Lock and Key: The Downward Spiral

Lock and Key: The Downward Spiral is the second book in Ridley Pearson’s Sherlock Holmes series. Following the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of Moria and James Moriarty’s father, the siblings turn to James’s roommate, Sherlock Holmes, for help. As the three stumble into a bigger conspiracy involving the Moriarty family history, James falls further into a secret organization their father once belonged to. Their search into the past puts them on the path of a cross necklace that could be the key to unlocking the secrets within their family bible. As they grow closer to solving their father’s death, they uncover shocking secrets that could change them forever.

A unique take on the origin stories of a young Sherlock and Moriarty, Lock and Key is full of twists and surprises, with the added delight of Moriarty’s sister, who finds herself in the middle. They may be in their early teens, but they still fit the image of the famed characters. Sherlock has remnants of his classic persona, with his eccentricities and larger than life personality, curiosity, and brilliance, but his character also maintains an old-fashioned aspect that feels like a homage to the original while still feeling like entirely new character. James is showing signs of his villainous future throughout, growing withdrawn and distant. And while Moria maybe full of the Moriarty spirit, she also tampers with Sherlock’s ego and social awkwardness and brings out her brother’s compassionate side. Lock and Key has everything beloved about the classic Sherlock Holmes, with secret organizations, a mysterious death, ulterior motives, and a complex mystery to solve. Full of sharp dialogue and clever humor, Lock and Key is a modern young adult re-imagining of the famous detective. The perfect read for every Sherlock fan!