by Sherry Thomas
Series: Lady Sherlock #2
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
The game is afoot as Charlotte Holmes returns in the atmospheric second novel in New York Times bestseller Sherry Thomas's Victorian-set Lady Sherlock series.
Being shunned by Society gives Charlotte Holmes the time and freedom to put her extraordinary powers of deduction to good use. As “Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective,” aided by the capable Mrs. Watson, she’s had great success helping with all manner of inquiries, but she’s not prepared for the new client who arrives at her Upper Baker Street office.
Lady Ingram, wife of Charlotte’s dear friend and benefactor, wants Sherlock Holmes to find her first love, who failed to show up at their annual rendezvous. Matters of loyalty and discretion aside, the case becomes even more personal for Charlotte as the missing man is none other than Myron Finch, her illegitimate half brother.
In the meanwhile, Charlotte wrestles with a surprising proposal of marriage, a mysterious stranger woos her sister Livia, and an unidentified body that surfaces where least expected. Charlotte’s investigative prowess is challenged as never before: Can she find her brother in time—or will he, too, end up as a nameless corpse somewhere in the belly of London?
Sophia Rose is back with another wonderful book. This time she is sharing A CONSPIRACY IN BELGRAVIA by Sherry Thomas, the second novel in the Lady Sherlock series. This is another series I am curious to try. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy Sophia Rose’s thoughts.
Sophia’s Review
Following the fantastic debut A STUDY IN SCARLET WOMEN, that felt both refreshingly new and cozily familiar to a long Sherlock Holmes fan, I was on pins and needles to see if the second installment, A CONSPIRACY IN BELGRAVIA, would live up to its predecessor, A Study in Scarlet Women, or not.
I am pleased to relieve your minds quickly. It was another solid, engaging story. It lost nothing by not being the stunning surprise of the first book when the eccentric and compelling Charlotte Holmes was introduced. Charlotte’s appeal stayed strong and the sequel delved further into her character and that of others revealing a depth that fascinated and left me curious for what further revelations would come.
I should pause here and say that, for those not in the know, the Lady Sherlock series is a gender bender that cleverly gives us a female pair of Holmes and Watson, but also a whole new cast of regulars around them. This Sherlock, who can and does possess the observation and deduction powers of the original, walks away from family and societal expectation to carve her own path and it is far from easy nor is it accepted save by a few. There is a hint of unrequited love and missed opportunities, but it is very complicated and not getting resolved anytime soon. The focus is on the immediate situations though the reader is always aware of the tangled undercurrents.
This is a continuation and not a good place to begin the Lady Sherlock series. Yes, Charlotte and the others made it through their first big case, but they are not sitting back on their laurels. What laurels? As the author realistically makes clear (loved how she stays true to societal norms of the day and other nifty historical authentic tidbits), not much has changed save Charlotte’s gift has been vindicated and her parents are not up for murder- though maybe Charlotte or her sisters will be the way her thankless parents are annoyingly going about things.
Like the first book, the author does a fabulous job of setting up a series of seeming unrelated problems and cases to tease Charlotte and her friends while not neglecting the internal stories of equally fascinating characters she created. The new challenges are an intriguing case presented to Sherlock Holmes by none other than Lord Ingram’s estranged wife, the unidentified body, Charlotte’s missing brother, her sister Livia’s odd behavior, and Charlotte receiving a marriage proposal that she discovers must be taken seriously. The book balances the mystery activities with the character plotting. I can’t decide which delighted me more. Oh, and Lord Ingram’s brother getting more page time in all his clever eccentricity showing himself Charlotte’s intellectual equal, was a great addition.
I was deeply enthralled with A CONSPIRACY IN BELGRAVIA. I groaned aloud when I read the last page and realized that I would have to wait to find out what comes next. For you see, A CONSPIRACY IN BELGRAVIA does provide an immediate solution to the mysteries, but there are some tantalizing overarching series threads that are left teasingly open. Dangerous times are ahead for the lady detective and her friends and I for one, need to be there for what is to come.
Incidentally, for fans of the series, if you sign up for the author’s newsletter through Penguin, there is a Lady Sherlock short story gift.
I do not just merely recommend this series. If you are a historical mystery, or particularly a Holmes fan, do yourself a solid and get started while the series is still young.
