Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this reader's copy. In exchange, I am providing an honest review.

I am really enjoying this series. Lady Sherlock is a wonderful character, so fun and quirky - just as a Sherlock Holmes should be.

In this title, Charlotte dons men's clothing and accessories and becomes someone else to help Lord Ingram prove his innocence after Lady Ingram was found dead. All the circumstantial evidence points to Ash but fortunately, Sherlock Holmes can see through the circumstances to the truth of events and the people behind them. Using her sharpened skills of deduction, Charlotte calmly assesses the situation and patiently puts the pieces of this most intricate puzzle together. But will she, can she, solve the crime before Lord Ingram has to answer to judge and jury?

I am delighted by this series and the strong female characters Thomas has created in this version of Sherlock Holmes. A mind that can figure out the twists and turns going forward and looking behind is a mind I envy and appreciate.

I've popped into this series in what feels like the middle. This is the third book in the series. It features Charlotte Holmes, which, is a lot of fun! Overall, I can't really object to anything. I love that the game is still afoot in new ways. I really enjoy a good mystery. I can't spoil her disguise, but it's so good! I really relished how that was done and how it plays out. I like the romance as well. The only downside I can think of is that I was lost for a bit due to needing to read the series in order.

Thank you, Net Galley, for my fascinating copy of this book. This review is my own, left freely.

4.5 stars

This is the third book in the Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas.

In this book Thomas tackles the realm of Moirarty. Here he sort of reminds me of the elusive bad guy that you never really see but you experience all his minions. Long lost brothers and family connections abound in this story.

I have not come across a bad book by Thomas and find this series to be particularly good. Charlotte is pretty quirky and she has a lot of help during her investigations from her sister, Olivia, Mrs. Watson and Lord Ingram. Lord Ingram is my particular favorite. Definitely book boyfriend material for sure!

If you love intricate mysteries, great characterization and a series that does not quit giving you the thrills, this is for you!

If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

***Review not posted on blog***

I have thoroughly enjoyed many books by Sherry Thomas. Unfortunately I am unable to post a review of this book on my blog at this time. I am excited to read more by Sherry Thomas and this publishing imprint. Thank you so much for the opportunity.

The Eater of Books!

I read and enjoyed the first two books in the Lady Sherlock series, A Study in Scarlet Women and A Conspiracy in Belgravia, even though I didn’t always understand what was going on with the mysteries in those books. (I think I’m pretty basic as a mystery reader; I get confused fairly easily.) I was definitely excited when I heard that The Hollow of Fear was coming out.

The story opens with a prologue in which Charlotte Holmes presents herself to her illegitimate half-brother, Myron Finch, who has been masquerading as the Holmes family’s coachman. After a brief discussion regarding events of the previous book, she helps Finch escape agents of the dastardly Moriarty, the classic villain of the Sherlock Holmes series who remains somewhat opaque to me so far (since I’ve read little to none of Sherlock Holmes). Charlotte then apparently encounters Moriarty himself, for the first time, though the scene ends abruptly with their introduction.

The next chapter picks up several months later. Charlotte Holmes and Mrs. Watson are staying at a cottage in the country, near her friend Lord Ingram Ashburton’s country estate, Stern Hollow. When Charlotte’s sister Livia ends up at Stern Hollow as well (with a houseful of other guests; the home that they were visiting nearby had a catastrophic flooding problem), most of the series’ main characters are coincidentally in one place for a very gruesome discovery: Lord Ingram’s estranged wife, dead in Stern Hollow’s icehouse.

Readers of the series will know that Lady Ingram was involved in espionage (in the service of Moriarty), and that when Lord Ingram discovered her perfidy, he exiled her. The cover story is that she’s been in a Swiss sanatorium for her bad back, but some, including a couple of society sisters known as the Gossip Ladies, don’t quite believe that. It’s the Gossip Ladies along with Livia who discover Lady Ingram’s corpse. Immediately, Lord Ingram is a suspect in the murder, and Charlotte Holmes must get to work to save him from the hangman.

The local police quickly suss out that this case is too big for them, and call on Scotland Yard. Inspector Robert Treadles (who happens to be a friend of Lord Ingram’s) and his boss, Chief Inspector Fowler, arrive at Stern Hollow and begin to question the guests and staff.

Inspector Treadles is one of the major secondary characters of the series thus far. He had previously relied on Sherlock Holmes’ skills (using Lord Ingram as an intermediary), before he realized that Sherlock was Charlotte. Treadles has a probably historically accurate disgust of Charlotte, viewing her as an unnatural fallen woman. I have a corresponding entirely modern feminist lack of patience with Treadles, mixed in with a little sympathy. His world view is being challenged a lot – his wife has gone to work – and he’s having a hard time with it all.

