Included as a top pick in bimonthly October New Releases post, which highlights and promotes upcoming releases of the month (link attached).

Charlotte Holmes is a brilliant detective, but can only solve crimes in Victorian London by pretending to operate on behalf of a fictitious invalid brother. Only a few allies know this secret, and one of them stands accused of double homicide. Inspector Treadles was found in a locked room with two dead men who worked for his wife. Although Mrs. Treadles is desperate for Holmes' help, neither she nor her husband is being entirely truthful. A return to form for the series, with the welcome addition of positive, drama-free romantic development. Thanks, Netgalley.

This started out as a five star read, but it kind of dragged as it went on and a lot of the investigating didn't seem to make much sense. There was just a little bit too much going on at 33 Cold Street. It is a huge improvement over book four, though. I thought the mystery in this one was really intriguing to begin with, as it focused on the Treadles, who are likeable characters, but it became kind of convoluted and unfortunately I was disappointed that it came to the same conclusion as the others. One thing I like about these books is that they are continuous, so you definitely need to read them in order, but it would be a nice change of pace if everything didn't lead back to Moriarty. Charlotte also seems to come to conclusions without their being any evidence on the page and it just takes you out of the mystery. Also, Charlotte's attitude toward Lord Ingram, while a welcome change, often felt a little out of character. After so many books of her unemotional manner, having her thinking how she wants to bat her eyelashes at him is a little jarring. I'm glad for the forward movement of that relationship, though. I feel so-so on this one; there are parts I liked and parts I didn't like but I will continue reading the series to see where things go with Lord Ingram and Charlotte.

Murder on Cold Street is the best Lady Sherlock book yet! The mystery was unique and engaging and the character development was fantastic. I loved seeing growth in Charlotte and watching her examine that growth herself. The romantic developments were also very satisfying. I enjoyed the tease of intrigue afoot for the next installment and can't wait for the next book already!

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for an early copy of one of my favorite series!

I have been a huge fan of the Lady Sherlock series from the beginning (and Sherry Thomas, her books are always fantastic) and the newest installment is no exception. This was a fantastic novel, with Charlotte and crew back in London to save one of their own. Everything about this felt exactly where it needed to be.

I found the overall mystery to be both clearly written, with enough twists and turns to make it a true Charlotte Holmes case. I love how so many characters are brought into the fold to help solve the case, though I would have loved for more Mrs Watson, especially after so much of her backstory was revealed in the last novel. Even better, I felt like the description of the houses where the murder took place to be so vivid that at times I felt like I was there examining things with the characters.

Thankfully, there was just the right amount of Ash and Charlotte. I am not a huge fan of slow burn romances, but I LOVE how this has played out over the series. It feels, I don't know, almost sweet? Which is, of course, what Charlotte always wants (something sweet that is). But I appreciate how it goes along at a pace that doesn't take away from the case but also doesn't feel like the author is putting unnecessary barriers in front of the couple.

As always, the second I finish a Charlotte Holmes book I'm excited for the next adventure. Until then, I"ll just have to go back and reread this one.

This has become a favorite series for the quality of the writing, the more than usual depth of the characters, and the feminist undercurrent. Charlotte Holmes masquerades as famous detective Sherlock Holmes' sister and interviews clients and passes on her brother's advice. She has "escaped" from her awful parents and lives fairly independently in 1880's London with her dear friend Mrs. Watson. Her sister Livia is the chronicler of Holmes' adventures.

Do yourself a favor if you haven't read the previous books. There is a lot of background that is advantageous and enjoyable to have, so start with the first one and appreciate the ride.

These books are quite deviously plotted and there are plenty of surprises. They do shine a light on the inferior position of women during this time and how chafing it was and what a disservice to both sexes. Holmes' friend (and sometimes more) Lord Ingram is an evolved man who has suffered through trials of his own.

This adventure begins when Holmes and Ingram's friend Inspector Treadles is arrested for murder in very damning circumstances. Along with the nicely done mystery, we watch the characters and the relationship between Holmes and Ingram deepen. Highly recommended. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Although I would have been able to get more involved in the story if I had read the earlier books in the series, I still enjoyed this locked door mystery. Sherry Thomas has taken an interesting approach to Sherlock Homes. Sherlock Holmes is really Lady Sherlock. Lady Sherlock is an enigma as well. Inspector Treadles, holding a gun has been found in the same locked room as two dead men and has been arrested for murder. There are plenty of lies and secrets. Complicating the matter is the continuing romance between Lady Sherlock and Lord Ingram. As in all good mystery series, this one builds upon past books. The reader enjoys watching the characters develop and the relationships of characters move from book to book.

