by Leonard Goldberg
Genres: Historical, Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
The thrilling tale of Sherlock Holmes’ daughter and her companion Dr. John Watson Jr. as they investigate a murder at the highest levels of British society from the USA Today bestselling author.
1910. Joanna Blalock’s keen mind and incredible insight lead her to become a highly-skilled nurse, one of the few professions that allow her to use her finely-tuned brain. But when she and her ten-year-old son witness a man fall to his death, apparently by suicide, they are visited by the elderly Dr. John Watson and his charming, handsome son, Dr. John Watson Jr. Impressed by her forensic and deductive skills, they invite her to become the third member of their deductive team.
Caught up in a Holmesian mystery that spans from hidden treasure to the Second Afghan War of 1878-1880, Joanna and her companions must devise an ingenious plan to catch a murderer in the act while dodging familiar culprits, Scotland Yard, and members of the British aristocracy. Unbeknownst to her, Joanna harbors a mystery of her own. The product of a one-time assignation between the now dead Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler, the only woman to ever outwit the famous detective, Joanna has unwittingly inherited her parents’ deductive genius.
Fans of the Rizzoli and Isles series by Tess Gerritsen and the Stapleton and Montgyomery series by Robin Cook will enjoy this suspenseful story, full of excitement and intrigue.
Today Sophia Rose is visiting with a review of THE DAUGHTER OF SHERLOCK HOLMES a light historical mystery. Grab a cup of your favorite caffeinated beverage and check out Sophia’s thoughts.
Sophia Rose’s Review
There are just some tag words that have me reaching for a book without doing much preliminary investigation whether a book is for me. ‘Sherlock Holmes’ in title or blurb would be one of those. Pair that with the idea that he has a daughter and she, a keen observer, setting out on her first mystery and I’m all in.
THE DAUGHTER OF SHERLOCK HOLMES takes place after the death of Holmes with Watson in his old age. Watson’s son, Dr. John Watson, Jr. is the narrator of the story explaining how they got the case and met Joanna Blalock, the daughter of Holmes. There was more than a nod toward Holmes’ original creator, Arthur Conan Doyle’s writing style and the fun inclusion of a whole younger generation representing the familiar cast of supporting characters in the Holmes’ universe.
I got the feeling this was an homage to the great detective and Watson so I allowed the story to wink and grin at me when it came to all the characters being a junior version of the original cast. They aren’t all identical shadows, but a fan will easily recognize this cast of characters and even the storyline with the mystery bearing resemblance to The Sign of the Four.
I did feel poor Lestrade, the Scotland Yard detective, was a tad inept and there were moments when I thought Joanna wasn’t as keen an observer and analytic as her famous father, but I thought both the Watsons were just right. And Toby Two… that was fun to get the hound back on the scent. I would have loved to have seen Joanna’s son, Johnnie get a larger role. The young genius made his appearances and bore a stronger resemblance to Holmes than his mother.
The mystery was not that difficult. They knew who it was quickly enough, but they needed solid proof and they needed to head him off before he did further trouble. There was some plodding along as they tracked down each clue and discussed how it was deduced. It took its time and built to an ending that paid-off the earlier time taken to line up all the ducks and work a trap for a cunning fish.
There is a whiff of romance, but it is not the focus of the story by any stretch. Their chemistry was more as a detecting team first and foremost.
I would equate THE DAUGHTER OF SHERLOCK HOLMES to a historical cozy mystery in style, pace, and format. It was a good one to curl up with, offer some light entertainment, and great fun for the Holmes’ fan.
The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes a good tale to curl up with Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
MarthaE
Funny how the name Sherlock Holmes does draw attention. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Evie
I thought I saw this book in NetGalley or somewhere, and like you, usually when I see Sherlock Holmes I’m sold. It sounds like this was an entertaining read and that you enjoyed it. Great review!
Suzanne
I’ve always loved Sherlock Holmes so this definitely sounds like a book I would get a kick out of. Great review!
Georgiana
Sounds like an enjoyable read. Sadly, I have not read the stories, but I am a big fan of the TV Show (the BBC one) and it makes me giggle to think about Sherlock and Irene`s baby.
Sophia Rose
Oh yeah. Love those that series, too. I think they did a great job of portraying the characters, too. haha, yeah, it amused me to think of that pair having a child, too..
