Martin Davies returns with the seventh installment in his Holmes and Hudson mystery series, Mrs. Hudson and the Capricorn Incident, offering readers another delightful and intricately woven historical mystery. As a fresh take on the Sherlock Holmes universe, this novel shifts the spotlight onto Mrs. Hudson, the ever-efficient housekeeper of 221B Baker Street, and her young apprentice, Flotsam. Narrated from Flotsam’s perspective, the novel gives a unique and immersive insight into their world of deduction and intrigue.

Set against the backdrop of an impending royal wedding with political stakes, the story unfolds when Count Rudolph Absberg, heir to the House of Capricorn in the Grand Duchy of Rosenau, mysteriously vanishes. Soon after, his betrothed, Princess Sophia Kubinova, also disappears, throwing diplomatic relations into chaos. While Holmes and Watson embark on their own investigation, it is Mrs. Hudson and Flotsam who take the lead in unraveling a parallel mystery—one involving a cunning blackmailer and a web of deceit that spreads across London’s social strata.

One of the novel’s great strengths lies in its meticulous attention to historical detail, seamlessly blending real-life figures and locations with its fictional narrative. Davies masterfully captures the atmosphere of Victorian London, from the grand halls of aristocracy to the bustling streets and shadowy alleyways. The world feels authentic yet refreshingly different from the typical Holmesian tales, thanks to Mrs. Hudson’s vast network of informants and her strategic, methodical approach to problem-solving.

Mrs. Hudson, as depicted by Davies, is an astute observer and an intuitive thinker, proving herself to be nearly as formidable as Holmes himself. Unlike the famed detective’s energetic dashes across the country, she prefers the quiet contemplation of a kitchen table, piecing together clues with a quiet confidence. Flotsam, her bright and eager protégé, adds an element of youthful energy and occasional romantic turmoil, particularly as she wrestles with her feelings for her absent friend, Scraggs. The dynamic between Mrs. Hudson and Flotsam is both charming and compelling, as the younger woman learns to balance domestic duties with the thrills and dangers of detective work.

Davies weaves in classic detective story tropes—ingenious disguises, last-minute escapes, locked-room puzzles, and cleverly placed red herrings—all while infusing the novel with a gentle wit and humor. Fans of Conan Doyle’s original stories will appreciate the subtle nods to past Holmesian adventures, such as bizarre past cases and Holmes’ trademark deductions upon a visitor’s arrival.

While the novel can be enjoyed as a standalone, newcomers to the series may find themselves intrigued enough to explore earlier installments, particularly to gain a deeper understanding of Flotsam’s backstory. However, Davies provides just enough context for new readers to follow along without difficulty.

If there is one minor critique, it is that the novel introduces a plethora of secondary characters, which may require careful reading to keep track of all the moving parts. Additionally, some readers might feel that Holmes and Watson are somewhat sidelined in favor of Mrs. Hudson and Flotsam. However, this is hardly a drawback, as the duo prove more than capable of carrying the narrative.

Mrs. Hudson and the Capricorn Incident is a thoroughly enjoyable historical mystery that combines intrigue, humor, and sharp detective work. It is a testament to Davies’ skill that he manages to pay homage to the Sherlock Holmes canon while carving out a distinctive space for Mrs. Hudson and Flotsam. Fans of cosy crime fiction and Sherlockian tales alike will find much to love in this engaging and clever novel.

Mrs Hudson and the Capricorn Incident is the seventh book in the author’s series featuring the redoubtable Mrs Hudson and her illustrious employer. I haven’t read any of the previous books but that certainly didn’t affect my enjoyment of this one although that does mean I’ve missed out on the back story of some of the characters, especially housemaid Flotsam. As a fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, I enjoyed the little nods to the original stories such as the references to bizarre previous cases – the Brabham Hall poultry affair, the case of the Brazilian opera singer, the string of pearls and the trained marmoset – and Holmes’ bravura observations about newly arrived visitors to 221B Baker Street.

It turns out Mrs Hudson is almost the equal of her employer when it comes to observation and the solving of conundrums. But while Sherlock Holmes is often dashing about the country with Dr Watson in his wake, Mrs Hudson is calmly seated at the kitchen table using her vast network of contacts to put two and two together. She has a willing and able pupil in Flotsam who is the narrator of the story and also does a lot of the running around.

