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The Baker Street Mysteries #1
The Missing Maid: The Baker Street Mysteries, Book 1
Meet Harriet White, Sherlock Holmes' feisty – and entirely fake – assistant, in this gloriously fun mystery, perfect for fans of Anita Prose, Verity Bright and Janice Hallett.
London, 1932. A young maid steps onto a train… and disappears. Her family writes to the only person they can think of to Sherlock Holmes. A shame then, that Mr Holmes isn’t real. But then, from a basement beneath 221b Baker Street, someone replies…
Harriet White knows responding to the maid’s family could land her in hot water, but she’s no stranger to trouble. It was refusing to cow to her over-familiar boss that saw her demoted to the postal department of their Baker Street head office in the first place. Her new job is to work through the mountain of correspondence addressed to the street’s most famous resident. But when this letter catches her eye, she knows she must do something to help the missing girl.
Harriet decides to act as Holmes’ new assistant, armed with only her love of Conan Doyle’s stories to guide her. But can she solve the case of the missing maid? Or does she risk losing her job – or much, much more – in the process?
London, 1932. A young maid steps onto a train… and disappears. Her family writes to the only person they can think of to Sherlock Holmes. A shame then, that Mr Holmes isn’t real. But then, from a basement beneath 221b Baker Street, someone replies…
Harriet White knows responding to the maid’s family could land her in hot water, but she’s no stranger to trouble. It was refusing to cow to her over-familiar boss that saw her demoted to the postal department of their Baker Street head office in the first place. Her new job is to work through the mountain of correspondence addressed to the street’s most famous resident. But when this letter catches her eye, she knows she must do something to help the missing girl.
Harriet decides to act as Holmes’ new assistant, armed with only her love of Conan Doyle’s stories to guide her. But can she solve the case of the missing maid? Or does she risk losing her job – or much, much more – in the process?
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First published March 27, 2024
272 people are currently reading
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About the author
Holly Hepburn
96 books399 followersI’ve wanted to write books for adults for as long as I can remember but I was too scared to try. One day I decided to be brave and dipped a toe into the bubble bath of romantic comedy with my first novella, Cupidity, and I’ve never looked back. I often try to be funny to be funny, except for when faced with traffic wardens and border control staff. My favourite thing is making people smile.
I’ve tried many jobs over the years, from barmaid to market researcher and I even had a brief flirtation with modelling. These days I am mostly found writing.
I live near London with my grey tabby cat, Portia. We both have an unhealthy obsession with Marmite.
I’ve tried many jobs over the years, from barmaid to market researcher and I even had a brief flirtation with modelling. These days I am mostly found writing.
I live near London with my grey tabby cat, Portia. We both have an unhealthy obsession with Marmite.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
March 28, 2024
This book was a hit for me on several levels.
Judging from the few cozy mysteries I’ve encountered, The Missing Maid had a little more heft and was devoid of cutesy. While flowery book covers have their place, this was a little darker in tone than the previous cozy stories I’ve read. (Although, I’m no means an expert as it’s just been a few).
I loved the main character Harry who was a force responding to her vile bank manager’s advances by creating lemonade from lemons. She was determined and kick-ass while attempting to solve a mystery and also avoid her mother’s matchmaking efforts - which had me smiling.
I also like the 1932 time frame since I enjoy historical fiction. The challenges women faced and how they overcame them is of interest to me.
I’ve been gravitating lately to women’s stories focusing on strong resourceful female characters. Whether it’s crossing over between genres, I’m shying away from the damsel in distress and toward a take charge attitude by protagonists. That reason alone was enough for me to enjoy the book as Harry was someone to root for.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my advance review copy due to publish on March 27, 2024
Judging from the few cozy mysteries I’ve encountered, The Missing Maid had a little more heft and was devoid of cutesy. While flowery book covers have their place, this was a little darker in tone than the previous cozy stories I’ve read. (Although, I’m no means an expert as it’s just been a few).
I loved the main character Harry who was a force responding to her vile bank manager’s advances by creating lemonade from lemons. She was determined and kick-ass while attempting to solve a mystery and also avoid her mother’s matchmaking efforts - which had me smiling.
I also like the 1932 time frame since I enjoy historical fiction. The challenges women faced and how they overcame them is of interest to me.
I’ve been gravitating lately to women’s stories focusing on strong resourceful female characters. Whether it’s crossing over between genres, I’m shying away from the damsel in distress and toward a take charge attitude by protagonists. That reason alone was enough for me to enjoy the book as Harry was someone to root for.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my advance review copy due to publish on March 27, 2024
April 4, 2024
“The game is most definitely afoot.” I was totally immersed in the world of Harry White. I loved her investigative skills mixed with her whimsical personality. The mystery along with Harry’s wit made the story enjoyable, entertaining, and intriguing. Even though I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes, that is not required to love this cleverly written original, character-driven mystery. I look forward to future installments of the Baker Street Mysteries. Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my copy.
March 27, 2024
What initially seems like revenge for blocking her boss’s advances, Harriet White’s new position (demotion) in the postal department in the basement of the Baker Street building soon becomes a blessing in disguise. Cloistered away in a new office (broom closet), Molly begins sorting through correspondence intended for Baker Street’s famous resident, Mr. Sherlock Homes. She offhandedly sends off a simple, evasive answer (the same one to all requests for his sleuthing skills) until she comes across one she can’t forget….and she takes matters into her own hands, opening her first case as Sherlock’s assistant!
