"I don't need someone to fight for me. I can fight for myself." - Charlotte Holmes
First Impressions
I actually gave this book 3.5 stars. It surprised me in how much I liked it. I didn't expect to. I've seen the Sherlock Holmes movies with RDJ, but I've never actually read any of the Sherlock Holmes books, so to start with what I thought was a retelling where the only difference was Holmes' gender... I didn't have high hopes. The first thing that stood out to me is that it isn't actually a retelling of anything. This book is about the descendants of the Holmes and Watson family. And what I thought was the really interesting part of this, was the fact that they knew all about the legacy of both of their families and the pressure to actually be the same of different from their well known predecessors. In this case there seem to be more similarities than differences, but they do not shy away from it. The characters are actually very much self aware about the fact, which only adds an extra layer of depth to their personalities.
The Plot
I'm not really the type of person who would voluntarily pick up a detective novel, but my fall reading list had other plans. I thought the story had a lot of very well planned twists and turns. Every time you thought you had the story, or the suspect, figured out something in the story would change and you would be confused and left to reevaluate the entire situation again. It felt a little bit grand at times, but that just felt in the same vain as the movies I've watched and the personality of Holmes I saw in those. The entire ending sequence felt like it jumped of the page and I was almost able to envision it as a scene in a movie. Very well done that one.
What also surprised me was the amount of detail that went into the research of things. I really enjoyed how both characters had to go and figure everything out, while also trying to keep out of everyone's line of sight, seeing as they were both the main suspects in a murder investigation. I loved how you, at one point, actually doubted weither or not Holmes might have been a victim. I also liked how there were a couple of very adult themes in this book. It doesn't shy away from talking about assault or drug use, which surprised me. I didn't expect it at all when it came up. And I didn't expect how very casual they talked about it. That doesn't mean they were disrespectful of the topic. On the contrary. I think the author handled those story lines very well.
The Characters
The relationship between Holmes and Watson was very interesting. The fact that they both know of each other but have never really met. And then, when they finally do, it feels like they've known one another for years. Just because of the fact that their families have been tied together for centuries. There is something to be said about the fact that Watson always saw it as inevitable for them to be friends, how he was actually looking forward to it and had thought about it since he was a child. When it eventually does happen, he discovers that it's not as easy as he thought to be friends and to care about a Holmes family member.
Both main characters are very well fleshed out. From Watson being estranged from his father because he's started a new family, to Holmes being sent away because of her personal dificulties,... It all trickles in slowly and puts the pieces together. Not only the pieces of the case they are trying to solve, but also the pieces of who they are. Who they are as individuals and who they are together as a team. Holmes' whole backstory was actually very tragic and I felt sorry for the girl by the end of the book. Her backstory explained a lot about the choices that she made and how she sometimes chooses to act towards Watson. She isn't the easiest person to be friends with, but somehow you still find parts of her that are very lovable and you can't help but feel sorry for the things she's had to go through.
Final thoughts
I enjoyed this book. It was a very easy read and kept me on my toes. For some reason however, I don't really feel inclined to read the rest of the series. At the end, the main case is solved and I felt like it didn't set up enough of a cliffhanger with what I assume to be the overarching story line for the rest of the series. I haven't really figured out what that reason is just yet. Maybe it's just the fact that detective novels aren't really my thing. Or maybe I didn't feel that there was enough at stake for me. I don't regret picking this book up, if you like detective novels I'm sure you will not be disapointed and you might be persuaded to read ahead. It just wasn't exactly my cup of tea, which is absolutely fine.
If you've read this series all the way through, please let me know what you thought about it!
Should I keep going? Or do you think it's possible to just keep it at this one?
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