How to Read the Lady Sherlock Series
Sherry Thomas's Lady Sherlock series is a historical mystery saga that reimagines Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic detective as Charlotte Holmes. Operating in the rigid social confines of Victorian England, Charlotte must solve cases under the pseudonym of a fictitious, bedridden brother named 'Sherlock Holmes.' Because the series features tight continuity, developing character relationships, and an overarching battle of wits against Moriarty, it is highly recommended to read the books in order of publication.
The Recommended Reading Order
To experience Charlotte Holmes's growth, the slow-burn romance with Lord Ingram, and the evolving threat of the Moriarty syndicate, read the novels and the companion short story in this order:
- A Study in Scarlet Women (2016) – The novel that introduces Charlotte Holmes, Mrs. Watson, and the scandal that forces Charlotte to invent the pseudonym 'Sherlock Holmes.'
- Charlotte Holmes and the Locked Box (2017) – A companion short story (Book 1.5) set shortly after the events of the first book. Available as a free PDF download on the author's website.
- A Conspiracy in Belgravia (2017) – Charlotte takes on a personal case involving her half-brother, while the mysterious Moriarty group begins to make its presence felt.
- The Hollow of Fear (2018) – Charlotte must go into hiding and use disguise to clear her close friend, Lord Ingram, of a murder accusation.
- The Art of Theft (2019) – A high-stakes historical heist in which Charlotte and her allies attempt to retrieve a sensitive painting in France.
- Murder on Cold Street (2020) – Inspector Treadles is found standing over two dead bodies, and Charlotte must solve the mystery to clear his name.
- Miss Moriarty, I Presume? (2021) – The elusive mastermind Moriarty finally emerges from the shadows to ask Charlotte for help finding his daughter.
- A Tempest at Sea (2023) – Set aboard a passenger vessel, Charlotte goes undercover to investigate a murder while evading the Crown's agents.
- A Ruse of Shadows (2024) – Charlotte investigates the mysterious disappearance of a student from an elite boys' school, uncovering deeper conspiracies.
- The Vanished Sister (Expected September 29, 2026) – The upcoming ninth novel in the Lady Sherlock saga.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
There is virtually no difference between the publication order and the chronological order of the main series. The only minor deviation is the placement of the short story, Charlotte Holmes and the Locked Box. Published in 2017, this self-contained story takes place immediately after the events of A Study in Scarlet Women and before A Conspiracy in Belgravia. Reading it as Book 1.5 is the ideal path to preserve chronological integrity.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Charlotte's adventures, readers should keep a few elements of Sherry Thomas's storytelling in mind:
- It is not a series of standalone mysteries: While each book centers on a main case, the character relationships, personal backstories, and the overarching conflict with Moriarty build continuously from book to book. Skipping installments will lead to confusion regarding the status of the recurring cast.
- A different kind of Sherlock: Charlotte Holmes is not just a male Sherlock in a dress. She is a woman operating under Victorian constraints, meaning she cannot simply walk into rooms and interrogate witnesses. Instead, she relies heavily on a network of allies, including the resourceful Mrs. Watson and her companion, Miss Redmayne.
- Slow-burn romance: The relationship between Charlotte and Lord Ingram is an exceptionally slow-burning, emotionally complex romance that spans the entire series.
- Tone and Style: Sherry Thomas brings her background as a historical romance novelist to the series, offering lyrical prose, deep character introspection, and a strong feminist critique of Victorian society's treatment of women.
Spin-offs, Co-authors, and Expanded Universe
Unlike many long-running mystery series, the Lady Sherlock books are written entirely by Sherry Thomas, with no co-authored books, spin-off series, or official companion volumes. The main novels and the single official short story comprise the entire Lady Sherlock universe, making it straightforward for newcomers to catch up.