This first book in the new cozy crime series, The Baker Street Mysteries, has an intriguing premise. For those who enjoy a cozy mystery, this Sherlock Holmes-inspired historical cozy mystery will be enticing. Allow Hepburn to show you her skills in this new genre and sweep you away to 1932 London.
I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This first book in the new cozy crime series, The Baker Street Mysteries, has an intriguing premise. For those who enjoy a cozy mystery, this Sherlock Holmes-inspired historical cozy mystery will be enticing. Allow Hepburn to show you her skills in this new genre and sweep you away to 1932 London.
I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
February 17, 2025
Adorei adorei adorei.
Que livro diferente mas muito giro.
Recomendo imenso para o fãs de mistério e dos “clássicos dos polícias” vão adorar a harry e toda a sua história.
Que livro diferente mas muito giro.
Recomendo imenso para o fãs de mistério e dos “clássicos dos polícias” vão adorar a harry e toda a sua história.
June 22, 2025
Set in 1932 London. Harriet White is required to work through the mountain of correspondence addressed to Mr Sherlock Holmes, and becomes an amateur sleuth in the process.
March 28, 2024
Note: This is a duplicate review for a double listing of this book.
This book was a hit for me on several levels.
Judging from the few cozy mysteries I’ve encountered, The Missing Maid had a little more heft and was devoid of cutesy. While flowery book covers have their place, this was a little darker in tone than the previous cozy stories I’ve read. (Although, I’m no means an expert as it’s just been a few).
I loved the main character Harry who was a force responding to her vile bank manager’s advances by creating lemonade from lemons. She was determined and kick-ass while attempting to solve a mystery and also avoid her mother’s matchmaking efforts - which had me smiling.
I also like the 1932 time frame since I enjoy historical fiction. The challenges women faced and how they overcame them is of interest to me.
I’ve been gravitating lately to women’s stories focusing on strong resourceful female characters. Whether it’s crossing over between genres, I’m shying away from the damsel in distress and toward a take charge attitude by protagonists. That reason alone was enough for me to enjoy the book as Harry was someone to root for.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my advance review copy due to publish on March 27, 2024
This book was a hit for me on several levels.
Judging from the few cozy mysteries I’ve encountered, The Missing Maid had a little more heft and was devoid of cutesy. While flowery book covers have their place, this was a little darker in tone than the previous cozy stories I’ve read. (Although, I’m no means an expert as it’s just been a few).
I loved the main character Harry who was a force responding to her vile bank manager’s advances by creating lemonade from lemons. She was determined and kick-ass while attempting to solve a mystery and also avoid her mother’s matchmaking efforts - which had me smiling.
I also like the 1932 time frame since I enjoy historical fiction. The challenges women faced and how they overcame them is of interest to me.
I’ve been gravitating lately to women’s stories focusing on strong resourceful female characters. Whether it’s crossing over between genres, I’m shying away from the damsel in distress and toward a take charge attitude by protagonists. That reason alone was enough for me to enjoy the book as Harry was someone to root for.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my advance review copy due to publish on March 27, 2024
February 16, 2024
Rating: 1.4/5
Whilst Holly Hepburn is not new to the world of fictional writing, this is her first venture into the cosy crime arena. All of her work prior to this change of direction was very much of the romance / feelgood / chick-lit ilk. I was attracted to "The Missing Maid" by the premise, which is based on a factual occurrence. In 1932 a building society moved into its new head office premises in London's Baker Street. The company's address spanned the fictional location of Arthur Conan Doyle's famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. In spite of Holmes being merely a creation of the author's mind, there were many people who would write to him at his Baker Street address, seeking his assistance. The amount of such correspondence received by the building society became so substantial that they actually employed somebody to process the letters and reply to them - essentially, a secretary to Sherlock Holmes. In "The Missing Maid", Holly Hepburn has embellished this factual element by imagining what could have happened if the person employed in this role actually took things a step further and investigated some of the matters referred to in the letters. Enter Harriet (Harry) White, the well-to-do granddaughter of Baron Abinger, and the game is afoot.
Sadly, in spite of the attempt to add an element of uniqueness to this story through the link to Sherlock Holmes, this book is, at best, a very ordinary period crime story. Still more disappointing is that the mystery at the heart of it isn't even particularly compelling. The author's previous experience as a writer of feelgood, romantic chick-lit is clearly evident and it leads to extended periods of very little happening other than playing up to hackneyed stereotypes. The mystery itself is unlikely to impress any regular readers of the crime genre. The developments that lead to the solving of the case are childishly simplistic and fortuitous. Enid Blyton may well have got away with that approach, but then she was writing for a much younger audience and it was the best part of a century ago. This doesn't really pass muster in crime fiction aimed at an adult audience in the 21st century, whether of the cosy variety or otherwise.
I believe that "The Missing Maid" is intended to be the first book in a series, but there is nothing here that is likely to tempt me back for any more.
As ever, I would still like to convey my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review. It is a pity I was not in a position to pass more favourable comment on this occasion.
