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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Charlotte Holmes is blond, pretty, feminine, and too smart to be accepted easily in society. Olivia is her loving sister who knows her better than any other. Mrs. John Watson, a retired stage actress initially employs Charlotte as a ladies’ companion but quickly becomes her sidekick. Lord Ingram Ashburton, a long time friend and first love, is the go-between for “Sherlock” and a police inspector. Inspector Robert Treadles is a fan of Sherlock and his advice on several cases, but the case of three society deaths makes him want to consult with Sherlock in person.
In 1886 women were still expected to marry and produce children and weren’t considered suited for deep thought or much past a simple painting and playing the piano. Into this setting Charlotte hits the scene with a whip sharp intellect, little desire for domesticity, and little regard for societal mores limiting her. The setting is the era and it’s impact that fashions a lovely – even cherubic looking woman – into the legendary Sherlock.
The plot is mainly the making of Sherlock with a tantalizing murder mystery to show us how Charlotte deducts and leads the police while maintaining her cover as Sherlock. The murder is clever and likely wouldn’t have been uncovered or even suspected as a murder, if it weren’t for Charlotte. The pacing picks up once Charlotte finds Watson, so the beginning sets the stage.
You likely know how I love a suspenseful killer confrontation, but this was a killer reveal that explains the three deaths and the understanding is such a twist that it serves as it’s own suspense. The wrap-up introduces the re-imagined Moriarty that promises more twists on the established Sherlock mythos.
This story is pure genius. Charlotte is so counter to the image of Sherlock and yet it works beautifully. I feel as though Ms. Thomas, to whom English is a second language, was born to write this and it will be her crowning character and series.
Rating: Near Perfect – Couldn’t put it down. Buy two copies, one for you and one for a friend.
I spent most of this confused. I don’t suggest the audiobook if you want to follow along, but I’m sure it would be easier to read in book format. Points in favor:
– I liked that it portrayed a different version of the Holmes vices with Charlotte’s eating.
– I liked the mystery part, when we finally got to it
Points not in favor:
– too many lords and ladies, I couldn’t keep it straight.
– the first half of the book was BORING. I got this for murder and mystery, not sad stories of Holmes wandering the streets.
– Cheating. I know Ashcroft/Lord whatshisface is supposed to be Charlotte’s love interest, and I know he has a bad relationship with his wife and whatever but I still don’t like it. I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series with all of the cheating that’s likely to happen.
LOVE Sherry Thomas and love this whole series!
I love this book. Filled with well-crafted three-dimensional characters and well-chosen details.
This was a fun read and a great twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes.
My sister introduced this author to me, and within a week I’d gobbled up the entire Lady Sherlock series. Seriously, anyone who is always wanting more Sherlock Holmes, these books will satisfy!
I love Sherlock Holmes books, movies, and television series —I was so excited to try this series . I am not disappointed! The audio narration is perfect and made the characters come to life. In this version, a female plays Sherlock’s role and a different female is Watson. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the determination of some females to exit the roles society forced on them, in order to pursue their own dreams. Without living women who did the same, females of today would still be in bondage to societal roles. I look forward to the second in this series.
“If God doesn’t want people to lie, he shouldn’t have given the best liars such earnest and innocent faces.” (quote from the book)
I wasn’t sure what I was expecting in starting this book by a ‘new author to me’ in one of my favourite genres, Victorian Murder Mysteries. It started off odd, curious and a touch eccentric which is exactly the best way I can describe Charlotte Holmes. Taking the great literary character, Sherlock Holmes, and gender-swapping him into a woman with all the trims, bows and lace of the Victorian age was actually rather brilliant.
Being given insight into the young Charlotte Holmes, her two sisters and their restrictive Victorian home life, gives the reader a realistic understanding of family secrets that are hidden from sight and not spoken of. When Charlotte feels she has been betrayed, she sets herself on a path she was not completely prepared for. One that soon has her trying to first save her sister, Livia, and then her father.
There are a wealth of interesting characters in this book, and the role of Watson was one of them. You could see it coming, but still delightful all the same. Then there was the love interest element. You could just feel the simmering intensity between Charlotte and Lord Ingram.
“She wanted to go on luxuriating in the weight and intensity of his gaze. To go on wallowing in that bittersweet mingling of pleasure and heartache.” (quote from the book)
As for the mystery, it was so well constructed with clues slowly but tantalizingly revealed. It all comes together in the end so diabolically. A wonderful first book in this new series!
This is a very creative and interesting adaptation of the character of Sherlock Holmes. I truly enjoyed the way the author used the characters to develop a completely different story of the Homes legacy that is witty, entertaining and engaging. I love the head strong characters who come complete with strengths and weaknesses. The story has a good pace and the mystery is full of plausible suspects, subtle clues, dangerous situations and suspense. I look forward to the next in this series.
The premise of Sherlock Holmes actually being a woman is pretty clever. Overall I did enjoy the story, but many places felt really clumsy and perhaps a bit repetitive. These “foibles” weren’t enough to keep me from giving the next book in the series a try.
I love the strong and smart female protagonist. The setting is also marvelous!
I love this pastiche of Sherlock Holmes. Thomas brilliantly turns things on their head by making Holmes a woman. The entire series is excellent.
While I did end up enjoying this one, I found it rather slow until about 50% in. Maybe that was just because there was a lot of backstory/characters to set up to get the series rolling.
The murder mysteries were quite convoluted and of course Charlotte/Sherlock, always being five steps ahead, could be a bit difficult to follow as well. But I enjoyed this cast of characters and intriguing backstory and look forward to reading more.
Love love loved it!
Why did I wait so long to read this? I have no idea… it’s perfect Sherry Thomas. Outstanding characters, gorgeous writing. A mystery that kept me on the tips of my toes. A romance that will have me gobbling up every other book in the series. Read it. You won’t regret it.
Well written. Classic subject – New twist.
I just LOVE this series and the author’s reimagining of Sherlock Holmes and Watson as females. Beyond terrific!
I enjoyed the book.
Sherlock is Charlotte! Great concept and richly written Victorian Era beautiful read.
While utterly charming and a fascinating reimagination of Sherlock Holmes’ classic tales, I was hoping for a liitle more physical action. Perhaps in further adventures we’ll see more a proactive Charlotte. I do quite enjoy her hedonistic appreciation of both food and fashion!