Rating: Summary: Holmes...Sherlock Holmes. Review: Mark Frost has a narrative style that seems at times to be overly loquacious and verbose. This may take a little getting used to. It did for me. But once you settle into his style it becomes quite beautiful and a delight to read.The List of 7 follows the exploits of Arthur Conan Doyle in a sort of fictional biography that suggests he found his inspiration for Sherlock Holmes in a super agent for the times, Jack Sparks. Sparks is Holmes with the extra physical crime fighting abilities that we like to imagine in our heroes. Nearly every aspect of Holmes's personality (method of deduction, dedication to crime solving, drug addiction) is cleverly worked into the story and explained as Doyle follows Sparks in their mutual desire to uncover the mystery of the List of Seven, an underground organization of the macabre that drags them into a series of dark and sometimes grotesque adventures. The mystery and crime solving is not the strongest aspect of the book, but where it lacks it makes up for in character and ambience. Mark Frost obviously had fun writing this, and it's worth reading whether you're looking for a Sherlock Holmes-based story or not.
Rating: Summary: A masterpiece. Review: When you read this, I think you will come to feel as I do that the true genius behind the best parts of "Twin Peaks" was not David Lynch, but Mark Frost, the author of this novel. It's not often that I lay down a book and just say "Wow", but I did with this one. What else can you say about a book that gives you the history of Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, Jack the Ripper and one other person that I can't give away because it's the last line of the book. Usually the words intelligent and thriller just don't go together, but this is not only one of the most breathlessly thrilling books I've ever read, but it also never assumes the reader is a moron. Something rare in this day and age. Follow the amazing exploits of a young Arthur Conan Doyle as he goes on a trip that would make Sherlock himself blush with envy. Highly recommended. Calling Mr. Spielberg, I think I just read your next movie!!!
Rating: Summary: Great Little Novel Review: As you have probably read, Mark Frost co-wrote Twin Peaks with David Lynch. Being a fan of the TV series I decided to purchase "The List of 7" after recognising the name on the cover. It was one of the best blind purchases I have made. "The List of 7" is extremely well-written by an author who has an excellent grasp of suspense writing. Set in Victorian England, the main character (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!) is set up by an occult who believe he knows too much about them. Thrilling events ensue thanks to the dashing Jack Sparks and his associates who rescue Doyle and throw him into a world full of twists and turns. Normally I'm not a fan of the classic literature based in Victorian England, but I really appreciated the way London and the other settings were portrayed in this novel. I felt a connection to this time period for the first time ever while reading "The List of 7". It actually gave me the desire to try some of the classics again, especially the ones which are slightly off-centre. For example, the Sherlock Holmes novels and those written by Shelley. I even read 'Tess of the D'urbervilles'! If you are interested in Victorian England but would prefer to read a riviting fanatsy tale with non-pretentious male characters, then try this great little novel. Even if you are not a fan of the time period, "The List of 7" is an extremely enjoyable read.
Rating: Summary: Engaging for fans of logic/deduction, and of course Holmes.. Review: I had never heard of Mark Frost or "The List of 7" before I began reading it. I happened to pick it out at random from a shelf at Barnes & Noble, and it was a nice bit of luck. Fans of Doyle's work, in particular Holmes, should enjoy the story. I couldn't put the book down, and managed to read it in a little over a day and a half. If you're familiar with the Sherlock Holmes stories, then you should have fun picking out where Doyle found his so-called inspiration, particularly in the character of Jack Sparks. I believe there's also a slight tie-in with Dracula. My only problem with the book is that the first 2/5 of the story is unbelievably remarkable, but by the last 1/5 it drops off significantly, leaving some questions not answered. It builds itself up tremendously, but takes a slanted fall at the end. Still highly recommend it for anyone interested in observation/deduction, Holmes, Doyle, or good dialogue & story-telling.
Rating: Summary: Read this book and discover the orgins of Holmes and Watson! Review: Could Sir Arthur Coylan Doyle actually be Dr. Watson? Could Sherlock Holmes be based on a man named Jack Sparks? Well if you want to find out, Mark Frost'd book, THE LIST OF 7 is a must read for every Sherlock Holmes fan. Frost has written a tale that leads the reader to believe that Sherlock Holmes is not merely a figment of someone's imagination, but rather in actual fact a significant part of Sir Arthur Coylan Doyle's life. You are drawn into this Victorian tale by first being invited to a seance. The story unfolds from there when you are introduced to a sinister plot that threatens the highest level of authority in England, Queen Victoria herself. Frost has come up with a wonderful theory regarding the orgins of Sherlock Holmes in the mind of Doyle. Don't miss this one, you will not be able to put it down until you finish
Rating: Summary: Great Little Novel Review: As you have probably read, Mark Frost co-wrote Twin Peaks with David Lynch. Being a fan of the TV series I decided to purchase "The List of 7" after recognising the name on the cover. It was one of the best blind purchases I have made. "The List of 7" is extremely well-written by an author who has an excellent grasp of suspense writing. Set in Victorian England, the main character (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!) is set up by an occult who believe he knows too much about them. Thrilling events ensue thanks to the dashing Jack Sparks and his associates who rescue Doyle and throw him into a world full of twists and turns. Normally I'm not a fan of the classic literature based in Victorian England, but I really appreciated the way London and the other settings were portrayed in this novel. I felt a connection to this time period for the first time ever while reading "The List of 7". It actually gave me the desire to try some of the classics again, especially the ones which are slightly off-centre. For example, the Sherlock Holmes novels and those written by Shelley. I even read 'Tess of the D'urbervilles'! If you are interested in Victorian England but would prefer to read a riviting fanatsy tale with non-pretentious male characters, then try this great little novel. Even if you are not a fan of the time period, "The List of 7" is an extremely enjoyable read.
Rating: Summary: Great Adventure Story Review: This is a very clever fictional account of Arthur Conan Doyle's life before he became a famous author. He becomes involved in a conspiracy with supernatural overtones and in the process meets the man who he obviously bases Sherlock Homes on. It's not great literature but it was a lot of fun.
Rating: Summary: A "Must Read" for any Holmes Fan Review: As a dedicated fan and reader of many Sherlock Holmes stories, I must say this is one of the best I have ever read. While the "bad guys" in this stories are a little fantastic, Doyle and Holmes (through the character of Jack Sparks) live in these pages. A great story and characters. I couldn't put it down until the end.
Rating: Summary: Thrilling Review: The List of 7 is the best beach book I have ever read. I finished the it years ago, having bought it because the creepy cover hooked me, and have been recommending it since. Please take the time to read this marvelous, thrilling adventure story; I'm sure you will enjoy it.
Rating: Summary: The best book I've read in five years! Review: If you have any interest in victorian adventure...heck, in ANY kind of adventure that involves breakneck chases, dastardly fiends, undead warriors, suspenseful escapes, a plot to conquer the world AND a pit filled with giant leeches...well, you can't go wrong! It has been many years since I was so addicted to the book I could NOT put it down until I raced through it. My wife mocked me to no end, but if I could write half as good as this guy I'd be a happy fella. The only reason why it's not 5 stars is that the action does get a little absurd, written with broad strokes as if meant to be translated into a screenplay, and inadvertantly jostles the reader back into reality. But the rest is so pervasive it's hard to stay away for long. Again, if you're not sure to purchase this or not--DO IT!
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