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ABOUT THE BOOK
Charlotte Holmes is accustomed to solving crimes, not being accused of them, but she finds herself in a dreadfully precarious position as the bestselling Lady Sherlock series continues.Charlotte’s success on the RMS Provence has afforded her a certain measure of time and assurance. Taking advantage of that, she has been busy, plotting to prise the man her sister loves from Moriarty’s iron grip.Disruption, however, comes from an unexpected quarter. Lord Bancroft Ashburton, disgraced and imprisoned as a result of Charlotte’s prior investigations, nevertheless manages to press Charlotte into service: Underwood, his most loyal henchman, is missing and Lord Bancroft wants Charlotte to find Underwood, dead or alive. But then Lord Bancroft himself turns up dead and Charlotte, more than anyone else, meets the trifecta criteria of motive, means, and opportunity. Never mind rescuing anyone else, with the law breathing down her neck, can Charlotte save herself from prosecution for murder?
OPENING LINES
Before Inspector Robert Treadles had wanted to be Sherlock Holmes, he had wanted to be Chief Inspector John Talbot.
GUEST REVIEW by Sophia Rose
In this latest of the Victorian era Lady Sherlock mysteries with a gender-bending Sherlock Holmes cast, Charlotte Holmes finds herself in the hot seat, but anyone who has followed this series knows that somehow the person sweating it out won’t be Miss Charlotte. Sherry Thomas has created an original cast of characters and set them in a series of mysteries with the most delectable tangle of plots that the Great Detective himself would be impressed.
A Ruse of Shadows is the eighth in a series of strongly connected books that must be read in order. Regular series fans are, no doubt, hard-pressed to work out some of the connections that progress through the series and then there are those delightful relationship developments providing a side of romance and friendship for fans to cheer on.
This latest introduces matters in a frame-style story, with the present scene being an interrogation situation for Charlotte, who then takes her testimony of events back into the past. Right away, this setup has the reader wondering just how Charlotte, of all people, ended up being questioned by the police for a murder. From there, the story progresses forward with the occasional return to the present to remind the reader where things are headed before finally getting caught up to that shocking first scene.
The Sherlock Holmes motif is obvious though the new iteration of Holmes & Watson are a pair of very talented women who include a strong and supportive team behind them. The romance has been a slow burn and fascinatingly drawn because Charlotte never was good at relationships and Ash has had his share of missteps in that department. Moriarty is a worthy adversary joined by other cunning opponents. Sherry Thomas does a fair hand at bringing the Victorian era, including some of its grittier social issues, to lend depth to the story.
A highly entertaining mystery romp, A Ruse of Shadows is full of cleverly executed twists that look like a jumble of knots until the very tension-wrought end untangles to satisfying clarity. Historical mystery, and particularly Holmesian fans, should definitely clear some time for this series.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
USA Today-bestselling author Sherry Thomas decided that her goal in life is to write every kind of book she enjoys reading. Thus far she has published romance, fantasy, mystery, and a wuxia-inspired duology. Her books regularly receive starred reviews and best-of-the-year honors from trade publications, including such outlets as the New York Times and National Public Radio. She is also a two-time winner of Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® Award.
Sherry immigrated from China at age 13 and English is her second language. Connect with Sherry via her website.
ABOUT SOPHIA ROSE, GUEST REVIEWER
Sophia is a quiet, curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, piano-playing, and gardening. Road trips and campouts, museums and monuments, restaurants, and theaters are her jam. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and a loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, baseball, cats, Scooby Doo, and chocolate.
As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing. In 2012, she submitted her first book review and is currently an associate reviewer.
Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener allowing her to experience many wonderful books, authors, and narrators. Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction, particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance. Sorry, no horror...or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby. Connect with Sophia via FACEBOOK GOODREADS TWITTER
I haven't read from the author yet, but this one sounds really intriguing. Great review as always Sophia Rose!