An atmospheric, intricately plotted new mystery in which Sherlock Holmes and Henry Vernier race to catch a villainous murderer at large in the Vatican and Rome.

Sherlock Holmes and Henry Vernier are visiting Rome on a diplomatic mission when the Pope asks the world's greatest detective to help find a stolen relic: the forefinger of 'doubting' Saint Thomas. But when the relic is quickly and mysteriously returned, and all seems to be easily resolved, the forefinger is stolen again in a brutal attack.

Holmes and Vernier must follow the trail of a sacrilegious murderer through the streets of Rome and the halls of the Vatican, uncovering dark ties between members of the church and an Italian crime family.

'This clever mystery is further proof that Siciliano is one of the best contemporary pasticheurs.' - Publishers Weekly starred review (on The Venerable Tiger)

'The spirit and tone of the classic Holmes adventures are alive and well in this instalment... If you are a Holmes fan looking for some new adventures with the Great Detective, The Venerable Tiger is one to pick up!' - The Crime Review (on The Venerable Tiger)

'The tone is Holmesian to the last detail, with the reader swept along to a satisfying ending. A fine addition to the Holmes canon.' - Library Journal

'Siciliano's tale... is wonderfully atmospheric and moves briskly.' - Publishers Weekly

'he [familiar] tale seems fresher and deeper, thanks both to the invigorating presence of Holmes and Vernier and to the wealth of marvellous detail, especially on the Paris Opera House itself.' - Booklist (on The Angel of the Opera)