Whilst the troubles of the House of Capricorn, rulers of the Grand Duch of Rosenau, involving a turn of events that could cause an international incident, is the main focus of Sherlock Holmes’ attention – by Royal command, no less – Mrs Hudson and Flotsam investigate a number of cases of blackmail which share a common modus operandi. And one name keeps cropping up but who is the individual behind it?

Their investigations take them back and forth across London, from the houses of the wealthy to dingy alleyways. Flotsam mingles with members of high society and theatrical stars of the day but also street urchins and market traders. That doesn’t mean, however, that Flotsam escapes the household chores that Mrs Hudson sets her. Those stair rods won’t dip themselves after all. However at the back of Flotsam’s mind is the absence of her friend Scraggs, who’s humble beginnings in life were similar to her own. But could he be something more than a friend? (There is a delightfully tender scene at the end of the book.)

Look out for all the features of a classic detective story – clever disguises, mysterious escapes from locked rooms, last minute dashes, dangerous encounters and basketfuls of red herrings.

Mrs Hudson and the Capricorn Incident is a delightfully entertaining historical mystery that captures the essence of Conan Doyle’s characters and the ingenious nature of Sherlock Holmes’s methods but doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s the perfect escapist read that will leave you alternately scratching your head and chuckling at the gentle humour.

Mrs. Hudson and the Capricorn Incident by Martin Davies is an intriguing historical mystery that blends the world of Sherlock Holmes with a fresh, new perspective. The novel centres around Mrs. Hudson, the iconic landlady of 221B Baker Street, as she becomes unexpectedly involved in a complex case. This shift from the traditional focus on Holmes and Watson offers a refreshing take on the familiar world created by Arthur Conan Doyle.

Davies presents Mrs. Hudson not just as a supporting character, but as a strong, resourceful protagonist with her own keen observations and subtle detective skills. The plot unfolds with the arrival of a mysterious visitor, leading Mrs. Hudson to uncover a series of secrets, conspiracy, and danger tied to a maritime mystery. As the story develops, the book deftly mixes historical fiction with suspenseful twists, keeping readers engaged.

The writing is sharp and atmospheric, with a rich, period-appropriate tone that enhances the mystery's depth. Though the book can be seen as a standalone, it also pays homage to the Sherlockian canon, offering nods to fans of the original stories. Overall, Mrs. Hudson and the Capricorn Incident is a satisfying read for those seeking a unique take on classic characters, blending intrigue with an imaginative reimagining of Mrs. Hudson’s role in the world of Sherlock Holmes.

When I requested this book, I didn’t realize it was part of a series, so my knowledge is based on this work alone having not read the previous books. The mystery was well-formed if predictable.

The last line in the romance side plot gave me butterflies and that was enough of a reason to try the series from the beginning.

I was kindly sent a review copy of this book by Allison & Busby via NetGalley for which my thanks.

While I usually don’t pick up spin-offs and continuations of books and characters which I’ve read and enjoyed, when I read the description of this one, I was a little intrigued—a series where not only Sherlock Holmes is doing the investigating but also his housekeeper Mrs Hudson, with a far more active role than just housekeeper, as she is in the main series. But it isn’t just Mrs Hudson who plays an active role, but also another character, a young housemaid and Mrs Hudson’s protégé, Flotsham from whose perspective the story is told (and who is the narrator in fact), and it is she and Mrs Hudson who take on the more central parts while most of Holmes’ work takes place off-screen.

In Mrs Hudson and the Capricorn Incident (2025), amidst preparations for a ‘fairy-tale wedding’ to take place in England, between Count Rudolph Absberg, heir to the house of Capricorn, ruling in Rosneau (a Ruritanian kingdom) and the Princess Sophia Kubinova, Holmes is approached by the multiply titled General Septimus Ocatvian Nuno Pellinsky, adjutant general to the family when the bridegroom to be goes missing. The impending marriage isn’t looked upon favourably by different political groups each of whom want Rosneau to be part of their faction and General Pellinsky fears Rudolph has been targeted. Before long, Sophia too goes missing, possibly abducted. As Holmes and Watson begin their investigations, they find they need Flotsam’s help. While Holmes and Watson get deeper into their inquiries and Holmes is pulled away from London, it is Mrs Hudson and Flotsam who tease out other threads and clues in London. Alongside, they also stumble upon another mystery, with more than one person being targeted by a conman and defrauded of large sums.