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. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Jennifer
I had a hard time connecting with the first book but I plan on giving it another go since I think it was a mood thing. I like the idea of the gender switch.
Sophia Rose
I have mood issues at times, too, Jennifer. Plus, the advantage of this one over the first is the introductory stuff is over and it jumps right in with the story. Hope it goes better for you.
Jessica
How have I never heard of this? This is DEFINITELY going on my TBR pile. I’m such trash for Sherlock-related literature.
Sophia Rose
Super news, Jessica. Glad I could point you to it. 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Sophia Rose Great review and I LOVE that cover!!
Sophia Rose
It is a gorgeous cover, Debbie. Love how it sets the tone for the story.
Olivia Roach
Um, YES PLEASE. How come I hadn’t heard of this series before? It sounds too perfect for me. Lady Sherlock, and mystery, and historical fiction, and it being done as expertly as this? I’ll definitely be reading it! Thanks for introducing it to me.
My recent post: http://oliviascatastrophe.com/2017/09/get-the-hell-over-it-book-review/
Sophia Rose
Glad to introduce you, Olivia. 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
Hm… I may have to wait for the next book to start these. This sounds so good and I knew instantly that I would want this one from the cover. Who wouldn’t want a lady Sherlock Holmes book?
Sophia Rose
Yes, exactly, Melissa. A Lady Sherlock!!!
In a way, I wish I could have started this series later so I could have kept going from book to book. 🙂
Jenea's Book Obsession
This is a series that I would like to get my hands on. Wonderful review Sophia.
Sophia Rose
Worth it, Jenea!
Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Paij
I have this in my audible wish list! I cannot wait to read this series. I am happy to see that you enjoyed it!! Make me even more excited to read it knowing that others like it so much!
Sophia Rose
Feeling envious that you get to try it in audio, Paij. 😉 Hope it is fantastic for you.
blodeuedd
I think I have to read book 1
Sophia Rose
Oh yes, you do, Blodeuedd. 🙂 You really do.
Mary Kirkland
That sounds quite interesting. Sherlock Holmes has never really held my attention but you made this sound really intriguing.
Sophia Rose
LOL, that’s okay, Mary. But glad I could intrigue you with his modern version, Charlotte.
Tyler H. Jolley
Great review, Sophia. Hope you’re well.
Sophia Rose
Thanks, Tyler!
I’m doing well and hope this finds you doing good, too. 🙂
Stormi Johnson
Currently listening to the first one and liking it so can’t wait to try the next one too. 🙂
Sophia Rose
Oh neat, Stormi!
It ends good and this one just keeps up the goodness. 🙂
Nick
I loved this author’s YA fantasy series, so I’ve been very keen to try this series as well, but I’ve been waiting to be in the mood for it. I think I’m finally in the mood for it. It sounds fantastic, and it’s always a good sign when the sequel is as good as the first book!
Great review!
Sophia Rose
Oh, you remind me, Nick. I haven’t gone back and checked her other books yet.
Haha, I know what you mean about needing the mood to be just right.
Nadene
It is good that the sequel is even better. This sounds interesting,
Sophia Rose
Oh yes, it is a very good thing, Nadyne. 🙂
Geybie's Book Blog
Sounds so intriguing. Never read any kind of story like this. Thanks for sharing your awesome review, Sophia.
PS: sorry to hear about your grandmother, Sophia. My prayers are with you and your family. #hugs.
Sophia Rose
I was happy to discover the series when I was offered the first book for review.
Thanks so much for your prayers and thoughtful words, Geybie. 🙂 I head out in two days for the funeral.
Ailyn Koay
no twitter to share this time? so cool, I remember you reviewed another one of hers. glad it is living up to the hype/ expectatoins
Sophia Rose
Yes! It was great to have the sequel stay strong and keep the momentum of the series going, Ailyn!
Rishi Mishra
nice one.!
Sophia Rose
It sure was, Rishi! 🙂
Melliane
I liked book 1 but it wasn’t that awesome for me so I didn’t even look at the sequel but now woth your review I wonder if I should!
Sophia Rose
Well, its lines up pretty close to what you had with book one though I will say that it has better pacing now that the introductory stuff is over. So maybe…
🙂