This collection of fiendishly clever, delightfully witty and yet brilliantly human and insightful short stories build up to a coherent and satisfying novel. Moriarty and Moran, a twisted reflection of Holmes and Watson, criminal genius and murderous Boswell in partnership as consulting criminals. The Newman genius for literary gamesmanship is in full effect here. The layers of references and jokes and obscure characters belie a deft and confident writing style and a dazzling plotter. Moran is a monster and Moriarty is a monster's master, but by the end of the book Newman has given them each a human dimension without once threatening take their side or grant them too much sympathy. Utterly brilliant.