This is the fifth book in the Lady Sherlock mystery series. Miss Charlotte Holmes is visited by Mrs. Robert Treadles to beg for Sherlock's help since her husband Inspector Treadles has be arrested for murder.

Inspector Treadles was found blood-stained and holding a gun over the bodies of his two supposed victims. His supposed victims were Mr. John Longstead and Mr. Ambrose Sullivan both had connections to the company Mrs. Treadles inherited from her father.

Inspector Treadles had been a colleague of Sherlock Holmes and was one of very few who know Charlotte's secret identity. Naturally, Charlotte, her friend Lord Ingram Ashburton, and colleagues Mrs. Watson and her niece Penelope Redymayne are eager to assist in clearing the Inspector's name.

It doesn't help their case that Mrs. Treadles is lying to them primarily out of embarrassment. She is reluctant to tell them about the many difficulties she has been having with Mr. Sullivan in her quest to gain control of the company she has inherited. She hadn't shared her troubles with her husband either since he wasn't at all happy that she was going to be working outside the home managing her new company.

At first, the implication is that the Inspector killed the two men out of some sort of jealousy but that motive is quickly supplanted by chicanery at the business Mrs. Treadles has inherited.

I like the changing relationship between Ash and Charlotte now that Ash has stopped letting society's expectations rule him - or, at least, reduced their impact on him. Charlotte is her brilliant and eccentric self although she, too, has some questions about her new relationship with Ash. I especially enjoy Charlotte's outrageous outfits and love affair with cake.

The story is steeped in Victorian morals and the Christmas time setting adds interest too. The mystery was well-plotted and Charlotte's investigations intriguing. There were many interesting characters in the story too.

It's the festive Christmas season of holly, ivy, plum pudding, and a murder that might prevent Holmes' friend, Inspector Treadles from celebrating ever again. Each installment of the Lady Sherlock series is awaited with great anticipation and never fail to deliver.



Murder on Cold Street is the fifth of the Lady Sherlock series of historical mysteries that work best when read in order.



After the daring deeds of their last case, Charlotte Holmes, Lord Ingram, Mrs. Watson, and the others hope to celebrate a quiet Christmas with loved ones in the lull between cases, but Mrs. Treadles' tearful face and shaking fear have them scrambling to find answers to a murder investigation with the silent Inspector Treadles as the only suspect and holding the 'smoking gun' no less.



I loved seeing Holmes and company scramble into action on behest of a friend against the setting of Victorian London during the holidays. Holmes brilliantly splits interest between the case which she suspects must have to do with Mrs. Treadle's family business and her developing relationship with Lord Ingram. All through the series there has been the relationship push-pull between Charlotte and Lord Ingram as they work around past barriers and the barrier of Charlotte's fallen woman persona as well as her unorthodox choices for her life against his confusion about tradition, respectability, and a failed marriage. The struggle was over and it was neat to see them as friends, cohorts, and lovers.



Their relationship is hitting its stride as is the professional roles Charlotte, Mrs. Watson, and even Olivia as writer are coming together. For this case, Charlotte orchestrated, but everyone took their assignments and worked hard and fast to get to the truth in order to save Inspector Treadles. Olivia is heartsick over the loss of Mr. Marbleton and also being the only daughter left at home stuck between her toxic parents, but she writes to escape and shows she is clever in her own way.



The heart of this story delved into Mrs. Treadles' position as owner of her family's manufacturing business and struggling to get the managers and supervisors to take her seriously because she's a woman. Even more painful was to have Inspector Treadles struggle so hard to see his wife in this role and accept it. This has been an ongoing thread for a couple of books and came to a crisis point in their marriage and also with this murder. Mrs. Treadles came into her own and it was brilliant to see. There is also another woman who faced adversity for her mixed race and interests in science who had a secondary story tucked in with the Treadles' situation.



The case is twisting, but I love how the author gives it layers and warmth by the background or other primary stories swirling around it. The characters, including the villains, are as important as the mystery and the historical setting. It all balances to provide a rich, emotional experience for the reader.



The end of the case brought closure for the Treadles, but left the series plot thread about the Moriarity conflict ready to be picked up in a future installment as well as some ongoing personal storylines.



This was satisfying through and through. I was disappointed to see the end arrive. Whether one is a fan of the Sherlock Holmes' world or one who appreciates Historical Mysteries, this series is not to be missed.

Sherry Thomas has created a wonderfully feminist historical mystery in Murder on Cold Street, the fifth entry in the Lady Sherlock series. The brilliant, cake-loving Charlotte Holmes, who supposedly works as the public face of her bedbound brother Sherlock, is once again investigating a murder. This time the murder strikes close to home -- her friend Inspector Treadles has been arrested for murder, and with the help of her landlady Mrs. Watson and her friend Lord Ashburton, Charlotte is determined to free Inspector Treadles.

