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Mrs Hudson & Sherlock Holmes #1
A House of Mirrors
'What is your profession, Mr Holmes?'
When Nell Villiers' policeman husband vanishes on a routine case, her life is wrecked. Placed under protection by Inspector Lestrade, Nell is ripped from her old life and her own secret police work. Instead she must live as a widow, Mrs Hudson, in a safe house: 221B Baker Street.
Two years on, with the case still unsolved, Nell vows to defy Lestrade and use her skills to discover what happened. She takes a lodger to cover her tracks; a young man called Sherlock Holmes. Before long, he is working on her case - and Nell is assisting him.
But as Nell delves into her past she raises ghosts whom one person would rather keep buried. Will she face danger, and risk her new life in the process?
'It's always been fun before - but now the police are the enemy...’
A House of Mirrors is the first book in the Mrs Hudson & Sherlock Holmes series, which documents life at 221B Baker Street from Nell Hudson’s point of view.
When Nell Villiers' policeman husband vanishes on a routine case, her life is wrecked. Placed under protection by Inspector Lestrade, Nell is ripped from her old life and her own secret police work. Instead she must live as a widow, Mrs Hudson, in a safe house: 221B Baker Street.
Two years on, with the case still unsolved, Nell vows to defy Lestrade and use her skills to discover what happened. She takes a lodger to cover her tracks; a young man called Sherlock Holmes. Before long, he is working on her case - and Nell is assisting him.
But as Nell delves into her past she raises ghosts whom one person would rather keep buried. Will she face danger, and risk her new life in the process?
'It's always been fun before - but now the police are the enemy...’
A House of Mirrors is the first book in the Mrs Hudson & Sherlock Holmes series, which documents life at 221B Baker Street from Nell Hudson’s point of view.
228 pages, ebook
Published November 29, 2016
109 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Liz Hedgecock
96 books180 followersI 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.
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.
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October 26, 2021The mystery was very good but I'm not quite sure how I felt about this new twist to the Sherlock Holmes mysteries. I definitely liked Helen Hudson and admired her intelligence and determination. Seeing Sherlock as more than a self-absorbed loner (albeit a excellent detective) was a little disconcerting. All in all a good mystery.
March 1, 2017
Wow!! Liz Hedgecock’s stunning mystery would make Sir Arthur Conan Doyle PROUD.
First, my thanks to the Kindle Unlimited program. Because of it, I’m thrilled to have discovered a wonderful writer who’s brand-new to me. (I don’t normally read books in this time period, but I had come across information about Liz Hedgecock and how she’d begun to speculate about Mrs. Hudson’s past. For instance, how had Sherlock Holmes’s landlady become a widow? Exactly what had happened to her husband?)
This clever author then spun her own mystery around the nebulous woman’s background—an absolutely inspired idea to my way of thinking! A House of Mirrors is beautifully written, in a style that’s brilliant in its simplicity and the vividness of its characters and their motivations. I pictured the era, felt everything Mrs. Hudson felt, and understood her feelings, as well….
So my second and major thank-you goes to Liz Hedgecock…for giving me a new, refreshing slant on the formerly mysterious Mrs. Hudson. 5 stars for this marvelous new book!!! I’m friending you now, Liz, and look forward to buying your next one.
First, my thanks to the Kindle Unlimited program. Because of it, I’m thrilled to have discovered a wonderful writer who’s brand-new to me. (I don’t normally read books in this time period, but I had come across information about Liz Hedgecock and how she’d begun to speculate about Mrs. Hudson’s past. For instance, how had Sherlock Holmes’s landlady become a widow? Exactly what had happened to her husband?)
This clever author then spun her own mystery around the nebulous woman’s background—an absolutely inspired idea to my way of thinking! A House of Mirrors is beautifully written, in a style that’s brilliant in its simplicity and the vividness of its characters and their motivations. I pictured the era, felt everything Mrs. Hudson felt, and understood her feelings, as well….
