A Dark Victorian Crime Novel (Anna Kronberg Mysteries Book 3)

I have greatly enjoyed Carol Nelson Douglas' books about Irene Adler and Laurie King's books about Mary Russell. Annelie Wendeberg now fills in further details about the strong-minded women who loved and challenged Sherlock Holmes. These are all stories that Dr. Watson unaccountably omitted from his memoirs. Perhaps he was too much of a gentleman to tell a woman's tale. We can only be greatful that these women authors are not such gentlemen.
Wendeberg's stories, and this one in particular do not only describe the brilliant and dedicated Anna/Anton Kronberg, fascinating in her own right, but also elucidate the intelligence and personalities of both Sherlock Holmes and his most serious adversary, Professor James Moriarty. All students of Holmes will appreciate this newest window into his life and the additional details of the fall of Moriarty. A great addition to Sherlockania.

"The Fall" the second of the Kronberg novels is an exciting thriller that begins when Ann Kronberg, a highly intelligent bacteriologist is abducted by James Moriarty to develop and test a biological weapon for a covert organization with ties to the military and government. With her father held hostage and Moriarty controlling her every move Anna posts a notice in the Times hoping a secret embedded code will bring Sherlock Holmes to her rescue. But with Moriarty's development of an espionage network and the threat of biological warfare, Anna makes a decision to remain his captive so she can uncover his plans even if it means putting her sanity and her father's life in peril.

The plot is fast-paced and emotionally-charged as Anna sacrifices her freedom not only to protect her father, but to uncover James Moriarty's plans so Sherlock Holmes can bring his criminal organization to justice. Action-packed as events unfold and Anna and James collide in a clash of wit and wills, the stakes for winning or failing steadily increase. In this exciting and innovative thriller Anna partners with the legendary detective to uncover clues to the identity of the men whose collaboration is not only financing biological research but developing an espionage network. A. Wendeberg steadily builds tension and suspense especially when Moriarty begins his subtle scheme of taming and breaking Anna, a woman he considers inferior in sex, intellect and character.

The mood of the plot is often dark, sombre and even frightening as Anna confronts not only vicious guard dogs, Moriarty's periods of madness, a mysterious woman in the bedroom beside hers, but also the murderous rage of Colonel Moran. In a story where a web of lies is spun, mind games tease, and threats and betrayal loom, Sherlock Holmes brings promise and hope into the darkness that swirls around Anna as her sense of reality and pretend begin to blur. And when you think that justice will finally be served, the author provides another twist in the story.

In the traditional society of Victorian England Anna Kronberg is considered a non-conformist, dressing as a man for twelve years, obtaining a medical degree and in her last exploit helping Sherlock Holmes bring several medical doctors at the Broadmoor Lunatic Asylum to justice for their cruel experimentation. An upright and grounded woman who's headstrong, observant, and often sharp-tongued, Anna under Moriarty's influence becomes fragile and distant. Professor James Moriarty is power-hungry, controlling, possessive and cruel. His self-love, arrogance and narcissism keep him from falling in love with Anna. Although he once rejected Anna's love Sherlock Holmes still remains a loyal friend she can turn to in a crisis. As well as a master of disguise, he's still the sharp, logical, and observant detective the readers all love.

Of the other antagonists that add an air of menace to the story Colonel Sebastian Moran is a heartless, cold-blooded killer; the manservant Alastair Dunham stern, acerbic and threatening; and Dylan Goff demanding, self-important and bitter. All these personalities add spice, drama and power to this captivating tale.

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Fall", rate it highly, and intend to read the first book in the series.

The best in the series so far!!!! Anna is kidnapped by Moriarty and forced to make a biological weapon. The book not only explains the tedious procedure but also the moral tidal wave involved with that. But what makes this novel so enthralling is the battle she has to wage with Moriarty. Under the murderer she also sees the man. Will she save him, kill him or be conquered by him? What when black and white can turn into shades of grey? Brilliantly written book although Holmes does not sounds very Holmesy. Looking forward to your next novel!

