Holmes Is Missing

Holmes, Margaret & Poe #2

by James Patterson, Brian Sitts

It’s their toughest case yet. And their best detective is missing. Holmes, Margaret and Poe run the private detective agency that solves the crimes no one else can. Or they did – until Holmes said he wanted to leave the business and fell off the radar. In New York City, they are called to investigate the abduction of six newborns from a private hospital. Without Holmes, they try to investigate this terrible crime. They hear word of more missing babies in London, and Margaret follows the trail across the pond. But they need Holmes. To solve the crime of the century, first they must save their friend.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Audiobook, Suspense, Crime, Mystery Thriller

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 2, 2025

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is not often that a NetGalley approval goes straight to the top of my TBR, but I have been desperately waiting for this one. I do think this is my new favourite James Patterson series. I was thrilled when that email came, and I started reading as soon as I could. 

I just love these characters.. come on, private detectives called Poe, Holmes, and Marple… that are a crime lovers' idea of heaven. We learn more about our trio of friends this time, which was eye-opening, to say the least. Holmes is trying to stay clean after months in rehab, Poe has some life changing news, and poor Margaret is trying to hold them all together. This case will test them all, abducted babies from a secure hospital.. how and why? 

There is a banging ending that left me needing more already, so here’s to book 3. One of my favourite parts of this book, without spoilers, was the 3 of them attending a crime writers conference and the appearance of another of my favourite authors. This really made me laugh and was a fantastic scene all around. There are Poe’s fast cars, Baskerville the dog, and lots of baked goods.

Absolutely loved it if you can’t already tell. It was a 2-sitting read for me. Comes out January 6th, 2025, a great way to start the new year.

Thanks so very much to Little Brown and Company for the chance to read this so early. 

[Bill Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit hesitant going into this book as the other collaborations between Patterson and Sitts, the Shadow, Dic Savage, and the first in this series, have been rather mediocre at best. Fortunately this turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. This series is really starting to come together nicely. The characters are excellent, even though they do make stupid decisions at times, the action and narration is suspenseful, and the mystery drags you in from the beginning. The cliffhanger ending definitely leaves you wishing the third book arrives soon.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Patterson’s collaborative efforts with Brian Sitts continue as they craft another great mystery. The Holmes, Marple, and Poe series progresses with new twists and great turns, as the detectives find themselves thrust into the middle of another intense case. While they try to juggle all angles, the team must also focus on the waning interest of one member, which could cause the entire situation to come crashing down. Patterson and Sitts work well together and this second installment of the series solidifies that sentiment!

Those around New York City are aware that Holmes, Marple, and Poe have set up shop with a private detective agency that has much success with crimes no one else can handle. This is put in jeopardy when one of their own mentions wanting out of the business and soon disappears into thin air. This is not the type of case the team had hoped to investigate, but they will not ignore the urgency.

The team is tasked with investigating the abduction of a handful of newborns who have gone missing from a local hospital. Nothing appears to make sense, but the children are gone and the parents are apoplectic. Working with one member down, the other two try to piece it together, soon learning that another case on the other side of the world might hold answers.

As Marples heads across the ocean to synchronise with New Scotland Yard, Poe hopes that Holmes returns to lend a hand. There is not only this case of missing babies, but news of a pregnancy that could derail the personal lives of the detective firm. Panic is high, but there is no time to focus on this, as the case will not solve itself. Patterson and Sitts keep the reader on the edge of their seat in this great thriller!

The key to a great thriller is being able to juggle a solid story with strong characters. Patterson and Sitts provide a bold narrative that is well-paced and full of excitement. They keep the story developing as the momentum increases, leaving little to chance. Characters provide a great flavoring for this type of story, pulling on both the tradition type of individuals and those whose uniqueness add depth to the larger reading experience. Plot points work on multiple levels, entertaining the reader while surprising them as the story develops.

Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Sitts, for this excellent addition to the series.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Sandysbookaday (taking a midwinter break) · Rating 4 out of 5]

EXCERPT: 'Haven't you heard? There's been a kidnapping.'
'That's not possible,' said Vail. 'This place has security up the ass. You couldn't steal a goddamn Band-Aid from this floor.'
Before Poe could respond, Marple yanked him aside. 'Stop it, Auguste! You won't make any friends with that attitude!'
'I'm not here to make friends,' Poe replied. 'I'm here to get answers.'
A nurse in burgundy scrubs walked up and handed Grey a sheet of paper.
'Is this the list?' Grey asked.
The nurse nodded grimly. She had the look of a woman at the end of a very long shift - maybe two.
Grey tapped the page. 'Six,' she said. 'Six missing newborn babies.'

ABOUT 'HOLMES IS MISSING (HOLMES MARGARET & POE #2): It’s their toughest case yet. And their best detective is missing.

Holmes, Margaret and Poe run the private detective agency that solves the crimes no one else can. Or they did – until Holmes said he wanted to leave the business and fell off the radar.

In New York City, they are called to investigate the abduction of six newborns from a private hospital. Without Holmes, they try to investigate this terrible crime. They hear word of more missing babies in London, and Margaret follows the trail across the pond. But they need Holmes.

To solve the crime of the century, first they must save their friend.

MY THOUGHTS: Another rollercoaster ride of crime from James Patterson & Brian Sitts.

Patterson and Sitts provide both a strong, fast moving plot and equally strong characters. There are plenty of twists and turns and more than a little manipulation by an, at the time, unknown character. Someone is trying to distract at least one of the detectives from the case.

And while there are six babies missing from St Michael's Hospital, there is also news of an unexpected pregnancy, a hi-jacked school bus and more babies missing in London.

This is a two for one deal - missing babies and a strange pattern of mothers dying, seemingly accidentally, on September 30th each year. Deaths which may (or, may not) be undiscovered murders.

I enjoyed the crime writers conference the trio attends. Some famous writers' names are thrown around with gay abandon. But the conference is not just filler - there is a connection to the case which won't become evident until later in the book.

Virginia takes a more active role in the investigation in Holmes is Missing. I have the feeling she is going to become a very valuable character beyond her baking and research skills.

There is a good reason Margaret Marple's name comes in the middle of the trio, Holmes, Margaret & Poe. She is the glue that holds them together.

Perhaps not quite as much fun as #1, but we learn a lot more about the main characters and there's a little more suspense and tension. I did miss ME Verna Crown though and hope she makes a return in future books.

Cliffhanger ending! Bring on #3!

⭐⭐⭐⭐.3

#HolmesisMissing @WaitomoDistrictLibrary

MEET THE AUTHORS:
JAMES PATTERSON has donated more than one million books to students, focusing on some of the most under-resourced schools and youth programs in the country.

BRIAN SITTS lives in Peekskill, New York, with his wife Jody. When not collaborating with James Patterson he is an advertising creative director and television writer.

https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

James Patterson is starting off 2025 with a sequel to his new mystery series based around three private investigators – named after Brenda “Sherlock” Holmes, Margaret “Miss Jane” Marple, and August “Edgar Allen” Poe – who form a firm together to solve crime in New York City. The have mysterious pasts and each is carrying seriously hid secrets that threaten to destroy them, either physically or emotionally.

That’s definitely an interesting pitch for a book series, especially for the mystery genre. Last year’s debut novel introducing the team – “Holmes, Marple, and Poe” was a popular bestselling hit for Patterson and Sitts.

Readers wanting more now have it with - “Holmes is Missing” – which brings the big three back for another case to solve. Or at least two of them since when we last left them, Holmes left to check himself into a private recovery center to deal with his long-term addiction to heroin.

