Charlotte Holmes, Lady Sherlock, is back solving new cases in the Victorian-set mystery series from the USA Today bestselling author of The Hollow of Fear.
As "Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective," Charlotte Holmes has solved murders and found missing individuals. But she has never stolen a priceless artwork—or rather, made away with the secrets hidden behind a much-coveted canvas.
But Mrs. Watson is desperate to help her old friend recover those secrets and Charlotte finds herself involved in a fever-paced scheme to infiltrate a glamorous Yuletide ball where the painting is one handshake away from being sold and the secrets a bare breath from exposure.
Her dear friend Lord Ingram, her sister Livia, Livia's admirer Stephen Marbleton—everyone pitches in to help and everyone has a grand time. But nothing about this adventure is what it seems and disaster is biding time on the grounds of a glittering French chateau, waiting only for Charlotte to make a single mistake...
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| Author photo by Jennifer Sparks Harriman at Sparks Studio. |
Sherry immigrated from China at age 13 and English is her second language.
https://www.sherrythomas.com/@sherrythomas
My Review
The Art of Theft by Sherry Thomas is a take on the Sherlock Holmes tale. Charlotte, our protagonist is a woman who has solved murders and finding missing people. Mrs. Watson Charlotte's friend has asked Charlotte to help her with friends the Maharani's request, to steal some letters that are hidden behind a priceless artwork. The Maharani is being blackmailed so she needs the maintain her secrets. To do this, Charlotte along with Lord Ingram, Leighton Atwoood Lord Ingrams assistant, her sister Livia and Stephan Marbleton, Livia's admirer they must infiltrate the Yuletide Ball, at a French chateau.
The Art of Theft is the fourth book in the Lady Sherlock historical series and I have to say that I had not read any of the previous books in the series, that said, I had no problem following the characters. I wish I knew more about the relationship between Charlotte and Lord Ingram though. I know that there had been some intimacy between the two at some point. It did not detract though from my enjoyment of the book. That is what happens when you don't read the beginning of the series. No matter, I enjoyed the story, even though I am not a fan of Victorian type stories.
I liked the cast of characters, I think that I liked Lord Ingram the best, I would like to learn more about his situation. There is definitely a story there, his wife leaving him for example so I need to go back and read the previous books.
Charlotte, even though she is a strong woman, she seems to be very aloof and does not want anyone to get close to her.
I liked the storyline, the writing was very good, there is some suspense when Lord Ingram and Mr. Marbleton attempt to get into the compound of the chateau. Then when the group gets into the chateau on the night of the ball and attempt to steal the painting. Things are not as they seem as to what is going on in the chateau.
In this book, we learn about Mrs.Watson and her relationship with the Maharani and why the Maharani needs Mrs.Watson and Charlotte's help. I found that her passion for sweets showed her vulnerability and the fun side of her. The other characters in this story were very well fleshed out, her sister Olivia wanting to be like her sister and free to do as she wanted. But she is still underage so still obligated to her parents. Mr.Marbleton is so in love with Livia that he would do whatever was needed to help Charlotte in this adventure.
I definitely enjoyed this book and my goal is to read the first book and continue on so I can understand the story better.
I recommend it highly!
I received a copy of this book for review purposes only.
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