4.5 stars

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

This book will come out on October 6th and if you are following the series, it starts directly after the goings on in book four. Inspector Treadles has been arrested for the murder of a man at 33 Cold Street. Treadles wife has just come into possession of her father’s company, Cousins, and the troubles she has gives Mr. Treadles a motive for murder.

This is sort of like a locked door mystery. I am not quite certain why Mr. Treadles doesn’t tell his side of the story since that would have nipped all this nonsense in the bud. He just asks for Sherlock’s help and of course, Charlotte cannot deny him since he had been so helpful to her in the past.

I find all the things Charlotte uncovers quite amusing since you just don’t realize people did such things back at the turn of the 19th century. I have always loved the Victorian setting and the connection to Sherlock Holmes. This is well-plotted, filled with vibrant characters that just jump off the page and a wonderful comradery between the cast members who are involved in the storyline.

If you have always wanted to get into historical cozy series, this one would be a good starting point. Start with A Study in Scarlet Woman. You will thank me.

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.

Charlotte Holmes is off on a new case and it is both interesting and difficult. Lord Ingram is both a help and a distraction. As they work to prove that Inspector Treadles is innocent of the murder he is accused of they have to work with Mrs. Treadles and have to involve several others as they search for the truth. Another great mystery with wonderful characters. Love the interaction between Charlotte and Lord Ingram. I will be looking for more to come between the two.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

I love this series and this book is a wonderful addition to it. I’d like to start by saying that it is my opinion that you need to read this entire series, in order, from beginning to end because Charlotte is a very complex character and her relationships are just as complex – if you don’t read from the beginning you won’t understand her or what drives her. If you start in the middle, you’ll definitely have a different view of her than you would have had you begun at the beginning. I believe I have read somewhere that this is to be a ten-book series and this is book five, so we are right in the middle. Each book has an individual mystery that is solved within that book, but there is an overarching mystery with Moriarty – I can’t wait to see that solution, but then the series will be over and I’ll be very sad about that.

Inspector Robert Treadles is definitely a man of his time and place – Victorian England. He firmly believes that it is the role of the male to be the breadwinner, the one in charge – and it is the woman’s role to care for the home and to follow the male’s lead. Those beliefs have been sorely challenged since his association with Charlotte Holmes and his wife’s inheritance of a large manufacturing company. Even at the beginning of their relationship, he was never comfortable with his wife’s higher social standing and wealth – but when she inherited the company – and then decided to actively manage it – well, he wasn’t exactly as supportive as he could have been. Then, several months ago, he started trying to be more supportive. What happened to change his mind and attitude?

This fast-paced, well-written, and exciting mystery begins with Mrs. Treadles paying a visit to the home of Mrs. Watson to speak with Charlotte Holmes – sister to the famed detective Sherlock Holmes. Mrs. Treadles needs Sherlock’s assistance to prove her husband’s innocence because he’s been found in a locked room with two murdered men – and his service revolver. Inspector Treadles won’t explain what happened, not even to his wife. She’s sure he’s innocent – but the evidence is overwhelming. Can Holmes find the evidence to prove him innocent? Or – is he guilty?

The investigation involves the entire cast of recurring characters and unearths things from the past that will haunt Mrs. Treadles, Inspector Treadles, and the families of the victims for a very long time. Then, there is Moriarty. Did he have a hand in what happened? Is Holmes any closer to unmasking him?

I loved the growth in the relationship between Charlotte and Lord Ingram. It seems that they are both finally coming to grips with it. I also loved that Charlotte is becoming more caring – more human, rather than totally dispassionate. I can’t wait to see where she goes in the remaining books of the series. What bothered me with the book was the end was just there – suddenly – out of the blue – WHAM – and that solution was so totally improbable. It didn’t keep me from enjoying the book, it just seemed a bit convoluted.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope you will as well.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I've loved this series since the very beginning, but this book was a let down. The build up between characters falls flat and looses momentum. I did like that we finally learn more abut the Inspector's wife Alice. However, even the clues and the reveal of the true murderer just wasn't as interesting. I am hoping that the 6th book we get more or Moriarty and intrigue between Charlotte and Ingrim. And poor Olivia!

Lady Sherlock shines!

