The fictional character of Sherlock Holmes has been popular on a global scale ever since he was first introduced by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in 1887. He has seen a huge resurgence in recent years, from Robert Downey Jr.'s on-screen films to network TV's "Elementary" and, my personal favorite, the BBC series "Sherlock" starring the incomparable Benedict Cumberbatch.

It is almost as if the iconic character defies fiction itself. It is this very fact that is behind the ingenious new novel by Dan Simmons, THE FIFTH HEART. What if Sherlock Holmes was a real person interacting with other famous figures of the world circa 1893? What if Dr. John Watson was actually penning the serial stories of their adventures in The Strand and Conan Doyle was merely their agent/publicist?

The concept of Holmes being real or fictional is constantly at play in this brilliant book, and the fact that it is kept as an open question throughout keeps readers on edge and constantly thinking. Holmes himself, in a pique of philosophical musing, even doubts his own existence at times. No one is more confused and dazzled by this than the other protagonist of the story: famous American author Henry James.

"THE FIFTH HEART is pure genius, and yet another example of the intricate research, plotting and historical pretext for which Simmons has become famous.... This novel is a treat for all Sherlock Holmes fans and includes a twist ending that is nothing short of brilliant."

James penned such diverse classics as THE TURN OF THE SCREW, THE BOSTONIANS and THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY, and found himself more at home in Europe than his home country of America. James and Holmes meet at the beginning of the story on a bridge in Paris. Ironically, both of them are allegedly planning on tossing themselves into the Seine in an act of suicide. They had met once before, but Holmes is now traveling under the guise of Norwegian explorer Jan Sigerson.

They each have separate reasons for ending it all. James has lost his sister, Alice, recently and is still overcome with grief at her passing. Holmes is tired of being on the run as this was the period when he was to have been killed during the infamous plunge at Reichenbach Falls, where he and his archrival, Professor James Moriarty, supposedly perished.

Holmes and James find a joint reason to muster on and travel together to America. A mutual friend and acquaintance of theirs, Clover Adams, had taken her own life. Neither Holmes nor James believe this to be true. Clover was the wife of Henry Adams, a direct descendant of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams. She was also a member of the writing salon that went by the moniker The Five Hearts. Others included Henry, Clarence King and John Hay. Their most famous creation was the book DEMOCRACY: An American Novel. In it, they outlined the nature of political power, its acquisition and abuse.

It's obvious to Holmes --- and somewhat to James --- why certain nefarious parties would want the voices of The Five Hearts silenced. The answer may very well exist amidst the tome of characters from the Sherlock Holmes serial of stories. When it is uncovered that Clover’s closest friend was in fact Holmes nemesis/love interest Irene Adler, things begin to heat up. What is also interesting and potentially lethal is that Irene and Holmes spawned a child --- a young assassin named Lucan Adler, who may be behind a series of politically fueled murders and could be in the States seeking to take down President Grover Cleveland.

James, who is unwittingly becoming the Watson of this tale, steals away at a hidden lair where a band of criminals and dangerous characters are gathering. Their leader is none other than the British criminal mastermind James Moriarty. James overhears their plan of mass assassinations around the United States that would bring about panic and anarchy --- allowing the criminal element to rob the crippled country blind. The first assassination planned is that of President Cleveland, who is preparing to unveil the World's Fair in Chicago, famously being called the White City.

Watching Holmes and James attempt to thwart the greatest mass assassination plot of all time is extremely nerve-wracking as it unfolds in glorious fashion. Simmons even gives his loyal readers a treat by describing an interaction between Holmes and a Native American appearing at the White City --- none other than the protagonist of his terrific novel, BLACK HILLS, Paha Sapa.

THE FIFTH HEART is pure genius, and yet another example of the intricate research, plotting and historical pretext for which Simmons has become famous. Not since DROOD has he so deftly blended fictional and actual characters together in an all-too-believable “fictional” world that is the by-product of his endlessly fertile imagination. Holmes and Moriarty stand side-by-side with Henry James, Samuel Clemens, Teddy Roosevelt and dozens of other prominent individuals. This novel is a treat for all Sherlock Holmes fans and includes a twist ending that is nothing short of brilliant. I continue to be in awe of Simmons and once again ask if there is anything he cannot do.