This one starts off with Marple and Poe being called in by Detective Lieutenant Helene Grey of the New York Policed Department (and Poe’s girlfriend) to the scene of an unusual, but serious crime. When they arrive at St. Michaels hospital Maternity Ward to find that six newborn babies have gone missing.

Law enforcement leadership doesn’t want Marple or Poe involved in any manner, but the parents of the missing babies remember how the three investigators solved a big crime the prior summer, and immediately hire them to find their babies. Marple and Poe’s initial review of the crime scene tells them the newborns were taken by unknown professionals who knew that they were doing.

Marple and Poe realize they cannot find the kidnappers by themselves. They need the unique skills and help of their partner and friend, Holmes to solve this one. Their first move is to go find their friend and convince him to come back and help them take on their biggest case yet…

As I started reading this book, I remembered that my thoughts on the first one were rather mixed. There were some good things to say about it, but I also had some concerning constructive feedback. I felt like it worked best when it focused on the individual characters, their unique individual skillsets, interactions between themselves and with others throughout the book.

I feel the same way about the second novel. The primary mystery involving the taking of newborn babies and children from other locations became more of a secondary storyline to the individual sub-plots of the three main characters. More time and focus were spent on Holmes struggles with recovery and wanting to quit and Poe’s personal relationship developments with Helene Grey, and Maple’s spending most of her time dealing with and babysitting her two business partners and friends. Even though Holmes spent most of the book whining and wanting to quit, I found myself enjoying his own mystery plotline more than I did the baby stealing one, even though I could see who the killer was almost immediately. That secret was pretty much given away from the start. I also enjoyed the expanded use and development of Virginia’s character, which was a refreshing addition to the mix.

All of these other storylines and activities really took away from the main mystery, which in itself, didn’t provide as much suspense or drama as it should have. It felt there should have been more layers and complexity to it, but it felt superficial and without real urgency because of the subplots. For me, it started out with potential, slowed down and almost got lost, and then ended with more of a whimper than a bang. Also, I was not pleased with the authors turning Holmes, Margaret, and Poe into Marvel universe super-heroes at the end. For me, having someone who hasn’t flown a helicopter in over 15 years suddenly fly a million-dollar advanced law enforcement helicopter all over New York without getting caught was quite frankly, ridiculous. I get that we have to suspend some sense of reality with Patterson novels, but that was way too over the top for me.

Like the prior book, the characters also felt a bit messy and inconsistent. As much as I enjoyed their wit and banter (with the exception of Captain Duff’s one dimensional and cliche dislike for the three investigators), they never seemed to be fully fleshed out and consistent in their actions. I would explain further, but it would give crucial things away that should be left to the reading experience itself. Let’s just say, that their actions leaned one way for most of the book, and then suddenly took 180 degree turns that came across as baffling and confusing.

On the positive side, I found it interesting that each of the three main characters had their own private weaknesses and situations that they tried so hard to hide from each other and yet considered themselves all best friends. That is dysfunction functioning at a high professional level. On a personal note, I find myself being drawn to the character of NYPD detective, Helene Grey, the most. I think it’s because she comes across as knowing what she wants, being decisive and refusing to complain about what challenge’s life has thrown her and has her act together. I really connected with her and the tough decisions she made without any regret.

Overall, there was so much going on with personal lives of Holmes and Poe, that it overshadowed a primary mystery that was rather weak in its execution. Two books into this series and it feels like the writers are still trying to find their rhythm and flow. The ingredients are mostly there, but they’re disjointed and not mixed well yet.

Since the public reception has been good, and the way that this one ended with a big set-up for the next book, I am sure that we’ll see a third one coming out sometime next year. However. I am hopeful that the recipe gets worked on more, starting with cleaning up the plotting elements, creating more consistency with the characters, and creating stronger mysteries that really the power trio, as well as exciting the readers.

My review is 2.5 out of 5-stars (and yes, Goodreads rounds it up, but don’t be deceived).

[SusanTalksBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** 12/3/24 *** So excited to read book #2 in the (Brendan) Holmes, Margaret (Marple), and (Augustus) Poe series by James Patterson. This 3-person PI firm tackles a new case of abducted babies from the hospital. But Holmes is largely absent until later in the book, and so Margaret and Augustus jump into investigating on their own.

This book felt a little more serious and dark because of it being baby-centric, plus Holmes has some demons he is battling. There is a romance angle I don't feel is necessary, and somehow they have an assistant/cook who can basically read minds (doesn't feel authentic). There is a lot of action and it also seems like Patterson is trying to humanize these characters, but it doesn't come as naturally through in the dialog and plot as one would hope.

Unfortunately I did not love this one as much as the first novel, despite being a big Patterson fan. But I'll definitely be a reader of the next book and will still recommend this book to crime fans. 3.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC.


*** 10/28/24 *** OMG! So excited, I was approved by NetGalley & Little, Brown & Co., to read and review an advanced copy of this January 6, 2025 release novel. Thank you.

This is book number 2 in a new series by one of my favorite authors, James Patterson, and partner author, Brian Sitts. It is a modern take on a private investigator team with members having names of well-known literary PIs. It is a great premise that could yield a lot of novels. I read the first one and loved it. Looking forward to reviewing this one soon.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did a happy dance when I saw this new book in teh Holmes, Margaret & Poe series and grabbed it quickly. I really enjoyed the first book and loved the characters.

Description:
Meet the most original and exciting team of investigators ever— three modern detectives armed with the methods of the greatest of all time. Brilliant detective Brendan Holmes has gone missing, along with many of the most powerful people in New York. Can Margaret Marple and Augustus Poe use their legendary skills to save the A-listers' lives and, while they're at it, rescue Holmes?

Success has come quickly to Holmes, Marple & Poe Investigations, a Brooklyn-based elite team of three detectives with famous names and mysterious pasts.

At two a.m., Auguste Poe, the “muscle” of the trio, speeds across the Williamsburg Bridge toward a fresh NYPD crime scene, called by Detective Helene Grey. His passenger, Margaret Marple, is the “eyes” of their operation—a PI whose contact list is rivaled only by her keen powers of observation.

Six infants are missing.

So is the “brain” of their agency, Brendan Holmes.

When the two PIs arrive at the scene, they’re confronted by a perplexing abduction case.

Poe whispers to Marple, “Of all the times to be one brain short!”

If only they could consult with the errant Holmes—before the kidnappers strike again.

My Thoughts:
Not sure why the series is called Holmes, Margaret & Poe instead of Holmes, Marple & Poe (used Margaret Marple's first name rather than her last, but last names for the other two investigators). Poe and Marple are on their own since Holmes is missing and they are called upon to handle a very serious case of six missing infants. Can the two talented investigators solve the case with one very important team member missing? The investigation was fun to follow and I still really enjoy all the characters. I like the way Marple holds the team together. There is also some humor here that alleviates the tense situations. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys crime fiction.

Thanks to Little, Brown and Company through Netgalley for an advance copy.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not to be mean, but this book was really nowhere as good as the first. The amount of suspension of disbelief required was insurmountable. They stole a police helicopter, for Pete’s sake, with zero repercussions. (And that was the least of the “you gotta be kidding me” scenes.) Also, although “Holmes Was Missing,” he was present throughout the book and assisting in solving the mysteries. His whiplash “I’m quitting” to “I’ve still got it” was tedious. And Marple falling for him in the end? She’s had to act like his mother on so many occasions, and I can’t see her falling for a quitter, either. Then there’s Poe and Helene. I’m unclear how effective an investigator Poe will be with twin babies to consider, and I cannot understand this plot point. This book couldn’t decide if it was a mystery or a romance, and it did neither particularly well. I will read the next installment if there is one, but this was a big disappointment. If you liked the first book, skip this, as it was nothing like the first.

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, love, loved it!

