Summary
A young woman visits 221b Baker Street after the suspicious death of her brother. The police think it’s a suicide which is confirmed by one witness. But there’s a second witness, Joanna Blalock, and her statement contradicts the first.
Dr. Watson, the original partner of Sherlock Holmes, and his son, John, are investigating. And when they meet Joanna, they add her brilliance to their team. Watson recognizes it. She is just like her father, Sherlock Holmes. He shares the news with John, but they keep it secret from Joanna. They even tell Lestrade (son of the original inspector) that she was a student of Sherlock Holmes in order to explain her amazing skill at deductive reasoning.
Watson, John, and Joanna will need all of their skills and expertise to corner a killer who keeps eliminating co-conspirators in ways that look like accidents.
Review
This was fantastic! The three main characters clicked in a natural way. They’re likable, they work well together, and they appreciate what each person brings to the team. The budding romance between John and Joanna is sweet.
The mystery is terrific. It’s complicated and they are working against investigative “professionals” who accept whatever explanation is simplest for each death. The deductions from the team are logical. I didn’t feel like the author was “reaching” to explain how Watson and company could deduce the things they do.
The Sherlock Holmes references aren’t too “inside.” I’ve never read any Holmes, but I know the Adler and Lestrade and Moriarty references from movies and TV. There’s nothing to get in the way of any mystery lover checking out this book. I highly recommend it.