This book was such a fab read! ✨ Set in 1930s London, it follows Harry, who’s like, a secretary turned detective—so relatable, right? She’s back at her cozy office after her first mystery, feeling a bit blah until a telegram pulls her back into action.

This time, she’s off to the spooky Fens to help a frantic nephew worried about his uncle, and you totally get those eerie vibes. The mystery unfolds beautifully with twists that kept me guessing! Plus, the whole atmosphere is just delightful, reminiscent of classic Holmes tales.

I love how Harry juggles her sleuthing while navigating the social norms of her time. So clever! And there are little nods to Agatha Christie, which is just adorable. If you're looking for a charming, thrilling mystery, grab this one!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. 💖📚

Thank you NetGalley for this Advanced Readers Copy, allowing me to read and review this book. The second book in this series, “The Cursed Writer” was a lovely homage to the Sherlock Holmes “Hound of the Baskervilles”. I really enjoyed the take of a female detective operating in Holmes’ original time, and the trials and tribulations she faces attempting to solve the mystery as a woman. Beautifully and elegantly written in the style of the time, although sometimes a little lax in the pace that readers are accustomed to in modern writing. But a lovely gentle read, with some excellent twists and turns!

The Cursed Writer is the second book in the Baker Street Mystery series, and takes up straight after the conclusion of The Missing Maid - I love it when books do this!
Secretary to the fictitious Sherlock Holmes, once again, Harry (Harriet) White finds herself so intrigued by an appeal for help that she cannot resist investigating herself.
This time, a supernatural phenomenon appears to have cursed a well known author, and his nephew pleads for Holmes' help.
I really like that while this book built on the foundation of the first (although it could be read as a standalone) and we find out a little bit more about all the characters, the mystery that needed solving was something completely different! Harry also undertakes a very interesting side quest which was totally unexpected and very revealing.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy, I can't wait for the next installment!

The Cursed Writer by Holly Hepburn

I discovered after receiving this ARC that The Cursed Writer is the second offering in the Baker Street Mysteries. I look forward to reading the first book!
Picture- 1930 London where Harry (Harriet) works as a secretary and part time detective. Her job is responding to inquiries requesting the aid of Sherlock Holme. Harry is always up for the task no matter the danger it poses. Intrigued by one of the inquiries, Harry launches an investigation into the mysterious occurrences at the home of author Philip St. John.

This story is hauntingly captivating as you follow the paths Harry takes to try and solve the mystery. This story gives you the feel of th1930’s film noir movies. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Many thanks to Net Galley for sharing this story with me.

1932, amateur-sleuth, teamwork, smuggling, drug-trafficking, disguises, undercover, class-consciousness, harassment, writers, wry-humor, alias, investigations, historical-novel, historical-mystery, historical-research, cozy-mystery*****

Harry (Harriet) is a baron's daughter who has been working for a bank but got demoted from assistant to the mailroom in the basement after giving her boss a knee. In the mailroom she found that the company's address encompassed the property known as 221B Baker St and that there are bags of mail addressed to Sherlock Holmes that need to be dealt with even though he is fiction and dead. She had started out relatively well behaved and still sends replies that she is his assistant and that he is unable to help. But this one demands her attention as it is sent via telegram! An actor has a wealthy uncle who is a renowned author who has developed some alarming behaviors and things are getting worse. The actor wants Holmes to investigate and stop the phenomena before the uncle dies from whatever it is. There is also an informant with a bit of information on a previous case that warrants attention. So Harry appeals to the childhood family acquaintance who is a barrister and reluctantly worked with her before. There's even a very large hound involved!
I requested and received a temporary electronic uncorrected proof from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
#BakerStreetMysteriesBk2 by Holly Hepburn @HollyH_Author #CozyMystery

The Cursed Writer.

I can imagine how much fun this would have been while writing the book.
There is the nostalgic feeling and it feels very close to reading the original Sherlock Holmes in action.
When I was reading this book, I did not once feel it was part of a series, it was very easy to follow along though there were a few characters that seemed already introduced to the readers.

It was cozy at times with seemingly low stakes, but the way the story shaped itself made it a thrilling read.

SO many references to the great detective and the small comments to Agatha Christie - the queen herself, were almost like a homage to the great books that came before and are still very much celebrated.