Mystica
I like historical mysteries so this one is right up my street. Thanks for the review.
Sophia Rose
You bet, Mystica. Hope you love it when you get the chance.
Dragonfly
I haven’t read as many historical romances as I should have! And this one seems like the perfect one to curl up with in my summery hammock 🙂
Sophia Rose
Oh hey, that is great, Dragonfly! Glad to give you a new hammock read option. Jealous of that hammock. LOL
The Bibliophile Babe
Sounds like a nice, easy read!
Sophia Rose
It really was. It was engaging without being too intense for my mood.
Angela Adams
Clever idea…both for characters and premise. Thanks for the post!
Sophia Rose
I thought so, too, Angela. I saw Daughter and Sherlock Holmes and went grabby hands. 🙂
Angela
Thank you for the review. I enjoyed it and this sounds interesting.
Sophia Rose
My pleasure, Angela! 🙂
sherry fundin
I love Sherlock Holmes…and now we have a daughter…glad you enjoyed it.
Sophia Rose
Oh yes, a daughter, a grandson, a friend’s son, a detective’s son, a hound’s granddaughter, and… a villain. Just delicious, Sherry! 🙂
Sarah
While I am not really one for murder mysteries, I’ve always wanted to give the Sherlock Holme’s themed ones a shot. Great review, Sophia! I like the idea of there being a wiff of romance in the story, 🙂
Sophia Rose
This one might be a good compromise for you, Sarah if you prefer the less gruesome mysteries and yes, the paycheck is getting a lot of Sherlockian lore. 🙂
Thanks!
Debbie Haupt
Holy Moly Sophia Rose I have not seen this series and I LOVE the premise starring the children of the greatest crime solving team of all time!!! This is definitely going on my liste!
Sophia Rose
Oh yeah,, Debbie! I had a similar reaction when I saw it. Had. To. Have. It. 🙂
Vanessa
I love the sound of this one. I haven’t read any Sherlock Holmes books before so I think I’ll enjoy this one. Great review Sophia Rose 🙂
Sophia Rose
Oh, then you’re in for a treat, Vanessa. This one is a nice intro to the Sherlock Holmes’ world though not to be compared to the original of course. 🙂
Wattle
Great review Sophia 🙂 I’m not sure how I feel about everyone being an almost-copy of the original characters (that seems a bit weird) but I’ll definitely be keeping this one on my radar!
Sophia Rose
Yeah, it can be a bit disconcerting to be faced with familiar characters written up by someone else even it it was a second gen thing. I’ve adjusted since I started reading more retellings and variations stories.
Thanks, Wattle!
verushka
Ahhhh, this sounds so good! I am all for a historical cozy of sorts! And I am appreciative of the fact that the chemistry is rightly focused on the detecting team.
Sophia Rose
Me, too, Verushka! I’m all for romance, but in a book of the historical and/or mystery genre that’s where I want the focus to me.
Nadene
This sound like a story I would love. Thanks for sahring.
Sophia Rose
You bet, Nadene! 🙂 Always glad to put someone in the know about a book.
Geybie's Book Blog
Awesome review, Sophia. I love it. To be honest, this genre is totally new to me. I’ve never read any historical mystery book. Maybe one day. Thanks for sharing.
Sophia Rose
Way cool! Its one of my favorite genre mash-ups. Hope you get the chance to try some good historical mysteries soon, Geybie. 🙂
Cindy
You have me interested at Historical and Cozy Mystery. Great review and thanks for sharing.
Sophia Rose
I’m a recent Cozy convert, but yeah, this one pulled me in to, Cindy. 🙂
blodeuedd
I really like historical mysteries, they just have to work for it more there 🙂
Sophia Rose
Yes, exactly! They have to get the history right and confound us with a good mystery. 🙂
Maureen Bakker
This sounds like a nice read. I haven’t read many Sherlock Holmes stories, but I’ve been wanting too. And I love that cover.
Great review! 😉
Sophia Rose
This was a great tribute to the Holmes stories. Not my favorite, but I enjoyed it. My favs based on Holmes are the Laurie R King Mary Russell series.
Thanks, Maureen!
Melliane
It looks nice in a whole. I always love books like that in this setting.
Sophia Rose
Me, too, Melliane!
It was engaging and light which I enjoy between the edgier ones.