by Sherry Thomas
Series: Lady Sherlock #3
Narrator: Kate Reading
Length: 10 hours and 51 minutes
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups
Charlotte Holmes, Lady Sherlock, returns in the Victorian-set mystery series from the USA Today bestselling author of A Conspiracy in Belgravia and A Study in Scarlet Women, an NPR Best Book of 2016.
Under the cover of Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective, Charlotte Holmes puts her extraordinary powers of deduction to good use. Aided by the capable Mrs. Watson, Charlotte draws those in need to her and makes it her business to know what other people don't.
Moriarty's shadow looms large. First, Charlotte's half brother disappears. Then, Lady Ingram, the estranged wife of Charlotte's close friend Lord Ingram, turns up dead on his estate. And all signs point to Lord Ingram as the murderer.
With Scotland Yard closing in, Charlotte goes under disguise to seek out the truth. But uncovering the truth could mean getting too close to Lord Ingram-and a number of malevolent forces.
This series is brilliant. One of my favorite Sherlock Holmes retellings EVER! The Hollow of Fear by Sherry Thomas is the third book in the Lady Sherlock series. I picked up all three audiobook versions, and FINALLY in November listened to them all for a challenge. I am still kicking myself for waiting. Grab a cup of Christmas coffee while I fangirl and demand that you acquire these titles post haste!
A well-honed mysteries, a delicious slow burning romance and brilliant characters made this audio and the entire Lady Sherlock series one of personal favorites this year. I laughed, became engaged in solving the mystery and most of all swooning, enjoying and loving this cast of characters.
I am a huge Sherlock Holmes fan and over the years I’ve read my share of retellings. I’ve also watched all the movie and the tv adaptations. Sherry Thomas’s take on this iconic character and books is among my favorite.
For those considering the story/series I recommend reading or listening in the order of their release. While each holds its own case to be solved, the overall arcs and character development scream to be read in order.
- In The Hollow of Fear, Charlotte must investigate her toughest case thus far. Lord Ingram is suspected of murdering Lady Ingram when she is found dead in the ice building of their estate. The mystery that unfolded was so clever that even I was astounded when all was revealed.
- We meet a new character, Sherringford Holmes, supposed brother of the ailing Sherlock Holmes and suspiciously shaped like Charlotte Holmes. *winks* I loved every moment.
- We spend quite a bit of time with Lord Ingram, a favorite character of mine since the beginning of this series. He really has gotten him into quite the mess, and all evidence supports he is involved. It was exciting seeing Charlotte work to solve the mystery and of course clear the devilishly handsome Lord Ingram.
- Secondary characters like Mrs. Watson and Charlotte’s sister Livia added interesting side-threads. I loved that we got to know Livia more.
- We see movement in the slow-burning romance, and I loved every moment of it. The way Charlotte’s mind works combined with her forward, logical thinking adding some humor in addition to tender, romantic encounters.
- As a parent of a child with Asperger’s I feel comfortable around Charlotte and while some find her thinking unconventional or shocking I can only nod my head.
The Hollow of Fear was my favorite listen to date, Kate Reading narrates the series and beautifully captures Charlotte many sides. I could not imagine listening to the series without her. Each character has a distinct voice and she enhances the tone, mystery and pacing of this brilliant story.
The Hollow of Fear by Sherry Thomas was my favorite listen to date, Kate Reading narrates the series and beautifully captures Charlotte many sides. #loveaudiobooks 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
sherry fundin
I have got to check out this series! Off to the library…online…and see what’s available.
Olivia Roach
Favourite Sherlock Holmes retelling series of all time? I know I need to read this so badly!! So happy you could enjoy the third book a lot as well. x
Noel
I really, like really really, need to read this series!!
Adriana @ BooksOnHerMind
Ooh, yes! I have to finish this YA Sherlock Holmes series that I was really enjoying but it would be nice if I read an adult retelling of Sherlock Holmes. YA tends to add too much angst ?
Kimberly
Ooo I am behind on that one!
Teresa Mary Rose
So glad to hear this series keeps delivering! I have a few on audio and really need to make time for them. Great review!
Kimberly
Yay. I hope you love them!
Shannon
This book looks amazing! It is great that they have a female lead character!
Kimberly
It was fun seeing Sherlock and Watson as women.
Jen
I am very excited to start this series in audiobook. I’ve got book 1 on my phone, and hope to listen to it soon! Thanks!
Kimberly
Woot! ?I hope you love it!
Angela Adams
Cool book title. Thanks for the post.
Kimberly
Thanks Angela?
sjhigbee
What a great review! I love the sound of this series – I’ll have to see if I can catch up with it in the coming year…
Kimberly
I hope you do. You have about a year until the next release?
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I would like to spend some time on this case. Sounds like it was a real page-turner. Lovely review!
Mary
Kimberly
Thank you Mary! I hope you decide to begin the series ?
Jessica at Booked J
I NEED to get my hands on this. I love Sherlock retellings and I’m so excited for the day I finally get to this one. Although, I am nervous about getting confused over the story itself, as I already read another series about a very different Charlotte Holmes. I’ll definitely have to get my head on straight before then, or else I’ll muddle two very different stories together and be a mess! Haha. Thanks for sharing, though. This is a great review and has me even more excited to get to these books.
Kimberly
I worry about that sometimes too when I read similar retellings or series. Somehow we manage to keep it all sorted through,
Anne
They are so popular I’m still waiting for book 1 from the library. Fabulous review! I’m looking forward to reading this series. From Goodreads it looks like 2 more are in the works! Anne – Books of My Heart
Kimberly
Yes. Sadly it almost a year between releases!
Sophia Rose
Yes, there were so many interesting details in this one that I loved (the Ash and Charlotte encounters and her sister’s romance, taking care of their other sister). Sometimes a year’s wait between releases seems so long. 😉
Kimberly
Yes the side threads only managed to further endear me to the series. Well at least I will be ready for the next release!
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Libary
This series is so good and I’m so glad you’re enjoying it! I listened to the first one and thought Kate Reading was fantastic.
Kimberly
Yes I am delighted with Reading and cannot wait for the next release in this series.
Debbie Haupt
oh yes this series is on my wish list. Can I ask Santa for more time LOL Great review Kim
Kimberly
I would love more time, so yes and tell him to send me some too!
shooting
Ooh high praise indeed! You have officially convinced me I need to grab the first book ASAP (it’s on my shelves, so not too hard haha).
-Lauren
Kimberly
Sweet! I look forward to your thoughts on them.
kindlemom1
Yesss! Seriously a favorite for all the reasons you mentioned. I’m so excited that more people are finally discovering this hidden gem because it needs so much attention because it really is fabulous.
Kimberly
I am glad the challenge motivated me to dig them out of my tbr pile!