So my second and major thank-you goes to Liz Hedgecock…for giving me a new, refreshing slant on the formerly mysterious Mrs. Hudson. 5 stars for this marvelous new book!!! I’m friending you now, Liz, and look forward to buying your next one.
January 21, 2022
This is a well-written, well-edited book with a great setting. As first in a series, a good bit of it was setup, but the plot kept me interested. The heroine, Mrs Hudson, is also a well-rounded character, and you can tell she has what it takes to keep a series going.
The only thing that rubbed me the wrong way was Mrs Hudson's relationship with Sherlock Holmes. His character doesn't bear much resemblance to the original, and honestly the whole thing seemed a bit creepy to me, though I can't put my finger on why, exactly. Maybe it was just too jarring to see Holmes as a handsome young man with an instant crush on his landlady. It probably would have worked better if he were closer to the original, grumpy, anti-social Holmes and the author let some kind of relationship develop over time (not even necessarily a romance).
I also thought that Watson could have been developed more as a character. In this version, he is basically wallpaper. Maybe that will change in later books. I liked the writing in this book well enough to give the series another chance, so we'll see.
The only thing that rubbed me the wrong way was Mrs Hudson's relationship with Sherlock Holmes. His character doesn't bear much resemblance to the original, and honestly the whole thing seemed a bit creepy to me, though I can't put my finger on why, exactly. Maybe it was just too jarring to see Holmes as a handsome young man with an instant crush on his landlady. It probably would have worked better if he were closer to the original, grumpy, anti-social Holmes and the author let some kind of relationship develop over time (not even necessarily a romance).
I also thought that Watson could have been developed more as a character. In this version, he is basically wallpaper. Maybe that will change in later books. I liked the writing in this book well enough to give the series another chance, so we'll see.
April 25, 2019
A Distinct Twist
There are probably more Sherlock Holmes stories by different authors than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle could've dreamed of when 'A Study in Scarlet' was published. Sherlock has been remained in so many guises, it's hard to keep track.
This story is unique in that, not only is Mrs. Hudson young, but her backstory is very unusual and detailed. The disappearance of her copper husband has been done but I've not read one like this. Perhaps some Holmes purists would not like the ways he & Mrs. Hudson interact but Holmes is young & still human.
I look forward to reading more of Ms Hedgecock's Sherlock & Hudson world as well as her other series.
There are probably more Sherlock Holmes stories by different authors than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle could've dreamed of when 'A Study in Scarlet' was published. Sherlock has been remained in so many guises, it's hard to keep track.
This story is unique in that, not only is Mrs. Hudson young, but her backstory is very unusual and detailed. The disappearance of her copper husband has been done but I've not read one like this. Perhaps some Holmes purists would not like the ways he & Mrs. Hudson interact but Holmes is young & still human.
I look forward to reading more of Ms Hedgecock's Sherlock & Hudson world as well as her other series.
February 15, 2023
Your enjoyment of this will depend entirely upon how big a Conan Doyle purist you are. If you're like me and have a very high tolerance for "pastiches" (published fanfiction), and don't mind romance, especially, you'll probably find this pretty cute (I actually really like a younger Mrs. Hudson, and hey, at least they're the same age and it's not a freaking 50-year age difference, Mary Russell). I don't like this as much as The Affair of the Incognito Tenant, which is a favorite of mine, but I liked it enough to continue the series, anyway.
January 4, 2022
Quite good sherlock fan fiction but he's a bit too normal and human
September 18, 2023
I have never read any of the Sherlock Holmes books although I've seen a few movies and TV dramas. Mrs Hudson has always been depicted as a middle aged/elderly lady, who is the harrassed and rather put upon housekeeper to Holmes and Dr Watson. Holmes on the other hand, has always been depicted as a confirmed bachelor; polite to the ladies, but never gets involved romantically.
A House of Mirrors works on an interesting premise of Holmes and Mrs Hudson being closer than tenant and housekeeper. I must admit I found it difficult to get my head round this. I enjoyed the story although I thought the plot rather confusing and complicated.
