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freadomlibrary's review
5.0
Trigger warning: violence, kidnapping, theft, blackmail
When I first started this book, it felt like the overall story of the series was taking a weird turn. I was wrong! It's actually getting more intense and more complicated with the underlying plot that's been building in the first three books. I was genuinely surprised with the plot of the book and the introduction of some new characters. I loved the return of tension between Charlotte and Ingram, and learning more about Mrs. Watson's past! I got surprisingly invested in Olivia and Stephen, but their future seems completely impossible. Overall, it wasn't one of my favorites of the series so far, but it was still a top tier book.
When I first started this book, it felt like the overall story of the series was taking a weird turn. I was wrong! It's actually getting more intense and more complicated with the underlying plot that's been building in the first three books. I was genuinely surprised with the plot of the book and the introduction of some new characters. I loved the return of tension between Charlotte and Ingram, and learning more about Mrs. Watson's past! I got surprisingly invested in Olivia and Stephen, but their future seems completely impossible. Overall, it wasn't one of my favorites of the series so far, but it was still a top tier book.
suvata's review
3.0
• TBR since November 16, 2018
• Lady Sherlock Series #4
I think I am getting burned out on this series. Every book that I read I enjoy less than the one before. I will probably not go on to read the remaining books. That’s not to say that I won’t pick up book 5 sometime in the future — Just depends on my mood.
From the Publisher:
As “Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective,” Charlotte Holmes has solved murders and found missing individuals. But she has never stolen a priceless artwork—or rather, made away with the secrets hidden behind a much-coveted canvas.
But Mrs. Watson is desperate to help her old friend recover those secrets and Charlotte finds herself involved in a fever-paced scheme to infiltrate a glamorous Yuletide ball where the painting is one handshake away from being sold and the secrets a bare breath from exposure.
• Lady Sherlock Series #4
I think I am getting burned out on this series. Every book that I read I enjoy less than the one before. I will probably not go on to read the remaining books. That’s not to say that I won’t pick up book 5 sometime in the future — Just depends on my mood.
From the Publisher:
As “Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective,” Charlotte Holmes has solved murders and found missing individuals. But she has never stolen a priceless artwork—or rather, made away with the secrets hidden behind a much-coveted canvas.
But Mrs. Watson is desperate to help her old friend recover those secrets and Charlotte finds herself involved in a fever-paced scheme to infiltrate a glamorous Yuletide ball where the painting is one handshake away from being sold and the secrets a bare breath from exposure.
stone_es's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
cjeanne99's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
2.5
This may be my last read of a Charlotte Holmes story - the Lord Ingram plot line is too annoying for me. Why can't they just get married and become a crime fighting duo without all the sexual innuendo?
Beyond that - the plot line in this story was too contrived for me. Mrs. Watson old flame contacts her for help in retrieving some letters that incriminate her son. Moriarty is "imprisoned" in a French Chateau - and is going to release a stolen painting during a New Year's Eve Party - the chateau is used for sexual liaisons - Livia finishes her Sherlock Holmes book - Charlotte figures out the preposterous idea that the combination to the safe where the painting is being stored was transmitted via code that she intercepted - and then determines that the painting is a fake. Too much coincidence and unnecessary side plot lines.
Beyond that - the plot line in this story was too contrived for me. Mrs. Watson old flame contacts her for help in retrieving some letters that incriminate her son. Moriarty is "imprisoned" in a French Chateau - and is going to release a stolen painting during a New Year's Eve Party - the chateau is used for sexual liaisons - Livia finishes her Sherlock Holmes book - Charlotte figures out the preposterous idea that the combination to the safe where the painting is being stored was transmitted via code that she intercepted - and then determines that the painting is a fake. Too much coincidence and unnecessary side plot lines.
sarahfrombookinterrupted's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I am really enjoying this series. This mystery was as good as the others and as usual the information was slowly revealed, not only to the reader but to the characters as well. There were many hopeful romance storylines but there was some disappointment there but I won’t say too much on that or it will spoil it. But I’m hoping where there was disappointment in this book the next one will resolve it. So, I’ll be reading the next one and soon. I also hope that Charolette will be back to indulging in food and not restricting herself because of her maximum chin threshold. I miss hearing what she’s eating and how she is enjoying it. It’s a funny quirk in the books that I quite enjoy.
danileighta's review against another edition
5.0
I've said before how much I love this series, but I'll say it again: I LOVE THIS SERIES! This book in particular was a lot of fun because the whole group we have come to love (including Olivia!) got together to pull off the... investigation, let's say. As I was listening, (and I totally recommend listening to these books) I was reminded of The Invisible Library series, maybe because of the high adventure, the faster pace, and the twists taken. We learn more about Mrs. Watson's life and love interests, as well!
The next installment of the series comes out this month and I am waiting (impatiently) on hold at my local library for it. Highly recommended series for softer mystery lovers.
The next installment of the series comes out this month and I am waiting (impatiently) on hold at my local library for it. Highly recommended series for softer mystery lovers.
noranne's review against another edition
3.0
I've really enjoyed this series (and the narration), and book 3 was my favorite. Unfortunately, this installment couldn't quite live up to it. I felt like the balance of the romantic plots vs the mystery was off, and there was more reliance on coincidences than Sherlockian deduction. I enjoyed the reveal of Mrs. Watson as a bisexual woman, but found it a bit at odds with her previous characterization as someone so completely devastated by the passing of her husband.
One thing I really like about this book is more Olivia. She is one of the most relatable characters I've ever read about. I don't know who managed to learn so much about me and put her down in a novel but it really shouldn't be allowed!! Okay, maybe not, but if you're a writer and cynical romantic with an anxiety disorder you probably will relate to her too.
Speaking of romance,
Definitely my least favorite of the series, but the narrator is excellent as always and I still highly recommend the entire series. Looking forward to the next one, especially because I
Spoiler
Not because bisexual people can't be deeply in love with different people, it just seemed like this book wanted to present the Maharani as her One True Lost Love but previously Dr. Watson was her One True Only Love. I dunno, maybe I'm nitpicking.One thing I really like about this book is more Olivia. She is one of the most relatable characters I've ever read about. I don't know who managed to learn so much about me and put her down in a novel but it really shouldn't be allowed!! Okay, maybe not, but if you're a writer and cynical romantic with an anxiety disorder you probably will relate to her too.
Speaking of romance,
Spoiler
I care way more about Olivia and Mr. Marbleton than about Charlotte and Ash. Can we please be spared the ridiculous overwrought descriptions of them staring at each other? I dunno, I liked their romance at first but it's become too much and I'm not really liking it anymore. Also pretty bummed that Mrs. Watson didn't get to have a nostalgic fling with the Maharani.Definitely my least favorite of the series, but the narrator is excellent as always and I still highly recommend the entire series. Looking forward to the next one, especially because I
Spoiler
was already missing the presence of Treadles in this one, and he should be very present in the next per the epilogue!zerto's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75