After reading the first book in this series I was looking forward to this one but it truly disappointed me. I was hoping for another mystery and instead I got a long and slow trip through Moriarity's depraved mind. With some nasty weapons of mass destruction thrown in for good measure. oh, and I question the description of the sex scenes in this book as "non explicit". is this because it's assumed that the use of the medical and scientific terms means the reader doesn't understand what's going on? I found the overall tone to be brutal for the sake of shocking the reader as opposed to the cold but calculating tone that worked for the first book.

My least favorite of the 3 Moriarty novels by Wendeberg, but I love the whole series, so don't let that deter you--I've been telling everyone to read this series who might have ANY interest. This book is entertaining, well written, and very good. Wendeberg has done her research--and that says a lot coming from me--and we're talking ALL of her research--Victorian England, Sherlock Holmes, psychology, medicine, bacteriology, etc. And despite--or because--of all that research, Wendeberg has written a captivating page turner by giving us a woman's view of the Sherlock Holmes mythos, and what a woman!

THE FALL
Annelie Wendeburg

The Fall provides the tantalizing tale of Anna Kronberg, a female bacteriologist at work with the famed Sherlock Holmes, as she is forced to develop germ warfare for the ignoble Dr. James Moriarity, Holmes' evil nemesis. Throughout the story Dr. Kronberg is a prisoner in Moriarity's mansion and at his command in the implementation of his fiendish plot, and worse, he begins to desire her.

This book is the second of what so far is a series of three. The reader must be prepared to go on to Book Three, as central problems that evolve in Book Two are not resolved and leave us hanging. Note that these books are called “thrillers” rather than “mysteries” and revolve around the danger to Kronberg personally and humanity in general more than any cleverness on the part of Holmes or anyone else in solving a puzzle.

Readers will like Dr. Kronberg, as she is a gutsy little thing, surprising everyone around her with her audacity and her capabilities. Holmes may be developed more in the first book, The Devil's Grin. In The Fall he plays mainly the facilitator of Kronberg's attempted escapes and other efforts to foil Dr. Moriarity's plan. The author depends upon the readers' knowledge of Holmes and does not round out his character as much as might be desirable.

Wendeburg's series reminds me of Laurie R. King's mystery series about Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes. I feel that King was able to ground her characters more firmly in the time period (early 1900s) and the character of Holmes over time was more complex than in Wendeburg's series at this point. I find I prefer a mystery to a thriller as mysteries are more stimulating to the mind.

At the same time, Wendeburg's books are enticing and fun to read. The author has taken care to research the methodology for preparing the bacteria and other related information, so that we understand the science involved. For Sherlock Holmes buffs, here we have yet another series of stories about the man who fascinates so many of us, but more importantly about a woman physician who is brilliant and resourceful. I recommend that you read The Fall.

I really enjoyed this second book in the Kronberg series, because of the action, the fully-realized characters, and the detailed descriptions of Victorian England. The book is not only very thoroughly researched but beautifully written as well. This is one of the best books I've read this year. Very highly recommended.

'The Fall' is the second installment of the Kronberg Crimes series. The Fall begins a year after the events of The Devil's Grin and leaps right into the fray with Anna Kronberg waking up to a gun against her head. Her abductor is none other than Professor James Moriarty. The tension builds with each additional chapter and Anna's situation becomes even more complicated as she enters into a psychological battle with Moriarty.

I'm a big fan of the original Sherlock Holmes stories, and I believe this is the first pastiche to explore James Moriarty in such depth. The author weaves events flawlessly in and out of the original Canon with surprisingly believability. She humanizes Moriarty and very nearly made me sympathize with him. A thrilling read, and once again, Annelie Wendeberg kept me turning the pages for hours on end. Can't wait for the third installment!

Bubonic plague unleashed upon turn-of-the-century Europe will be the outcome if Dr. Anna Kronberg is unsuccessful in convincing a madman to reconsider his plans. The villain in question: Professor James Moriarty, better known as nemesis to Sherlock Holmes.

Dr. Kronberg is a worthwhile adversary, but she must help Moriarty; otherwise her dear father, held hostage against her good behavior, will pay the price. Regardless, she is determined to save the world despite working under close surveillance and detention.

Rich details of period life and the cutting edge descriptions of the new science of bacteriology draw the reader into a world that could have been. Anna is a heroine for all time. This is the second novel in a series, and every bit as enjoyable as the first.