Whilst Holly Hepburn is not new to the world of fictional writing, this is her first venture into the cosy crime arena. All of her work prior to this change of direction was very much of the romance / feelgood / chick-lit ilk. I was attracted to "The Missing Maid" by the premise, which is based on a factual occurrence. In 1932 a building society moved into its new head office premises in London's Baker Street. The company's address spanned the fictional location of Arthur Conan Doyle's famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. In spite of Holmes being merely a creation of the author's mind, there were many people who would write to him at his Baker Street address, seeking his assistance. The amount of such correspondence received by the building society became so substantial that they actually employed somebody to process the letters and reply to them - essentially, a secretary to Sherlock Holmes. In "The Missing Maid", Holly Hepburn has embellished this factual element by imagining what could have happened if the person employed in this role actually took things a step further and investigated some of the matters referred to in the letters. Enter Harriet (Harry) White, the well-to-do granddaughter of Baron Abinger, and the game is afoot.
Sadly, in spite of the attempt to add an element of uniqueness to this story through the link to Sherlock Holmes, this book is, at best, a very ordinary period crime story. Still more disappointing is that the mystery at the heart of it isn't even particularly compelling. The author's previous experience as a writer of feelgood, romantic chick-lit is clearly evident and it leads to extended periods of very little happening other than playing up to hackneyed stereotypes. The mystery itself is unlikely to impress any regular readers of the crime genre. The developments that lead to the solving of the case are childishly simplistic and fortuitous. Enid Blyton may well have got away with that approach, but then she was writing for a much younger audience and it was the best part of a century ago. This doesn't really pass muster in crime fiction aimed at an adult audience in the 21st century, whether of the cosy variety or otherwise.
I believe that "The Missing Maid" is intended to be the first book in a series, but there is nothing here that is likely to tempt me back for any more.
As ever, I would still like to convey my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review. It is a pity I was not in a position to pass more favourable comment on this occasion.
March 23, 2024
Cosy mystery where a young society demoiselle plays detective to solve a case addressed to Sherlock Holmes. Harry White has been relegated to the basement of the bank in which she is employed after the spurning the unwanted advances of her boss. Here, she is tasked with replying to postage the bank receives addressed to Holmes - the bank straddles 221 Baker Street. The letter send Harry White off on an adventure to solve ... the case of the missing maid.
A decent start to what looks to be a new mystery series.
A decent start to what looks to be a new mystery series.
April 24, 2024
When I started the missing maid I was enchanted with Harry. Harry is trying not to be a product of the generation she is born in.
Sometimes I wonder that how hard it must have been in that era to prove yourself as more useful than just a wife, someone who brings children into the world and looks after the house. And then when I read about women like Harry, I know how they were trying to make a difference. I can't stop myself from admiring them.
Harry is working in a bank on Baker Street and under certain circumstances, she is asked to move to the basement where she has to answer the letters that are addressed to famous detective Mr Sherlock Holmes. The whole premise was interesting but the main mystery was not so much. I wasn't interested much in why the maid had gone missing. I wasn't intrigued enough or didn't care enough for that mystery as it wasn't really shocking or surprising.
It was so easy to figure it out, that even when it started I was sure how it will turn out in the end. I don't know if it was just me but that made the whole book except Harry's own story quite boring.
I liked Harry a lot. Other characters too well written, I just wish that there was a complexity to the case discussed which would have made the book a 4/5 star read for me. Nevertheless I enjoyed reading it and it made me even more happy that it is going to be a series because I'm definitely interested in reading more of Harry.
Btw, Harry is not a man.
Thanks Netgalley and boldwood books for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Sometimes I wonder that how hard it must have been in that era to prove yourself as more useful than just a wife, someone who brings children into the world and looks after the house. And then when I read about women like Harry, I know how they were trying to make a difference. I can't stop myself from admiring them.
Harry is working in a bank on Baker Street and under certain circumstances, she is asked to move to the basement where she has to answer the letters that are addressed to famous detective Mr Sherlock Holmes. The whole premise was interesting but the main mystery was not so much. I wasn't interested much in why the maid had gone missing. I wasn't intrigued enough or didn't care enough for that mystery as it wasn't really shocking or surprising.
It was so easy to figure it out, that even when it started I was sure how it will turn out in the end. I don't know if it was just me but that made the whole book except Harry's own story quite boring.
I liked Harry a lot. Other characters too well written, I just wish that there was a complexity to the case discussed which would have made the book a 4/5 star read for me. Nevertheless I enjoyed reading it and it made me even more happy that it is going to be a series because I'm definitely interested in reading more of Harry.
Btw, Harry is not a man.
Thanks Netgalley and boldwood books for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
March 20, 2025
Para grandes fãs de Sherlock Holmes, como eu aconselho este livro 🤩
Nesta história temos a Harry, que é muito independente para a sua época, destemida, corajosa, inteligente e empática.
Tudo começa com Harry a ter que lidar com problemas que muitas de nós mulheres ainda hoje lidamos. Infelizmente para a época, teve que se sujeitar a ser inferiorizada no trabalho e é destacada para corresponder a cartas para o famoso detetive, Sherlock Holmes, que na verdade não existe 🤨
Pois...exato... ao que parece milhares de pessoas escreveram-lhe a pedir ajuda e Harry tem o trabalho de enviar uma resposta a cada, tornando-se assim a "sua assistente".
Um trabalho bastante monótono, até uma certa carta, mexer com ela... decidindo assim, começar uma investigação por contra própria e aí começa a nossa aventura😎
Entre disfarces, identidades falsas, trabalho de infiltrados, visitas a bairros duvidosos, Harry não desiste de o resolver ao mesmo tempo que lida com os seus problemas pessoais.
