A Study in Scarlet Women. Finished 5-3-19, 4/5 stars, mystery, pub.

Unabridged audio

Lady Sherlock #1

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 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.   from Goodreads

What a fun twist on a story everyone already knows.  The iconic Sherlock Holmes, whether from the classic books, movies, or TV shows is one of those rare characters that has thrived in the minds of the public for over 100 years.  After reading this I went back and did a little case study on Sherlock and am interested in reading his first book, A Study in Scarlet.  I’ve only read one of his books and am curious now for more.

Charlotte is a woman who knows her own mind and she’s not going to let her parents ruin the future she wants for herself.  When her father backs out of a deal they had made Charlotte takes matters into her own hands and disgraces herself in the process.  Now, as society shuns her she must find a way to support herself.  Enter Mrs. Watson, a widow in need of a companion, who offers her not only a home, but a business plan. “Sherlock Holmes” sets up shop.  As an old friend acts as her liaison to Scotland Yard, Charlotte wades her way into a series of murders that she tried to connect for the sake of her family.

There were a lot of characters and a lot of storylines happening and it was  a little confusing at times, especially because I was listening and not reading, but it all managed to come together in the end.  I liked the personal stories of Charlotte, her unattainable man, Mr. Ingram, and the various secondary characters that will no doubt show up in the rest of the series.  The mystery ended up being several mysteries and it came together brilliantly, even if disturbing.  I loved the narration so I’ve already downloaded the second book of the series.