Also showing up at Stern Hollow is a rotund, youngish man by the name of Sherrinford Holmes, who is of course Charlotte in disguise. Sherrinford is ostensibly Sherlock’s brother, and he’s been asked to help in the investigation on Lord Ingram’s behalf. He sets up in the unused nursery and begins his own inquiries.

There’s something very enjoyable and satisfying about returning to a mystery series that’s several books in; the characters are all there, familiar already, but the central story – the mystery – is presumably fresh. Ideally, individual mystery books in series both serve as semi-stand-alone stories while also advancing the continuing plot. In the case of this series, there are a number of threads that have been developing over the course of these three books. The most compelling is probably the relationship between Charlotte and Ingram, which makes some progress in this book (sort of). But there’s also some progress in the relationship between Inspector Treadles and his wife, as well as last minute developments in the relationship of Livia (who is coming into her own as a character) and the mysterious Stephen Marbleton.

Charlotte Holmes remains a challenging heroine in some respects. Her condition, presumably somewhere on the autism spectrum, means that she sometimes frustrates the people around her with her reaction, or lack thereof, to events. As a reader, I guess I share a bit of that frustration? Charlotte is lovable and sympathetic (as well as admirable) in her own way, but her very nature makes it hard to relate to her. But in some ways the challenge makes her a more rewarding character to follow through the series, as well.

I’ve devoted parts of my reviews to the previous books to detailing my confusion at the plots of those books. I feel like I did a little better with The Hollow of Fear? Maybe? I divide my understanding of the mystery loosely into to Who, How and Why. It helps me understand what I understand and what I don’t. I pretty much understood the Who (though there are some details I’m a little fuzzy on), and I think I get the Why (though I need to think about it kind of hard to get it straight). The How gets away from me, because there are various people involved and bodies being moved and locks that are changed for mysterious but significant reasons. I end up having trouble keeping things straight. It doesn’t help that facts and occurrences are kept from the reader when they occur (even though they involve the main characters) and only revealed at the end. I understand that as a dramatic choice, but again, it increased my confusion at times.

Overall, The Hollow of Fear is a solid entry into the series that advances the character development and leaves me anticipating book four. My grade is a B+.

Sherry Thomas' Lady Sherlock series is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I adore the characters that we learn more about in each book. The historical aspects transport me back in time as I become invested in whatever intrigue they cast is being pulled into. This series is a wonderful mix of historical fiction and mystery.

I love the Lady Sherlock series and this one did not disappoint! I think Charlotte has grown a lot over the course of the series. She has gotten wiser and stronger. The mystery itself was very well-done for it was filled with twists and turns. The setting of Victorian London was haunting and atmospheric. Thus, this novel is perfect for fans of Veronica Speedwell, Kat Holloway, and Mary Russell series!

This third installment of the Charlotte Holmes series is a delightful addition, Thomas is truly hitting her stride with the characters. Holmes and Watson are approached by a woman whose sister has disappeared, referred to Holmes by inspector Treadles they quickly become too busy to deal with her case as Lord Ingram's wife is found dead. All fingers point to Lord Ingram as she turns up in the icehouse of his country estate. With plenty of red herrings and some quick deduction on Holmes' part we are left gasping at the twists and turns this mystery takes. Excellent for fans of the Holmes canon, Victorian mysteries or just great reads! Highly recommended.

Stevie‘s review of The Hollow of Fear (Lady Sherlock, Book 3) by Sherry Thomas
Historical Mystery published by Berkley 02 Oct 18

I love the premise of the Lady Sherlock series: a young woman contrives to make herself unwelcome in Society, then sets up as a consulting detective – ostensibly the go-between for Sherlock Holmes, a great mind too weakened by illness to meet his clients in person – aided by the redoubtable Mrs. Watson, a former actress. Their cases range from the mundane to the high stakes world of international espionage, and it’s the latter that repeatedly brings her into contact with the dastardly Moriarty, generally via her great friend, Lord Ingram, his brother, and Ingram’s estranged wife – who is now once again allied to Moriarty. I also very much appreciate the devotion Holmes shows towards her siblings, even though her attempts to take care of them from afar often lead her into trouble.

Devotion to the younger of her unmarried sisters leads Charlotte to spend her summer – with Mrs. Watson, of course – in a rented cottage close to the estate of a cousin by whom her sister is invited annually to a house party. The fact that this location is also close to the summer residence of Lord Ingram doesn’t pass unnoticed and the pair arrange to visit the grounds of his house as casual tourists, hoping not to run into him or anyone else Charlotte knows, in the process. Their prior knowledge of the gardens and its buildings comes in handy when, not long after, domestic issues force the house party to decamp to Lord Ingram’s home and, in the course of the upheaval, a body is found in the ice house and identified as that of Lady Ingram.

