Friday, August 7, 2015

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Sword Princess by Suzette Hollingsworth

Publisher & Release Date: Icicle Ridge Graphics, March 24, 2015

Time and setting: 1881, London, England

Genre: Historical Victorian Mystery/Romantic 
Elements

Length: 227 pages

Heat Level: 1 Sweet Heart

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

Mystery with romantic elements 
Mirabella Hudson soon learns that the Great Detective has more in store for her than washing jars and labeling specimens: pistol shooting, fencing, boxing, and Jiu-Jitsu. This she can master, but Mirabella must face the greatest horror of all: Miss de Beauvais’ Finishing School for Distinguished Young Ladies. 

Sherlock Holmes gets more than he bargained for when he hires his landlady’s young ward to keep his laboratory in order. Mrs. Hudson’s niece might be clever, but Mirabella Hudson is insubordinate, talks too much, is an accident waiting to happen—and, worst of all, is distractingly pretty. 
Unfortunately, ‘pretty’ is just what Sherlock Holmes needs. 

Sherlock might be a master of disguise, but pretty he is not. The Great Detective requires a female operative to go under cover at London’s premier finishing school where Princess Elena Petrovic-Njegos of Montenegro is a client—and the target of an assassination plot. If the inexperienced Miss Hudson and her employer do not succeed in saving the princess, there is trouble brewing across the globe that could potentially lead to war on a massive scale. Montenegro is a small Serbian country, but She has among her allies the Mother Russia. 

One unsuccessful case could ruin this young detective’s career before it starts. Above all, Sherlock must have work—and he must be in pursuit. Work is the blood in his veins. Work is life. 
The game is afoot! And there can be no greater puzzle than what he receives in the form of one Mirabella Hudson—who might stump even Sherlock Holmes.

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Vikki’s Musings

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Sword Princess is a departure from my usual read. I received a copy of the audio version from the author in exchange for an honest review. This is a delightfully intriguing story, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am so glad I took a change on this sweet read.

When Mirabella Hudson is hired as an assistant to Sherlock Holmes, the last thing she imagined is going undercover at a finishing school to help protect Princess Elena Petrocic-Njegos of Montenegro. While shocked and concerned at the prospect of this assignment, Mirabella embraces it, determined to fulfill her responsibilities.

Sherlock Holmes is enchanted by the vivacious, yet annoying Mirabella, the young woman he hires to assist him and keep him organized. He does not need the distraction of his pretty assistant, but when he sees the need for an undercover operative to protect the Princess of Montenegro, he decides Mirabella would be perfect for the assignment.

Will Mirabella not only save the princess, but little children from the orphanage as well, or will she fail at her mission?

Ms. Hollingsworth has penned a well-written and enchanting read. I enjoyed the sweet romance between Sherlock Holmes and Mirabella Hudson a great deal. While this is a romantic element and not the central theme of the book, I found it charming. There is also another romantic element in this book between the princess and her prince as well. The mystery thread is intriguing and captured my interest immediately and pulled me into the tale.

Mirabella is a great character. I loved her determination to pursue her goals and her desire to help others. Some of the scenes between her and the orphans she helps touched my heart. The bravery she shows is incredible, especially when she is so afraid for her charges. That scene had me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what would happen!

Ms. Hollingsworth moves from Mirabella’s point of view to Sherlock’s with ease, and her story line is expertly woven between the mystery and the romantic element. Her pacing is excellent and made this story a delight to read.  

Since I listened to the audio version, I want to mention the narrator. Joel Froomkin is fantastic. He switches from one character to the next, giving each their distinctive voice. I especially loved his interpretation of the children. I will certainly look forward to listening to this talented narrator again.


If you enjoy a fascinating mystery with a sweet romance interwoven, then you will enjoy Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Sword Princess. I highly recommend this wonderful book and great narration. Happy reading!

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