This series - book 2 - is moving in all the right directions.

Whereas the first book set us up to see how Holmes, Marple and Poe clicked together, this one showed us how the gears in the partnership may not be calibrated.

The quirks of each of the three are still there and we are given the most looks into Holmes’ mind this time.

Quirky and neurodivergent characters - WHEN WRITTEN WELL - are my catnip.

The 3 of them are reminiscent of Ana Dolabra in The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett or even do you remember Lisbeth Salander, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo? I’m sure there are plenty more but those two come to mind. Oh! And this also reads slightly like The Elias Network which is another new series.

There are some nice cliffhangers - 3 to be exact - that will keep me coming back for more.

I love the techno-edginess coming through in this series. Love, love loved it!

[Matt. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the first book in this series, but Holmes Is Missing left me feeling severely disappointed. While the serial killer plotline was gripping and well-done, it was overshadowed by other aspects that detracted from my enjoyment.

The political undertones were hard to ignore, with every racist character being portrayed as white and right-wing. It’s starting to feel repetitive and heavy-handed, and it took me out of the story. Additionally, I found the baby storyline uninteresting, which lost the book another point for me.

If there’s a third book, I worry the narrative will continue to lean heavily on the same themes, and I’m not sure I’ll stick around for it. That said, the strong elements of suspense and intrigue keep this from being a total miss. Here’s hoping for a more balanced approach if the series continues

[Shannon M (Canada) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know that a James Patterson novel is going to be a quick, thoughtless read, and that's why I stopped reading most of his massive output. Sometimes, I'm in the mood for an easy story and I'll try one. I enjoyed the comic tone of "Holmes, Margaret and Poe", and was hoping that HOLMES IS MISSING would have the same vibe.

Big mistake.

Although I still like the three main characters (and their assistant, Virginia), I found the comedic vibe missing, and the plot simply ridiculous. I can enjoy a ridiculous plotline if the tone is light—an amusing tale—but not if it's written as being a serious thriller. There is no depth here, just a group of "superheroes" flitting from place to place, outwitting the dumb U.S. law enforcement agencies. (Ironically, the U.K. police come across as helpful and reasonably intelligent.) I believe that James Patterson is trying to score political points. Being Canadian, I'm not against some of these points, but he does it in such a heavy-handed way that it spoils the fun of reading a light-hearted thriller.

And finally, I must ask why the names of several respected authors were dropped into the middle of the story? Writers who had nothing to do with the plot. Was Patterson trying to make a point? He may sell lots of books but he is not a respected "writer". Plus all those obscure quotes from Sherlock Holmes stories—designed to impress readers, but not further the narrative.

Overall, a poor outing, even considering that it is a James Patterson book. A wasted 5 hours and 12 minutes. I considered giving it one star, but I didn't dnf, and I still like the characters Brendon Holmes, Margaret Marple and August Poe—at least a little bit. Not enough to follow their further adventures though.

Thanks to the Greater Victoria Public Library for providing a copy of this ebook.

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explosive! Literally and metaphorically!

By the seat of your pants read. Well what can’t expect anything less from these two authors.
Brendon Holmes is AWOL, sort of. Margaret Marple is leaning into the new challenge and concerned for Holmes. Auguste Poe is still pulling out the right vintage muscle car for the right moment.
Their research assistant / housekeeper, and so much more, Virginia is fabulous.
I’m loving the mysteries these three are coming to grips with, or in Holmes’s case—not!
When danger comes into their home and hearth a villain of an entirely different stamp emerges.
We’re left wondering “What’s next?”

A Little, Brown & Co ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Laura Wonderchick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great addition to this series. I think readers would love these characters, flaws and all. I think I enjoyed this one even more than the first. Thanks to the publisher for this copy for read and review.

[R L HERSKOWITZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars rounded up to 4 Stars.

2nd book in series, but not necessary to read first one.

