In the second Baker Street Mystery novel, Holly Hepburn brings readers back to Baker Street’s basement where Harriet White continues to respond to mail addressed to the famous and fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. However, telegrams are much less likely to cross her desk, so an urgent telegram about author Philip St. John is extraordinary and definitely worthy of a trip to Cambridgeshire as Holmes’ assistant to solve the case. As she ensconces herself at Thurmwell Manor and takes on the case of Philip St. John, Harriet guides readers through the new case and must solve the mystery before the victim dies and she loses her faith in science and reason. A brilliant sequel to a fantastic first book in the series, readers looking for more Holmes stories need not go any further because Hepburn’s characters and the mysteries are complex, brilliant, and definitely worthy of the famous sleuth. Harry is a competent and capable protagonist whose use of Holmes’ methods on her own cases, as well as her strengths in her civilian life, really draw readers into the story to solve the mystery with her. Brilliantly written and incredibly engaging, readers have to continue with the Baker Street Mystery series to see what Hepburn and Harriet White have in store.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

This is the second in the Baker Street Mysteries and can easily be read as a standalone but definitely go back and check the first one out. I enjoyed this just as much as the first of Harry's adventures as "secretary to Sherlock Holmes".

Recommended

This was a fun weekend read. Harriet, secretary to the fictitious detective Sherlock Holmes, receives a letter from the nephew of a well-known author, asking for his help solving a mystery. Intrigued, Harriet sets out as a trusted representative of Mr Holmes to investigate the goings on the author's home in Cambridgeshire. Full of eerie mood setting fog, mysterious noises, and dark moorlands, this novel fits the Holmesian genre well and providing an entertaining read.

Another mysterious tale of Sherlock Holmes...but not of Sherlock Holmes! Harry White is an amazing character and the premise behind this series being based on a true circumstance is delicious!

This is the second in the series and I must say that it is even better than the first. We again find Harry in the mail room at the bank, reading and replying to mail for Mr Sherlock Holmes. This book sees her unable to resist another mystery as she again enlists the help of Oliver Fortesque and sets out to unravel the puzzle. When it came to the method in which the victim was being... victimised I knew very early on how it was happening. Also I knew the dark secret that he was hiding. As to all the rest, a delightful surprise when I came upon it.

There were other characters that made an appearance from the first book. Some delightful and others not as much. There were quite the few red herrings that had trails of thought galloping madly in the wrong direction as well.

It is shaping up to be quite the series and I always look forward to more from Holly Hepburn. The amount of research that goes into her tales is amazing and she writes beautifully for the era that they are set. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read the ARC. All opinions written are my own.

This book is a perfect example of how to take a classic story/character/idea and make something new out of it. In this book, Sherlock Holmes is a fictional character written by Arthur Conan Doyle. However, people send letters to this fictitious Holmes and ask him to solve mysteries. Our main character Harry is incharge of going through these letters and replying to everyone that Mr. Holmes has now retired from detective work. However when a case involving a famous writer comes to her desk, she cannot help but get involved. What follows is a perfectly paced story with mystery and intrigue, the unfolding of many secrets, glimpes of a potential romance and a great ending. I also liked the descriptions that the author used to create the atmosphere and transport us to 1930s London. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I highly recommend it to fans of Sherlock Holmes, books set in 1930s london and historical mysteries.
Also i wanted to mention that this is the second book in the series and even though I read it without reading the first one and did understand everything, I do believe that having read the first book would have enhanced my experience.

This is book 2 but can work as a standalone but you should read the 1st book because that is also good.
The book is set in the 1930s.
Really enjoyed it

I thoroughly enjoyed The Cursed Writer. It was quite entertaining, with characters that were engaging and a storyline filled with suspense.
Very good.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.

With vivid descriptions, an intriguing cast of characters, and a plot full of suspense, Hepburn delivers a page-turner that will keep readers hooked until the very end. Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes-inspired tales, The Cursed Writer is an engaging, mysterious read that balances thrills with moments of heart and wit.