I received this book for an honest review from the author. It was a very thrilling read and thought the writing was terrific. I enjoyed how the writer brought out each of the characters in the story and would recommend it to anyone looking for a thriller.

While I found The Devil’s Grin entirely captivating, I enjoyed The Fall even more. The historical details were impressive, the science fascinating, the plot relentless and the tension kept me turning page after page to see what would happen next. Most importantly, the main character, Anna Kronberg, now stands on her own so fully developed and three-dimensional. She shared the stage with Sherlock Holmes in the first novel but in The Fall the stage is hers and, while Sherlock is still a main character, Anna needs no support in holding the reader’s attention at all times. I never doubted that the pain, entrapment, confusion and resourceful intelligence sprang from the soul of a living and breathing person. Just wonderful and a I can’t wait to read what follows.

Very disappointing sequel after "The devil's grin". The strong and willful character of Anna suddenly became a depressive little girl. The strong independent woman turn to full mode chic-lit "bad boy loving submissive girl" persona... Most of the book is spent waiting for something to happen. Hopefully somebody lent me the book before I bought it!

Another fast paced historical novel by Annelie Wendeberg. This second instalment follows Anna in captivity. It's either her help in producing a germ to be used in chemical warfare or her father's head. She submits herself to her captor, trying with all her might to come up with ideas for mass destruction and how to delay them, while at the same time figuring out a way to escape. She finally succeeds, with help from her friend Sherlock Holmes, but all's not over yet. A marvelous read, unfortunately with an ending that screams for more. Well done AW, I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the Kronberg Chronicles!

the blending of holmes, kronberg, and moriarity was wonderful. this different look at moriarity was very cool, and we find he's still a monster after all. i didn't like the ending. i don't like cliff-hangers. but of course, i'll anxiously await the third installmant, and hope for many more.

While I found The Devil’s Grin entirely captivating, I enjoyed The Fall even more. The historical details were impressive, the science fascinating, the plot relentless and the tension kept me turning page after page to see what would happen next. Most importantly, the main character, Anna Kronberg, now stands on her own so fully developed and three-dimensional. She shared the stage with Sherlock Holmes in the first novel but in The Fall the stage is hers and, while Sherlock is still a main character, Anna needs no support in holding the reader’s attention at all times. I never doubted that the pain, entrapment, confusion and resourceful intelligence sprang from the soul of a living and breathing person. Just wonderful and a I can’t wait to read what follows.

Very disappointing sequel after "The devil's grin". The strong and willful character of Anna suddenly became a depressive little girl. The strong independent woman turn to full mode chic-lit "bad boy loving submissive girl" persona... Most of the book is spent waiting for something to happen. Hopefully somebody lent me the book before I bought it!

Another fast paced historical novel by Annelie Wendeberg. This second instalment follows Anna in captivity. It's either her help in producing a germ to be used in chemical warfare or her father's head. She submits herself to her captor, trying with all her might to come up with ideas for mass destruction and how to delay them, while at the same time figuring out a way to escape. She finally succeeds, with help from her friend Sherlock Holmes, but all's not over yet. A marvelous read, unfortunately with an ending that screams for more. Well done AW, I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the Kronberg Chronicles!

the blending of holmes, kronberg, and moriarity was wonderful. this different look at moriarity was very cool, and we find he's still a monster after all. i didn't like the ending. i don't like cliff-hangers. but of course, i'll anxiously await the third installmant, and hope for many more.

This series is some of the best Sherlockian fan fiction I've ever read! Although to call it Sherlockian fan fiction isn't quite accurate, because Holmes is a supporting character in a very powerful, intelligent, self-assured woman's narrative. Love it!

i seldom read anything about sherlock holmes if doyle isnt the author... i downloaded "the devils grin" free and must admit i loved it, everything about it... i was a little excited when i spotted "the fall", i puchased this one for 3.99!!!! what a load of crap... im so angry right now that i wasted not only my money, but the time i lost by reading this drivel.. i will never read or recommend this author... last warning DO NOT WASTE ONE PENNY OR ONE SECOND ON THIS AUTHOR!!!