There is action throughout and it did make me want to read to the end.
I'm happy to give four stars for A House of Mirrors as an alternative perspective on a very famous detective genre.
A House of Mirrors works on an interesting premise of Holmes and Mrs Hudson being closer than tenant and housekeeper. I must admit I found it difficult to get my head round this. I enjoyed the story although I thought the plot rather confusing and complicated.
There is action throughout and it did make me want to read to the end.
I'm happy to give four stars for A House of Mirrors as an alternative perspective on a very famous detective genre.
January 11, 2022
“A House of Mirrors” is the first in a new Holmesian series featuring Mrs. Hudson and Sherlock Holmes by Liz Hedgecock. Although I liked the book, the plot was offsetting especially since these characters are not the same as the characters by ACD. In this series, the story is told from the perspective of Mrs. Hudson. As well, Sherlock is not exactly himself; rather he is a young man who is clearly attracted to his landlady. While Dr. Watson is present in the story, his participation is minimal. There are certainly echoes of characters and events from ACD, but most are changed to focus on Mrs. Hudson becoming Mrs. Hudson. Of course, there is a lot more to her than we might expect.
The plot unfolds and tells the history of how Mrs. Hudson came to be at 221B Baker St. Her story starts years in the past, when Nell Villiers' policeman husband vanishes on a routine case. Placed under protection by Inspector Lestrade, Nell is ripped from her old life and her own secret police work. Instead, she must live a new life as a widow, Mrs. Hudson, in a safe house: 221B Baker Street. Now she rents a room to a young man, who will try to assist her in solving the mystery regarding her missing husband.
“A House of Mirrors” is well written with some clever twists from the Canon; however, this is a book based on ACD’s work but it features the character of Mrs. Hudson. Of course, we meet Sherlock, his brother Mycroft, Dr. Watson and Inspector Lestrade. But they are only bit players here, the real story is all hers. The first half of the book, the pace was a little slow, but it speeds up as the plot unfolded. I am not a prude, but I did have trouble with those romanticized aspects - Sherlock kissing and declaring his love for a woman. Still, a good read!
The plot unfolds and tells the history of how Mrs. Hudson came to be at 221B Baker St. Her story starts years in the past, when Nell Villiers' policeman husband vanishes on a routine case. Placed under protection by Inspector Lestrade, Nell is ripped from her old life and her own secret police work. Instead, she must live a new life as a widow, Mrs. Hudson, in a safe house: 221B Baker Street. Now she rents a room to a young man, who will try to assist her in solving the mystery regarding her missing husband.
“A House of Mirrors” is well written with some clever twists from the Canon; however, this is a book based on ACD’s work but it features the character of Mrs. Hudson. Of course, we meet Sherlock, his brother Mycroft, Dr. Watson and Inspector Lestrade. But they are only bit players here, the real story is all hers. The first half of the book, the pace was a little slow, but it speeds up as the plot unfolded. I am not a prude, but I did have trouble with those romanticized aspects - Sherlock kissing and declaring his love for a woman. Still, a good read!
March 18, 2018
I wanted to like it
This book looked so promising, loved the idea and really hoped it was going to live up to its description. It started well then gradually went downhill. The character whose name was Sherlock Holmes bore no resemblance at all to the detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I have no idea why Dr Watson was included, possibly to make up the numbers? I was going to score it 2 but that would be misleading. I don't want to give away a spoiler but will just say the "romantic" aspect in the latter part of the book was so awful it was almost comical. I've never given a book a completely negative review before as I feel it's harsh on an author who has worked so hard on a creation to read that it wasn't well received, but I'm sorry, I hated it. I was actually annoyed with myself for finishing it. It was full of two dimensional, unbelievable characters, unnatural, stilted dialogue, a ridiculous plot and an unbelievable ending. The cover design was nice.
