As seen on The Today Show! One of the best summer mystery picks!Charlotte Holmes, Lady Sherlock, returns in the Victorian-set mystery series from the USA Today bestselling author of A Conspiracy in Belgravia and A Study in Scarlet Women, an NPR Best Book of 2016.Under the cover of “Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective,” Charlotte Holmes puts her extraordinary powers of deduction to good use. … her extraordinary powers of deduction to good use. Aided by the capable Mrs. Watson, Charlotte draws those in need to her and makes it her business to know what other people don’t.
Moriarty’s shadow looms large. First, Charlotte’s half brother disappears. Then, Lady Ingram, the estranged wife of Charlotte’s close friend Lord Ingram, turns up dead on his estate. And all signs point to Lord Ingram as the murderer.
With Scotland Yard closing in, Charlotte goes under disguise to seek out the truth. But uncovering the truth could mean getting too close to Lord Ingram–and a number of malevolent forces…
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Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as ingenious women? Bring it on! This latest installment in the wonderful series by Sherry Thomas is clever, witty, and completely absorbing. Set in the Victorian era, the mystery is suspenseful and the characters compelling. The Hollow of Fear is the perfect book for anyone who likes daring female protagonists and rich historical settings!
“You might be surprised at the strength of the fragile. And for some people it is ordinary life that is most challenging, not so much the extraordinary.”
I am a great fan of Sherry Thomas’ Lady Sherlock. However, when this book seemed to be more focused on Olivia, Charlotte’s sister, I began to have my doubts about it and began to have doubts that this third book would be as entertaining as the first two were. And, I refuse to reveal much of the actual story as it is full of spoilers.
Again circling around the Ashburton brothers, Charlotte gets in the middle of Lord Ingram’s wife’s situation that started towards the end of the second story. [However, don’t worry if you haven’t read that one, these can all be read as stand alones.]. Secondarily, it also deals with Olivia’s budding romance and the safety of their sister Bernadine. We also get some backstory on the whole troupe. More than once I was heard to say:” So, NOW that makes sense!”.
And, after reading most of it in one sitting, I will be returning this *library*book and begin pining for my own used copy to grace myshelf next to it’s predecessors. Highly recommended 5/5.
Fantastic historical mystery! Complicated characters, smart writing and an end I didn’t see coming! (Note: This series needs to be read in order).
“Sherlock” Holmes is a woman in this brilliantly-imagined series set in Victorian England. I cherished the first two books in the series, and worried the third couldn’t possibly meet my expectations. It did. They mysteries solved by Charlotte Holmes kept me guessing while the connections and conflicts between characters tied me in knots. If you like historical fiction, I think you’ll love the Lady Sherlock series.
The series gets better with every book. I can’t say enough about it.
Love this book just as much as the first two. I know it took me a bit to get to it, but that’s because I like to savor my Sherry Thomas. Like a fine wine only to be broken out on the most special occasions. In this instance, my birthday.
Any way, the story itself was unpredictable. I didn’t seen the end coming even though I tried very hard to figure it out. The characters themselves are a delight. I don’t recommend this as a standalone. If you like mysteries and are interested in a gender-bent Sherlock Holmes start at the beginning.
I shan’t give anything away, but will say that Thomas continues to build a fantastical Sherlock world with characters that are interesting, and who have amazing growth. Also, however mercenary Sherlock’s mind may be, I truly believe she possesses a small bit of caring for those close to her.
I am absolutely gobsmacked! Stunned! It has been a full day since I finished this book and my head is still swimming. This author has a way of delivering a fresh, interesting, exciting, absolutely stunner of a story every time. Yes, I was totally stumped right to the end – and that just doesn’t happen with me. I always figure out the villain early on in the book.
I am sure you could read this story and thoroughly enjoy it if you didn’t read the first two books in the series – A Study in Scarlet Women and A Conspiracy in Belgravia – but I highly recommend that you read them in order. The character originations and background begin in the first book and build from there. In A Study in Scarlet Women, we learned about Charlotte’s background and solved a triple murder. A Conspiracy in Belgravia starts the day after the first book ends and focuses on the search for Mr. Myron Finch and it also gives us more information on Moriarty. This book continues directly after the second book ends. Goodness that author can create some twisted tales.
