Reviews

Les Aventures de Charlotte Holmes by Brittany Cavallaro

sklus's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

It was better than I thought it was going to be. I'm a little bit of a Sherlock Holmes fan and I'm very critical of any retelling/additional stories. I ended up picking up the book because I thought it would be interesting to see how the author dealt with a female Sherlock. Initially, I thought the book was a genderbent retelling, but that's not the case. The tone of the book was completely different. It was more modern (obviously) and less sterile and clinical. It focused on the great-grandchildren of Sherlock and crew, so instead of taking place in the 1800s, it took place around 2016. It was written like a YA book, which had pros and cons. On the positive side, it made it easier to read. It didn't feel like a Sherlock Holmes book, which can be considered a pro or con depending on what you're looking for. I don't know how I feel about the world building; in this book, Watsons, Holmeses, and Moriartys are everywhere and they're D-list celebrities. Not that SH books aren't a big deal, but I had a hard time believing they were a big enough deal so that generations later their children would still be celebrities and behaving like their ancestors. Apparently, all Holmeses are mean, drug-addicts, and detectives. Watsons have to care for the Holmeses and Moriartys get into some generic evil crime. It was a little difficult to suspend my disbelief on that part.
All that being said, I thought the mystery aspect was really good. Both Holmes and Watson (the modern ones) were pretty compelling characters. Neither were 100% likable or unlikeable, which is something that I appreciate. I'm definitely going to read the next book in the series!

denali_epub's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Of the 26 books I've read thus far in 2019, A Study in Charlotte (the the rest of the Charlotte Holmes series, to be frank) have topped out my list in the contemporary category.

For those of you who follow my reviews, you know contemporary isn't exactly a category I lean towards. In fact, if it weren't for Kate, I like wouldn't read any. However, upon her recommendation I picked up this story was was not disappointed.

As a lover of the originals, ([b:The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes|3590|The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes|Arthur Conan Doyle|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1164045516l/3590._SY75_.jpg|1222101]), getting the opportunity to see the tales revisited and told in a modern, stunningly hilarious manner made this book a treat to read.

Our story follows a young James "Jamie" Watson, decide of the one and only Dr. John Watson, who has spent his life imagining that he'd one day meet a Holmes and go on lavish and outlandish adventures. He is not, however, prepared for how upside down his life will become when he is sent to boarding school in America and meets the acquaintance of one Charlotte Holmes.

While I caution readers to comprise themselves of the trigger warnings before diving in (i.e. mention of sexual assault, frequent mention and some "graphic" depictions of drug abuse), I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves mystery, adventure, and a brilliant friends-to-lovers ship to root for (though I won't spoil whether that ship is set to sail or doomed to sink.)

A solid, five star read.

bhnmt61's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I am not a fan of all Sherlock reboots, and I don't read/watch all things Sherlock. But I did love the originals back when I read them thirty years ago, and I love the Cumberbatch/Freeman series, and I really enjoyed this one. Snarky, snide, and about the same amount 'over-the-top' as the originals were. Fun read. Looking forward to the sequels.

torla's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

ecstarr's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

nancysweitzer's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

karrama's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

A fun and addictive Watson and Holmes novel for those who love YA, BBC, and the original stories. Jamie Watson attends Sherringford Academy in Connecticut because his Mom wants him out of London, he got a scholarship, and because his father, a Watson himself, lives nearby with his new wife and children. On campus he spies Charlotte Holmes, the Holmes of his generation. He's never wanted to look like he was angling to meet her, but he's studied all the old books his great, great grandfather wrote all the same. Surely they'll be great friends.

When a boy who assaulted Charlotte is murdered, it's up to Holmes and Watson to prove themselves innocent - though they might have cause for wishing the miscreant harm.

A fun murder mystery that touches on the troubling topics of rape, drinking, drug addiction, murder, and big feelings.

ggreeley's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Fun!

I love Holmes and Watson reimaginings and YA. This was both and did not disappoint! I’m excited for number 2, but I hope it doesn’t follow the same boring twist of most number twos- love triangles! Don’t like ‘em!

wordsbetweenlines's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was such a fun twist on the Holmes and Watson characters  with our main characters being their great great great grandchildren.  

It was YA, and a little dark with a touch of of murder. It was quick and such a fun book to listen to. Im excited for the rest of the series.

moonvers3's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

4.75 -- Some parts were a little predictable, but as a fan of the Sherlock Holmes modern adaptations, I really enjoyed this