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bookwoman1967's review
3.0
Interesting take on Sherlock, maybe a little too clever with itself. Definitely a lot going on here.
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
As you might have noticed already, I'm reading a lot of Sherlock Holmes inspired stories (and I still haven't read the originals, but that will be remedied at some point) and yet I keep on finding new ones sounding equally interesting. One of the series I found when researching for more Sherlock inspired YA novels, was this series where Sherlock Holmes is not a man, but a woman. That immediately got my interest and once I started reading I was entirely sold.
This version of Sherlock Holmes is very easily recognizable as Sherlock. Even though she's now a woman called Charlotte she has all his character traits. Of course that starts with a sharp mind, and the fact that she has to learn that laying everyone's secrets bare in casual conversion is not done. On top of that it's also her lack of understanding for social constructs, such as the importance of being a virgin for a lady or making small talk. But, contrary to Sherlock, possibly, Charlotte had to learn how to act as a decent lady at least.
This first book is in a lot of ways an introduction, while it also presents an interesting case. At first we get to know the Holmes family, their dynamics, their fights and also the things they did to hurt each other. On top of that we see how Charlotte is trying to make her own living, despite being a women in the wrong time period. That means we also get a great impression of society at this time and of the atmosphere of London in general. On top of that we learn how Holmes meets Watson, how they start their praxis and how eventually the stories we're so familiar with came into being.
The case, although quite interesting and complicated and slightly sickening too, takes much of a backseat while all the characters and their dynamics are front and centre. I really loved this version of Sherlock and how it was easy to like and root for her, without her being a very socially person. On top of that we meet an amazing version of Watson and a few interesting new and original characters I can slowly see myself falling in love with.
After this introduction to this world, to these characters and to the way we are going to do and get new interesting cases, I really long for more! So, I ordered the rest of the series right away and I can't wait until they're delivered!
This version of Sherlock Holmes is very easily recognizable as Sherlock. Even though she's now a woman called Charlotte she has all his character traits. Of course that starts with a sharp mind, and the fact that she has to learn that laying everyone's secrets bare in casual conversion is not done. On top of that it's also her lack of understanding for social constructs, such as the importance of being a virgin for a lady or making small talk. But, contrary to Sherlock, possibly, Charlotte had to learn how to act as a decent lady at least.
This first book is in a lot of ways an introduction, while it also presents an interesting case. At first we get to know the Holmes family, their dynamics, their fights and also the things they did to hurt each other. On top of that we see how Charlotte is trying to make her own living, despite being a women in the wrong time period. That means we also get a great impression of society at this time and of the atmosphere of London in general. On top of that we learn how Holmes meets Watson, how they start their praxis and how eventually the stories we're so familiar with came into being.
The case, although quite interesting and complicated and slightly sickening too, takes much of a backseat while all the characters and their dynamics are front and centre. I really loved this version of Sherlock and how it was easy to like and root for her, without her being a very socially person. On top of that we meet an amazing version of Watson and a few interesting new and original characters I can slowly see myself falling in love with.
After this introduction to this world, to these characters and to the way we are going to do and get new interesting cases, I really long for more! So, I ordered the rest of the series right away and I can't wait until they're delivered!
mcklockhart's review
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
freadomlibrary's review against another edition
4.0
Trigger warnings: mentions of sexual assault, child abuse, incest, molestation
I picked up this book because it’s been on my TBR for awhile and I just caught up with the Veronica Speedwell series and I wanted something similar. However, these two series could not be more different!
I was taken off guard from the very first page. The different point of views were confusing and it took me awhile to grasp who was who in reference to the original Sherlock stories. The mystery was slow to develop which I actually appreciated since it allowed me to get my bearings and become accustomed to the writing style and characters. It started really picking up around the halfway mark and that’s when I became really invested. I wish the mystery hasn’t been solved in such a lackluster way, specially considering it’s details but overall, the character and their relationships really intrigued me and make me want to continue the series.
(Also love how the title reference not only the Sherlock Holmes novels and also details of the story itself
I picked up this book because it’s been on my TBR for awhile and I just caught up with the Veronica Speedwell series and I wanted something similar. However, these two series could not be more different!
I was taken off guard from the very first page. The different point of views were confusing and it took me awhile to grasp who was who in reference to the original Sherlock stories. The mystery was slow to develop which I actually appreciated since it allowed me to get my bearings and become accustomed to the writing style and characters. It started really picking up around the halfway mark and that’s when I became really invested. I wish the mystery hasn’t been solved in such a lackluster way, specially considering it’s details but overall, the character and their relationships really intrigued me and make me want to continue the series.
(Also love how the title reference not only the Sherlock Holmes novels and also details of the story itself
smarkies's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ketutar's review
1.0
DNF
I read 60% of the book, I can say I have read enough to decide to stop reading it. There are too many good books out there to waste time reading crap like this.