The last line in book #2 was ‘Hello Brother’ and the first line in this book begins with ‘Hello Brother. Charlotte is greeting her illegitimate half-brother Myron Finch who has been hiding right under their noses all this time. He is Mott, the Holmes’ coachman. He explains to Charlotte why he has been hiding and from whom. He explains that he has stolen something from Moriarty and tells her what it is and why it is important. Just as Charlotte is about to leave, Stephen Marbleton arrives – and they realize that they are being watched and that the watchers are closing in on them. They quickly devise an escape plan and all, except Charlotte, manage to totally escape. However, Charlotte isn’t the one that is being sought, so they let her go.
A few months later, Charlotte and Mrs. Holmes are at a small cottage in the country. The fact that they are near Stern Hollow, Lord Ingram’s country seat, is totally coincidental. Charlotte is there so she can freely visit with her sister Livia who is attending a house party at her father’s cousin’s (Mrs. Newell) home – she has another reason for being there that also has nothing to do with Lord Ingram, but I won’t tell you about that one.
Because she is a fallen woman, Charlotte cannot openly contact Livia. Charlotte doesn’t let that stop her though. She and Mrs. Holmes have created a disguise. Charlotte will become the brother of Sherlock Holmes – Sherrinford Holmes. She has studied moving like a man and has practiced lowering her voice, so she’s ready for her role. Then – disaster – a boiler at Mrs. Newell’s home ruptures and floods the house – effectively ending the house party. However, many of the guests get moved to a neighboring estate – Lord Ingram’s – for a couple of days until they can all make arrangements for their trip home.
Speaking of disasters – not too long after his home is filled with guests – the body of Lady Ingram is discovered in his ice house. The local constabulary is sent for and they promptly request help from Scotland Yard. Inspector Treadles is chosen to accompany Chief Inspector Fowler on the case. Fowler is bent on making a name for himself and he fully intends to put the blame solely on Lord Ingram and sadly, it looks as if the evidence will support him in doing that. It appears that it will be up to Sherinford Holmes to solve the crime and save Lord Ingram. Inspector Treadles doesn’t want to believe that his old friend is guilty, but he has to do his job. What he can do, however, is keep the identity of Sherinford Holmes a secret and hope that he really can save Lord Ingram. Is that even really Lord Ingram’s wife that they found?
I hope I’ve given you enough to whet your appetite because I don’t want to go further and tell you all the secrets. Just know that it is a wonderfully exciting read with an ending that you absolutely won’t believe.
I was also happy to note that Inspector Treadles finally had his grand epiphany and realized that it was okay for Charlotte to be smart and for him to ask for her assistance and that it was also okay for his wife to want more than just being a wife. He realized she could do both and they could still love each other. I loved that part.
Another thing I loved was the development with Bernadette. I won’t tell you that either, but I love it.
Now – I have to wait and wait and wait, very impatiently for the next book where I hope to see not only another wonderful mystery but some growth in the relationship between Lord Ingram and Charlotte.
I highly recommend this incredibly complex and stimulating read.
Riveting! Keeps you guessing who, what and how. While Ash and Charlotte’s romantic relationship that is usually angst filled finally takes a turn. I love it and want more!
My favorite of this historical mystery series so far!
What an excellent novel. Honestly, it is great to see Charlotte cross-dress in order to solve the crime finally. It is incredible to see Charlotte in the field as Holmes finally, maybe not as Charlotte, but as another Holmes that is just as deductive. It is a fantastic twist of the events but made the novel even more enjoyable. Seeing Charlotte take the reins and take control of the situation raised the tension in the novel. Charlotte rises to the occasion and finally, in a way, gets to do her deductive work without passing it off as Sherlock’s. It is fun and imaginative, and once again Charlotte gets to shine. Charlotte’s personality is more charismatic in this novel than it is detached like it is the previous novel. She has more interaction with people who love her and understand her detached behavior allowing her to focus on the significant crime happening.
