Holmes Is Missing

James Patterson's "Holmes Is Missing" is a fast-paced thriller that throws readers headfirst into a high-stakes mystery, bringing together a unique trio of investigators to solve a baffling case. This isn't your typical detective novel. Patterson, along with Brian Sitts, crafts a narrative that's both suspenseful and character-driven, exploring the complexities of partnership, addiction, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.

The story kicks off with a frantic call that sends Auguste Poe and Margaret Marple speeding through the streets of Manhattan. The duo soon learns that six newborn babies have been stolen from a hospital nursery. This sets the stage for a frantic race against time as the two investigators try to locate the show more missing children, made more challenging by the absence of their partner, Brendan Holmes. **Holmes, we discover, is in rehab, battling a long-term addiction to heroin**. This personal struggle adds a layer of vulnerability and unpredictability to the team dynamics, as his absence creates a void that is felt throughout the story.

Poe, with his penchant for fast driving and rule-breaking, is a compelling character, always ready to jump into the action. Marple, with her sharp mind and keen observational skills, brings a touch of elegance and analytical reasoning to the team. The two of them are a study in contrasts, but their differences make them a formidable pair when working in tandem. Their investigation takes them into the labyrinthine corridors of St. Michael’s Hospital, where they encounter a cast of characters who range from frantic parents to overworked nurses, adding to the tension of the narrative. As they work to uncover the truth behind the baby abductions, they are challenged at every turn by a system that appears to be failing.

Adding to the complexity of the case, the story introduces Detective Lieutenant Helene Grey, an NYPD officer who has worked with Poe and Marple before and serves as their main contact with the police. Grey’s personal life becomes intertwined with the investigation, leading to a number of emotional and tense scenes between her and Poe. She is not only a capable cop, but also a complex character who grapples with her own challenging personal circumstances.

When Holmes makes his return, it's not a triumphant one. Instead, the team struggles to integrate him back into their operations as he is clearly struggling with his recovery. **His personal demons and doubts about his own abilities add a layer of vulnerability to his character that has not been explored before**. His return is also coupled with a surprising announcement that leaves his partners in a lurch. **Holmes’s internal battles lead him to make surprising decisions and his struggles add a unique layer to the plot, creating a multi-faceted exploration of personal redemption and the challenges of maintaining sobriety**.

As the investigation progresses, the team is faced with a number of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. The stakes get even higher as the investigators find themselves drawn into a larger conspiracy. They travel to a rehab facility, navigate the complexities of a crime writers' convention, and even find themselves pursuing a suspect across international borders.

**One of the strengths of this novel is the way that Patterson and Sitts weave humor into the narrative, even in the midst of chaos and tragedy.** The characters' witty banter and their interactions at the crime writers' convention provide moments of levity that break up the tension of the overarching plot. This allows the reader a chance to catch their breath and enjoy the dynamic between the characters, and these lighter moments are welcome respites in a suspenseful story. The plot becomes more intricate as the team tries to make sense of the events, leading to shocking revelations.

Patterson and Sitts keep the readers on their toes with a plot that is full of unexpected turns and red herrings. **The use of misdirection keeps the reader guessing about who the real villains are and what their motives might be**. The authors explore the darker side of human nature through a plot that delves into themes of desperation, greed, and the corruption of power.

The novel is not without its flaws. The breakneck pace sometimes makes it hard to keep track of all the different plot threads. But overall, "Holmes Is Missing" is an exciting read that will keep you turning pages late into the night. **The book delivers an engaging blend of suspense, mystery, and humor with compelling characters and a plot that keeps the readers guessing until the very end**. If you are a fan of James Patterson or enjoy fast-paced thrillers with a dash of humor, you will not want to miss this book. show less

Fast, fun, and totally entertaining crime fiction.

This second in a new series is as good as the first and definitely moves Holmes, Marple, and Poe into a higher rung of my favorites. The prose is direct, clear, and crisp with short chapters, lots of action, and great characters. In addition, the plot is tight and intriguing -- kidnapped infants make for a very intense subject in a gripping thriller. I am worried, however, that Holmes has lost his footing as he tries to take himself out of their partnership.

I enjoyed this one and could barely put it down though I had many other things I was meant to be doing today. I like the relationship between the main characters and the twists and turns the story took. From the USA to London, the show more investigation is urgent and they are running out of time. Can they find the children and expose the criminal network in time?

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator did a great job with voice and accents for all the characters increasing the drama and enhancing my appreciation of the story. Definitely recommend.

I hope we will see more of Holmes, Marple, and Poe as there are still many more possible directions for them to go in their unique partnership. show less

A friend gave me the first book in James Patterson's Holmes, Marple and Poe series and I enjoyed it. I found the second---Holmes is Missing-on the shelf at the library so decided to give it a go. First, the series title is now Holmes, Margaret and Poe even though the female character's last name is still Marple. Some copyright/trademark dust up, I think. It was fine for what it is: an adventure story that harkens back to the mystery writers of the past. In this case, Holmes is the centerpiece as the book ends on a cliffhanger right out of Arthur Conan Doyle. Choppy chapters with lots of angst, especially from Poe and Holmes, that gets a little old after awhile. This is another one that I am not sure I will need to continue.

‘I thought you’d never quit.’

Book 2 in the Holmes, Margaret (Marple) and Poe series Holmes has been missing in action for several months, doing a stint in rehab, leaving his partners to carry on day to day. When six infants are spirited away from the local hospital it’s all hands on deck, including Holmes...who is convinced he not only gave up addiction in rehab, but investigating, until an evil no one saw coming seeks him out and dares him to play the game again, leaving us hanging for book 3. All in all, a solid if not thrilling outing in what hopes to be a long lasting series.

Explosive! Literally and metaphorically!

By the seat of your pants read. Well what can’t expect anything less from these two authors.
Brendon Holmes is AWOL, sort of. Margaret Marple is leaning into the new challenge and concerned for Holmes. Auguste Poe is still pulling out the right vintage muscle car for the right moment.
Their research assistant / housekeeper, and so much more, Virginia is fabulous.
I’m loving the mysteries these three are coming to grips with, or in Holmes’s case—not!
When danger comes into their home and hearth a villain of an entirely different stamp emerges.
We’re left wondering “What’s next?”

A Little, Brown & Co ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

"Holmes Is Missing" by James Patterson and Brian Sitts is a thrilling 5-star mystery! Private Investigators Holmes, Marple, and Poe return in this second installment featuring the brilliant crime-solving trio. This time, Marple and Poe are called in by Detective Helene Grey to assist the NYPD with a chilling case: the kidnapping of six newborn babies. However, the rest of the NYPD isn’t exactly thrilled to have them on board, forcing the PIs to work even harder to prove their worth. Meanwhile, Holmes is distracted with his own string of crimes that he is struggling to solve.

Much like the first book in the series, this one is wonderfully written. I thoroughly enjoyed the witty banter among the PIs as they flaunt their intelligence and show more assert their authority over anyone daring to get in their way. The short, alternating chapters between the three PIs keep the pace brisk and the story engaging, with no unnecessary lulls. The book ends on a tantalizing cliffhanger that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series!

Thanks to Little, Brown and Company, James Patterson & Brian Sitts, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review. show less

I enjoyed both of the books in this series. This series is incredibly action-packed and exciting.

My main issue, however, is that I feel too much is going on at once. It can be hard to keep up with the many subplots at times. While I like the core concept of the story line, it feels as if too many elements are being jam-packed into a single book. I would appreciate more background on the characters and additional details woven throughout each installment.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, especially for fans of the literary murder mystery genre.