This book looked so promising, loved the idea and really hoped it was going to live up to its description. It started well then gradually went downhill. The character whose name was Sherlock Holmes bore no resemblance at all to the detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I have no idea why Dr Watson was included, possibly to make up the numbers? I was going to score it 2 but that would be misleading. I don't want to give away a spoiler but will just say the "romantic" aspect in the latter part of the book was so awful it was almost comical. I've never given a book a completely negative review before as I feel it's harsh on an author who has worked so hard on a creation to read that it wasn't well received, but I'm sorry, I hated it. I was actually annoyed with myself for finishing it. It was full of two dimensional, unbelievable characters, unnatural, stilted dialogue, a ridiculous plot and an unbelievable ending. The cover design was nice.
December 12, 2016
Thank you, Liz, for transporting me to 221B Baker Street to spend time with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson and the mystery woman! The mark of a good book for me is how much it pulls me in and how much I think about it when I’m supposed to be doing other things. When I read a story and forget where I am, if I can’t wait to get back to it to find out how it ends, or I’m trying to unravel the plot while I’m doing dishes or driving to work, then I know it’s a hit. If you love a mystery that twists and turns until the very end, I suspect you’ll love this book as much as I did!
June 17, 2019
A rather different take
The story is told from the perspective of Mrs. Hudson, who isn’t the same as the character by ACD. Nor is Sherlock himself; rather he is a young man who is clearly attracted to his landlady. While Dr. Watson is present in the story, his participation is minimal. Despite these quirks, there is significant attention to the historical detail of Victorian London. The characters are credible and well drawn. Those who are looking strictly for another Holmes pastiche will not be satisfied, but I found the book to be enjoyable.
The story is told from the perspective of Mrs. Hudson, who isn’t the same as the character by ACD. Nor is Sherlock himself; rather he is a young man who is clearly attracted to his landlady. While Dr. Watson is present in the story, his participation is minimal. Despite these quirks, there is significant attention to the historical detail of Victorian London. The characters are credible and well drawn. Those who are looking strictly for another Holmes pastiche will not be satisfied, but I found the book to be enjoyable.
January 19, 2022
I have been reading Sherlock Holmes stories by several different authors and found this one kind of out of character for Sherlock in that he becomes romantically involved with Mrs. Hudson who I saw in there stories as an older woman. More a motherly type than one he would become romantically involved with. An interesting change from most of the other stories.
July 10, 2022
Liz Hedgecock: A House Of Mirrors. Book Review.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
To give life to a character is a privilege, to breathe existence into one who is so established by name alone is an honour, and so as all are aware of the existence and thoughts of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, so surely therefore must acknowledge that without Mrs Helen Hudson, the security of home, the quiet reassurance of stability in nature, both men might have led very different lives.
The reader is often given scant detail of the one woman who was a constant in both the early lives of the greatest fictional detective and his confidante turned biographer, even on television and film the inspector of the files and casebooks of the celebrated detective, the presence of Mrs. Hudson is often one portrayed as a lonely older woman, the spinster dressed in mourning black and whose literary existence is to act as a backdrop, a device, scenery to the lives of the men who rent rooms from her.
If there was a character deserving of moving out the shadows and filling the large empty space that had surrounded her, then Mrs Helen Hudson is arguably by far one who’s story demands to be told, even at the expense who revere the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and one to whom the legend is placed in the adept and caring hands of Liz Hedgecock; a writer who understands that behind the myth of any man, stands a woman who wants her own story and experiences told with the same value and the same importance.
A House of Mirrors tells the tale of a young woman trapped by circumstances beyond her control, the reasons why her appearance in later Sherlock Holmes mysteries is one of calm assurance, even understanding that is framed by her compassion and care for the two men in her charge, and how she came to be the erstwhile and resilient woman to whom the consulting genius and the famed doctor could rely.
Unlike other fictional tales, A House of Mirrors takes a sense of supreme will to put to the many fans who cannot get enough of the inhabitants of 221B Baker Street a carefully laid out series of events that does not damage the established timeline of those drawn out by their original author; such is the respect shown to the mysterious Holmes that even a dalliance of romance to which the prescribed showing of asexuality that the man exhibited throughout his narrated life, is one that does not raise an eyebrow of concern, nor indeed contempt that some readers might excruciatingly exhibit.