Cliffhanger ending.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The private investigative team of Marple, Poe and Holmes takes on a really tough case involving stolen newborns. Their investigation is turned on its head when Brendan Holmes decides that he doesn’t want to be part of the group anymore. Suffering from the lingering effects of addiction, Holmes isn’t sure what he wants to do, but he knows that he doesn’t want to continue to work in the partnership. Marple and Poe convince him to help them with the case of the kidnapped infants and thus the non-stop action begins. Encompassing several U.S. states and two continents, this book is a high-octane thrill ride, with false clues and multiple suspects along with a police detective who is less than cooperative with their investigation. I really enjoyed the way the trio figured out what was really happening and followed their instincts to try to save the babies’ lives as well as solve a second mystery involving a serial killer. There was a lot going on in this book, at a fast pace and with the author’s signature style of short, packed with action chapters. I felt as though I got to know Marple, Holmes and Poe more personally in this book because their flaws were evident as well as their many strengths. They also showed how much they cared about each other and that solving the case was not for monetary gain bur rather for the satisfaction of helping others stay safe. The interaction between the characters was realistic and the plot is relevant and compelling. This is the second book in the series but can be read and enjoyed as a standalone if you have just discovered it.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holmes, Margaret & Poe own a successful detective agency. After Holmes expressed interest in leaving the agency, he fell off the radar, leaving Poe & Margaret to handle one of their toughest cases. Someone has made it on to the maternity floor of a private hospital and absconded with six newborn children. The tale that unfolds not only gave us an impressive case, it provided a much closer look at Holmes and the other agents.

Margaret is the glue that holds the firm together. This time around we got an eye opening look at our trio. We discover where Holmes is and learn quite a bit about his upbringing. Poe has some interesting news and is processing. I love this unique group of characters from fancy cars to mannerisms and delighted in this in-depth look.

The case is every parent’s worst nightmare and Poe & Margaret were fascinating to watch. Holmes plays a role as well. The pacing, suspects and clues kept me guessing as did some startling discovers Margret made.

While the case wraps up, we are left with a bit of a cliffhanger and I am all in. I hope we see many more cases in the Holmes, Margaret & Poe Mystery series. I recommend started from the beginning with Holmes, Marple & Poe. However, one could argue that each works as a standalone mystery.

Christine Lakin’s narration is superb from her accents to the way she showcases each character’s personality. Each voice, the tone, and the pacing were all executed flawlessly. I highly recommend listening. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Dan Cassino · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one is for everyone who read the first “Holmes, Marple and Poe” book (before someone realized that you can’t sell a book called a Marple mystery if you’re not the estate of Agatha Christie) and thought, “Sure, that was dumb. I mean, Holmes has a super sniffer like Gus from Psych? And there are weird celebrity cameos for no reason? But it wasn’t in bad taste.”
Maybe someone out there wants some Q-Anon and some dead babies in their spectacularly dumb airport page turner, but boy, it ain’t this guy. The last one was fun in a MST3K way- so bad it went around to laughably bad- but this one is bad and offensive. Still some howlers in there- you know how you can get Pentagon grade WiFi by installing extra modems in your walls? - but the dead babies make it hard to have a good time with it.
Also, it turns out that our heroes are among the people who use fake NYC emergency placards to park wherever they want, so now I’m rooting for whoever is going to take them out.

[ghostly_bookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

CAWPILE 6.86
3.5 STARS

I managed to get my hands on this from my local library- the waiting list is ridiculous so I wanted to get it read ASAP.
I have mixed feelings about this one- I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and was eagerly awaiting the second but I must admit that this one has left me feeling very flat.
The mystery was compelling but I don't know whether I'll continue after this book.

[Salli S · Rating 1 out of 5]

So disappointed - the story jumps all over the place. More concentration on the characters' personal drama than on the actual mystery. The ending was a joke - sorry I am huge fan of James Patterson however someone else wrote this other than Patterson - pretty boring too.

