Poe, Holmes, and Marple are off and running again to solve the mystery of stolen babies.
Holmes is fresh out of rehab and prepared to quit the agency and Poe is going to be surprised by his detective girlfriend news.
Marple is the one member who is shining thru in this novel along with Virginia ….the perfect keeper of all things at the agency.
Well rounded, fast paced and very satisfying.
I recommend. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me this ARC.

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.

James Patterson’s Holmes is Missing delivers nonstop action, chilling mystery, and a clever twist on the classic detective trio. As children go missing and Holmes disappears, the remaining team must confront a brilliant enemy and their own limits. The pacing is fast and addictive, and the villain is layered enough to steal the spotlight. Suspenseful and engaging, it’s a true page-turner for fans of smart thrillers.

I enjoyed the first book in the Holmes, Marple, and Poe series. So I was excited at the opportunity to read the second book. The characters are well developed and I like watching their interactions with each other. There are a lot of twists and turns, jaw-dropping shocking events, and moments when you are happy at how things have resolved. There are clues sprinkled throughout as you work alongside the private investigators Holmes, Marple, and Poe to solve the crime. I was surprised at the end and it has me anxiously looking forward to the next adventure with the gang.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

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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.

James Patterson is possibly the most prolific writer of suspense today, partly because he puts his name on novels by co-authors, and they seem to be instant bestsellers. Some of the co-authors are really good, and some aren’t so good, and the novels aren’t worth reading. Brian Sitts is the co-author of Holmes is Missing, which is the second installment of the Holmes, Margaret, & Poe Mystery series, where Holmes disappears. Holmes just happens to be the brains of the Holmes, Marple, & Poe Investigations, which has an excellent reputation for solving cases, and leaves his partners high and dry, and having difficulty solving their cases. The novel takes place in New York.

While the story is just okay, the authors have done a fairly good job of developing the characters involved. Although he is one of the biggest selling writers of our time, Patterson doesn’t always do his homework and some of his novels leave readers hanging with unsolved portions of the novels; it’s like he forgets to tie up the loose ends. Many readers who read multiple authors will agree that Patterson is one that keeps the LCD (lowest common denominator) population happy, just like the tabloids do, and this novel fits into that category. The writing isn’t particularly good, and the characters aren’t particularly likeable.

All told, this is a mediocre novel by a bestselling author. James Patterson fans may like it, but most readers who like good writing should skip it.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

I wouldn't have read this except that I'd gotten an advance copy in exchange for my honest review. That's how much I disliked the first. The first book in this series read like a collection of short stories, haphazardly thrown together with clickbait-style editorialization. This one reads more like a novel, and is much better for it. There still regularly pops up a clear disconnect between the author and the real world (people don't talk like that, people wouldn't reveal that about themselves in their first meeting with a stranger, people's motivations don't make sense or aren't earned, etc) but it's not on every page, which improves on the first, and the mystery within the plot is good enough to keep me brushing past these annoyances to find out what will happen.

This is a very strange book to read while caring for a two week old newborn baby. I had no idea babies would be such a big part of the story. I thought the way the mysteries unraveled was interesting and engaging and I enjoyed the way they connected. I thought the main villain was compelling and that their story was well written.

I requested this book from NetGalley because I thought the premise of the Holmes, Marple, and Poe team sounded interesting and I hadn't read the first book yet. If I had, I never would have requested or read this book. But I'm glad I did. This book improves on the first in every way. There's still plenty of room for improvement, but I'm now interested in continuing the series, which is a pleasant surprise.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

This is the second in a clever series by Patterson and Sitts. Three detectives have formed a practice to solve difficult cases using their individual strengths.

In this episode, a group of babies is stolen from a maternity ward and the police are baffled. To make matters worse, Holmes has disappeared and his co-workers have no idea where he is or why he left. They must solve the mystery without Holmes' expertise. In addition, they are worried about their partner.

I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to future volumes in the series.

Title: Holmes Is Missing
Author: Brian Sitts and guest co author James Patterson
My fellow readers this is my first Holmes Margaret & Poe read. I was impressed that this book reads like all the other books written by this author. The fluidity from the book was a big plus. The chapters were many and filled with details to behold the readers imagination. The plot was mind numbing.
It boggled my mind at how the team and local police force would capture the villains who would reek havoc across two continents. Captain Duff needs to take a back seat. As I was saying the plot was a- mazing. The twists were supreme. I enjoyed every surprising detail.
I considered this book to be extremely moderate. Definitely fit to connect with the readers. The information and or facts are truly believable and real. They played well, hand in hand with the reader’s imagination and the suspenseful storyline. The characters Holmes, Margaret and Poe are excellent.
Their characters keeps the book entertaining with the different levels of personalities and their own background story.
Helene and Poe I’m rooting for you two. My favorite Character is Virginia. I see her involvement in future cases. The book is amazing.
I give this book two snaps and a — Oliver Paul or are you Oliver Paul? Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!

This was a fast-paced and enjoyable read. It's the second in the series but can be read as a standalone.

There was a bit too much personal drama happening for my taste and I found the baby kidnappings hard to stomach but overall it kept my attention and I look forward to future books.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Little, Brown and Company through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Little, Brown and Company.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"Holmes Is Missing," the latest installment in the Holmes, Margaret & Poe Mystery series by James Patterson and Brian Sitts, delivers a compelling blend of classic detective work with a modern, high-stakes thriller.

This series cleverly reimagines iconic detective figures, placing them in a contemporary setting. The dynamic between Holmes, Margaret, and Poe is a driving force, offering a fresh take on the detective trio.

