A Jar of Thursday: A thrilling historical mystery featuring Sherlock Holmes

by Liz Hedgecock

A thrilling new twist on classic detective tales, with time-travelling heists, a mysterious thief, and a young Sherlock Holmes racing to uncover the truth.

London, 1890: When Jack Hargreaves takes a job with Fingers Molloy, it doesn’t quite go to plan. Fingers turns out to be a time-travelling burglar, with a host of ingenious devices supplied by the mysterious Mr Smith. And the things they're stealing are, frankly, odd. But Jack is in no position to pick and choose — for Jack has a secret too …

Sherlock Holmes is convinced that Fingers Molloy works for his nemesis, Professor Moriarty. Yet Inspector Lestrade won’t take him seriously. How can the great detective prove he is right?

The further in Jack gets, the more serious — and mysterious — things seem. But breaking free and coming clean could land Jack not just in trouble, but danger …

Genres: Fiction

137 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2025

About the author

I grew up in south London, did an English degree, and then took forever to start writing. The stories started to grow longer...and then the murders began!

I tend to write Victorian mysteries of a not-too-scary nature. I've somehow managed to have 3 separate Sherlock Holmes-themed series (why make things easy?). I also co-wrote the Caster & Fleet mystery series with Paula Harmon, and my Maisie Frobisher Mysteries series is a spinoff from that.

I write a modern cozy mystery series, Pippa Parker Mysteries, and my newest series, The Magical Bookshop, is a cozy mystery series with a touch of fantasy and magic.

Visit my website for book info, links to stories, and my blog, in which I ramble on about all sorts of things. Hope to see you soon.

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining Holmes listening 🌃😋

This kindle ebook novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book one of two

A time travel criminal is operating in London. Jack applies for a job and is hired. Jack discovers that the man who hired him is a criminal. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are involved in an investigation leading to the arrest of the criminal with help of Jack. Jack is hired by Scotland Yard. 😊

I would recommend this series and author to fans of Sherlock Holmes and readers of British action mystery novels 🤔😎 2025 🎊🌜

[Colin Murtagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting enough idea, with one bump in the road. I do enjoy a Holmes story, and while this doesn't feel like a ACD written one, it's got enough to keep me engaged. Jack answers an advert in the paper looking for a young man to act as a personal assistant. From there he's quickly drawn in to a world of crime and time travel, and ends up turning to Holmes for help.
There's a lot here to like, the plot moves at a fair speed, the setting feel authentic, and most importantly Holmes and Watson feel like they should do. The PoV does flick between Watson and Jack, which works relatively well, especially after Jacks secret is revealed, but I can see the purists having palpitations over that.
The one thing that confuses me is the Time Travel machine. Not really integral to the plot, and with some other bits, like the thumb opening safe, and the lockpicks, it makes me feel like there's a bigger story at play here, that's not really addressed. Saying that, as there are 3 books out in the series, it may well be that the story is not yet finished.
It's an interesting start, and will probably pick the next book up to see what happens.

[Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is interesting and i found it quite entertaining. I read it in one sitting and never felt bored.
The two points of criticism I have are for one the time machine which seems out of place and does note serve any real purpose. It seems more of a way to remove the questions about why all the people immediately trust Jack. The second point is more of a wish I had to see more of Holmes famous deductions.
All in all it was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to Sherlock fans.

[Zara Dal · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inventive Holmes-style mystery with a clever steampunk twist. I loved the concept and atmosphere, but wished for a bit more depth, especially around the villains and their motives. A creative, fast-paced read that left me wanting just a little more.

[Deepa T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really should have been more interested in this Holmes-adjacent mystery, but all that time travel was very confusing and tedious. Perhaps I just was not in the right frame of mind for this book. But as I see it, there are many many more books to be read - so I am moving on.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

really liked this book.