Lord Ingram is the obvious suspect, although Charlotte suspects Moriarty’s involvement. Soon, Inspector Treadles has been summoned from Scotland Yard, and Charlotte decides to investigate, disguised as Sherlock Holmes’ brother, Sherrinford. This mystery is not the only one she’s investigating. She’s also been hired to find a missing woman, and then there’s the puzzles of where Lord Ingram’s children have gone for the summer, and who has been stealing food from Lord Ingram’s kitchens. All those mysteries turn out to be linked one way or another; however, a separate mystery, chiefly of concern to Charlotte’s sister, regarding the whereabouts of the third unmarried, and unmarriageable, sister turns out to have a much less sinister solution than she at first feared.

As always, it was a delight to watch the unravelling of the various puzzles and spotting the connections between them, as well as those leading back to Charlotte, aka Sherlock, aka Sherrinford, Holmes. While the future is not entirely certain for any of the three Holmes girls at this point, there is hope that all of them will get a happy ending eventually and that at least one of the two with a love interest will resolve the issues keeping them apart eventually. My one gripe was the conceit whereby we learned late in the story exactly what had been planned by our heroes sometime earlier in the proceedings, leading to some assumptions that were handed to us being turned completely around. That aside, I’m definitely looking forward to Holmes’ next case.

Grade: B

Women in Victorian literature were often depicted as a frail creature whose only goal in life was to wed an acceptable man and retire to a life of parties, balls, dinner and teas. Our heroine Charlotte does not reflect that image.
We first meet Charlotte as she deduces that the coachman is actually her half brother Myron in disguise. Her ability to see through the disguise is prodigious but well within her abilities. After all, she is Sherlock Holmes, the most brilliant detective of the times.
From the first meeting, we step into the life of Charlotte Holmes, consulting detective. As the story unfolds Charlotte must assist Myron as he attempts to erode the arch criminal Moriarity, live within the society norms that have made her an outcast, and prove her love, Lord Ashburton Ingram innocent of the murder of his life.
Charlotte is brillant but is that enough to unravel these complex situations and issues? In a well structured and reasoned plot she faces these issues and it is a must read to find out.
This is a complex mystery well worth the readers attention. You will come to appreciate Charlotte and respect her abilities. Clearly, Sherry Thomas, author of The Hollow of Fear, knows and understands the character she has created. I am sure there will be more adventures and I look forward to reading and enjoying them.
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley. #Netgalley #TheHollowofFear

Lovely read perfect for fans of steampunk stories!

The Hallow Of Fear is a continuation of Sherry Thomas’ Lady Sherlock series. Set in Victorian England our protagonist, Charlotte Holmes, must solve the mystery of of her half brother’s disappearance and the death of Lady Ingram. This story was filled with the twist and turns we know and love from mystery books! There was also a bit of romance and loving details to the historical era.

Lady Sherlock is fabulous!

Brilliant Holmsian story in the tradition of that genre. The action fairly races across the page to a quite unsuspected conclusion. Charlotte Holmes is a sleuth with a capacious ability for lying, an adept brain and a love of sweet things. She makes three appearances as three different people, and each is scintillating.
Charlotte's half brother has disappeared and Charlotte's longtime friend Lord Ingram is being accused of murdering his wife. Charlotte must find the real murderer, and of course the specter of Moriaty looms in the background.
It should be corny but it's not, it's fascinating !
Move over Benedict, Thomas' Sherlock has come to play!

A NetGalley ARC

Another great mystery story with Mrs. Watson and Charlotte Holmes. This is the third novel in the series and I look forward to the next one. Here stories keep one questing as to what will happen next, great writing.

Gumshoe Review published the review of The Hollow of Fear in their December 2018 issue. The review is exclusive to them until January 2019.

After the sensational twists at the end of the last installment, I was left reeling and then, impatient, to see what happened next in this fabulous gender-bending retelling of the Sherlock Holmes adventures.

The Lady Sherlock series is meant to be read in order and wouldn’t do well picked up out of order. I will try to avoid series spoilers for potential readers which will keep my thoughts on this one rather vague.

So, Charlotte unearths secrets with far reaching effects in the last book. One secret affects her own family and another is devastating for Lord Ingram. Both of their family secrets were kept out of Society’s gossiping grasp, but events out of their control might still expose everything including the fact that Charlotte isn’t just a fallen woman, but is masquerading as the most brilliant detecting mind in London, Sherlock Holmes.