[Kristen Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book! This is the only series by Patterson that isn’t too grisly for me. I really like the association with my favorite authors, and I love the camaraderie between the three characters. I totally recommend this series to anyone who loves crime novels.

[Janereads10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patterson and Sitts knock it out of the park with this sequel. The trio of detectives named after literary legends returns, but this time Holmes has vanished, adding another layer to an already complex case of missing babies.

This installment cranks everything up a notch. The investigation spans two continents, with Margaret following leads to London while the team struggles without their full roster. The cross-Atlantic baby abductions create genuine urgency that kept me flipping pages frantically.

What impressed me most was seeing these characters as more than just clever namesakes. Holmes' alcoholism isn't treated as a throwaway detail but as a genuine struggle that impacts the entire team. Meanwhile, Poe's relationship troubles take center stage as the missing babies case forces him to confront his own fears about fatherhood. His internal conflict adds emotional weight to an already tense investigation. These vulnerabilities ground the detectives in reality, making them relatable despite their extraordinary abilities.

The constant butting of heads with law enforcement adds another obstacle, forcing our trio to get creative with their methods. This tension feels authentic rather than manufactured, enhancing rather than distracting from the central mystery.

The authors strike a perfect balance between the adrenaline rush of the investigation and quieter moments that reveal character depth. By the conclusion, I cared as much about these detectives as I did about solving the case.

That ending though? Absolutely worth the journey, wrapping things up while dangling just enough threads to have me counting days until the next book.

[Ranjini Shankar · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounding up. This was another blazing fast read in this series. It’s got fun quirky characters, a crazy mystery, villains we love to hate and a police captain constantly getting in the way. It’s a great blend of the classics and the modern. It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger but the main mystery gets wrapped up nicely.

The detective agency has been called in to investigate six missing babies from a maternity ward but the team is not operating on all cylinders. Holmes isn’t himself on his recovery meds, Poe just got life altering news so Marple is left to be the only real adult with so many lives at stake.

This is probably why I didn’t rate it higher because I found Holmes (and often Poe) to just be such a drag. I wanted to see the wit, banter and sparks fly as they worked together to solve this. However two out of the three were constantly behind and Marple basically carried the whole storyline. It just wasn’t as fun as the first book. However, I really love this trio (and Virginia) so I’ll be back for more

[LiteraryMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holmes is Missing is the second book in the Holmes, Margaret & Poe series by James Patterson and Brian Sitts. Am I tripping or was this series supposed to be called Marple instead of Margaret? Anyhoot, my new favorite trio of crime solvers are back! I was so hoping this would become a series as I was not quite ready to let go of Holmes, Margaret or Poe last year. In fact, I had been stalking the author's website for news of this release. Imagine my glee when the advance digital copy arrived on my Kindle! A happy holiday indeed.

Holmes, Marple & Poe Investigations is an elite team of three most-celebrated private investigators with famous names and mysterious pasts. Auguste Poe and Margaret Marple rush to the scene of a crime. Six babies are missing. So is their partner, Brendan Holmes. Add rehab, life-changing news and a touch of romance, and this dynamic team is spinning heads, taking names, making shit happen.

While Holmes is Missing was not as gripping as the first book, I still very much enjoyed this page-turner. Patterson and Sitts make a great writing duo. The multiple storylines are not confusing or drawn out. The clues are there but not obvious. The twists are what every mystery should have, including a "cameo" of another of my real-life favorite authors. Hilariously done!

What I love the most about this series are the characters. My goodness! These three investigators are multi-layered and so damn flawed they are perfect! From their famous names to their personal struggles, they are original and exciting. Their empathy, patience and teamwork when working with each other is admirable. Dare I say Holmes, Margaret and Poe are my favorite Patterson characters ever! Doubt me? Start the new year reading Holmes is Missing to see why.

