Flotsam is lost material washed up on a beach, but it is also applied to destitute people washed up in the gutter. One such person, rescued from one such gutter, is now housemaid to Sherlock Holmes and so assistant to Mrs Hudson. Her given name is possibly unknown, but the name she goes by is Miss Flotsam, or just Flotsam, or Flottie. She is late teens and possessed of an intellect which rivals that of Holmes, who recognises her talent and trusts her investigative skills; as does Mrs Hudson, who is herself an astute observer of humanity and possessor of great analytical skill. When three different crimes happen, two involving the apparently separate kidnappings of two members of the Archducal House of Capricorn, and one involving a possible swindler, it is clear that Holmes must be involved with the first two leaving the third with Watson; which in practice means leaving them with Flotsam and Mrs Hudson. In fact Holmes before he sets off, more or less commands Watson to take direction from Flottie. As the various threads are followed, Flotsam becomes embroiled in all the incidents, leading her into London’s theatrical world and the unsavoury and dangerous streets behind the glittering facades of the theatres and Music Halls.
Sherlock Holmes is a hard act to follow, but the books describing his cases are fairly formulaic. This book adheres quite closely to Conan Doyle’s style without straying into parody. Although it is the 7th in the Holmes and Hudson series, it works as a standalone (although the rare reader unfamiliar with Holmes might be puzzled). The main character here is Flotsam, an interesting and enterprising young woman, in the role not only of protagonist but also of narrator. The three plots are suitably twisty, although not particular difficult to resolve, and quite a lot of it depends on coincidence, and on Mrs Hudson’s acquaintance with numerous people of the highest and lowest orders. It is an easy and enjoyable cosy crime story, perfect within that sub-genre.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

A rollicking good read. Loved the characters. I received this as an advance copy from NetGalley and am leaving this review of my own opinions voluntarily.

This is a delightful engaging read with a great storyline, plenty of exciting action and intelligent characters with charm. The pace is sometimes heart pounding as characters play their roles. Sherlock's ladies perform their parts successfully.

This novel (as well as the whole series) will definitely appeal to Sherlock Holmes! The cases are really closely based on the original cases investigated by Holmes. For me, that was the problem as I read the original books. However, the writing reflects particularly well Sherlock's characters London city. The essential difference is the narrator: here Flotsam is telling the story, the maid of the house. Entertaining novel!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

A very enjoyable female lead mystery novel, featuring the beloved characters of Holmes and Watson. The writing was such that at no point does the reader ever feel bored, or that the story is labouring. The mystery is kept a mystery until the end, and, although there are a great many characters, the story is written in such a way that it’s still possible to remember whom everyone is. I really enjoyed this story, and am hoping it is one of a series as I’d love to read more adventures of Flotsam and her employers.