The Cursed Writer by Holly Hepburn Book Review

About the Book:

Harriet White is no stranger to odd correspondence. Ensconced in the basement of the Baker Street building society, her job is to reply to the mail they receive on behalf of Sherlock Holmes.

But while letters to the fictional sleuth may be plentiful, telegrams are rare, and so when she receives one describing the grave situation of celebrated author Philip St John, her interest is piqued. The writer describes St John as being consumed by terror, seeing ghostly apparitions on the fens, and only at ease in the company of his loyal wolfhound.

Before long, Harry finds herself in Cambridgeshire under the guise of being Holmes’ assistant. The residents of Thurmwell Manor believe their master is cursed. Harry is sure there must be a logical explanation, but inside the echoey halls of the grand gothic house, her confidence in science and reason begin to crumble…

Can Harry solve the mystery before the fens claim their next victim?

My Review:

This is a delightful mystery I thoroughly enjoyed. What a clever idea to create mysteries in the style of Sherlock Holmes. Letters written to the fictitious Holmes generate real mysteries needing solving. Along with Harry (Harriet), we get to wonder how Holmes would go about solving the mystery. While Harry does not have all of the finer tools Doyle gave Holmes, she does have a curious and adventurous spirit and the help of her friend Oliver.

I like the complicated mystery. It initially seems almost beyond figuring out. Clues become evident and Harry thinks each one through. We are taken to a remote manor where there are tales of ghosts wandering the fens. But Harry is convinced the culprit is real flesh and bone and is determined to uncover him or her. There is only a little bit of suspense so this is a great cozy mystery.

It is the second in a series. While there are some references to the adventures in the previous book, I have not read it and feel this one reads very well on its own.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

About the Author:

Holly Hepburn writes escapist, swoonsome fiction that sweeps her readers into idyllic locations, from her native Cornwall to the windswept beauty of Orkney. She is now turning her hand to cozy crime inspired by Sherlock Holmes himself. Holly lives in leafy Hertfordshire with her adorable partner in crime, Luna the Labrador.

Boldwood Books, 262 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)