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 r...
more
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.
Please log in to leave a comment or ask a question...