Mas como ninguém chega longe sozinho, Harry precisa de um Dr.Watson, e aí temos a nossa personagem principal masculina, Oliver! Ele podia ser o nosso homem, se fosse um bocadinho mais corajoso e se empenhasse mais a encorajar a Harry e não a pedir que ela deixasse tudo...
Será que ela desiste assim tão facilmente? Claro que não!💪🏼 Mulheres como a Harry não desistem e levam a sua avante! Foi bastante divertido ver o desenrolar da história e mais não conto, porque assim estragaria a surpresa🥰
É um livro pequeno, leve, com uma escrita fácil, engraçada e muito envolvente. Adorei como a autora desenvolve e trabalha os temas do assédio sexual e a desigualdade entre géneros, que infelizmente ainda são temas muito atuais.
Mal posso esperar pelos próximos volumes, para saber em que aventuras Harry e Oliver se vão envolver!
Nesta história temos a Harry, que é muito independente para a sua época, destemida, corajosa, inteligente e empática.
Tudo começa com Harry a ter que lidar com problemas que muitas de nós mulheres ainda hoje lidamos. Infelizmente para a época, teve que se sujeitar a ser inferiorizada no trabalho e é destacada para corresponder a cartas para o famoso detetive, Sherlock Holmes, que na verdade não existe 🤨
Pois...exato... ao que parece milhares de pessoas escreveram-lhe a pedir ajuda e Harry tem o trabalho de enviar uma resposta a cada, tornando-se assim a "sua assistente".
Um trabalho bastante monótono, até uma certa carta, mexer com ela... decidindo assim, começar uma investigação por contra própria e aí começa a nossa aventura😎
Entre disfarces, identidades falsas, trabalho de infiltrados, visitas a bairros duvidosos, Harry não desiste de o resolver ao mesmo tempo que lida com os seus problemas pessoais.
Mas como ninguém chega longe sozinho, Harry precisa de um Dr.Watson, e aí temos a nossa personagem principal masculina, Oliver! Ele podia ser o nosso homem, se fosse um bocadinho mais corajoso e se empenhasse mais a encorajar a Harry e não a pedir que ela deixasse tudo...
Será que ela desiste assim tão facilmente? Claro que não!💪🏼 Mulheres como a Harry não desistem e levam a sua avante! Foi bastante divertido ver o desenrolar da história e mais não conto, porque assim estragaria a surpresa🥰
É um livro pequeno, leve, com uma escrita fácil, engraçada e muito envolvente. Adorei como a autora desenvolve e trabalha os temas do assédio sexual e a desigualdade entre géneros, que infelizmente ainda são temas muito atuais.
Mal posso esperar pelos próximos volumes, para saber em que aventuras Harry e Oliver se vão envolver!
March 20, 2024
London, 1932. Such a fun cozy mystery with Harriet White, whose job is to answer letters to the literary character Sherlock Holmes, and when one involves a local maid gone missing, she decides to investigate the case herself. A fine new series!
April 7, 2024
After dealing summarily with an unwanted sexual advance by her boss, Simeon Pemberton, Harriet “Harry” White is reassigned to the mailroom at the London bank she works at. The manager of the mailroom, Mr. Babbage, thinks it is no place for a woman so he finds her a quiet office and sets her on her new assignment: answer the ever-incoming letters that arrive at the bank, which are addressed to Mr. Sherlock Holmes. The bank occupies a large enough portion of Baker street to encompass multiple addresses, including 221, and people's letters requesting assistance from Sherlock Holmes arrive at the bank, , where Mr. Babbage has let them pile up.
Harry begins reading, and crafts a standard reply, indicating Mr Holmes can not help them as he is retired. Most of the inquiries are inconsequential, but one strikes Harry as more important and urgent. A young woman, Esme Longstaff, is seeking Holmes’ help locating her older sister Miriam, who went to London for work, then was dismissed for theft (which she vehemently denied) from her maid position, then she disappeared.
Harry decides to visit the Longstaffs, who live in the village near her wealthy family’s estate. Pretending to be Sherlock’s secretary R.K. Moss, Harry gets relevant details, then tries to find Miriam; she instead stumbles upon a violent female shoplifting gang, with whom she thinks Miriam has thrown in. Except it turns out there is much more going on with the situation. Though not a detective, Harry she digs up more than she or her sort of crush Oliver (lawyer and her older brother’s friend) ever expected. Her eyes are opened to the very different lives of those less fortunate than herself, and she’s determined to deal, more conclusively, eventually, with her former boss. And, to keep on helping others.
This was so much more entertaining than I expected. Harry is smart, resourceful, and not willing to while away her days in idle pursuits, or give in to her mother's relentless matchmaking. Harry willingness to transform what her awful boss thought would cow her into an interesting and challenging activity shows a great attitude, intelligence, and determination.
Her first case sees her assuming disguises, trying on accents, and running around London neighbourhoods that would terrify and shock her family, occasionally making mistakes, but finding a way to take charge of her life and help others. Harry's a lot of fun, and I hope there are more mysteries in store for this plucky protagonist.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Harry begins reading, and crafts a standard reply, indicating Mr Holmes can not help them as he is retired. Most of the inquiries are inconsequential, but one strikes Harry as more important and urgent. A young woman, Esme Longstaff, is seeking Holmes’ help locating her older sister Miriam, who went to London for work, then was dismissed for theft (which she vehemently denied) from her maid position, then she disappeared.
