This is book 6 in the Lady Sherlock Series. Forge ahead if you are already reading. Stop and grab the first 5 if you have not.
Fresh from solving cases and dodging death, Charlotte, Lord Ingram, and Mrs. Watson are “hired” by their nemesis, Moriarty, to check on the welfare of his daughter. Well, more strong-armed than hired, to be honest. Moriarity claims his daughter is under the thrall of a religious cult and is being kept at its compound in a remote seaside town. The intrepid trio sets out to find and provide proof of life while at the same time picking through the landmines of both Moriarty’s shenanigans and a community of tightly wound religious zealots.
Love these books even though I spend most of the time having zero idea what is going on. I have a well documented history with attempting to delve into the source material for all of the Holmes-ian retellings that I enjoy. It did not go well. I will stick with the retellings even if it means I don’t always fully “get” what is happening. I still enjoy the ride.
This one had a gothic lit feel. Very Bronte-esque. A walled compound overlooking a raging sea battered by almost constant rain and wind. Mysterious figures scrambling about the walls and the grounds in the dark. A mute woman whose every thought is conveyed by an assistant. The mysterious Miss Moriarty’s laundry list of ailments. Super creepy art work. Bizarre rituals. Every one’s got a secret and appears suspect.
As always, Thomas’ Lady Sherlock Series is a delight to read. Could have had a little more Charlotte and Lord Ingram flirty sexy fun time, but you can’t have everything I guess.