Mrs Hudson and the Capricorn Incident is the seventh entry in the series but the first one I’ve read, but I didn’t have much trouble following along. With bits and pieces of Flotsam’s backstory woven in, we get a reasonable sense of the hardships she’s faced in the past and her new life under Mrs Hudson’s guidance where she may be kitchen maid but is also being educated and trained, serving as assistant detective in effect. (Though I think reading a few of the earlier books in the series would have helped make the details clearer since the book doesn’t go back to every little aspect.) I thought the author did a good job showing how Holmes might legitimately involve Flotsam in his investigations while not compromising on his intelligence, by and large. The author has also captured the atmosphere of the Holmes mysteries well and one does feel one has stepped into that world—not identical but enough to come across as authentic.

Flotsam is a young girl (a teen) who is intelligent and picks up on clues easily which makes Holmes value her talents and rely on her though she isn’t perhaps as clever as he (and at times even she herself) may have thought. Matters of the heart too occupy her mind, and in these she is the more typical teen agonizing over things and making presumptions and assumptions she clearly needn’t. But in generally, she is a fairly likeable character.

I loved how Mrs Hudson combines and balances her (and Flottie’s) housekeeping duties with investigations and visits (including for Flottie’s training/education) and how they easily switch between one and the other, getting both done. Mrs Hudson is also widely acquainted with and has helped several people including from the higher echelons of society and these connections serve her well in unravelling the mystery threads they are faced with.

The book weaves in several real-life characters and places with the fictional ones, and the author’s note at the end of the book details these. Historical fiction which includes actual incidents and characters is something I enjoy very much and this was the case here too.

This was an entertaining and fun cosy which I enjoyed very much, and I’d love to explore more of the series sometime.

Entertaining Holmesian mysteries on mysteries
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From 221B Baker Street, Flotsam—or Flottie—Holmes’s maid ventures out on his behalf, but with detection skills and hard-won knowledge of her own. A missing bridegroom and a missing bride, a spate of rich grandees fleeced of their money, music hall lovelies in midnight trysts: a thoroughly entertaining foray into Holmes-adjacent mysteries, where he plays a cameo in the gentle adventures of Flottie, eighteen years old and being groomed by Mrs Hudson as more than a maid of all work.

A cosy mystery wrapped the usual Holmesian flights of deduction, this is all about the Young People: Flottie the maid; one of her tutors the Honourable Rupert Spencer; their chaperone Miss Hetty Petter; and others. Full of Victorian detail and very visual shenanigans, this is worth a Sunday afternoon read, tea at hand.

Three and a half stars, rounded up to four.

An intricately plotted mystery that contains a wealth of historical detail, but by no means slows down the narrative.
Mr. Sherlock Holmes is not the only clever person at 221B Baker Street in the 1900’s. There is Mrs. Hudson the redoubtable housekeeper and cook, who also gathers facts, analyses events and follows the same train of thoughts as her employer.
The narrator is Flotsam, a housemaid with a difference. Taken in as a child, she has not only found a home and employment, but has benefited from a rich and varied education in French, Latin, Mathematics and History, and even now is becoming acquainted with the world of Science, for without these skills, she would be destined to remain “ below stairs”, Mr Holmes believes that a “ quick mind is more important than a good birth.”
London is going to see the “Wedding of the Season”, when Prince Rudolph of the House of Capricorn marries Princess Sophie, a diplomatic marriage to maintain a fragile political truce back home. However, all is thrown into confusion when the bridegroom goes missing. Then, Princess Sophie disappears, and………… the game is afoot! ( Sorry, couldn’t resist!)
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are relegated to a back seat as they are sent around the country chasing the disappearance of a woman off a train, and the many varied sub plots that arise in this entertaining story. The two ladies are not fazed by Actresses, blackmail, and an incident concerning a bicycle, the latter being a real laugh out loud moment! Absolutely brilliant!
There are clues laid down for the keen armchair detective. I did guess the relevance of the lady on the train, but failed to pick up the other clues.
There are likeable characters, and subverted expectations of love in this novel, very modern indeed. Some characters are based upon real life people and events, which is quite thrilling.
Although this is number 7, in this new to me series, it read perfectly well as a standalone story. I will certainly attempt to read the previous books and look out for new ones in this “ Cosy Crime” series.
A four star read. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers, Allison and Busby for my ARC, freely given in exchange for my honest review. I have left reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK.