Each story, brings these eccentric, but also historically accurate characters and background to vivid life. Charlotte Holmes with a brilliant mind and no ability to survive in the stifling social world, is faced with the most desperate case of her life when her friend, and potentially something more, Lord Ingram is the chief suspect in his wife’s murder. Everyone knows they were estranged, but someone has cunningly framed him in neatly so that facts of innocence are hard to find. Holmes is terrified and off her sweets which terrifies everyone else around her. She sets things in motion that dazzle the reader by the end of the book when everything made a brilliant sense. In the meantime, old-fashioned detective work doggedly leads them forward even as a chief inspector of the CID is determined to collar Lord Ingram for the crime to advance his notoriety and his career.

Behind the mystery, continues some ongoing threads that carry over through the series. Four people are narrating the story and each have their own story threads: Lord Ingram who realized too late that the eccentric genius girl he pushed away in his youth for the poise and beauty he thought he wanted may never be able to feel let alone share his love. Charlotte’s sister who is loyal to Charlotte and has her own secret love with a dangerous man. A lowly Scotland Yard detective who is struggling to reconcile his hero is really a woman and his own wife has set aside typical womanly things to lead a company. And, of course, Charlotte Holmes, herself, who sees the world so much differently than everyone else.

I love this series for the clever mysteries, but most of all the character development. The author writes eccentric people, but doesn’t stray from historical accuracy (if living in Holmes’ world can be described this way) for the time to do it. I enjoy how it all fits together so well.

All in all, I was thrilled to read this one and now am left impatient for the next book. Those who love Sherlock Holmes or historical mysteries in general should definitely give these a try.

I rec’d this book from Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.

I have no idea what is going on. I know this is the 3rd book but I figured I’d be able to jump into the story without any trouble. Obviously, I’d miss a lot of the back story but I should be able to understand the new story. Unfortunately, this reads like it continues the previous book.
Charlotte Holmes sounded like a great character but with so much going on and not enough backstory to pick up the story threads, I was lost and didn’t know who was who. This series needs read from book 1 onwards.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Hollow of Fear is even better on a second read through of Sherry Thomas' Lady Sherlock series. Every twist has been foreshadowed beautifully and I look forward to the next installment.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

Each book in the Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas is better than the last. The Hollow of Fear is utterly fabulous and definitely one of my best books of 2018.

Charlotte Holmes is a complicated woman, well ahead of her time in the Victorian Era. After very publicly, very intentionally making herself a pariah of society, she has managed to find a way to support herself, with the help of former actress Mrs. Watson, under the guise of Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective. In The Hollow of Fear, we find Charlotte coming to her longtime friend Lord Ingram’s aid when his estranged wife is found dead in his estate’s ice house. Worried that Moriarty is behind the murder and for Lord Ingram’s life, Charlotte dons the disguise of Sherlock’s brother Sherrinford so that she can freely interact with the police and suspects to investigate. An intricate mystery unfolds, weaving together threads from previous books and the current circumstances. Finishing the book, I am gobsmacked by its final revelations. As one might expect with Charlotte, nothing is really as it seems…ever.

Charlotte is abrasive and, one would think, rather off putting, but I cannot help but find her endearing. We do see a more emotional side of her here, and this makes the already complicated young woman even more baffling yet appealing. I absolutely adore Lord Ingram. He is quite the perfect intelligent and charming match for Charlotte, and their scenes together are full of romantic tension, wit, and restraint. Charlotte’s sister Olivia is present throughout the book, and her nature helps put Charlotte’s nature into perspective. Inspector Treadles finds himself in a difficult position trying to balance his friendship with Lord Ingram while investigating the murder without bias. Mrs. Watson does not appear as much as I would like, but the scenes she does have with Charlotte are always entertaining.

Part murder mystery, part romance, and part intrigue, The Hollow of Fear really is exceptional. The writing is true to the era, and the pace is just right. Even while wanting to savor the story, I could not help but feverishly read to the last page with Thomas revealing surprises and twists and turns in almost every scene. Intelligent writing, delightfully well developed characters, and a complex plot make this a stellar read. Highly recommended.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

Sherry Thomas has crafted a unique and charming mystery series that will enthrall readers. Sherlock Holmes has inspired many series over the years but this series stands apart. Charlotte Holmes is wholly unique and individual. Thomas has created a sisterly duo of Livia and Charlotte that take on the restrictions of their time period head on, forging their own pathway to the future.

Lord Ingram is a true hero. He helps when he is needed in an unobtrusive way and lets the ladies make their own decisions, very enlightened for his times. In this latest mystery Lord Ingram is the one in need of Charlotte's brilliant mind. He has been framed for murder so thoroughly even Charlotte has trouble at first seeing a way out of it.

As always Thomas is a master of the plot lines creating a twisty turny pathway to the final show down.

Sherry Thomas is a genius and plots things in such a way that I am in awe and how far in advance she has been planning. Tight plotting across a series is one of my favorite things and I am here for any other adventure that Charlotte Holmes has, and Sherry Thomas is at the top of my author list this year.