Lock and Key: The Gadwall Incident

Ridley Pearson

Aug 2016 · HarperCollins · Narrated by Nicola Barber

About this audiobook

The New York Times bestselling author of the Peter and the Starcatcher and Kingdom Keepers series, Ridley Pearson, brings us the stirring digital prequel to the Lock and Key series, which reimagines the origins of the rivalry between Sherlock Holmes and James Moriarty.

In The Gadwall Incident, readers get a glimpse into James’s life a mere twenty-four hours before the tipping point—before life as he knows it changes irrevocably and his childhood slips into the shadows. Readers will come to know the dangers that surround the Moriartys before James and Moria are sent off to the hallowed halls of Baskerville Academy, where they first meet the insufferable, inexhaustible Sherlock Holmes. It’s a tale full of intrigue and false starts and daring getaways, one that will leave readers desperate to know what's next. 

Ratings and reviews

More of a teaser than a prequel, the book ends just when the story is ramping up. I would probably categorize this as young adult mystery, not quite as fact or detail oriented as actual Sherlock Holmes tales. Could be an interesting spin on a classic depending on how they go with it, but more for a younger audience then adults. Decent storyteller but needs to work on modifying her voice more for other characters.

I loved this short story introduction to the Lock & Key series. I was thrown off by the accent as I was expecting an English one, but this is a re-imagining of the Sherlock and Moriarty rivalry centred in the U.S.

I will have to accept the offer and I will be at the same time as the audio book. allow me to accept the offer. too. learned that the same thing as you can imagine I Anthony. moss reader

About the author

Ridley Pearson is the bestselling author of over fifty novels, including Peter and the Starcatchers (cowritten with Dave Barry) and the Kingdom Keepers and Lock and Key series. He has also written two dozen crime novels, including Probable Cause, Beyond Recognition, Killer Weekend, The Risk Agent, and The Red Room. To learn more about him, visit www.ridleypearson.com.