The novel does not set out to whitewash nor deceive the reader, there is no sense of readjusted justice prevailing, the modern cancelling of culture which would suggest that Holmes was just a foil for the real brain behind the solver of clues and murder, instead it redresses the life off someone who was invaluable to the detective, her own back story, the reasons to why this particular woman was in a position to offer rooms to two total strangers, and it is a tale not only told well, but with heart, with fierce conviction, with upmost respect to the source material.
Liz Hedgecock’s A House Of Mirrors is a welcome addition to the pantheon of literature that encompasses the hero of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s imagination; a tale well told, a woman’s voice restored and heard in the same way that Hailie Rubenhold was able to show in her true assessment of the five victims of Jack The Ripper. A genuine piece of intriguing literature.
Ian D. Hall
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
To give life to a character is a privilege, to breathe existence into one who is so established by name alone is an honour, and so as all are aware of the existence and thoughts of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, so surely therefore must acknowledge that without Mrs Helen Hudson, the security of home, the quiet reassurance of stability in nature, both men might have led very different lives.
The reader is often given scant detail of the one woman who was a constant in both the early lives of the greatest fictional detective and his confidante turned biographer, even on television and film the inspector of the files and casebooks of the celebrated detective, the presence of Mrs. Hudson is often one portrayed as a lonely older woman, the spinster dressed in mourning black and whose literary existence is to act as a backdrop, a device, scenery to the lives of the men who rent rooms from her.
If there was a character deserving of moving out the shadows and filling the large empty space that had surrounded her, then Mrs Helen Hudson is arguably by far one who’s story demands to be told, even at the expense who revere the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and one to whom the legend is placed in the adept and caring hands of Liz Hedgecock; a writer who understands that behind the myth of any man, stands a woman who wants her own story and experiences told with the same value and the same importance.
A House of Mirrors tells the tale of a young woman trapped by circumstances beyond her control, the reasons why her appearance in later Sherlock Holmes mysteries is one of calm assurance, even understanding that is framed by her compassion and care for the two men in her charge, and how she came to be the erstwhile and resilient woman to whom the consulting genius and the famed doctor could rely.
Unlike other fictional tales, A House of Mirrors takes a sense of supreme will to put to the many fans who cannot get enough of the inhabitants of 221B Baker Street a carefully laid out series of events that does not damage the established timeline of those drawn out by their original author; such is the respect shown to the mysterious Holmes that even a dalliance of romance to which the prescribed showing of asexuality that the man exhibited throughout his narrated life, is one that does not raise an eyebrow of concern, nor indeed contempt that some readers might excruciatingly exhibit.
The novel does not set out to whitewash nor deceive the reader, there is no sense of readjusted justice prevailing, the modern cancelling of culture which would suggest that Holmes was just a foil for the real brain behind the solver of clues and murder, instead it redresses the life off someone who was invaluable to the detective, her own back story, the reasons to why this particular woman was in a position to offer rooms to two total strangers, and it is a tale not only told well, but with heart, with fierce conviction, with upmost respect to the source material.
Liz Hedgecock’s A House Of Mirrors is a welcome addition to the pantheon of literature that encompasses the hero of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s imagination; a tale well told, a woman’s voice restored and heard in the same way that Hailie Rubenhold was able to show in her true assessment of the five victims of Jack The Ripper. A genuine piece of intriguing literature.
Ian D. Hall
March 17, 2024
I'm in a Sherlock Holmes mood. Well, I'm mostly in the mood to fill the Sherlock Holmes themed shelves in my Kallax bookcase, flanking the Sherlock Office miniature my father made me. Last week I stumbled upon this trilogy and I got really curious. So, I ordered my copy of the first book and waited not so patiently until it arrived. Friday it came in, finally, and therefore I could, finally, start reading on Saturday.
