My only disappointment is that I didn't read this sooner. At least I read it too quickly, so when I read it again, it'll be almost like reading it for the first time. ( )

3.5 stars

I will admit I have never read any of the Sherlock Holmes books or seen any TV/movie version so I have absolutely nothing to compare this book with. I will say I thought the pacing was pretty slow, especially for a murder mystery, things didn't seem to pick up till it was towards the end. It was also confusing at times, especially with all the different characters. The characters were kind of another downfall for me. They were ok but I didn't love them and I think that's cause with a book like this, it's focused more on plot than on characters. I will say I did really like the ending and it has piqued my interest to continue with the series. I just hope the next book isn't as slow paced as this one. ( )

I really liked this one! Turns out I enjoy retellings and adaptations much more than the original Holmes. I was starting to wonder when the mystery would begin but I didn't really care because I Charlotte was such a great character. ( )

When London is struck by a trio of unexpected deaths and suspicion falls on her sister and father, Charlotte, under the assumed name Sherlock Holmes, is desperate to find the true culprits and clear the family name. This suspenseful, humorous, and engaging book offers an intriguing reimagining of the Sherlock Holmes story. Whether you read it for personal interest or for book club, this novel has a variety of thought-provoking themes that are topics for great discussion. ( )

Recommended by Ella S.
Narrated by Kate Reading.

A marvelous twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes character and tales! "Sherlock" is Charlotte Holmes, the brilliant and observant youngest daughter of her family. She wishes to live independently, and so she wants to become headmistress of a boarding school, but she needs her father to foot the bill for her education. He promises to do so, but goes back on his word, so Charlotte takes a drastic step that backfires, effectively ejecting her from society. Fortunately (well, with a bit of machination on Lord Ingram's part), Charlotte meets "Mrs. Watson," a well-off widow who asks Charlotte to be her companion.

Meanwhile, three apparently unrelated deaths may be connected, and Charlotte/Sherlock works to solve what she believes are murders. She is partly motivated by the puzzle, but partly motivated by her desire to clear her beloved sister Livia's and her father's names of possible blame - for one of the dead is Lady Shrewsbury, who Livia fought with (on Charlotte's behalf) the night before her death.

Steeped in period detail and period methods of murder (chloral, laudanum, and arsenic were all in ready supply), this woman-centered mystery is richly satisfying and immensely clever. Kate Reading's performance is perfection. ( )