Book Review: Spiral Mind and The Coriolis Effect by Janina Arndt

In the world of Sherlock Holmes literature, it can be a hard task to find something truly original. While it’s a comfortable experience to read traditional pastiche, there’s a different kind of pleasure in thrilling at the discovery of something new. That pleasure is what Janina Arndt has provided in the first two books of her Spiral Mind Trilogy, Spiral Mind followed by The Coriolis Effect.

I don’t want to give away too much, but this trilogy (with book three still to come) is in firmly postmodern territory, with a high concept that requires careful attention to grasp and fully appreciate the premise. Helping the reader on that journey is Arndt’s easy, readable style and confident characterizations. The Holmes and Watson (as well as Doylean supporting characters) met here are familiar, acting as anchors through a fascinating meta storyscape. Arndt is also capable of crafting engaging original characters to complement the familiar.

I recommend both books, read in order, digested with your thinking cap on as you travel to the past and present. You’ll consider the zeitgeist of Sherlock Holmes, his enduring legacy, and the question of fate, while unraveling well-paced mystery. If you enjoy history, you’ll particularly enjoy the way Arndt plays with it.

Sherlock Holmes has surged and resurged as a popular character in many times and through a host of cycles. He’s forever at home in his familiar setting and conventional plotting, but he’s more than robust enough to also handle a meta plot that uses postmodern concepts in brain-tickling ways.

Arndt’s work makes a lot of sense and is a great deal of fun to read. Just make sure you bring your own common sense and attention to understanding the unique style of the narrative. You’ll be rewarded if you do.

*A copy of both books was provided by the publisher. All opinions expressed are not compensated and are the reviewer’s own.

You can support The Coriolis Effect here and receive a copy as soon as it’s available:

Catch up on Spiral Mind here:

Sherlockian Author Profile – Janina Arndt

My novels of Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler are available here:

The Detective and The Woman