Harry decides to visit the Longstaffs, who live in the village near her wealthy family’s estate. Pretending to be Sherlock’s secretary R.K. Moss, Harry gets relevant details, then tries to find Miriam; she instead stumbles upon a violent female shoplifting gang, with whom she thinks Miriam has thrown in. Except it turns out there is much more going on with the situation. Though not a detective, Harry she digs up more than she or her sort of crush Oliver (lawyer and her older brother’s friend) ever expected. Her eyes are opened to the very different lives of those less fortunate than herself, and she’s determined to deal, more conclusively, eventually, with her former boss. And, to keep on helping others.
This was so much more entertaining than I expected. Harry is smart, resourceful, and not willing to while away her days in idle pursuits, or give in to her mother's relentless matchmaking. Harry willingness to transform what her awful boss thought would cow her into an interesting and challenging activity shows a great attitude, intelligence, and determination.
Her first case sees her assuming disguises, trying on accents, and running around London neighbourhoods that would terrify and shock her family, occasionally making mistakes, but finding a way to take charge of her life and help others. Harry's a lot of fun, and I hope there are more mysteries in store for this plucky protagonist.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
March 27, 2024
What a delightful cozy mystery that kept me awake well past my bedtime. I enjoyed reading it and going back to my childhood when I first read the series about Sherlock Holmes and fell in love with the stories. Harry White is a smart, funny and I must add brave heroine, and is well developed and the story is well written. I recommend it to all cozy mystery readers and especially to those who like to read stories when Sherlock Holmes is mentioned. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance review copy.
Read
March 6, 2024tl;dr
A cozy mystery with some interesting historical content and a fun twist on the Sherlock Holmes mythos.
Thoughts
The Sherlock-verse is a wide one. Everyone in his life seems to also be a detective: his old friends, the Irregulars, siblings, descendants. And now it turns out his circle even extends into the "real" world where he's fictional. Which honestly? Works really well. The Missing Maid is a reasonably grounded story, with the MC regularly commenting on how Sherlock would have figured this out by now from some miniscule detail, but she's stuck here in the mortal realm navigating dead ends, hurdles, and her own real life. The mystery unfolds at an even pace, with plenty of historical details and events to give it weight. It's also a fairly cozy read, with very few action pieces, and hints of a budding romance that I found rather sweet. Harry is still new to the detective business, but she, and the series, show a lot of promise.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance review copy. All thoughts in this review are my own!
A cozy mystery with some interesting historical content and a fun twist on the Sherlock Holmes mythos.
Thoughts
The Sherlock-verse is a wide one. Everyone in his life seems to also be a detective: his old friends, the Irregulars, siblings, descendants. And now it turns out his circle even extends into the "real" world where he's fictional. Which honestly? Works really well. The Missing Maid is a reasonably grounded story, with the MC regularly commenting on how Sherlock would have figured this out by now from some miniscule detail, but she's stuck here in the mortal realm navigating dead ends, hurdles, and her own real life. The mystery unfolds at an even pace, with plenty of historical details and events to give it weight. It's also a fairly cozy read, with very few action pieces, and hints of a budding romance that I found rather sweet. Harry is still new to the detective business, but she, and the series, show a lot of promise.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance review copy. All thoughts in this review are my own!
March 22, 2024
A delightful cozy mystery! Can you imagine having the job of answering letters addressed to Sherlock Holmes? And what would you do if it was someone who you thought you might help? I found myself laughing out loud at the antics of Harry! She is such a delightful heroine. Funny, smart and brave! Her indomitable spirit instantly endeared her to me.
The story progressed along at a fast pace. The dialogue was lively and interesting. Honestly I couldn’t find one bad thing to say about this book! I’m a new fan for sure!
I received a ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.
The story progressed along at a fast pace. The dialogue was lively and interesting. Honestly I couldn’t find one bad thing to say about this book! I’m a new fan for sure!
I received a ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.
March 23, 2025
Que livro, gostei muito, mesmo como eu gosto, já estou à espera do próximo!!!!
April 9, 2024
This was a bit of a slow burner and the last 30% was definitely the best part of the book. I liked the concept. I will probably read the next one. Wasn’t my favourite Holly Hepburn book that I’ve read. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either. Would’ve been 2.5 stars but the last 30% bumped it up that extra half a star.
September 21, 2024
Harry (Harriet) is a baron's daughter who isn't into being pigeonholed as a rich man's wife, but when she rebuffs her boss's advances she is demoted from assistant to the mailroom in the basement. There she finds that the company's address encompasses 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 starts out relatively well behaved and sends replies that he is unable to help and she is his assistant. But one letter catches her interest. That leads to meeting with the family, fledgling attempts at disguised following and other undercover acts and more until she is discovered by someone who can help--a childhood family acquaintance who is a barrister.
What could possibly go wrong?
Sophie Roberts is the talented voice actor who interprets the story perfectly!
I bought this audio because I read the next in series and wanted to know how it all began.
#TheMissingMaid #BakerStreetMysteriesBk1 by Holly Hepburn @HollyH_Author
Narrated by: Sophie Roberts #Audiobook #CozyMystery
What could possibly go wrong?
Sophie Roberts is the talented voice actor who interprets the story perfectly!
I bought this audio because I read the next in series and wanted to know how it all began.