Mrs Hudson and the Capricorn Incident by Martin Davies is another in the series featuring Sherlock Holmes housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson. Another major character is Flotsam, a house maid rescued from the streets and proving to be a huge help. Less prominent in the story is Dr Watson and seen rarely is the great man himself. It all begins with an odd telegram and a visit from a man who leaves his topcoat and never returns for it. There are big mysteries and small ones and the two appear to meet in the middle. Flotsam is the most oft-seen character and she is a delight. A well-written version of one of Holmes irregulars, she is capable of taking in much information but not having the maturity and experience to put much of it together. But, she is learning. And she is a definite assist to Mrs. Hudson, who has absorbed much of Holmes’ methodology.

Flotsam is a delightful girl, the only character really fleshed out as we are so familiar with the others. She is easily awed, but just as easily set adrift. Mrs. Hudson is the voice of reason and Dr Watson is just not there, yet. It is a delightful story with a happy ending and some interesting characters along the way.

I was invited to read Mrs Hudson and the Capricorn Incident by Allyson & Busby. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #AllysonAndBusby #MartinDavies #MrsHudsonAndTheCapricornIncident

This was a really fun read in the Sherlock Holmes cannon, although he takes a supporting cast part and two women are at the forefront. In this book, his maidservant is the forefront character, Flotsam. Mrs. Hudson takes a front seat too but not quite as prominent as Flotsam.

There are two separate crimes being investigated. A certain person pretending to be a colonel is swindling well to do Brits out of significant sums of money (especially given the time period) and it is to their embarrassment so they are not reporting it. The second and separate, while not really a crime, is finding a bridegroom and his betrothed, who have both disappeared prior to their arranged nuptials to save their tiny country (the titular House of Capricorn). Holmes goes off on a wild goose chase and it is his house staff who do a fair amount of investigating and the pieces start coming together.

I thought the plot was well constructed and I really enjoyed the storyline. My one complaint was when I thought things could be considered neat and tidy, the book kept going and I really hate that because it felt too long.

This is my second book in the Mrs. Hudson series and I am eager to read the first five and whatever else the author decides to publish in the future. A nice addition to the Sherlock stories of Doyle but definitely not quite the same caliber.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

As Holmes seems to recognises Flotsam intelligence he involves her and by extension Mrs Hudson in his investigations of three different crimes. Two possible separate kidnappings, that of Count Rudolph Absberg and Princess Sophia Kubinova, who must marry within the month to stop a political upheaval in their country, and the case of a blackmailer come swindler.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and varied characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sherlock and his hardy crew solve the case!

Along with Flotsam, I (your humble reader) agonized about what to write to Scraggs, Flotsam’s special friend, who’d years earlier had rescued her from the gutter, and placed her in the care of Mrs Hudson in the household of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Here, as a maid, she’d learnt to read and write, and proved to be a an asset in assisting with investigations.
Scraggs (gone from barrow boy to part owner of a London store) has gone to Manchester for business meetings and and a look at some of the latest developments.
Flotsam was always was able to put it off writing to Scraggs because something more demanded her attention. (A lot of guilt follows, swept away by the latest emergencies) Holmes has been bored but now several situations come to his attention, including a request from Queen Victoria. All hands to the deck, naturally including Mrs Hudson and Flotsam.
Throughout this time we see that Holmes is the distant architect of situations, but it’s Mrs Hudson who knows everything and everyone from a lowly market boy to a Lord. All pay heed when Mrs Hudson makes a request.
Flotsam joins Mrs Hudson’s endeavors. There’s missing royalty from some Balkan country, and a conman taking people’s money, somehow all mixed up together.
A convoluted yet wonderful plot expands all over the place.
(BTW, the bike ride was an hilarious high point for me!)
An excellent companion to the ever expanding Holmsian trope!

An Allison & Busby invitation ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

This story is told from the point of view of the housemaid, Flotsam, in the Holmes’ household. Flotsam is no ordinary maid, she has been given a comprehensive education ( which is still ongoing) as dictated by the housekeeper, Mrs Hudson. Mrs, Hudson is no ordinary person and has a finger in many pies. She always seems to know what is going on and seems a step ahead of everyone else. There are a number of investigations taking place and one in particular seems quite complex. I really enjoyed this book, I worked out some aspects but certainly not all. I did like that the maid had a major part in this story, not something that is usual. I hadn’t read any previous books but this didn’t hinder my enjoyment. I will look out for more in the future. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I've loved that book! A great example of what a "cosy with standards" is.

