Lock & Mori
by Heather Petty
To be published on September 15, 2015
by Simon & Schuster
Source: eARC from the publisher via Edelweiss
Much of Lock & Mori serves to set up what makes young Mori tick: a crappy homelife and abusive father (while child abuse is a terrible thing, I found its depiction in this the story a bit heavy-handed and found it hard to believe that Mori and her siblings could limp around with bruises and not one person would intervene). But there's more: a surprising family secret and a tragic death for which Mori feels deeply responsible. Clearly, this girl is headed to the dark side in future installments.
While all this made for interesting reading and I do love a good headed-to-the-darkside-plot, I began to realize that, going forward, the Holmes-Moriarty pairing may present a huge problem where the story's romance is concerned. In this installment, we see Holmes fall in love with Mori. But by the end, this ship (Molmes? Tori?) seems headed for the rocks. Either this series will become an epic love-to-hate-to-love story, or we will get to see Holmes' complete heartbreak. I'm hoping for #1.
If you're a diehard romantic, you might want to tread carefully. But if you're a true Sherlockophile, you should check this interesting Sherlock inspired book out. I'm really intrigued as to where this story is headed...
by Heather Petty
To be published on September 15, 2015
by Simon & Schuster
Source: eARC from the publisher via Edelweiss
Synopsis from Goodreads: In modern-day London, two brilliant high school students, one Sherlock Holmes and a Miss James "Mori" Moriarty, meet. A murder will bring them together. The truth very well might drive them apart. Before they were mortal enemies, they were much more. FACT: Someone has been murdered in London's Regent's Park. The police have no leads. FACT: Miss James "Mori"Moriarty and Sherlock "Lock" Holmes should be hitting the books on a school night. Instead, they are out crashing a crime scene. FACT: Lock has challenged Mori to solve the case before he does. Challenge accepted. FACT: Despite agreeing to Lock's one rule--they must share every clue with each other--Mori is keeping secrets. OBSERVATION: Sometimes you can't trust the people closest to you with matters of the heart. And after this case, Mori may never trust Lock again.My take: Most Sherlock inspired spin-offs I'm familiar with, from TV shows like House or Sherlock to YA books like Every Breath, focus on the Holmes-Watson relationship, the wonderful pairing of the quirky, brilliant Holmes and the underappreciated, long-suffering Watson. But this diabolical book focuses on Holmes and Moriarty (a criminal mastermind and Holmes' mortal enemy, if you're not familiar with the guy). In fact, this book is told from the point of view of James Moriarty (who in this book happens to be a teenage girl) and Holmes is relegated to the role of love interest and sidekick. The game is afoot!
Much of Lock & Mori serves to set up what makes young Mori tick: a crappy homelife and abusive father (while child abuse is a terrible thing, I found its depiction in this the story a bit heavy-handed and found it hard to believe that Mori and her siblings could limp around with bruises and not one person would intervene). But there's more: a surprising family secret and a tragic death for which Mori feels deeply responsible. Clearly, this girl is headed to the dark side in future installments.
While all this made for interesting reading and I do love a good headed-to-the-darkside-plot, I began to realize that, going forward, the Holmes-Moriarty pairing may present a huge problem where the story's romance is concerned. In this installment, we see Holmes fall in love with Mori. But by the end, this ship (Molmes? Tori?) seems headed for the rocks. Either this series will become an epic love-to-hate-to-love story, or we will get to see Holmes' complete heartbreak. I'm hoping for #1.
If you're a diehard romantic, you might want to tread carefully. But if you're a true Sherlockophile, you should check this interesting Sherlock inspired book out. I'm really intrigued as to where this story is headed...
Unfortunately, I'm not at all familiar with Sherlock Holmes books and films. So I can't say I can relate. I'm glad this one has a fresh take/perspective though.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's absolutely necessary to have a lot of Sherlock knowledge to enjoy books like these. I don't have a ton!
DeleteSounds interesting. I'll check it out.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy!
DeleteI know next to nothing about Sherlock Holmes, but I seriously want to read this book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by My WoW earlier!
I don't know a lot, really. Just the basics.
DeleteI'm a wimp. I can't handle any heartbreak these days. I used to read really harsh stuff before blogging too but I just don't have it in me anymore lol
ReplyDeleteKaren @For What It's Worth
Yeah, I'm nervous about this and about another Sherlock-inspired series that I'm reviewing soon. Does Sherlock mean heartbreak??
DeleteOh, no! Sacrilege! How can Moriarty be a girl? And how can she be his love interest? No, this is all wrong :\
ReplyDeleteIt sounds insane but it kind of works!!
DeleteLike Joyous Reads, I am not familiar with the Sherlock mythos, but I know of it, lol. But seeing as how I love mysteries in general, this has intrigued me. It's going on my never ending to-read list! lol
ReplyDeleteI certainly don't have huge Sherlock knowledge...
DeleteI really loved this was book...it was a fast and emotional read for me. I was really impressed since I went in with somewhat low expectations. I too worry for the relationship...I am still eager to see where the author takes it. Can't wait for book 2! So glad you enjoyed it too
ReplyDeleteYeah, at first I was skeptical and then I was surprised at how much I liked it.
DeleteAHHHH I AM SO RIDICULOUSLY EXCITED!! :D I've never read the originals (shame on me) but I love the Sherlock show, and also adore the RDJ and Jude Law version movies, and oh oh Elementary!! I LOVE ELEMENTARY. And the fact that this focuses on Moriarty more just makes me squee in delight. :')
ReplyDeleteI've only read a few ACD stories. But I also really enjoy all the spin-offs.
DeleteI have never read or seen anything Sherlock!...*ducks from rotten tomatoes* BUT I promise I will! After reading your review I seriously want to!
ReplyDeleteNo rotten tomatoes!! But give Sherlock a try :)
DeleteSee, that's what I was wondering. How is that going to go if you know they will be enemies?
ReplyDeleteKate @ Ex Libris