The Fifth Heart

By: Dan Simmons

Narrated by: David Pittu

In 1893, Sherlock Holmes and Henry James come to America together to solve the mystery of the 1885 death of Clover Adams, wife of the esteemed historian Henry Adams -- member of the Adams family that has given the United States two Presidents. Clover's suicide appears to be more than it at first seemed; the suspected foul play may involve matters of national importance.

Holmes is currently on his Great Hiatus -- his three-year absence after Reichenbach Falls during which time the people of London believe him to be deceased. Holmes has faked his own death because, through his powers of ratiocination, the great detective has come to the conclusion that he is a fictional character.

This leads to serious complications for James -- for if his esteemed fellow investigator is merely a work of fiction, what does that make him? And what can the master storyteller do to fight against the sinister power -- possibly named Moriarty -- that may or may not be controlling them from the shadows?

Wish the story would keep going. Enjoyed so much!

Exceeded expectations. Combined such interesting characters and locations...just an overall great read.
Hope to find more like this and soon.

Wonderful story can’t wait for book 2

Loved the story and the underlying imagination and checks on reality. Can wait for Sherlock’ s next adventure

Truly Great Sherlock Holmes

I am a big fan of Sherlock Holmes pastiches, and this is the best. The ever creative Dan Simmons reimagines Sherlock Holmes in a most satisfying way. The narrator David Pittue gives one of the best performances of the Holmes voice that I have heard. This is the best Audible title I have encountered.

Luken Adler was correct.

I really enjoyed this story. The narrator was quite skilled at bringing all of the characters to light, and I have enjoyed Dan Simmon's work since I read HYPERION many years ago. And here is the "but".

But...I've never liked the few stories of Henry James that I have had the misfortune to read. Perhaps I lack the literary snobbery that is required to digest his works, but, like I said, never a fan. I absolutely hate the James character in this novel. I found him annoying, pretentious, and boring (very much how I feel about his literary works) with a lack of focus that belittled the other characters of this book. Otherwise, the book is fantastic. Just tune out the parts with the unappealing James.

Luken Adler was correct...Henry James's stories are painful to read...unless of course you like pain.

great story but the editing on the audio...well..

What made the experience of listening to The Fifth Heart the most enjoyable?

the story line...love the historical background with the hole Sherlock aspect!!! I didn't read up on this so I would go blindly into it...glad I did....sorry for the spoilers to anyone that would read this...

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

yes...even when i thought i knew what was next i was wrong a few times...I do like being fooled...

What three words best describe David Pittu’s voice?

versatile, nice, smooth

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

nope...I listened to it riding my bike or driving...

Any additional comments?

the editing on the audio wasn't totally smooth...I could tell on the editing due to the timing in the phrasing...that was a bit annoying...otherwise i fully enjoyed the book...kind of wanted the story to continue...so I will be listening to it again...OH totally guessed the issue with one character...maybe Dan meant to do that...peace