The writing is superb, the plot is smart, and the characters take life. British humor comes as a much-appreciated bonus. You can see the author had a good time writing this and that there's great knowledge and respect for the tradition given to us all by the great Agatha. Here and there, the book actually reminds me of "Curtain: Poirot's last case."

Royals disappear, putting Europe's security in jeopardy, someone vanishes from a train, a nasty individual is at work behind the curtains, actresses meet upper-class Ladies, and lovers are torn apart: the action is non-stop. And in the middle of all these high stakes: Flotsam, the maid, and a very cunning Mrs Watson. A joy, really.

The whole thing is very cleverly built on a daring premise where we follow Flotsam, Sherlock's maid, and, in a lesser way, Mrs. Hudson while they investigate the cases. It's a Sherlock Holmes tale with women as main POVs, even the posh ones that lead the way are women. And they mean business, with some nice thoughts about what it was like at this time for women to decide what their lives were going to be.

I had a great time and finally found a cosy these days where the plot matters as much as the characters and setting! Readers wanting their fair share of Holmes and Dr. Watson won't be disappointed as they still come and go.

I would just say there may be too many secondary characters going on at some point, but the author does a great job of reminding us who is who. I also think the book's title isn't really accurate, but I understand the branding needed to put Mrs. Watson up there. But yes, it means the start of the book can be a bit confusing until you understand that Flotsam is the main POV.

I'm here hoping Flotsam and Mrs. Watson will return for some new adventures. I could read ten of these!

A new to me series that was easily and enjoyable readable as a standalone. This sees the staff who keep house for Sherlock and Watson solve a mystery. Flottie and Mrs. Hudson, strong and intelligent women, see things others don't. This might seem a bit scattered early on but know that it will all coalesce. Good characters, atmospherics. and storytelling made this a good read. I'll look for Mrs. Hudson again.

An enjoyable romp through Victorian London.

Perhaps its no surprise that this is a good book, it is the 7th in the series by now, and the author has gotten used to the voices of all the characters. It is more confident of its own identity, rather than relying too heavily on the Sherlock canon - indeed, Sherlock is absent for most of the book, sent away on other work and so both he and Mrs Hudson are able to shine and show their smarts, without it being at the expense of the other.

Flottie of course is the star of this book, her voice is more established, more focused. She is a main character worth caring about, and the recurring characters are also a delight - I do hope Miss Peters gets her happy ending, I love her.

I also enjoyed the historical figures scattered throughout the story. I'll be keeping an eye out for the other Mrs Hudson titles.

~Thank you to NetGallery for the ARC in return for an honest review.~

A Holmes mystery and it’s really good. A fascinating plot and great read. So well written and so enjoyable that I have already told a few fellow book lovers about it. I didn’t realise it was not a first book at first but am going to go back and read that

This series puts the housekeeping staff at 22 Baker Street firmly in the center of Sherlock Holmes' and John Watson's investigations. It is clear that Hudson, and the young housemaid Flotsam are the brains in the business.

I thoroughly enjoy Holmes world novels, and this is no exception. It's my second read from the series, and I look forward to filling in the gaps. It can easily be read as a standalone.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The synopsis of this book caught my eye and I’m so glad I’ve discovered a new series. I’ve read book one this month, then this one.

Lovely to see how Flotsam and Mrs Hudson are still assisting Mr Holmes and Dr Watson. Loved how all the elements of the story came together.

London is abuzz with the upcoming royal wedding of the exiled Duke of Krasnow and the Princess of Rovenia. But when the groom vanishes, Sherlock Holmes, with the help of Mrs. Hudson and Miss Flotsam, must unravel the mystery behind his disappearance.

This book is great fun. There are a lot of moving parts, but they all come together in the end. I really enjoyed the characterizations. The book is true to the original, but with a twist.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

My thanks to Net Galley and Allison and Busby for allowing me to review this arc.

I liked this book. It was an interesting perspective getting the pov s from Mrs Hudson and her assistant Flotsam. The author really captured the feel of Conan Doyle.

I liked the missing princess story . Only complaint...dragged a bit.