The Return of Moriarty
'Ingenious' Sunday Times
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Publishing:7th May '26
£9.99
This title is due to be published on 7th May, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
Sherlock Holmes is dead. But his nemesis is not.
For lovers of Anthony Horowitz, Tom Hindle and Gareth Rubin comes the first in the Moriarty Mysteries series starring the most globally recognisable arch-villain.
'Every now and then you read the first book in a new series, and you just know that you are going to end up devouring every subsequent book as soon as they land' STYLIST
'An outstanding historical murder mystery' Guy Morpuss
Sherlock Holmes is dead. But his nemesis is not.
James Moriarty is severely wounded, his organisation has been dismantled and Sherlock Holmes is dead. Fleeing to recover, desperate to rebuild his empire, Moriarty must assume a new identity.
Months after Sherlock's death, aspiring doctor Clara Mendel returns to Schloss Alber after a six-year absence. The vast estate, which hangs high upon the cliffs of Bavaria, is home to the noble Alber family. A priceless sword, on which the family's wealth and reputation depends, has been stolen from the grave of the intended heir, Clara's step-father.
Lord Alber has placed his trust firmly in his esteemed new friend, a Mr Hugo Strahm, to find the sword and prevent the noble family's ruin. Once they have spent more time together, Clara becomes intrigued by Strahm's formidable intellect: finally she has an equal at Schloss Alber.
But Clara isn't naïve. She knows the secrets a great house like Schloss Alber can hide. And as she spends more time in Mr Strahm's company. she begins to suspect him of hiding his true identity. Can she really trust him to find the missing sword?
The start of a fiendishly inventive and enjoyable new historical mystery series. Jack Anderson’s Moriarty Mystery books see Sherlock Holmes’ iconic villain re-invented for a whole new generation of readers.
Every now and then you read the first book in a new series, and you just know that you are going to end up devouring every subsequent book as soon as they land * Stylist *
Jack Anderson, author of The Grief Doctor, has resurrected the 19th century's most charismatic supervillain. In a bravura opening ... ingenious ... the first in what promises to be an enjoyable series * Sunday Times *
The Return of Moriarty is an outstanding historical murder mystery combined with a clever reimagining of one of literature's greatest villains. With excellent characterisation (Moriarty and Clara are a great pairing), a darkly real setting, and a clever plot, it's a compelling read -- Guy Morpuss, author of Black Lake Manor and A Trial in Three Acts
The book captures the spirit of Conan Doyle and the late 19th century but presents it in a different style * Historical Novel Society Issue 114 (November 2025) *
Come for the title, stay for the domestic hijinks that'll give the archcriminal a run for his money * Kirkus Reviews *
Anderson provides one fascinating puzzle after another and a superb sense of time and place. He delivers a great villain, a great (if unexpected) protagonist, and a great read -- Michael Robertson, author of The Baker Street Mysteries
It shouldn't be possible: To find a completely original spin on one of crime's most famous villains while also staying true to Conan Doyle's legacy. And yet Jack Anderson has done exactly that in this brilliantly clever, historically vivid, and wildly entertaining adventure. Complex and resourceful, Moriarty and Clara Mendel make for a formidable crime-fighting team – and thank god, because the baffling crimes and ingenious twists in every chapter would defeat any lesser duo -- Paul Bradley Carr, author of The Confessions
The book does slot nicely into the voluminous Holmes literature produced by Garner, Nicolas Meyer, Laurie R. King, and numerous other writers. Fans should welcome it with open arms * Booklist *
PRAISE FOR THE GRIEF DOCTOR: 'Jack Anderson has written a thriller that is as intelligent, thoughtful and humane as it is compelling and addictive. A talent to watch' -- Jessica Moor, author of Keeper and Hold Back the Night
PRAISE FOR THE GRIEF DOCTOR: 'A clever game of cat and mouse . . . a striking novel' * Crime Time, Best Novels of the Month *
PRAISE FOR THE GRIEF DOCTOR: 'This book hooks you and doesn't let go' -- Martyn Waites
ISBN: 9781526686411
Dimensions: 196mm x 128mm x 26mm
Weight: 262g
368 pages