#TheMissingMaid #BakerStreetMysteriesBk1 by Holly Hepburn @HollyH_Author
Narrated by: Sophie Roberts #Audiobook #CozyMystery
April 2, 2024
Holly Hepburn- The Missing Maid.
Holly Hepburn is well known for writing charming and uplifting stories.
The Missing Maid is a bold step into the relms of cosy crime and mystery.
Step back in time to 1932. Harry (Harriet) has been effectively demoted after rejecting the advances of her boss.
Now working in the post room, which is effectively a cupboard in the basement,
she is tasked with the job of replying to mail addressed to a certain S. Holmes (that’ll make sense when you read the book) Harry finds herself drawn into a world that she never expected to be a part of, but equally she couldn't resist the opportunity to get involved.
#TheMissingMaid is a delightful book. I loved Harry. She’s warm, funny, sassy and brave.
The story moved along at a good place and kept me gripped to the very end.
#TheMissingMaid is well written and engaging. I’m very much looking forward to reading what Holly brings us next in this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Holly Hepburn is well known for writing charming and uplifting stories.
The Missing Maid is a bold step into the relms of cosy crime and mystery.
Step back in time to 1932. Harry (Harriet) has been effectively demoted after rejecting the advances of her boss.
Now working in the post room, which is effectively a cupboard in the basement,
she is tasked with the job of replying to mail addressed to a certain S. Holmes (that’ll make sense when you read the book) Harry finds herself drawn into a world that she never expected to be a part of, but equally she couldn't resist the opportunity to get involved.
#TheMissingMaid is a delightful book. I loved Harry. She’s warm, funny, sassy and brave.
The story moved along at a good place and kept me gripped to the very end.
#TheMissingMaid is well written and engaging. I’m very much looking forward to reading what Holly brings us next in this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 29, 2025
“O mistério da criada” de Holly Hepburn é o primeiro livro da coleção “Mistérios de Baker Street”.
Estamos em 1932, em Londres, Harriet White, conhecida por Harry, de uma família nobre e abastada, decide ir trabalhar para um banco que está sediado na morada onde vive Sherlock Holmes, o personagem de ficção de Sir Athur Conan Doyle.
Bom, Harry é enviada para tratar de uma correspondência muito específica... Existem muitas pessoas que escrevem a pedir ajuda a Sherlock Holmes, embora ele seja um personagem de ficção.
Uma das cartas que abre, trata-se de um pedido de ajuda para encontrar uma criada que desapareceu misteriosamente.
Harry não consegue ignorar esta carta e decide investigar...
Será que vai descobrir o que aconteceu?
PONTOS FORTES:
- escrita cativante
- leitura viciante
- trama original
- reviravoltas
- mulher emponderada
- história ao estilo de Sherlock Holmes
- outra época
PONTOS FRACOS:
- nada a registar
Adorei este livro, foi uma leitura relâmpago, não conseguia parar de ler. Senti-me transportada para um dos livros do Sherlock Holmes. Adorei a Harry e o Oliver, estou muito curiosa em ler o que aí vem.
January 30, 2025
Este livro foi sem dúvida um hit para mim!
Amei tudo sobre a personagem principal, a Harry. Uma mulher dos anos 30 que apesar de fazer parte de uma família de nome sente que precisa de mais na sua vida e que não se deixa “rebaixar” a ninguém por ser mulher. Por estes mesmos motivos ela aceita de cabeça erguida a mudança de cargo e vê se presa num pequeno escritório obrigada a responder a cartas direcionadas a Sherlock Holmes. No meio de todas as correspondências ela desperta interesse numa história em específico fazendo-se passar por assistente de Sherlock e iniciando assim uma grande investigação e aventura.
Com mistério, tensão e ainda com uma pitada de interesse amoroso, O Mistério da Criada é sem duvida um hit para os amantes de thrillers!
Amei tudo sobre a personagem principal, a Harry. Uma mulher dos anos 30 que apesar de fazer parte de uma família de nome sente que precisa de mais na sua vida e que não se deixa “rebaixar” a ninguém por ser mulher. Por estes mesmos motivos ela aceita de cabeça erguida a mudança de cargo e vê se presa num pequeno escritório obrigada a responder a cartas direcionadas a Sherlock Holmes. No meio de todas as correspondências ela desperta interesse numa história em específico fazendo-se passar por assistente de Sherlock e iniciando assim uma grande investigação e aventura.
Com mistério, tensão e ainda com uma pitada de interesse amoroso, O Mistério da Criada é sem duvida um hit para os amantes de thrillers!
April 24, 2024
What a delight of a read!! I hope Hepburn continues this series. I thoroughly enjoyed Harry and Oliver. 4/5 stars
April 2, 2024
Harry’s boss transfers her down to the bank basement after she rebukes his advances. Determined not to let him win she embraces her new job. What could be more interesting then answering mail addressed to Sherlock Holmes. One case catches her eye and soon the game is afoot.
I thought this was a nice story. I liked Harry and Oliver working together. It’s fast paced and kept my attention to the end. I really hope this is the start of a new series.
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the early copy.
I thought this was a nice story. I liked Harry and Oliver working together. It’s fast paced and kept my attention to the end. I really hope this is the start of a new series.
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the early copy.
June 11, 2025
Gostei bastante da escrita e da história e da forma como os acontecimentos se foram desenrolando, havendo até algumas partes divertidas.