If you want a deep, smart and true Sherlock story you will probably end up slightly disappointed (or a lot). The author did use the original stories as an inspiration, but she did twist the story in such a way that for the true fans it's probably not really Sherlock anymore. However, if you are a hopeless romantic woman with a huge crush on Henry Cavill's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the Enola Holmes movies, you might end up really liking this story. Like I did.
In this story Mrs Hudson awakes in a hospital and discovers she lost her child and her husband. To protect her Lestrade hides her in a well known house. Slowly we discover what has been going on and what has happened. We get flashbacks of her marriage, her life and the case she and her husband have been working on. And in present time she and Sherlock combine forces (and lock lips) to figure out the truth and what has truly happened.
I liked how Mrs Hudson really plays an active role in this story. At the time it wasn't always possible for women to do what they want. I like how we get to see how she does use her brain to do police work, how Sherlock trusts her to help him in cases and how she's still a female of her time, while not being a damsel in distress sitting at home knitting. I'm therefore really curious about the next two books in the series. I can't wait for them to arrive!
If you want a deep, smart and true Sherlock story you will probably end up slightly disappointed (or a lot). The author did use the original stories as an inspiration, but she did twist the story in such a way that for the true fans it's probably not really Sherlock anymore. However, if you are a hopeless romantic woman with a huge crush on Henry Cavill's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the Enola Holmes movies, you might end up really liking this story. Like I did.
In this story Mrs Hudson awakes in a hospital and discovers she lost her child and her husband. To protect her Lestrade hides her in a well known house. Slowly we discover what has been going on and what has happened. We get flashbacks of her marriage, her life and the case she and her husband have been working on. And in present time she and Sherlock combine forces (and lock lips) to figure out the truth and what has truly happened.
I liked how Mrs Hudson really plays an active role in this story. At the time it wasn't always possible for women to do what they want. I like how we get to see how she does use her brain to do police work, how Sherlock trusts her to help him in cases and how she's still a female of her time, while not being a damsel in distress sitting at home knitting. I'm therefore really curious about the next two books in the series. I can't wait for them to arrive!
June 23, 2024
This is the first of a series I'll definitely be continuing. It offers a different point of view on Holmes -- that of Mrs Hudson who is not the frumpy landlady of the Conan Doyle stories.
We first learn that Mrs Hudson is not really "Hudson"; that's an alias she's been assigned after her police sergeant husband went missing following a raid on an opium den. Her story is told through flashbacks -- some to the beginnings of her life with Jack, and some to the time when she first became Mrs Hudson of 221B Baker street. "Now" begins with her renting rooms to Holmes and then Watson. Each new chapter is clearly labeled, so it's not hard to keep track of the timeline.
She's always wondered what really happened to Jack and, perhaps inspired by her lodger, begins doing some quiet investigating on her own. Of course, Holmes figures out what she's up to and decides it is, in fact, a problem worthy of his attention. He also realizes her resourcefulness and cleverness may be an asset in some of his own cases. Thus begins their partnership.
And, perhaps, a budding romance -- which I'm sure purists will find abhorrent. I don't know that it was a necessary part of the plot, but I'm fine with it. I don't have a problem with authors imagining other aspects of Holmes' character than envisioned by Doyle. I enjoyed the story and was satisfied with the resolution. I've already queued up the second in the series -- which is available via Kindle Unlimited.
We first learn that Mrs Hudson is not really "Hudson"; that's an alias she's been assigned after her police sergeant husband went missing following a raid on an opium den. Her story is told through flashbacks -- some to the beginnings of her life with Jack, and some to the time when she first became Mrs Hudson of 221B Baker street. "Now" begins with her renting rooms to Holmes and then Watson. Each new chapter is clearly labeled, so it's not hard to keep track of the timeline.
She's always wondered what really happened to Jack and, perhaps inspired by her lodger, begins doing some quiet investigating on her own. Of course, Holmes figures out what she's up to and decides it is, in fact, a problem worthy of his attention. He also realizes her resourcefulness and cleverness may be an asset in some of his own cases. Thus begins their partnership.
