I have recommended A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas to nearly everyone it feels like. It seems very appropriate to review it for the Gateway CBR12 bingo square. I started reading it last year for Cannon Book Club, but never went back to finish. So I went in fresh with the audiobook to jumpstart my brain and finally finish my paperback copy.
Charlotte Holmes is a clever woman who is smarter than almost everyone she meets. All she wants is independence to do what she pleases. Alas, in Victorian England that is somewhat difficult. Instead of conforming to society’s expectations, she chooses scandal and leaves polite society altogether! This befuddles her sister Livia who rather not buck the status quo. Charlotte attempts to work for a living from a woman’s house, but eventually crosses path with Mrs. Watson. The two put a scheme together and invent the Sherlock Holmes persona so Charlotte can put her brilliant mind to work solving crimes. Thomas crafts a delightful remix of the original A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
As a romance fan, I recommend this to people who are a bit on the fence about the genre. Most people are familiar with Sherlock and are game for the gender swap. I hook them with the mystery and hope they enjoy the unconventional love story between Lord Ingram Ashburton and Charlotte. Lots of lingering looks and sparring with words rather than tons of kissing. As this is the first book in the series, these two are just getting started. I am grateful to the audiobook for getting me back into the story. I finally finished it during the first part of the lockdown. I’m kicking myself for dragging it out so long. I’ve had my signed copy from the author on my shelf for ages. The Lady Sherlock series is great for romance lovers, mystery fans, and those looking for a witty heroine who keeps you guessing at every turn.
Bonus: Sherry Thomas chats to Bea Koch during The Ripped Bodice’s Historical Romance Happy Hour