The 2nd book in the Baker street mysteries - Sherlock Holmes impersonator Harry gets involved in the case of a writer suffering severe hallucinations. This is largerly inspired by the 'Hound of Baskerville'.
Though this can be read as a stand alone, there are several references and charactrs from the first book.

Very much caught the spirit of The Hound of the Baskervilles.

The clues are not very obscure. I caught most of them withou much effort. Harry is a pleasant and resourcefull heroine.

Harriet 'Harry' White continues her work replying to Sherlock Holmes' correspondence. Mostly she sends a polite letter to decline further involvement but the arrival of a telegram sparks the whole bank's interest. A writer is suffering from bizarre symptoms, possibly driven mad by a curse...
The Cursed Writer is the second book in The Baker Street Mysteries. I have previously read and reviewed the first book The Missing Maid. There is enough information to catch up on Harry's situation and no spoilers about the criminal plot although some personal plot strands do lead on from those in the initial story.
This book has the feel of The Hound of the Baskervilles, as confirmed in the author's note at the end. The desolate fens and the fears of the supernatural are effectively evoked. Plus the book features a large dog!
The style of writing is easy to read and I liked the twists of Harry's investigation. There is a classical feel to the plot and I was kept guessing. I like the personality of Harry; she is a fab lead character full of compassion and gumption. Her caring side comes through clearly in this book as she sees the adversity faced by others. There are also lighthearted moments and the overall tone of the book is warm.
The Cursed Writer is an enjoyable historical cosy mystery.

This is an absolutely exciting book! This fast-paced work kept me on the tip of my toes! Recommended read!

The new headquarters of the Abbey Road Building Society have been built on 221B Baker St well known as the residence of the world’s most famous but definitely fictional detective. Harriet ‘Harry’ White works as a secretary there but after an unfortunate encounter between an overly amorous boss’ groin and her knee, she has been relegated to the basement to answer letters that arrive daily seeking the detective’s help. She replies with a stock answer explaining that Holmes has retired and is no longer available for consultations. However, when a telegram arrives seeking urgent aid for celebrated author, Philip St John, her interest is piqued and soon, she finds herself, with the reluctant help of her friend, Oliver, in Cambridge at the isolated Thurmwell Manor where St John suffers a mysterious illness, one caused, according to his servants, by the ferryman, a local legend who is said to curse anyone who has the misfortune of seeing him.

The Cursed Writer is the second historical cozy mystery in the Baker Street Mysteries by Holly Hepburn and it is an entertaining and atmospheric tale with a strong. Intelligent female protagonist, an interesting mystery, a touch of the gothic, a hint of the supernatural and, of course, a nod to the great detective himself. The story brings together several different plot lines, all of which are concluded satisfactorily and ends with a hint to future adventures for Harry and Oliver acting as Sherlock Holmes’ assistants. Definitely a fun read for Sherlock Holmes’ fans or anyone who enjoys a compelling historical cozy with interesting characters and plots.

I received an e-arc of the book from Netgalley and Boldwood Books in exchange for an honest review

Just finished The Cursed Writer by Holly Hepburn, and wow 👀📖! A spooky old typewriter, writer’s block, and some serious twists—this book had me hooked. If you love gothic vibes with a modern edge, check it out! 🖤✨

The Cursed Writer
by Holly Hepburn
Pub DateOct 17 2024
Boldwood Books
General Fiction \(Adult\)| Historical Fiction| Mystery & Thrillers


Boldwood Books and Netgalley provided me with a copy of The Cursed Writer for the purpose of this review.


When did you realize there was something wrong?


When the screaming began…


Harriet White is not new to odd correspondence. Ensconced in the basement of the Baker Street building society, her job is to reply to the mail they receive on behalf of Sherlock Holmes.


In spite of the abundance of letters to the fictional sleuth, telegrams are rare. Therefore, when she receives one describing the grave condition of celebrated author Philip St John, she is intrigued. The writer describes St John as being consumed by terror, seeing ghostly apparitions on the fens, and only at ease in the company of his loyal wolfhound.

