New "Official" Holmes Book

[tangential1]

This link just popped up on another forum and I thought plenty of people here would be interested. Apparently the Arthur Conan Doyle estate has commission Anthony Horowitz (who writes the Alex Rider YA series) to write a new Sherlock Holmes book.

Frankly, I can't see how this is any different from a pastiche except that it is officially approved by the estate...and I can't see how that approval will make it better than what's already been published "unofficially".

This one is set to be released in September. I'm curious how this will play along with Pirate King's release.

[Strawberry Curls]

Originally Posted by tangential1

This link just popped up on another forum and I thought plenty of people here would be interested. Apparently the Arthur Conan Doyle estate has commission Anthony Horowitz (who writes the Alex Rider YA series) to write a new Sherlock Holmes book.

Frankly, I can't see how this is any different from a pastiche except that it is officially approved by the estate...and I can't see how that approval will make it better than what's already been published "unofficially".

This one is set to be released in September. I'm curious how this will play along with Pirate King's release.

I'm quite excited about this as Anthony Horowitz, conceived, produced and wrote every episode of Foyle's War, one of my all-time favorite series. He is an extraordinarily good screen writer and I'm hoping that translates to novels, but I've never read anything by him as yet. I will be standing in line to get this book, though, and frankly, the more hype about Holmes, the more people are discovering the Mary Russell series. You could see that on Twitter during and after the Sherlock series airing in the UK, and then again when it aired in the US. The RDJ movie helped also, but I have such an aversion to that...movie...I didn't follow the chatter as much.

Although I know little about marketing, I have been a businesswoman for 40+ years and it seems the books by LRK and Les Klinger coming out this year will also raise the level of awareness, in some venues, of all things Holmes. That can only translate into more interest in the Mary Russell books and therefore good sales of "The Pirate King." But, what do I know about publishing???

[annie]

I too, am a fan of Anthony Horowitz, who has a long career as a jobbing writer. I heard him interviewed on the BBC, talking about how excited he was by the commission. He cites Jeremy Brett (of course!) as a major influence, but he also liked Robert Downie's film portrayal. It doesn't surprise me as AH is a "physical" author. One of the things I liked in Guy Ritchie's patchy film was the physical aspect of Holmes, often forgotten in other adaptations.
AH also has a long history of writing updates of legends: The Falcon's Malteser, William Tell, and to my mind one of the best Robin Hood adaptations (with Richard Carpenter)

[Strawberry Curls]

Originally Posted by annie

I too, am a fan of Anthony Horowitz, who has a long career as a jobbing writer. I heard him interviewed on the BBC, talking about how excited he was by the commission. He cites Jeremy Brett (of course!) as a major influence, but he also liked Robert Downie's film portrayal. It doesn't surprise me as AH is a "physical" author. One of the things I liked in Guy Ritchie's patchy film was the physical aspect of Holmes, often forgotten in other adaptations.
AH also has a long history of writing updates of legends: The Falcon's Malteser, William Tell, and to my mind one of the best Robin Hood adaptations (with Richard Carpenter)

Well, if he cites JB then I'm even more excited. Thanks for the info, Annie.

[pontalba]

Originally Posted by annie

I too, am a fan of Anthony Horowitz, who has a long career as a jobbing writer. I heard him interviewed on the BBC, talking about how excited he was by the commission. He cites Jeremy Brett (of course!) as a major influence, but he also liked Robert Downie's film portrayal. It doesn't surprise me as AH is a "physical" author. One of the things I liked in Guy Ritchie's patchy film was the physical aspect of Holmes, often forgotten in other adaptations.
AH also has a long history of writing updates of legends: The Falcon's Malteser, William Tell, and to my mind one of the best Robin Hood adaptations (with Richard Carpenter)

I loved Foyle's War too, but didn't remember who wrote the screenplay. That is good news.

I enjoyed Downey's portrayal of Holmes, the physicality was one of the things I liked, but I think Downey's well known problems and struggles with drugs brought something to the role, he truly showcased Holmes problem as far as I am concerned.

[tangential1]

With all the positive comments about Horowitz, I think I'll have to go look for something of his to read!