Becoming Professor Moriarty’s Probability

My Thoughts on Becoming Professor Moriarty’s Probability

First Impressions

"Becoming Professor Moriarty's Probability" is quite the ride! I dove in expecting a gender-bent Sherlock Holmes mystery, and while it delivers on that front to some extent, it quickly became clear that the core of this novel is something else entirely. It's a wild blend of genres, throwing action, fantasy, romance, and psychological elements into a Victorian-era blender. From the get-go, the premise is intriguing: a protagonist waking up in a game world he helped design, now populated by gender-swapped versions of classic characters.

What Works Well

The character dynamics are the true standout. The way the female leads become obsessed with Isaac Adler is fascinating, even if a bit… intense. The author does an excellent job of portraying the subtle shifts in their personalities as they fall deeper into their obsessions. I particularly enjoyed the exploration of addiction, with Isaac becoming a sort of drug that these characters crave. It's a dark and compelling theme that elevates the story beyond a simple harem setup.

The mysteries themselves, while not always the central focus, are generally well-crafted and entertaining. The author assumes a certain familiarity with the original Sherlock Holmes stories, which can be rewarding for fans. The blending of magic into the Sherlockian world creates a unique backdrop that adds to the intrigue. The world-building, while not extensively detailed, provides a solid foundation for the characters and their interactions. I also appreciated the translation, which was smooth and easy to read.

Areas of Concern

While the character dynamics are a strength, the heavy focus on the harem aspect might not appeal to all readers. Some might find the plot secondary to Isaac's romantic entanglements. Also, the "actually I was secretly a badass" moment was a bit of a letdown. It felt like a convenient way to resolve a plot point rather than a natural progression of the story. I can also see how the gender-bending of Holmes and Moriarty into characters who seemingly need male guidance could be seen as a misstep, undermining the strength of the original female characters.

Final Verdict

"Becoming Professor Moriarty's Probability" is a complex and engaging novel that will likely appeal to readers who enjoy yandere characters, intricate relationships, and a dash of mystery with a dark twist. While it may not be a faithful adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, it offers a unique and compelling narrative that explores themes of addiction, obsession, and salvation. Just be prepared for a wild ride filled with intense emotions and morally ambiguous characters. Overall, I found it to be a worthwhile read.