The fact that there is one significant mystery as well in the novel makes the focus on the novel and the tension more focused. The narrative flows better than in the previous novels, and the fact that the novel does not have so many complexities and convoluted mini-mysteries allows the tension of the scandal in this novel to have a fuller impact than in the previous novel. Now that does not diminish the Sherlockian way of storytelling but instead changes it to suit the tension in The Hollow of Fear. It is easier to follow. The multitude of cases that Holmes takes in this novel are limited and link together in a more precise form, without too much of a stretch. That is part of what makes this novel superior to the others.
The storytelling is more active with limited POV’s allowing the transitions to be easier to follow for the reader. The story is invigorating and following Charlotte in her mystery solving. This novel is more engaging than the previous novels and deals with mystery solving in a new way for Lady Sherlock.
Really enjoying this series! Can’t wait for the next one.
A totally unexpected twist at end. Great romance as well
The Hollow of Fear (Lady Sherlock #3) by Sherry Thomas is a Victorian mystery/romance. Once again the author has combined research of the times, description of peoples, societal mores, fascinating characters, and a twisty plot into a thoroughly delightful read.
All the books in this series are wonderful.
4.5/5
Wow, this third outing in the series had A LOT going on.
When Charlotte’s friend, Lord Ingram, is accused of/set up for the murder of his estranged wife, she must wade through a twisty bog of motives, revenge and hidden agendas to save his life.
What I love most about this series is that in Charlotte we have a very complicated and unique heroine, who is by turns frustrating to the reader but also admired for her originality both as a woman and a detective. She keeps me enthralled with her brilliant mind, but exasperated at times with her idiosyncrasies.
My only complaint with this one was that the timeline towards the end was out of order and a little disorienting. And I was disappointed in not seeing more of the by-play between Charlotte and Ingram as their relationship took a different turn. However I suppose what we did see is in keeping with their complex characters.
Thoroughly enjoyed and looking forward to the next one!
Miss Charlotte Holmes has a very personal stake in her next murder. I found this historian mystery engaging and entertaining, holding my interest up to the end. The mystery was full of subtle clues, numerous plausible suspects, danger, intrigue and suspense. The characters are well crafted and full of quirky personalities complete with strengths and weaknesses. The storyline flows smoothly and quickly. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in the series.
I love this series so much! The unique take on the Sherlock theme, the characters, and the setting are all outstanding. If you are searching for a new series, this one is perfect for historical readers— but I would say the audio version is best, as it truly brings these characters to life.
I loved all of Sherry Thomas Charlotte Holmes series. Great characters and action with twisted plots.
Love this whole series, a great turn on the Sherlock genre. Sherry Thomas is a fantastic writer with very original characters and multiple plot twists. I have read all her books and enjoyed them all.
“Life never takes a gentle turn; it always swerves.” (quote from the book)
I can’t get enough of this series! It is clever, well written and diabolically diverting! Charlotte Holmes is a unique character who does not ‘fit the norm’ of a Victorian damsel. Her sister, Livia, is also a favourite of mine, and she gets her time to shine in this novel. I don’t know what the phrase would be in Victorian times, but all I could think in my head as I was reading, ‘You go girl’! Charlotte may be able to deduct a situation with clarity and speed. Livia has her own ability…intuition.
“It will not end well.” (quote from the book)
The bombshell that dropped at the end of ‘Conspiracy in Belgravia (Lady Sherlock #2)’ is immediately picked up at the beginning of this book. I was hooked ever since. Not long after, Lady Ingram is found dead and Lord Ingram, Charlotte’s close friend, is the prime suspect. How she comes to assist him was just brilliant but not everyone was amused.
“The woman was a holy terror: the sweetest face, the pillowiest bosom, and a perspicacity that stripped a man naked in seconds.” (quote from the book)
Moriarity’s presence is more defined in this story and leaves many with a feeling of fear. There is also another whose sins come to the forefront and will stop at nothing to keep them from being exposed.
“But Moriarty rewarded deserters with death.” (quote from the book)
I did find, however, that this story did take its time in building towards the climax. The pieces of the puzzle were not all revealed in their usual way which might have affected this. However, in the end, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Though others have said you can read this book without reading the first two, I would highly recommend you start at the beginning. The dynamics and overall arc of the series would be missing some very important elements that I feel are critical to understanding the characters. And what a wonderful and diverse set they are! The ending of this book leaves me looking forward to reading the next that just came out…”The Art of Theft (Lady Sherlock #4)”!