Happy Early Pub Day, James Patterson and Brian Sitts! Holmes is Missing will be available Monday, January 6, 2025.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holmes is Missing is the second book in the Holmes, Margaret & Poe series, although it is the first one that I have read. Our three main characters run a private investigating business and each has the skills of the famous and mysterious person they are named after. They are based in Brooklyn, but his case takes them to New Jersey and they are able to work with two different police departments. The book opens with 6 babies being taken from the hospital and no one knows how this happened. The parents are all wealthy and not happy with the police response, they hire Holmes, Marple and Poe. The problem is that Brendan Holmes, the brain of their group is missing. Margaret Marple is able to find him at a rehab center and gets him to rejoin the group and find those babies.

Each of the characters brings something to the team whether it is brains, muscle or intuition and social skills, and they work well together. Holmes has gotten some news that threw him for a loop and he is trying to deal with that, while Poe is trying to keep clean, and Margaret is trying to hold it all together. As the book progresses, it becomes obvious that these babies are not kidnapped, as there is no ransom, but the options are not good. I really liked how Margaret is able to talk to suspects or people with information and get them to give her information that hasn't been given to the police. The investigation was interesting and kept me guessing as to what was happening. As more children and infants disappear, the tension increases. I enjoyed seeing how the trio were able to talk themselves onto investigations and crime scenes. The ending was great, and although not all the children were rescued, it was a happy ending for most of the parents. I loved how the final scenes found the trio headlining a discussion at a writer's conference. It's at that point that they are questioned by some rather famous authors, talk about name dropping, that made me laugh and close the book with a smile.

[Judy Odom · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars just for the sheer delight in Holmes, Margaret & Poe.

They had me laughing, they had me worried, they always impress me with me their detecting skills and I would certainly hire them in a heart beat.

Their characters complement each other perfectly: Margaret is the glue that holds them together, Holmes is valiantly fighting his demons and Poe has had some shocking news.

Put that all aside and they rush to the scene of multiple kidnapping .

The police aren't happy but that wont stop these three.

Enjoy the journey as you follow the twists and turns and sheer audacity of Holmes, Margaret & Poe.

James Patterson and Brian Sitts are a force to be reckoned with and this is my favourite series of the ones they write together.

I will be first in line for the next adventure of this trio.

Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown Company for the privilege of reading and reviewing this entertaining book.

[Shameka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately I was not a fan of this book. I appreciated the fact that the authors cut down on the number of cases that were being investigated (there was way too much going on in the first book) but for the first half of the book, the investigation really took a backseat to everything else going on. Holmes, Marple & Poe are private investigators so people pay them to help solve mysteries. The main one in this book is major-newborn babies have been kidnapped from the maternity ward of the hospital. Based on the limited knowledge I've gained from watching true crime shows on TV, the first 48 hours of a missing person case is critical. Yet the three of them spent time doing everything but working on the case including sitting on a panel at some kind of crime writer's convention. Then in the second half of the book they started giving the case the attention that it needed but by then I was over it. Save your time and pass on this one.

[Kevin Stumpf · Rating 1 out of 5]

I believe this book is mistitled. Holmes is not missing. I am also unsure I like where this series arc is headed.

What I know, is that the entire plot of this “thriller” was UNBELIEVABLE. Not far fetched, not unlikely, but UNBELIEVABLE, NOT POSSIBLE, not slightly exaggerated, or stretching the truth, but UNBELIEVABLE.

Hopefully the series gets back on track for book #3. Also the book is not a Holmes, Margaret & Poe novel. It should be Holmes, MARPLE & Poe shouldn’t it? Book was so bad they could not even title it correctly.

[CL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the 1st book.

I enjoyed the 2nd book of this series because it is fast paced and it also set the stage for a series.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Found this boring, plot weak, and a bit far fetched

[Karen Graves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, fast-paced mystery. I enjoyed the intertwining story arcs and the hook at the end. Only the title is misleading…

And I look forward to the next installment.