The story is set in the 1930s, almost a century ago, but our protagonist is very “modern” in her thinking and way of life.

There are so many social issues that caught my eye, and it is a little sad when those issues are relevant in our world too. It is almost as if these have been on going for a very very long time. Makes you wonder what we have achieved as a society.

I very much enjoyed the ensemble in this book with one main character. The supporting characters were still fully formed with their opinions and personalities without removing any attention to the main character.

📖//REVIEW: THE CURSED WRITER BY HOLLY HEPBURN//📖

⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Cursed Writer is the second book in the Baker Street Mysteries series, and after devouring the first novel, "The Missing Maid," on my flight home from Costa Rica, I was thrilled to be able to read the second novel.

This book takes place immediately after the first book ends, with our main character Harry jumping right back into her job as Sherlock Holmes secretary. This time, Harry receives a telegram asking for Holmes's assistance and jumps at the chance to solve another mystery. Without giving away the plot, we follow Harry as she tries to help a nephew and his uncle, who is a struggling writer.
I really enjoyed Hepburn's storytelling and world-building, and I recommend anyone who is a fan of Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes pick this up.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC of this book. I cannot wait to add this to my shelves.

Expected release date: October 17th, 2024

According to the incomparable Sherlock Holmes, “Logic and deduction are the antidote to fear.” Once again, Harry, a secretary turned detective proves to be fearless and clever in the second book of the Baker Street Mysteries. I enjoyed joining Harry on her journey as the trusted assistant of Mr. Holmes. The mystery was cleverly calculated with surprises throughout. I loved my glimpse into 1930 London and look forward to book three of this entertaining and intriguing series. “ The game is once again afoot.” Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my copy.

"'When did you become aware something was wrong?'

'When the screaming began...'

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?

Join Harriet White in 1930's London for another glorious Sherlock Holmes-inspired mystery, for fans of Nita Prose and Janice Hallett."

Is there a book called "When the screaming began?" Because I think that sums up murder mysteries quite well.

This is the second book in "The Baker Street Mysteries" in which Harriet ("Harry") White is the person responsible for answering all the letters
addressed to the fictional Sherlock Holmes at 221b. I am always interested in Sherlock Holmes related books, but most are too far fetched or boring.

The author has created a likable, believable character who takes it upon herself to investigate one or two of the mysteries which have arrived in the letters. I like the "Hound of the Baskervilles" atmosphere in this novel, however on the foggy Cambridgeshire fens instead of Dartmoor. Great idea to call the master's dog "Barrymore" (the butler in Doyle's book).

The plot development is not predictable, so it held my interest all the way through. There are additional interesting subplots and tie-ins to a case from the previous book. It is also nice to read a mystery which doesn't have a murder in it.

I highly recommend this new series as the author has shown much skill in weaving interesting mysteries.

Journey back with me to 1930s London. Harriet/Harry White has a job that sounds at once both mind numbing tedious and potentially exciting. She's answering letters sent to the fictional Sherlock Holmes because the company she's employed by just happens to be located at that, oh, so famous Baker Street address. And, oh, there's the little matter of it being a bit of a demotion after she refused to be the victim of sexual harassment by her overseer. Having not read the first book in the series, I was a bit wary of jumping into this one given the frequently puzzling, complicated cases that come to mind when one thinks Sherlock Holmes but, well, what can I say. That name alone and a mention of "Hound of the Baskervilles" was enough to pull me in. I'm glad it did as I very quickly liked Harry and the author quickly got us up to pace on the background from book one.

Just as she seems to have done in book one, Harry responds personally, well, as Holmes instead of using her tried and true normal line as Holmes' secretary about him being retired and unable to help. This time she was intrigued by a telegram arriving rather than a letter, however. I won't detail the plot, it's too much fun to sort it all out as it happens, but it involves a nephew worried about the health, both physical and mental, of his uncle. Let's just say his uncle seems to be in turmoil, panicked, and unable to function. John Arbor, the sender of the telegram, hopes Holmes can help. And, from there, Harry's rash action of responding sets off a series of events involving not just her but Oliver Fortescue, a childhood friend who, from what I can gather, seems to be in the midst of a very slow burn wannabe-romance with Harry. Remember, the setting is in the 1930s, so things do tend to move slower overall,

Delightfully spooky, full of tales of a grim reaper of sorts known as the Ferryman, ghostly spirits on the marshy fen that surrounds the estate, and the poor, afflicted man's loyal wolfhound, abound.....and that's just the main story. Not only does the author give us a dose of Holmes, but there are other side stories, all of which Harry finds herself involved in investigating. Without giving away too much, let's just say they seem to tie back to book one but even without reading it, I had no problems sorting out what was what and who was who. I definitely liked Harry and have my fingers crossed Oliver will perhaps be bolder in future books. Again, remembering the date, no pressure, Oliver. Grin. Harry's courage and, yes, even rashness at times, not to mention there's so much going on that it has the sense of moving right along without too much time spent spinning our wheels. In other words, while cringing at the role of women of that time and Harry's mother's hopes for her marriage to a suitable man, I thoroughly enjoyed the book/mystery and am already looking forward to my next virtual trip back to Baker Street in the author's lovely time machine. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for allowing me this early peek into this case and introducing me to these fascinating people.

This was another great entry in the Baker Street mystery series, I enjoyed this entry and how it worked as a mystery novel. The characters had that overall concept that I wanted and was glad it was so well written. Holly Hepburn always writes a strong mystery and I’m glad I got to read this.

This is the second book in the series and after reading the 1st I was so pleased to get a copy via Netgalley. The story starts as usual when Holmes receives correspondence re a mystery. This time it's a telegram which of course Harry can't resist replying. This was brilliantly written and I was eager to keep reading. I look forward to book 3!

Historical mystery loosely connected to Sherlock Holmes. Second in this amusing series with good characters and storylines.

I am really enjoying the adventures that Harry goes on as Sherlock Holmes' secretary because she doesn't always tell people that he can't help, for obvious reasons. I like that she has a big heart, but it can get her into trouble sometimes. I am personally still waiting to see if the romance is going to be further explored. I really enjoyed this second installment. I really enjoyed the myth of The Farrymen, who may or may not exist. I really enjoyed Barrymore, he was my favorite character. I also like how we got more background knowledge on the poor girl who fell victim to Simon's lustful advances.

I absolutely loved 'The Missing Maid' and was eagerly waiting for the next book in the series. This book not just matched my expectations but exceeded it. I love the premise of the character and her setting. She's a strong female character with a mind of her own who recognises the need for independence.

The book sets up the supporting characters well and takes the series ahead. Loved the premise of the mystery. It is a light and engrossing read that I definitely recommend. Waiting for the next book!

Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.

This talented author has written a cannot put down cozy mystery. Sherlock Holmes…red herrings…mystery and intrigue…family and friends…curl up in a comfy chair with a cozy blanket and become lost in this story. Thanks Netgalley

This was my second Harry White mystery novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The series has a cozy feel (old-fashioned, no extraneous content) but doesn’t tilt into whimsy. You’ve got a no-nonsense society gal who’s cleverly making her way in the world, followed by a nice young man who clearly needs to speak up about his feelings but hey, slow burn, whatcha gonna do? This novel had many nods to “The Hounds of the Baskervilles” while having its own notes of interest (I guessed two of the twists but NOT how they would intertwine). Would definitely recommend to anyone interested in female led mysteries set in post-WW II England.

Fans of Sherlock Holmes will love the Baker Street mysteries and The Cursed Writer had me gripped from the beginning. It is full of surprises, and a delightful read for fans of quirky mysteries and magical adventures. Bring on the next one

I absolutely loved The Missing Maid, so I was thrilled to get my hands on an early copy of The Cursed Writer. It exceeded even my high expectations!

This time, Harry receives a telegram to Sherlock Holmes, and thus starts a truly excellent mystery.

I love Harry, who is both courageous and realistic about what she can achieve. She is also clever and compassionate, and is fast becoming my favourite sleuth.

I loved this mystery too. It was really compelling, I couldn’t put it down. I loved the way it all seemed so unfathomable to start with, and small clues gradually revealed what was really happening.

The setting was excellent. The house is mysterious and slightly creepy, and the fens even more so. They definitely added to the atmosphere of the story.

Overall, this was a compelling and excellently written mystery that I just couldn’t put down. If you pick up just one book I’ve recommended this year, make it this one. Holly Hepburn is just getting better and better. I can’t wait for the next one!

I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.