Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this ebook in exchange for a fair/unbiased review.

Almost a quarter of the way through this book I was ready to throw in the towel. There were too many storylines, murders, kidnappings, and countries to fully understand.

I did manage to finish it and it did prove to be a better read as it was focused on a mysterious death. I was drawn to this book because most of the settings take place in Buffalo and Toronto. I was born and raised in Buffalo and frequently visited Toronto, Canada. One of the murder victims was a railroad executive for the Grand Trunk Railroad where my great grandfather and great uncles worked.

I expected to like this book, from its description. At the beginning, I liked the dark, eerie tone. I also appreciated the Sherlock Holmes references, and the portrayal of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. However, something about the characters and the story just didn't quite resonate with me. I'd probably still try another book by this author though.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

I chose this book because of the Arthur Conan Doyle angle. However I was disappointed. It didn't feel like he was woven into the story but more as if he was wedged in briefly to add interest to what was otherwise a fairly standard story. The villain was fairly obvious and the characters just didn't grab. I'm not sure if this was because it was the second book and I hadn't read the first but this usually doesn't matter with a good story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you Netgalley & Atmosphere Press Publishing for an eARC ♥️

Imagine Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the mastermind behind Sherlock Holmes, on a trip in Canada with his wife, enjoying the beautiful scenery... and then, BAM! One of their friends disappears, and the police think it's an accident. But Sir Arthur, being the brilliant writer of detective stories, suspects something more sinister is going on! 🤔

He joins forces with Pharo, a passionate Sherlock Holmes fan (like us, right? 🤓), and together they start sleuthing their way through the mystery. Think about it - the creator of Sherlock Holmes solving a real-life mystery! 🔍 It's like fiction meets reality!

What I loved about this book is how Steve Skurka weaves in historical figures and events, making it feel like you're really there, in the midst of the action. You'll feel like you're part of the investigation, trying to piece together the clues alongside Sir Arthur and Pharo. 🕵️‍♀️

The writing is engaging, the setting is captivating, and the mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat! If you're a fan of historical fiction, mystery, or just a darn good story, trust me, you'll love this book! It's like stepping into a time machine and joining the investigation alongside Sir Arthur and Pharo. 🕰️