Christmas at the Saporis (Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mysteries Book 2)

This is an engaging novella (or long story) more concerned with Irene Adler than Sherlock Holmes. She, Irene, takes on the role of Watson as Holme’s narrator. The story is intriguing and places Holmes in an unusual situation—as husband and father, and the need to keep both a secret. There is a lot of their story up until halfway in the book, at which time we are introduced to the mystery (though there are hints of it at the beginning). I enjoyed the details, and the author has clearly done her research (I particularly enjoyed the references to places in London). I would definitely read more of this take on the Sherlock Holmes mythology.

What a delightful read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novella. Beautifully written and showing a softer and more loving side to Sherlock Holmes. I don't want to give the story away, so all I will say is that I can highly recommend this lovely story.

I admire the way the author has written a new story that easily slips into what is widely accepted as Sherlock Holmes's life.To take on a subject that is, in effect, closed, and to write a story that seamlessly fits in. Have thoroughly enjoyed this Victorian Christmas story I especially loved the detailed account of Christmas I felt like I was a fly on the wall It reeled me in and kept me wanting to know more.I look forward to much more from this author.

Great storyline, a must read for Sherlock fans.

Great sneaky peak into the relationship of sherlock & Irene

This book i enjoyed and will be following the author most definatly.Keep up the fantastic writing x

Sherlock and Irene are now married, with two children, Nicco and Charlotte and since the end of first novel 5 years have now elapsed.For the first time reader, the previous book – ‘Song for Someone’, is neatly summed up in the short introduction and the beginning of the first page of the story.In my review of ‘Song for Someone’, I suggested that the characters of Mycroft and Mrs Hudson could be further developed. Well, the author is one step ahead of me, for that is what she has done in this story.Part of the story transports the reader back to the American Catskills of 1873, and introduces us to Irene’s terrifying step-cousin, Beau, which you know will figure further in the story.Even Christmas brings out the complex character of Sherlock, yet she still shows the touching and sensitive side of him.The author continues to write with the same attention to detail. For example, how no two leaves on any single tree are identical, an Aubusson rug in Sherlock’s Baker Street address, Simpson’s in the Strand, one of the most historic restaurants in London and the use of the word ‘paedophile’, which many may think as a modern word, but actually came into usage back in 1886.Halfway through the story enters a mysterious woman in black, who turns out to be Libertas, Sherlock and Mycroft’s sister. Naming her Libertas is worthy of solving a Holmes puzzle, as Libertas is part of one of the two mottos of the legendary Diogenes club, co-founded by Mycroft – ‘Silentium est Libertas’ (Silence is freedom).In the tradition of Agatha Christie, there are plenty of twists, turns and clues as well as a few red-herrings, the secret of Mille Fleurs perfume and the creation of a dilemma for Sherlock, all to keep the reader guessing.As in her previous book, the author brings it all together very nicely at the end of the story. This is a sign of good and thoughtful writing.This is a cleverly written novella, which I would highly recommend.