The book crafts a complex and engaging narrative that allows each character to shine, revealing new layers to their personalities.

The authors weave together intricate plot lines, balancing the classic elements of a mystery with the fast-paced energy of a modern thriller.

"Holmes Is Missing" tackles a particularly harrowing subject matter, involving missing infants, which adds a layer of emotional intensity to the narrative.

The pacing is classic Patterson, meaning it is very fast paced, and keeps the pages turning.

This book is very good at keeping the reader guessing, with twists and turns that maintain suspense throughout.

The explorations of the character Holmes personal history adds a very welcome depth to the character.

While the book delivers a thrilling ride, some readers might find the sheer number of plot twists and turns a bit overwhelming.

"Holmes Is Missing" is a worthy addition to the Holmes, Margaret & Poe series. It delivers a thrilling and engaging mystery that will appeal to fans of both classic detective fiction and modern thrillers. The authors skillfully blend iconic characters with a contemporary narrative, creating a compelling and entertaining read.

Fast, fun, and totally entertaining crime fiction.

This second in a new series is as good as the first and definitely moves Holmes, Marple, and Poe into a higher rung of my favorites. The prose is direct, clear, and crisp with short chapters, lots of action, and great characters. In addition, the plot is tight and intriguing -- kidnapped infants make for a very intense subject in a gripping thriller. I am worried, however, that Holmes has lost his footing as he tries to take himself out of their partnership.

I enjoyed this one and could barely put it down though I had many other things I was meant to be doing today. I like the relationship between the main characters and the twists and turns the story took. From the USA to London, the investigation is urgent and they are running out of time. Can they find the children and expose the criminal network in time?

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator did a great job with voice and accents for all the characters increasing the drama and enhancing my appreciation of the story. Definitely recommend.

I hope we will see more of Holmes, Marple, and Poe as there are still many more possible directions for them to go in their unique partnership.

This book was pretty good. I had read the first book in the series, and was hoping there would be a sequel because there were many questions I had from the first book about the main characters of Holmes, Marple and Poe. If you are interested in this book, make sure to read the first book in the series.

Summary of the story from Goodreads: 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.

I really enjoyed the case that they had to solve. The story is fast moving and easy to read. The three main characters are very good at what they do, although I really wish more was provided about the characters. Little bits and pieces are revealed throughout the first two books, but its taking longer than I want.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and I'm glad I read it.

The second book in the series, but you don’t have to read the first one to catch up. I really love these three characters and their unique personalities and ways of life. While the three are investigating baby kidnappers, there is also a pregnancy, a relationship starting, and an ongoing battle with drugs. We are left on a cliffhanger so I’m excited for the next book!

James Patterson can do no wrong and when he teams up with Brian Sitts, the story is that much more entertaining.

I had been clamoring for a sequel since I finished the last page of book 1. I was so glad that they teamed up once again to bring back Holmes, Marple, and Poe. The chemistry between this trio really enhances the story and definitely makes me hopeful that there is more to come.

Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown Co. for gifting me this ARC. As a proud member of James Patterson's street team, I am so glad to enjoy this series.

I have very mixed feelings about this novel. On one hand, I can't at all say it's not a good book. I think it was very well-written and contained multiple storylines that were, for the most part, compelling to read.

On the other hand, it never really grabbed ahold of me the way I wanted it to. Part of that may be because I strongly dislike one of the main characters. I also felt that way about him or her (I won't say which one it is) in the first book of the series. I had hoped to like them more in this second book, but their arrogance and cockiness still rubbed me the wrong way.

Also, even though I felt that the multiple storylines here were mostly compelling to read, I think there was a bit too much going on in this book. This is also a problem I had with the first book. I think both books are far 'too busy' at times. In future books in this series, I hope the authors slow things down a bit and focus on just one or two strong plotlines per book. If they do that, I think the books would be much stronger and I'd probably enjoy them more than I have so far.

'Holmes Is Missing' was good but I didn't think it was great. Will I continue reading future books in this series? Eh...I'm not sure yet. Because I was slightly disappointed in Book #2, Book #3 will not be an auto-buy for me. I'll need to see what the plot of it is and determine then whether or not I want to read it.

NOTE: I received an advanced reading copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley.

I really liked the first book in this series, but I could not get into it. I was disappointed because I had never felt this way about any of Patterson's books; the first one was so good. I had to DNF, and this is the first book where I have done this in any of Patterson's series. I hope the next installment is better.

I love this PI series by James Patterson. The New York City agency led by three detectives—Brendan Holmes, “the brain,” Margaret Marple, “the eyes,” and Auguste Poe, the “muscle”—with famous names and mysterious pasts is one major case away from cementing its professional reputation.

Holmes has taken a leave of absence after the last strenuous case. But as a series of child abductions tests the PIs’ legendary skills, the cerebral Holmes’s absence leaves a gaping hole in the agency roster. Marple and Poe need Holmes help to solve the case.

Great read!

This is my new favorite series by James Patterson. The mirroring of Holmes, Marple and Poe to the historical figures is wonderful. I love that they are all together, in one place, solving mysteries. I highly recommend picking up the first book, (Holmes, Marple and Poe) and then reading Holmes is Missing. Looking forward to the next installment.

I’m conflicted with this story. The plot of the kidnapped children & the mother murders are excellent, the investigation is excellent…what there is of it. This book has a lot of personal conflict, Holmes is “missing “ in the sense he’s not into the investigation, is conflicted about the drug use, his feelings & Poe is more focused about what’s going on with Helene…Marple is the only one really focusing on the case. #HolmesIsMissing #NetGalley