Murder on Cold Street by Sherry ThomasMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the fifth book in a very entertaining series.
Charlotte Holmes, who pretends to have a brother named Sherlock who she works with, is one of the best creations of popular literature. She's a brilliant, independent, free-thinker who knows what she wants and isn't abashed by her physical nature--whether it's desiring the attentions of Lord Ingram, wearing shocking clothes, or wanting more cake. Watching the people around her, especially the men, coming to terms with the world the way she sees it is really interesting.
An inspector acquaintance is the main suspect in a pair of murders here, and it's Charlotte's job (with some help) to prove he didn't do it. The man's wife, Mrs. Treadles, has inherited a manufacturing business, and her dealings with the uncooperative men there is a cool subplot that has bearing on the main plot. (Mr. Treadles, the inspector, was not too keen on his wife taking over the work at the business, either, but we see him coming around, in much the same way that people who know Charlotte start to see her as a capable person, not just a "woman" in the limited sense of the time.) The solution of the mystery includes a lot of digging into people's lives, but one of Charlotte's delightful quirks is how she is entirely unbothered by the peccadilloes and sensitive personal details that so captivated society at that time.
This is a fun mystery as well as a pleasant time spent with a number of terrific characters. Highly recommended for Sherlock fans and historical mystery fans.
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