Well this is a complex mystery with all sorts of associations from Charlotte Holmes' past cases bubbling under the surface. Lord Ingram Ashburton and Mrs. Watson are of course up to their neck in the troubles. It's just prior to Christmas 1886.
Inspector Robert Treadles has been accused arrested for of murder, having been found by police in a room locked from the inside. They'd forced the door and found Inspector Treadles "barricaded ... behind the bedstead, his service revolver pointed at them Nearer to the door were ... two dead men and a fair bit of blood.”
Lady Sherlock investigates and uncovers seemingly independent facts that need bringing together.
Mrs Treadle has been having trouble with the male board of her company, Cousins Manufacturing, and one of the dead men, Mr. John Longstead, a longtime of her father's had been helping her look into the company's finance dealings. The other, Mr. Ambrose Sullivan was an accountant and senior manager at Cousins, advising the Board.
Meanwhile Lord Ingham has reached a decision about Charlotte. I love the way he adores her outrageous individuality. His amused description of her Christmas frock is wonderful.
"He had become more or less inured to her taste in clothes...her gaudy wardrobe."
The investigative path is complex, particularly as no one is telling the whole truth, including Mrs Treadle. Time is against Charlotte, particularly as a rather cold and dogged Inspector is determined Treadle will be charged by Xmas Eve.
Then there's Charlotte's younger sister Livia trapped in a less than satisfactory life with their mother Lady Holmes in their country home, still heartbroken about Moriaty's son. (Another twist!) As Charlotte unravels the mystery, along with Mrs Watson and Lord Ingham there are certainly some surprising details that come to light, but where is the proof?
Another solid read in this addictive series from Sherry Thomas.

A Random House - Ballantine ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

It’s the week before Christmas (1886) and Charlotte Holmes is tasked with solving a double murder in which the prime suspect is Inspector Treadles. What looks like an open and shut case to some is clearly not to Charlotte, Lord Ingram, and company. As they investigate, the clues they discover lead them into a complex crime that will unveil astonishing details about members of the community. Do the principals involved truly know those closest to them? I had no idea how the crime would be solved but I needn’t have worried because Sherry Thomas always comes through. I enjoyed the Christmas setting, the growing relationship between Charlotte and Lord Ingram, and the cast of characters who are Holmes’s inner circle. I have an idea where the next book might go and can’t wait to find out if I’m right.

Murder on Cold Street (Lady Sherlock #5)

Inspector Treadles accused of murder? Two dead bodies and Treadles in a locked room. The two men are connected to his wife's business, and the inspector won't defend himself. Things aren't looking good.

Treadles, a traditional man, has had problems with his wife's inheritance of a large manufacturing concern. Not only is she now the chief source of income, but she has insisted in actually managing the company. The Victorian mindset of the man being the breadwinner and protector has caused some strife between husband and wife.

The Victorian tradition of patriarchy and male authority is the reason Charlotte has to operate as a factotum of Sherlock Holmes. It is only as a personal assistant to the fictitious Sherlock that Charlotte and Mrs. Watson are able to succeed in their investigations. Never doubt, however, that these two women are as capable as any man.



There is such fun in Charlotte's odd (and autistic?) personality, her love of cake, and her rather fantastic taste in clothing (her Christmas dress almost puts Lord Ingram's eye out). The truly feminine combined with Charlotte's ability to defy tradition and succeed in a paternalistic society by subterfuge lends even more whimsy to the books.

Each book builds on the other, so start with the first one, A Study in Scarlet Women, to get the full pleasure of how Charlotte becomes Lady Sherlock.

Read in June; blog review scheduled for Sept. 14.

NetGalley/
Historical Mystery. Oct. 6. Print length: 362 pages.

Oh, how do I love the Lady Sherlock series? Let me count the ways. First of all, you will want to prepare yourself to crush a bit on Lord Ingram as he begins to shake off the dictates of society. Secondly, you will likely worry over Charlotte's sister Olivia as she returns home from France only to reflect on a possible love lost while balancing her trying mother and finishing her Sherlock Holmes story. Lastly, try to guess how Charlotte and Mrs. Watson are going to save Inspector Treadles from the noose and Mrs. Treadles from drowning in her new role at Cousins.
Sherry Thomas delights with her latest installment.

I LOVE this series. I find it very hard to put the books down once I start, so it is my go to when I'm in a reading slump. Charlotte is a great Holmes (Sherlock is her made up brother). I like the relationship with Lord Ingram and the other secondary characters. Unfortunately, these books are never long enough for me or come fast enough. I'm just glad they are being written!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review. - Please keep writing these!

Another fun installment of the Lady Sherlock series. I felt like this mystery was a little more "typical murder mystery" than the last couple of books, with less direct physical danger to the main characters during the story and a slightly more straightforward resolution. There was also more progress on the romantic arc (yay!), though much still remains for future installments. This was a satisfying read that left me smiling, and I will await the 6th book as eagerly as I awaited this one.