Before the Holmies…

Shortest Summary Ever: London, 1814. Before Scotland Yard where local boroughs rule themselves and corruption controls the day, Viscount Sebastian St. Cyr is brought in to investigate a series of gruesome murders, eerily similar to those from three years ago. Except the man accused of doing that is dead, and Cyr believes him not guilty. So who is behind the sinister murders and why are they beginning again?

Thoughts: Straight up Sherlock. If you enjoy Holmes, you’ll likely enjoy this. Based on true events and accurate history, the author brilliantly weaves fiction into true and gruesome details, and that’s why I’m stan for historical fiction mysteries – the vivid pictures that played in my head were better than anything on tv (yes, even you Bridgerton!).

This is book 16 in a series, but my first and it was easy to jump in (and yes, I’m going back now to read the first ones!). So many characters, red herrings, plaited bands of who-dun-its make for a wonderful weekend read.

All my reviews available at scrappymags.com around time of publication.

Genre: Historical Fiction Mystery

Recommend to: all the “Holmies” – very similar to Doyle. Historical fiction mystery fans like me will swoon.

Not recommended to: If you’re not into a period mystery.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for my advanced copy in exchange for my always-honest review and for keeping me awake!