I read it because it was recommended as Autumnal reading. Probably because Sherlock Holmes is considered very Autumnal, and this is a Sherlock Holmes fan fiction. Now, I was suspicious, because they also recommended [b:The Beekeeper's Apprentice|91661|The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, #1)|Laurie R. King|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1590945421l/91661._SY75_.jpg|891863] and [b:The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter|34728925|The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter (The Extraordinary Adventures of the Athena Club, #1)|Theodora Goss|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1490794116l/34728925._SY75_.jpg|45924715], which also are more or less Sherlock Holmes fan fiction, and I have read the Daughter and it's BS, and I fear the Apprentice is that also, so I don't want to read it. Read the 1-star reviews, and believe them. If there are things said there that make you feel you don't want to read this book, do yourself a favor and read something else. I actually liked [b:Good Night, Mr. Holmes|552534|Good Night, Mr. Holmes (Irene Adler, #1)|Carole Nelson Douglas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1437091135l/552534._SY75_.jpg|2903822], so if you want to read a feminist version of Sherlock Holmes, read that. It's Irene Adler fan fiction :-D (But do read the 1-star reviews first, some people don't like it for reasons, and if their reasons seem good to you, just don't waste your time reading that either.)
So - I think my dislike started from the first page.
The characters are caricatures and cardboard at that. Her father and mother can do only one thing and react the same way to everything that happens.
Every man has a mistress, or more than one.
Young women discuss sex freely.
People who have never worn a Victorian outfit complain about how uncomfortable it is.
I hate when the authors don't seem to understand the general attitudes of the era they are writing about. That was one of my biggest problems with [b:Outlander|10964|Outlander (Outlander, #1)|Diana Gabaldon|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1659086907l/10964._SY75_.jpg|2489796]. I hate it when they take a thoroughly modern Millie and insert them into a historical time.
It felt like she was using an unnecessarily complicated language because "they spoke like that in the 19th century", and was using a thesaurus way too much. English isn't my native language, but there were some words that cannot be used the way she used them. I also don't think a brougham is what she seems to think it is. Or a "dog cart".
I found it extremely irritating how Charlotte was supposed to be so smart but then make idiotic mistakes. Firstly, she should have gotten herself a proper education already when she was a child. She should have taught herself several languages if her parents had refused to get her a teacher. She could have "helped" her friends and acquaintances with their studies and exchanged favors or other things with their governess to get the education required. She could have discussed with the governesses to find out what was needed to become a headmistress. She could have researched the different routes to becoming an independent woman. She should have considered what would happen if her scheme failed, before running away from home. What would be needed? How difficult it would actually have been to get a job. She could have started applying for a job already when she was 15. She could have started writing to earn some money. And how come she didn't manage to save more than what she had? And why didn't she wait until she was sent to the countryside before she run away? I mean, I would have made an agreement with the driver about him taking me somewhere else - and I would have secured that "somewhere else" already in good time beforehand... I suppose I need to write my version of this to see if it was any better :-D
Also, the scheme she cooked up to force her parents to give her what she wanted was stupid. At that time, all she needed to do was to SAY she had had sex with someone. She didn't need to actually have sex with someone.
Anyway, what made me finally decide not to continue reading was the passage about the relationship between Charlotte and the love interest. *sigh*
I was fascinated by the idea of a young woman being Sherlock Holmes, having chosen the name as a male disguise, but... the name "Sherlock" is a surname, and not common enough for someone to think of it as their pseudonym. She could have chosen any name, John, Edward, Frederick, Oliver, even Charles. No one would have thought the little plumb Charlotte Holmes would be the brilliant detective.
The mystery part of the book was somewhat interesting, even though it wasn't interesting enough for me to want to finish the book to find out the solution. I just don't care.
I suppose Sherry Thomas was writing Charlotte as being on the Autistic spectrum (having Asperger's), people have been having theories about Sherlock Holmes being an Aspie. I can accept her description as someone on AS. Some of us function like that.
I also appreciate the fact that Charlotte was a glutton and rotund. Though I'm thinking about Lily Langtry, the White Elephant, and that being fat wasn't in any way unattractive during the Victorian times.
I read 60% of the book, I can say I have read enough to decide to stop reading it. There are too many good books out there to waste time reading crap like this.
