The Hollow of Fear by Sherry Thomas

The Hollow of Fear (Lady Sherlock, #3)

by Sherry Thomas

As seen on The Today Show! One of the best summer mystery picks!

Charlotte Holmes, Lady Sherlock, returns in the Victorian-set mystery series from the USA Today bestselling author of A Conspiracy in Belgravia and A Study in Scarlet Women, an NPR Best Book of 2016.


Under the cover of "Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective," Charlotte Holmes puts her extraordinary powers of deduction to good use. Aided by the capable Mrs. Watson, Charlotte draws those in need to her and makes it her business to know what other people don't.

Moriarty's shadow looms large. First, Charlotte's half brother disappears. Then, Lady Ingram, the estranged wife of Charlotte's close friend Lord Ingram, turns up dead on his estate. And all signs point to Lord Ingram as the murderer.

With Scotland Yard closing in, Charlotte goes under disguise to seek out the truth. But uncovering the truth could mean getting too close to Lord Ingram--and a number of malevolent forces...

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

5 of 5 stars

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For those considering the story/series I recommend reading or listening in the order of their release. While each holds its own case to be solved, the overall arcs and character development scream to be read in order.

  • In The Hollow of Fear, Charlotte must investigate her toughest case thus far. Lord Ingram is suspected of murdering Lady Ingram when she is found dead in the ice building of their estate. The mystery that unfolded was so clever that even I was astounded when all was revealed.

  • We meet a new character, Sherringford Holmes, supposed brother of the ailing Sherlock Holmes and suspiciously shaped like Charlotte Holmes. *winks* I loved  every moment.

  • We spend quite a bit of time with Lord Ingram, a favorite character of mine since the beginning of this series. He really has gotten him into quite the mess, and all evidence supports he is involved. It was exciting seeing Charlotte work to solve the mystery and of course clear the devilishly handsome Lord Ingram.

  • Secondary characters like Mrs. Watson and Charlotte's sister Livia added interesting side-threads. I loved that we got to know Livia more.

  • We see movement in the slow-burning romance, and I loved every moment of it. The way Charlotte's mind works combined with her forward, logical thinking adding some humor in addition to tender, romantic encounters.

  • As a parent of a child with Asperger's I feel comfortable around Charlotte and while some find her thinking unconventional or shocking I can only nod my head.


The Hollow of Fear was my favorite listen to date, Kate Reading narrates the series and beautifully captures Charlotte many sides. I could not imagine listening to the series without her. Each character has a distinct voice and she enhances the tone, mystery and pacing of this brilliant story. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

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  • 19 December, 2018: Reviewed