Achei imensa piada à Harry e à relação familiar dela com os irmãos e estou curiosa pelas próximas aventuras. 4*
Achei imensa piada à Harry e à relação familiar dela com os irmãos e estou curiosa pelas próximas aventuras. 4*
February 26, 2024
The Missing Maid by Holly Hepburn is a fantastic cozy mystery that follows the Dynamic Harriet White as she defies social convention and strides into her own path. The Grandddaughter of a Baonness, she yearns for her independance and so goes to work in a bank with an utterly vile boss, the bank manager.
The slimy bank manager makes untoward advances and Harriet gives it beans in rejecting him (oh how I cheered!) This in turn, causes Harriet to be booted from her cushy position at the bank and demoted to the post room, sorting out all the letters that arrive in error for the famous Sherlock Holmes.
Harriet puts her all into this tedious job and she will not be deterred from following her path. A particular letter however, leads her into the dark underbelly of London, to help a family in finding their missing maid but she soon realises that this sleuthing malarkey is not as easy as it seems
Harriet is a firebrand, brave, dynamic, intelligent and yet still a gem. Hepburn has created a wonderful character that you find yourself cheering on as she navigates the darker side of London whilst trying to avoid the suitors her mother puts before her, with very, very, strong encouragement.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery because it is at the intersection between cozy mystery and historical fiction and it is simply brilliant. Hepburn weaves a strong plotline and Harry shines throughout. A real pleasure to read
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and the author Holly Hepburn for this fantastic ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
The slimy bank manager makes untoward advances and Harriet gives it beans in rejecting him (oh how I cheered!) This in turn, causes Harriet to be booted from her cushy position at the bank and demoted to the post room, sorting out all the letters that arrive in error for the famous Sherlock Holmes.
Harriet puts her all into this tedious job and she will not be deterred from following her path. A particular letter however, leads her into the dark underbelly of London, to help a family in finding their missing maid but she soon realises that this sleuthing malarkey is not as easy as it seems
Harriet is a firebrand, brave, dynamic, intelligent and yet still a gem. Hepburn has created a wonderful character that you find yourself cheering on as she navigates the darker side of London whilst trying to avoid the suitors her mother puts before her, with very, very, strong encouragement.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery because it is at the intersection between cozy mystery and historical fiction and it is simply brilliant. Hepburn weaves a strong plotline and Harry shines throughout. A real pleasure to read
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and the author Holly Hepburn for this fantastic ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
April 22, 2024
The Missing Maid is a cozy mystery set in London, 1932. Harriet White has been tasked with answering letters to the fictitious Sherlock Holmes and feels compelled to search for a young woman from her own home village, who has gone missing in London. Harriet is a likeable character and this feels like the start of a very entertaining series - the game is most definitely afoot!
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy.
#TheMissingMaid #NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy.
#TheMissingMaid #NetGalley
March 27, 2024
*3.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*
"Like them kind of books, do you? Detective stories and that?
"Yes, I do."
"That must be why they give you this here job."
I like them too and reading the historical fiction, The Missing Maid, the first of a planned series, by new to cozy mysteries author Holly Hepburn was a delight.
Harriet "Harry" White is determined to live her own life despite coming from a well-to-do family. Working at a bank on Baker Street in London is part of her independence but, when she declines the advances of her evil bank manager, she finds herself relegated to the basement answering letters addressed to the fictional Sherlock Holmes.
It seems in the 1930s many think his adventures were real accounts of his detective skills. Harry politely writes back that the famed detective is now retired living a life of leisure as a beekeeper. One letter from her home town catches Harry's attention about a beloved sister and daughter who started work as a maid for a wealthy family, known to Harry, and after being accused of stealing has disappeared from London. Posing as the retired detective's secretary Harry investigates on her own time.
The writer has fun detailing the naive trials and tribulations of Harry trying to disguise herself as a man, a maid and honestly, a detective. The missing maid mystery isn't that intricate and easily resolved. It's Harry's determination that fuels the story.
A bit reminiscent of @masterpiecepbs Miss Scarlett and The Duke, Harry's story is enjoyed as a woman trying to make it in a man's world where the right to vote for women is only a few years old. There's also a tease with a lawyer friend Oliver, who has potential as a romantic interest.
The Missing Maid cleans up as an easy to read cozy mystery.
I received a free copy of this book from Boldwood Books via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
"Like them kind of books, do you? Detective stories and that?
"Yes, I do."
"That must be why they give you this here job."
I like them too and reading the historical fiction, The Missing Maid, the first of a planned series, by new to cozy mysteries author Holly Hepburn was a delight.
Harriet "Harry" White is determined to live her own life despite coming from a well-to-do family. Working at a bank on Baker Street in London is part of her independence but, when she declines the advances of her evil bank manager, she finds herself relegated to the basement answering letters addressed to the fictional Sherlock Holmes.
It seems in the 1930s many think his adventures were real accounts of his detective skills. Harry politely writes back that the famed detective is now retired living a life of leisure as a beekeeper. One letter from her home town catches Harry's attention about a beloved sister and daughter who started work as a maid for a wealthy family, known to Harry, and after being accused of stealing has disappeared from London. Posing as the retired detective's secretary Harry investigates on her own time.
The writer has fun detailing the naive trials and tribulations of Harry trying to disguise herself as a man, a maid and honestly, a detective. The missing maid mystery isn't that intricate and easily resolved. It's Harry's determination that fuels the story.