I read it because it was recommended as Autumnal reading. Probably because Sherlock Holmes is considered very Autumnal, and this is a Sherlock Holmes fan fiction. Now, I was suspicious, because they also recommended [b:The Beekeeper's Apprentice|91661|The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, #1)|Laurie R. King|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1590945421l/91661._SY75_.jpg|891863] and [b:The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter|34728925|The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter (The Extraordinary Adventures of the Athena Club, #1)|Theodora Goss|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1490794116l/34728925._SY75_.jpg|45924715], which also are more or less Sherlock Holmes fan fiction, and I have read the Daughter and it's BS, and I fear the Apprentice is that also, so I don't want to read it. Read the 1-star reviews, and believe them. If there are things said there that make you feel you don't want to read this book, do yourself a favor and read something else. I actually liked [b:Good Night, Mr. Holmes|552534|Good Night, Mr. Holmes (Irene Adler, #1)|Carole Nelson Douglas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1437091135l/552534._SY75_.jpg|2903822], so if you want to read a feminist version of Sherlock Holmes, read that. It's Irene Adler fan fiction :-D (But do read the 1-star reviews first, some people don't like it for reasons, and if their reasons seem good to you, just don't waste your time reading that either.)
So - I think my dislike started from the first page.
The characters are caricatures and cardboard at that. Her father and mother can do only one thing and react the same way to everything that happens.
Every man has a mistress, or more than one.
Young women discuss sex freely.
People who have never worn a Victorian outfit complain about how uncomfortable it is.
I hate when the authors don't seem to understand the general attitudes of the era they are writing about. That was one of my biggest problems with [b:Outlander|10964|Outlander (Outlander, #1)|Diana Gabaldon|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1659086907l/10964._SY75_.jpg|2489796]. I hate it when they take a thoroughly modern Millie and insert them into a historical time.
It felt like she was using an unnecessarily complicated language because "they spoke like that in the 19th century", and was using a thesaurus way too much. English isn't my native language, but there were some words that cannot be used the way she used them. I also don't think a brougham is what she seems to think it is. Or a "dog cart".
I found it extremely irritating how Charlotte was supposed to be so smart but then make idiotic mistakes. Firstly, she should have gotten herself a proper education already when she was a child. She should have taught herself several languages if her parents had refused to get her a teacher. She could have "helped" her friends and acquaintances with their studies and exchanged favors or other things with their governess to get the education required. She could have discussed with the governesses to find out what was needed to become a headmistress. She could have researched the different routes to becoming an independent woman. She should have considered what would happen if her scheme failed, before running away from home. What would be needed? How difficult it would actually have been to get a job. She could have started applying for a job already when she was 15. She could have started writing to earn some money. And how come she didn't manage to save more than what she had? And why didn't she wait until she was sent to the countryside before she run away? I mean, I would have made an agreement with the driver about him taking me somewhere else - and I would have secured that "somewhere else" already in good time beforehand... I suppose I need to write my version of this to see if it was any better :-D
Also, the scheme she cooked up to force her parents to give her what she wanted was stupid. At that time, all she needed to do was to SAY she had had sex with someone. She didn't need to actually have sex with someone.
Anyway, what made me finally decide not to continue reading was the passage about the relationship between Charlotte and the love interest. *sigh*
I was fascinated by the idea of a young woman being Sherlock Holmes, having chosen the name as a male disguise, but... the name "Sherlock" is a surname, and not common enough for someone to think of it as their pseudonym. She could have chosen any name, John, Edward, Frederick, Oliver, even Charles. No one would have thought the little plumb Charlotte Holmes would be the brilliant detective.
The mystery part of the book was somewhat interesting, even though it wasn't interesting enough for me to want to finish the book to find out the solution. I just don't care.
I suppose Sherry Thomas was writing Charlotte as being on the Autistic spectrum (having Asperger's), people have been having theories about Sherlock Holmes being an Aspie. I can accept her description as someone on AS. Some of us function like that.
I also appreciate the fact that Charlotte was a glutton and rotund. Though I'm thinking about Lily Langtry, the White Elephant, and that being fat wasn't in any way unattractive during the Victorian times.
klarial's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, I really enjoyed this. The mystery is compelling but what really shines is the character development and simmering romance, which suites me just fine.
moshalala's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
pinks_paperbacks's review
4.0
I like the fact that even though it’s a recreation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s “A Study in Scarlet” it doesn’t feel forced. Even the characters that were recreated, especially Sherlock Holmes whose gender was changed to a female, doesn’t feel forced on you. There was a running theme of feminism and it spread beautifully in the story that made it a genuine issues and not one where it is used to be on trend.
The writing was so wonderful and weirdly calming to read while keeping the thrill of the story. There was a hint of Agatha Christie’s style of writing, specifically like Hercule Poirot stories which made it even more enjoyable to read. This book did encourage me to read other recreations by the author.
The writing was so wonderful and weirdly calming to read while keeping the thrill of the story. There was a hint of Agatha Christie’s style of writing, specifically like Hercule Poirot stories which made it even more enjoyable to read. This book did encourage me to read other recreations by the author.