Tim Symonds

Not as exciting as the first Tim Symonds I read, but definitely a solid mystery. What this novel lacks in color it makes up in cool intellect. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson return from their "graves" (This isn't a zombie book!! I mean they return from the original pages written by the infamous Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.) to tackle yet another strange and unorthodox mystery.
Even to Sherlock and Dr. Watson this challenge is an odd one.
It doesn't involve a murder or a scandal (at least not at first glance) but instead work typically dished out to spies or the "average" P.I.
Now, as you can see, this is not the average task for Sherlock the Great. However, he takes the case and unravels what no one else could with relative ease.
Very interesting mystery novel. And just like before Tim has written Sherlock and Dr. Watson exactly as they should be/were in the original.
I'll always recommend Tim Symonds to any and all Sherlock Holmes fans.… (more)

Rating: 4.5
I had the opportunity to read this book for my book club, as well as this author's novel "Sherlock Holmes and the Nine-Dragon Sigil". It's an excellent use of traditional mystery written in a style very similar to that of the actual early 1900s. Although it's English mystery, the novel spends most of it's time in Serbia. This introduces a rather different setting to such a genre. This difference adds to the intrigue of the novel, making it that much more captivating.
I realize I must sound rather biased since I'm raving like a rabid One Direction fan, but I pledge my honesty in this review. I read this novel immediately after the first one and only now have the opportunity to share my opinion on them.
The writing style is, dare I say, seductive. The words roll off the metaphoric, internal tongue. (Much like the effect of a foreigner's accent.)
For readers similar to me, these types of mysteries are exciting and hard to put down.… (more)

Rating: 4.5
This was technically the first novel I read by this author, but I postponed reviewing it until I had the opportunity to read the one about Einstein's Daughter. I received free e-copies of these books from the author in exchange for honest reviews and despite this I pledge my complete and total honesty.
I didn't like putting these books down. There's something about them that makes the reader want to keep going.
The thrill of the chase?
It was exhilarating.
The dark (yet surprisingly colorful) Chinese setting and culture in this novel added tremendously to the mysteries of this literature. The intricate crimes and interactive "logs" made for an exciting thriller mystery true to the traditional British nature this author's work is quote on quote "replicating".
I've always been fascinated by historical fiction and particularly the mystery sub-genre. I recommend this book for readers like me.… (more)

Tim Symonds has mastered the art of historical fiction. It's not as easy as some people think. Adding robots or swords does not successfully convince a reader they have left the present. It takes research and devotion.
Mr. Symonds has skimped on neither.
From the start of this wild journey the reader is taken back to the early 1900s. Why?
For those who don't know, the original Sherlock Holmes stories were written in this time period. This also means that the writings were true to the era.
The characters "sound" different from what we'd expect today, and this author has not forgotten that fact.
It even comes with a glossary if you are having trouble with the vocabulary.
The craft of this mystery is marvelous.
It's not just a question of "who done it" it's an adventure.
The mystery of the nine-dragon sigil puzzled me, as did it entrance me. I never knew what to expect and I am very glad I had to opportunity to read this novel before it's release date.… (more)