USA Today bestselling author Sherry Thomas turns the story of the renowned Sherlock Holmes upside down in the first novel in this Victorian mystery series…. With her inquisitive mind, Charlotte Holmes has never felt comfortable with the demureness expected of the fairer sex in upper class society. But even she never thought that she would become a social pariah, an outcast fending for herself … outcast fending for herself on the mean streets of London.
When the city is struck by a trio of unexpected deaths and suspicion falls on her sister and her father, Charlotte is desperate to find the true culprits and clear the family name. She’ll have help from friends new and old—a kind-hearted widow, a police inspector, and a man who has long loved her.
But in the end, it will be up to Charlotte, under the assumed name Sherlock Holmes, to challenge society’s expectations and match wits against an unseen mastermind.
An NPR Best Book of 2016
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Nice twist on a Sherlock Holmes theme. The book assumes that Dr. Watson died before he had a chance to write about Holmes and that there is a clan of Holmeses. One young woman has the kind of abilities we attribute to Sherlock, but knows she must find a way around the societal bias against women to be able to use her talents.
Clever rewriting of Sherlock Holmes. I will be interested to see if the second book is as good.
This first in Sherry Thomas’ new series is wonderful and intriguing and I can’t wait for more. Interesting mystery to be solved in this one and even more interest in the unfolding of the core characters.
An interesting twist on the “Sherlock Holmes” theme – with Sherlock being a woman. I wasn’t sure I’d like that aspect – but the characters were unique enough and interesting enough I didn’t mind that at all and I was really gripped by the story. There were a few parts that were confusing, especially in the early part of the book, but once I got past that it was a very entertaining book. The dialogue and way of speaking felt fairly realistic for the time period (many books, in my mind, fall short on that score).
I love Sherlock Holmes. This book is very well written and cleverly uses Holmes details in a fresh, new way. Delightful.
Well written
I enjoyed reading this twisty story, especially after the first few chapters. It was fun and easy to read.
Wonderfully original plot.
An interesting take on S Holmes, although it certainly helps to have a rich benefactor. I’d have liked a more linear description of the links to her reading and the esoterica she displays, since Doyle’s hero is seen experimenting from time to time. There certainly are a multitude of Sherlock’s cases as described by Doyle to use as framework, so this heroine probably has legs.
Amazing read. I can NOT wait for book 2!
Original and enjoyable twist on Holmes. Funny at times with very intelligent female protagonist coping rather well in a male dominated society. I have read Conan Doyle mysteries and found this female version entertaining.
I loved this book. It was highly original, intelligent and intriguing, well thought out, true to its time period, and vastly entertaining. I can’t wait for her next book in this series! There are lots of Sherlock wannabes, but this is the real thing.
Love most Sherlock Holmes , except with Robert Downey Jr.
Although Sherlock is a female it is a nice turn.
A good read, sometimes a little hard to follow. I did enjoy the new twist to a Holmes mystery.
Ready for the next in this series NOW!
Loved this well-written book. The concept of a female Sherlock Holmes is a great spin on the famous detective. Highly recommend it!
In a time when variations on the Sherlock Holmes storyline are numerous, this writer has managed a new and delightful take on the characters and plot.
I loved it! A lady Sherlock Holmes that is extremely well-done. Great characters and decent mystery, with a nice tie in to the originals. Looking forward to the next!
Hard to follow. Unhappy conclusion to crime.