Books: reading on my travels: The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz 

By Laura McCarthy.

There are a few things which come to mind when you think about London: red buses, Big Ben, the relentless wailing of underground trains. For me? I think about Paddington bear and Sherlock Holmes.

So when my mum surprised me with tickets for Paddington the Musical, I knew I’d need a suitable book for the train ride over and – since the Paddington books are perhaps a little too short for an hour and a half journey – I thought Sherlock Holmes would be the next best thing. 

But I’d already read all the original Conan Doyle series.

The solution, therefore, was elementary: the Horowitz revival from 2011 was to be my choice.

The House of Silk follows Holmes and Watson through a tangled web of conspiracy, all starting with an art dealer requesting for Holmes’ services after being stalked by a gang member. From this point, the narrative becomes increasingly convoluted, with higher stakes than ever before.

So on the train to Waterloo, I reacquaint myself with Doctor Watson, his familiar voice consistent with that of Conan Doyle’s stories. Horowitz is a master of his craft, convincing in his mimicry of Watson’s emotional and loyal character, along with his Victorian phrasing.

Holmes, too, is as sharp-eyed, intelligent, and eccentric as ever. Horowitz brings a more emotional edge to the character here, however – an edge which feels true to his sensibilities, emerging from his sense of justice.

Even smaller “cameos” like Lestrade, Mrs Hudson, Mycroft, and even Moriarty feel genuine. They are joyful references for those familiar with the books, which – in the case of Moriarty, at least – make a reader see the original literature in a new light.

My old friends, good to see you again.

In London, I stay on the Strand. The street is plastered with advertisements for every theatrical extravaganza you can imagine, Avenue Q puppets and besequinned Tudor queens prominent on every wall. Above it all, the huge face of Paddington watches over you like the eyes of TJ Eckleburg. An exorbitant display indeed.

Before my mum arrives, I have time to finish up my book. The narrative is well-paced and brilliantly constructed, with clues spread evenly throughout. In this respect, Horowitz knows how to balance the key elements of a Holmes mystery – how to drip in clues, find answers, and retain a sense of intrigue.

I also respect how dark Horowitz is willing to go. It is not an easy choice, especially when handling a beloved cultural icon like Holmes. This could come across as insensitive in the hands of another writer but Horowitz uses Watson’s sensitivity to great effect here. This novel is, by far, the darkest Sherlock Holmes mystery, with parallels to the Epstein case which will strike a chord with modern readers.

Tucked away at the back of the book, Horowitz shares his own reflections on writing The House of Silk and the responsibility he felt to deliver something which would do justice to readers. And I believe he has done that.

When I close the book, my mum appears as if by magic. We are ready for a day adventuring around Covent Garden and an evening in the company of a charming, little bear.

I am not a massive fan of musicals, I will admit. They can grate on me for many of the same reasons that I often veer away from blockbusters; the artificiality, the excess, the sensory overload. That said, Paddington the Musical is a delight.

The writing and performances are genuinely hilarious. Tom Fletcher’s music is well executed across the board. Most interesting of all, there is a real celebration of British culture here, in both the narrative and music. The Rhythm of London captures the joys of the capital, whilst Hard Stare is not only an enjoyable reference to Paddington lore but is also an ode to the British way of handling annoyances. 

In this sense, it reminds me of Sherlock Holmes. Both are icons of Britain. Both display the best for what we have to offer. In times like these, where division in the country seems impossible to overcome, it is this iconography of the UK which reminds us that we are better off united.