A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas

This is certainly a new take on the legend of Sherlock Holmes. Charlotte Holmes has always been a peculiar daughter of Sir Henry Holmes, however when her father fails to deliver on a promise to her Charlotte takes her revenge. Unfortunately, her plan goes to far and Charlotte finds herself a social pariah and in dire straits. Luck falls upon her in the form of Mrs. Watson, a former actress and now widow. Becoming Mrs. Watson's lady companion actually brings excitement and adventure to both of their lives. But when members of the Upper Society are dying and both her father and her sister are suspects, Charlotte must venture secretly back into that world to assist in clearing their good names.

I loved how naïve but intelligent Sherry Thomas made Charlotte out to be. There were many times I saw "Sherlock" in Charlotte as she navigated the water per se. However, some things like showing affection, and thinking she could survive all on her own despite being a woman, were so naively ingrained in Charlotte that it gave her a separate personality. There were no obvious breaks in personality, but if the reader is a child of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle then the separation was obvious. It was very smoothly done, however.

I also loved how Charlotte wasn't completely without emotion regarding her family. Though her parents did her a great disservice, she does not completely abandon them in their time of need. The only one who knows however is her sister Livia, and it seems that is enough for Charlotte. I can't help but wonder what Sir Henry would do, should he find out about his youngest clearing his name despite his grievous actions.

I will be reading the next installment, A Conspiracy in Belgravia. One, because I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars for making the legend blend perfectly with her own story. Second, because I am a child of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and I wish to see how far Sherry Thomas can take this new layer to Sherlock Holmes.