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A review by amandasbookreview
A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
4.0
“Do not undervalue what you are ultimately worth because you are at a momentary disadvantage.”
SHERRY THOMAS
A gender-swap version of Sherlock Holmes, you say? COUNT ME IN! A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas is the first book in the Lady Sherlock series, not to be confused with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s A Study in Scarlet–which happened to be the first book with the dynamic duo. Coincidence? I think not, my dear Watson! Charlotte Holmes has never been fond of the idea of her life being determined for her. She craves independence, and baked goods as well. The only way to gain that independence…is by ruining her reputation. She meets a widow named Joanna Watson and together they create the identity of Sherlock Holmes. The Holmes name catches the attention of an investigator who is handling the slew of murders in the city. Sherlock Holmes has proven himself essential in solving the case, but the investigator has never personally met him and has determined that there is definitely something odd about Sherlock Holmes.
It took me a minute to get used to the storyline. The audiobook could be a little confusing at times since it wasn’t clear whose point of view it was in each chapter. I am sure if I were reading the physical copy, it would have been more clear. But once I got used to the format and the changes, I was HOOKED. Charlotte makes a wonderful Sherlock Holmes! She has the same inquisitiveness and cleverness. She has a way of seeing the smallest critical detail, just like the classic Holmes. The difference is she is a woman, and people’s opinion of her is limited. No one would take her seriously as a woman, so she came up with the only solution that would suffice. However, Sherlock is not complete without his partner, Watson. And I must say, Mrs. Joanna Watson, is phenomenal. In fact, she was probably my favorite! She encouraged and supported Charlotte when no one else would, plus she has a mind for detective work as well.
Let me tell you, I am a fan of the classics. My favorite authors include Alexandre Dumas, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, J.R.R. Tolkien, and many more. And you can bet Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is on that list! There are so many nods to Doyle’s work. I also enjoyed the hints of what…and who will be appearing in later books! I can’t wait to pick up the next book. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
It took me a minute to get used to the storyline. The audiobook could be a little confusing at times since it wasn’t clear whose point of view it was in each chapter. I am sure if I were reading the physical copy, it would have been more clear. But once I got used to the format and the changes, I was HOOKED. Charlotte makes a wonderful Sherlock Holmes! She has the same inquisitiveness and cleverness. She has a way of seeing the smallest critical detail, just like the classic Holmes. The difference is she is a woman, and people’s opinion of her is limited. No one would take her seriously as a woman, so she came up with the only solution that would suffice. However, Sherlock is not complete without his partner, Watson. And I must say, Mrs. Joanna Watson, is phenomenal. In fact, she was probably my favorite! She encouraged and supported Charlotte when no one else would, plus she has a mind for detective work as well.
Let me tell you, I am a fan of the classics. My favorite authors include Alexandre Dumas, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, J.R.R. Tolkien, and many more. And you can bet Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is on that list! There are so many nods to Doyle’s work. I also enjoyed the hints of what…and who will be appearing in later books! I can’t wait to pick up the next book. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.