much more, and the story of each of their lives is deepened, while there is a great mystery for them to solve as well. Very action packed and enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for gifting me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Whoa. I’m declaring “Holmes is Missing” the best book of 2025 before the year even begins. Can I do that? Nope, don’t care.

Holmes, Marple, and Poe all possess unique skills that they definetly need against their adversaries. The unique mysteries seemed like puzzle pieces. The twists were plentiful, exceeding any other thriller, and the impact was even stronger, particularly with the missing babies and third graders. James Patterson and Brian Sitts masterfully brought together the diverse elements of this thriller, creating a shocking ending. I’m ready for the next in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

Thank you so much to #netgalley for this #arc
I enjoyed the first book with this trio and was glad to see that the series is continuing.
Holmes had some issues in the first book that may have contributed to some of his eccentric ways. Their private detective agency is just getting off the ground and now they run into one of their most difficult cases.

We see the team rally around him in this book to help him in his time of need. He doesn't want to be involved in the business anymore and no one can figure out where he has disappeared to.

I enjoyed this one as much as the first one, and I think that you will too!

When I picked up this book and saw it featured the three most infamous detectives in literature, I knew it had big shoes to fill—and it delivered! I absolutely adore the classic investigative style these characters bring to life. Their clever methods and interactions make them so enjoyable and easy to root for.

The cases were intriguing, and I especially loved the fresh twist on the Moriarty-inspired character. It’s such an exciting angle that left me wanting more. Honestly, this *needs* to be a series. There’s so much more to explore with these detectives, and I’d love to see where the next cases take them.

That said, I was a bit surprised by the relationship revealed at the end. It didn’t feel like there was enough development leading up to it, so it came off a bit odd to me. Still, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book and can’t wait to see what’s next for these characters!

I would like to express my deep gratitude to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for their generosity in allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

"In Holmes is Missing, PI Brendan Holmes has committed the perfect crime - he's made himself disappear.

Success has come quickly to Holmes, Marple and Poe Investigations. The New York City agency led by three detectives - Brendan Holmes, "the brain," Margaret Marple, "the eyes," and Auguste Poe, the "muscle" - with famous names and mysterious pasts is one major case away from cementing its professional reputation.

But as a series of child abductions tests the PIs' legendary skills, the cerebral Holmes's absence leaves a gaping hole in the agency roster.

Only by closing ranks and solving the mystery within can they recover all that's been lost."

Speaking of another author that releases books at a breakneck pace...

A great addition to this series. I think readers would love these characters, flaws and all. I think I enjoyed this one even more than the first. Thanks to the publisher for this copy for read and review.

The second book in this new series was just a little darker than the first one. Holmes is not doing well and his partners are at loose ends without him. When he finally agrees to help them on a case of kidnapped babies, his heart definitely is not in it. But, he joins them and through a series of twists and turns, the case is resolved. I think that I enjoyed the first book just a bit more, but with that said, this one is enjoyable.

I love the books that James Patterson writes. There is never a dull moment in them. I loved this one. It had so much going on at once which makes is really good. The ending was different than what I thought it would be. I hope there will be more books in the series. I have to read the first book in the series. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

Interesting mysteries intertwined. The action moved between states and across the ocean. Character development moved everyone to new spaces. Fast and easy read that won’t let you down.