A bit reminiscent of @masterpiecepbs Miss Scarlett and The Duke, Harry's story is enjoyed as a woman trying to make it in a man's world where the right to vote for women is only a few years old. There's also a tease with a lawyer friend Oliver, who has potential as a romantic interest.
The Missing Maid cleans up as an easy to read cozy mystery.
I received a free copy of this book from Boldwood Books via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 20, 2025
Que premissa tão engraçada: na década de 1930, as pessoas continuam a escrever a Sherlock Holmes, a pedir ajuda com problemas diversos e as cartas são enviadas para a sua famosa morada no nº 221b na Baker Street, então ocupada por um banco.
Se é estranho que escrevam para um detetive que é ficcional, nunca foi uma pessoa real, mais estranho é que, no banco, acumulem a correspondência recebida e contratem uma assistente para responder aos remetentes, a informar, não que Sherlock Holmes não existe, mas sim que se encontra reformado e sem aceitar casos para investigar.
Não li a sinopse do livro e fiquei surpreendida com esta premissa. Não sei o que é mais louco: escreverem ao detetive das histórias ficcionais ou responderem às pessoas como se o mesmo ainda estivesse vivo.
Gostei muito da personagem principal, a Harry (de Harriet), uma mulher que, nos anos de 1930, se recusa a casar só porque é a coisa convencional a fazer e prefere trabalhar para se sustentar, apesar de vir de uma família rica. Fica ali no ar a hipótese de um futuro romance com um personagem com quem simpatizei imenso.
O mistério até foi uma história bem pensada e executada. É uma história muito levezinha, não é nenhuma obra da literatura policial, mas deu-me gosto de ler. É o que se pode chamar de limpa-palato.
Se é estranho que escrevam para um detetive que é ficcional, nunca foi uma pessoa real, mais estranho é que, no banco, acumulem a correspondência recebida e contratem uma assistente para responder aos remetentes, a informar, não que Sherlock Holmes não existe, mas sim que se encontra reformado e sem aceitar casos para investigar.
Não li a sinopse do livro e fiquei surpreendida com esta premissa. Não sei o que é mais louco: escreverem ao detetive das histórias ficcionais ou responderem às pessoas como se o mesmo ainda estivesse vivo.
Gostei muito da personagem principal, a Harry (de Harriet), uma mulher que, nos anos de 1930, se recusa a casar só porque é a coisa convencional a fazer e prefere trabalhar para se sustentar, apesar de vir de uma família rica. Fica ali no ar a hipótese de um futuro romance com um personagem com quem simpatizei imenso.
O mistério até foi uma história bem pensada e executada. É uma história muito levezinha, não é nenhuma obra da literatura policial, mas deu-me gosto de ler. É o que se pode chamar de limpa-palato.
March 28, 2024
I am definitely a Sherlock Holmes fan, so the premise of this story got my attention immediately, but it was the writing, characters and the new story perspective that firmly held it.
This is not strictly speaking a Sherlockian story at all, as the book takes the same premise as reality – that the great detective is fictional – but elaborates on the idea that some people might be confused enough or desperate enough to believe him real and appeal to him for help. And that’s where Harry White steps in, relegated to gently rejecting such appeals but curious enough to start poking around when one catches her eye.
It is quite a female-centric story really, as Harry (Harriet) is the main character and investigator (with just a little help from family friend and potential romantic interest Oliver) and the case features a missing maid, letters from said maid’s sister and a link to the rise in women crime gangs across the city.
I was totally caught up in the case and Harry’s attempts to investigate and solve it, using the fictional detective as inspiration and motivation but her own natural skills and familial connections. I did think it was a bit of a shame that after a dramatic climax, Harry was locked out of the big finale, leaving Scotland Yard to wrap things up off-page, but that does mirror Conan Doyle’s detective, who lives for the puzzle and the chase rather than the glory, and it also handily preserves her anonymity for future escapades.
And there were a few questions left hanging tantalisingly open, ready for said future escapades, so I will be keeping my eyes out for more in this series. If nothing else, I am dying to see Mr Simeon Pemberton’s face when he finally realises who he has actually been messing with!
This is not strictly speaking a Sherlockian story at all, as the book takes the same premise as reality – that the great detective is fictional – but elaborates on the idea that some people might be confused enough or desperate enough to believe him real and appeal to him for help. And that’s where Harry White steps in, relegated to gently rejecting such appeals but curious enough to start poking around when one catches her eye.
It is quite a female-centric story really, as Harry (Harriet) is the main character and investigator (with just a little help from family friend and potential romantic interest Oliver) and the case features a missing maid, letters from said maid’s sister and a link to the rise in women crime gangs across the city.
I was totally caught up in the case and Harry’s attempts to investigate and solve it, using the fictional detective as inspiration and motivation but her own natural skills and familial connections. I did think it was a bit of a shame that after a dramatic climax, Harry was locked out of the big finale, leaving Scotland Yard to wrap things up off-page, but that does mirror Conan Doyle’s detective, who lives for the puzzle and the chase rather than the glory, and it also handily preserves her anonymity for future escapades.
And there were a few questions left hanging tantalisingly open, ready for said future escapades, so I will be keeping my eyes out for more in this series. If nothing else, I am dying to see Mr Simeon Pemberton’s face when he finally realises who he has actually been messing with!
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