Harry soon finds herself in Cambridgeshire as Holmes' assistant. Thurmwell Manor residents believe their master is cursed. Harry is sure there must be a logical explanation, but inside the echoey halls of the grand gothic house, her confidence in science and reason begin to crumble.


Will Harry be able to solve the mystery before the fens claim their next victim?


I give The Cursed Writer five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

In The Cursed Writer, Holly Hepburn weaves a delightful blend of mystery, suspense, and Gothic atmosphere with a dash of Sherlockian charm. Harriet “Harry” White, a modest and intelligent woman working in the basement of the Baker Street building society, has spent her days answering letters addressed to the great detective Sherlock Holmes. But when a rare telegram arrives, detailing the desperate plight of celebrated author Philip St John, Harry’s curiosity is piqued, and she finds herself drawn into a case far more peculiar than anything Holmes himself might have tackled.

The telegram describes St John as a man haunted by ghostly visions on the fens, driven to terror by apparitions he can neither explain nor escape. With little more than her wits and the cover of being Holmes' assistant, Harry travels to the remote Thurmwell Manor in Cambridgeshire, where the author is said to be consumed by a curse. The residents of the grand, eerie manor are convinced that the curse is real, but Harry—true to her logical and scientific nature—believes that there must be a rational explanation behind the strange occurrences. However, as she digs deeper into the mystery, the boundaries between reason and the supernatural begin to blur, and Harry’s skepticism is put to the test.

Hepburn excels at crafting a perfectly atmospheric setting. The towering, echoey halls of Thurmwell Manor, the desolate fens, and the lurking sense of dread are vividly brought to life, creating an immersive, chilling experience for the reader. Harry herself is an endearing protagonist, sharp-witted and self-assured, though she slowly finds herself questioning her rational worldview as the eerie events unfold. The interplay between logic and superstition is a key theme of the novel, and Hepburn cleverly balances Harry’s scientific background with the undeniable sense that something more sinister may be at play.

The Cursed Writer is a wonderfully engaging mystery, brimming with tension and Gothic intrigue. Fans of classic detective stories, particularly those featuring Sherlock Holmes, will appreciate the homage to the iconic detective as Harry channels his legendary deductive reasoning.

This is the second book in this series, one I was excited to read as I loved the first. Whilst it doesn’t quite capture the first it is still a fantastic, well written novel. I hope there’s more!

This series is getting interesting for my taste.

Harry (Harriet) is a fantastic main character, driven by a strong determination to do the right thing and help others. I appreciate her partnership with Oliver, which is free from any romantic tension; she values her independence while still recognizing the support he provides. It’s refreshing to see two characters unite for a shared goal without entering a romantic relationship.

The mysteries are cleverly crafted, with storylines from the first book flowing seamlessly into the third. While I managed to predict a few twists, most caught me off guard, and I enjoyed the pacing of the reveals. I admire how Harry respects those who have faith in Sherlock Holmes and genuinely collaborates with them.

I wholeheartedly recommend this series and can’t wait for the third book!
Thank you to NetGalley, Holly Hepburn, and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

The Cursed Writer by Holly Hepburn
4 Stars

Harriet White, Harry works at the Abbey Road Building Society and has the job of replying to people's letters addressed to Sherlock Holmes, as his secretary. But this one particular telegram catches her attention. An unusual case involving a famous writer in desperate need of help.
A curse, a psychological disorder or something else at play??? The adventure with Harry is epic...

I loved the vibes and setting of the whole book. It felt like a cozy mystery. And our main character, Harry is so cool. The way she ties together cues to get to the bottom of her cases, i really loved it!
The plot is evenly paced which makes to quick to read through. Though it seems predictable at times, it took me by surprise at the end and indeed the ending was satisfactory

Also the fact that this book is tied to the first one in the series is great. Even though I haven't read the first one, this book is still easy to follow. Now really looking forward to the next book.

Thank you publishers and Netgalley for an advanced copy

This is the second book in the series. I did not read the first and found this a little slow. I loved the idea of Sherlock Holmes but was disappointed with it. The story was a nice cozy mystery but just did not grab me. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.