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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Truly wonderful
We've had many retellings of Sherlock Holmes, but this one stands out as the best.
I wondered while I was reading it, what I found so compelling (so much that I took the wrong tube and only found out 10 stations later) and I think the answer is everything. The setting, the characters, the subtle and not so subtle social critique, the mystery.
But above all the complexity and variety of the women characters. They came in all shapes and motives and it makes for true representation.
We've had many retellings of Sherlock Holmes, but this one stands out as the best.
I wondered while I was reading it, what I found so compelling (so much that I took the wrong tube and only found out 10 stations later) and I think the answer is everything. The setting, the characters, the subtle and not so subtle social critique, the mystery.
But above all the complexity and variety of the women characters. They came in all shapes and motives and it makes for true representation.
Wanted to love this but couldn't get into the writing.
I wasn't sure if I would like this Sherlock Holmes adaptation, but I really enjoyed it. Charlotte and Mrs. Watson are such great characters, and the dynamic between Ash and Charlotte is great! I look forward to further volumes.
Quite a fun set up to this alternate Sherlock universe. All the characters were so much fun, and the many diversions from the canon, what with the Holmes having a family of sisters. The exploration of the character of Watson was also great, and I enjoyed it!
I especially liked the development of Inspector Treadles. He wasn't just a side character to play the role of the cop but also had scenes that added depth to his family life / personality / values. I adore Alice!
Livia is also sweet, and I hope she continues to show up more often.
I especially liked the development of Inspector Treadles. He wasn't just a side character to play the role of the cop but also had scenes that added depth to his family life / personality / values. I adore Alice!
Livia is also sweet, and I hope she continues to show up more often.
I loved this ferociously and it just happened to be everything I have ever wanted out of a Sherlock Holmes retelling. It's a slow burn in the absolute best way, taking the time and care to delve into its characters and into its meticulously researched historical setting, and every single page of it rewards a patient reader. Charlotte Holmes is a marvelous reimagining of Sherlock and Sherry Thomas is a master both at capturing the iconic Sherlock qualities and at showing how very different Sherlock's path might be as a woman. (This also happens to be the feminist historical mystery I have always wanted.) This book is so smart about exploring the different ways that misogyny oppresses women and the compromises women in the 19th century had to make to carve out the smallest place of their own. And it's also a clever mystery, possessed of a quiet sense of humor and the knowledge of how to make each emotional moment drive home, and the beginnings of a wonderfully and painfully slow-burn romance that shimmers with intensity. Just marvelous.
This book got a 3.5 stars. I started it on the plane and rushed to finish it before it went back to the library. I am glad I read it but would probably not buy it. I am more than happy to support my local library though. I thought there was a bit too much focus on the fact that all the characters were women and all the challenges that came from that (which was much of the plot). I did like the mystery in it and the conclusion was good. I am going to try to listen to the sequel on audio book. It was a fast read.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated