Holly Hepburn's The Cursed Writer brings readers back into the intriguing world of the Baker Street Mystery series with a new twist. Harriet White, who handles Sherlock Holmes' fan mail, finds herself on an unexpected adventure in Cambridgeshire after receiving a distressing telegram from the troubled author Philip St John.

The novel excels in setting a captivating atmosphere. Thurmwell Manor and the surrounding fens are described with such vivid detail that they become almost as central to the story as the characters themselves. Harriet is a likable and well-developed protagonist, whose journey from skepticism to belief adds depth to the narrative. Hepburn’s ability to blend a sense of gothic suspense with a logical mystery is commendable.

That said, the plot, while engaging, does follow a somewhat predictable path. Experienced mystery readers might find the storyline familiar, and the resolution may not offer the twist or complexity they might hope for. Additionally, the pacing can be uneven, with some slower sections that impact the overall momentum of the story.

Overall, The Cursed Writer is a charming and atmospheric mystery that will likely appeal to fans of the series and readers who enjoy a good gothic mystery. It may not be groundbreaking, but it offers a satisfying read with well-crafted settings and characters.

It is 1930's London, Miss Harry (Harriette) White works at the Abbey Road Building Society who's offices span the address 219-229 Baker Street, the world famous address of the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes.

Harry's job at the bank is to respond to the hundreds of the letters addressed to Mr Holmes from those who believed him to be a real person. Her standard response is "Mr Holmes has retired to Sussex to keep bees and is regretfully unable to help."

At least, that is her reply to almost every letter.

A Telegram has been received " Sherlock Holmes. Philip St John at death's door. Time of the Essence. Reply Immediately."

Harry takes up the case, pretending to be Sherlocks assistant, and visits Thrumwell Manor, home of Mr St John and his nephew John Archer, the sender of the telegram. Harry must question the staff and the locals to discover the origins of Philip St Johns mysterious illness before its too late.

Could this be related to the local myth of "The Ferryman". Anyone who see's his torch across the fens for three successive nights are compelled to follow, never to return.

The Manor is set in the fens and marshland, The Ferryman was a fascinating addition, causing genuine fear for locals venturing out at night. This book provoked memories of the classic Hound of the Baskervilles and was delightful.

I really enjoyed Holly Hepburns story telling and world building. I was really drawn into the period, especially the squalid streets of Brighton.

The mystery itself wasn't particular difficult to pick apart but was a very satisfactory conclusion, along with tying up all loose ends with the ending hopefully queueing up a third novel in the series.

A very enjoyable read, clearly targeting fans of Sherlock Holmes as well as Agatha Christie. I being a fan of both thought this book charming.

I’ve read quite a few of Hollys other books and I was intrigued by this one as it appears to be different. You will not be disappointed the book it great!

A great addition to the series. I love it when authors go out of their comfort zone and when they do it as well as this amazing. More in th series please.

Harry's job is to handle correspondences addressed to the fictional Sherlock Holmes. She replies to each letter, explaining that Sherlock has retired from detective work.

That is until she receives a telegram addressed to Holmes, stating that Philip St John, a celebrated author, is at death's door. Archer, his nephew, describes Philip as being consumed by terror, prone to fits of hallucination and hysterical screaming. He wants Holmes to uncover the reason for this uncle's behaviour. Harry decides to investigate.

I loved the setting of the investigation in an eerie, secluded manor with a gothic feel. The side mysteries that Harry was trying to solve, in addition to the main one, created variety in the plot. I enjoyed the links to the previous book in the series and can't wait for the next one.

I loved this.! This is book 2 of the Baker Street Mystery series. The series is cozy historical with a bit of the gothic to round it out.
I have been a Sherlock Holmes fan for most of my life and the premise of the series caught my attention, but I stayed for the writing, the characters and the mystery! Harry is a a strong female character, she's clever and independent, but also kind and empathetic. She's everything a strong female character should be.
Hepburn's writing is so immersive, witty and has an easy to follow pace. These series of books is a must read for anyone who loves Sherlock Holmes and cozy mysteries.

Thank you, Netgalley, for the advanced readers copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This novel has the reader following loveable and fierce
Harry White. Harry is a "Secretary for Sherlock Holmes" and answers letters to those who believe the fictional detective is very much real. For the most part, she answers all of these letters the same... until a very intriguing telegraph comes across her desk.

I loved Harry. As someone who very much loves Sherlock Holmes, I thoroughly enjoyed this installment of the Baker Street Mysteries. I find that in some mystery novels, I find myself so frustrated with the characters. That wasn't the case in this one. We had someone with a maybe delusional dream in believing Holmes was real, but who can hate him for that-- we are all a little delusional at times, yeah?

For those in the mood for a somewhat cozy mystery written in a similar way to our beloved Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novels, watch out for this one hitting the shelves in October 2024!

I really enjoyed Hepburn's The Missing Maid, which introduced our intrepid heroine, Harry White, who returns in The Cursed Writer. White works at 221 Baker Street where she answers letter addressed to Sherlock Holmes and the first novel shares what happens when she steps into the master detective's shoes. The Cursed Writer picks up right after the events of The Missing Maid and, once again, White tries her hand at amateur sleuthing. Just like the first book, the sequel is a classic cozy mystery and Hepburn does right by her characters as White (aided by the ever-smitten Oliver) solves the case of a reclusive author who seems to have gone mad. Very much enjoyed and the ending promises another fun installment!

The Cursed Writer is the second book in the Baker Street Mysteries. I've read book 1.

Events start immediately after the end of book 1, with our detective Harry returning to her poky office after the thrilling ending to her first mystery. She could be forgiven for being a little glum when she finds herself typing the same reply to every message she receives, but never fear—an urgent telegram soon lifts her from her melancholy. It has her adopting her detecting hat once more.

This time, we're taken to the Fens in Cambridgeshire to investigate a strange mystery surrounding the sudden change in author Philip St John's demeanour. His nephew desperately seeks the aid of celebrated detective Sherlock Holmes at 221B Baker Street. So desperately, he's prepared to spend the money to send a telegram and not just a letter. And not just one, but two! While Harry tries to determine how she can uncover more about the telegram without revealing that Holmes is, of course, a fictional character, she is also embroiled in a few other little mysteries, which, for some time, appear irrelevant but offer excellent continuity from book one until they become increasingly relevant.

Harry's two trips to the Fens are very Holmesesque, providing us with an eerie atmosphere in the depths of winter, and it felt very true to form.

The mystery elements themselves are very well strung together, and while I might have guessed part of the solution, the eventual conclusion was even better than I could have hoped.

This was a thrilling continuation of the Baker Street Mysteries. I was entirely hooked and devoured the story in a few sittings.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.

#boldwoodblogger

This was another fun read featuring Harry White on her second investigation courtesy of her link to Sherlock Holmes. This time amongst all the post addressed to Sherlock Holmes that she must reply to she receives a telegram which intrigues her and so she decides to find out more. I liked the simplicity of this with the investigation taking place in a secluded manor with only five residents, there was plenty of intrigue and an excellent mystery which was part solved by an unrelated encounter. I enjoyed seeing her in her minor investigations at the bank too and am looking forward to discovering if this links to the ending which was certainly a bit of a teaser. This was great escapism and I do love Harry’s character and intrepidness.

Book 2 in the Baker Street Mysteries and Harry is back on the case.
Harry receives a telegram to Baker Street, unable to ignore it or send the standard reply back she to the home of author Philip St John. He is having hallucinations and the staff believe he is cursed. Harriet starts to investigate, is he cursed or is someone poisoning him.
A great cozy mystery read.