Recommended by Ella S.
Narrated by Kate Reading.

In order to avoid being subjected to the fate of a proper lady of her station (i.e., being married off to a man for whom she has no affection), Charlotte Holmes devised a plan that most assuredly prevented that scenario. Unfortunately, it also rendered her a social outcast. Now on her own in London seeking lodgings and employment under an assumed name, she perceives that her unique skillset surrounding attention to detail may be of service to a criminal investigation, as well as her own salvation.

I wasn't sure I wanted to get into a new mystery series without having finished Flavia de Luce (just two left to go!), but I'm glad I did. This is a delightful twist on classic Sherlock Holmes, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The characters and their backstories were interesting and intriguing, and I appreciated identifying the parallels among the characters, their relationships, and the traditional cases the "real" Sherlock worked on. Looking forward to the next book, as there is lots of potential and even a few unresolved subplots. ( )

"Do not undervalue what you are ultimately worth because you are at a momentary disadvantage."

Charlotte Holmes's older sister Livia has had 8 seasons with no wedding proposals, and Charlotte, who would prefer not to marry, has tried to comfort her sister that she has a plan. A plan that would benefit them both, giving them independence and financial freedom to enjoy life together. Livia wants details, but Charlotte thinks it best if Livia learns the details after success. Livia has every confidence in her sister but can't imagine her life if Charlotte's plan fails.

I didn't know what to expect, and it was a creative delight! The story started slowly, and for some of the scenes, I began to enjoy picturing them in my mind with the actors and actresses from "Bridgerton." Then all at once, thoughts of "Bridgerton" were far from my mind as the story picked up from the moment Charlotte Holmes met Mrs. John Watson. Inspector Treadles and Sergeant MacDonald from the Criminal Investigation Department of the Metropolitan Police Department have been quite successful in completing their investigations. Will they be successful in achieving the latest case involving upper-class society? And then there's Lord Ingram. Oh, Lord Ingram Ashburton. The banter between Charlotte and Lord Ingram adds the perfect sparks that twinkle and dazzle their conversations and musings.

I look forward to reading more of the series! ( )

Somewhat hard to keep everyone and their relationships straight. ( )

This book took a while to get going but once it did, it moved like a train. I did not see the end coming at all but what a way to bring together so many of the themes of the book. We are introduced to some wonderful women who don't fit into society and try to find their way within it. We are treated to a very strong mystery and a wonderful cast of characters. It's amazing the world Sherry Thomas has built - something that tweaks our understanding of the classic Sherlock Holmes stories yet makes the Sherlock we know completely familiar. Just a fantastic book. ( )