And, perhaps, a budding romance -- which I'm sure purists will find abhorrent. I don't know that it was a necessary part of the plot, but I'm fine with it. I don't have a problem with authors imagining other aspects of Holmes' character than envisioned by Doyle. I enjoyed the story and was satisfied with the resolution. I've already queued up the second in the series -- which is available via Kindle Unlimited.
April 30, 2025
When Nell Villiers’ policeman husband disappears, she is forced into hiding as "Mrs. Hudson" at 221B Baker Street under Inspector Lestrade’s protection. Two years later, wanting something normal in her life, she takes in a lodger—Sherlock Holmes. With the consulting detective’s help, Nell delves into what really happened to her husband and uncover dangerous secrets.
This caught my attention because Mrs. Hudson is a character we don’t know much about in the original stories. The author created a believable backstory for her, and I liked the early glimpses into her intelligence. However, there were some things that rubbed me the wrong way.
The first thing that I didn’t enjoy was how the first half of the book jumped between years. The narrative jumps around quite a bit, from her taking a lodger to the early years of her marriage to the year immediately after her husband’s disappearance. I also wasn’t expecting a romance to form between Nell and Sherlock Holmes so quickly, which then created a major plot hole that was not resolved in the end.
If this had been just a cozy mystery and nothing to do with Sherlock Holmes, I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more. As it is, I found myself annoyed that these iconic characters-Watson, Holmes, Lestrade-were nothing like their originals.
This caught my attention because Mrs. Hudson is a character we don’t know much about in the original stories. The author created a believable backstory for her, and I liked the early glimpses into her intelligence. However, there were some things that rubbed me the wrong way.
The first thing that I didn’t enjoy was how the first half of the book jumped between years. The narrative jumps around quite a bit, from her taking a lodger to the early years of her marriage to the year immediately after her husband’s disappearance. I also wasn’t expecting a romance to form between Nell and Sherlock Holmes so quickly, which then created a major plot hole that was not resolved in the end.
If this had been just a cozy mystery and nothing to do with Sherlock Holmes, I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more. As it is, I found myself annoyed that these iconic characters-Watson, Holmes, Lestrade-were nothing like their originals.
October 28, 2021
Interesting Mystery
I liked the book. The first half of the book, the pace was a little slow. It told the history of how Mrs. Hudson came to be at 221B Baker St. Her story starts years in the past, first as a policeman's girlfriend then his wife. Tragedy strikes 2 years in the past, when her husband goes missing and may be dead. Mrs. Hudson's tale is told slowly and thoroughly going back and forth in time. I liked that approach, as it kept the book more interesting. At times Mrs. Hudson's tale is heartbreaking and at times it makes me angry how women could be so mistreated in the 1800's. Fast forward to the present when a young Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson rent rooms at 221B. One night Mrs. Hudson tells her tale to Sherlock. From that point the pace of the book moves much more quickly. Sherlock takes charge of investigating what happened to Mrs. Hudson's husband. Mrs. Hudson takes an active role in the investigation. I liked how the investigation was conducted. It was thorough and showed real investigative techniques, not just a quick wrap up at the end as so many books do. I liked the book enough to buy the second in series.
I liked the book. The first half of the book, the pace was a little slow. It told the history of how Mrs. Hudson came to be at 221B Baker St. Her story starts years in the past, first as a policeman's girlfriend then his wife. Tragedy strikes 2 years in the past, when her husband goes missing and may be dead. Mrs. Hudson's tale is told slowly and thoroughly going back and forth in time. I liked that approach, as it kept the book more interesting. At times Mrs. Hudson's tale is heartbreaking and at times it makes me angry how women could be so mistreated in the 1800's. Fast forward to the present when a young Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson rent rooms at 221B. One night Mrs. Hudson tells her tale to Sherlock. From that point the pace of the book moves much more quickly. Sherlock takes charge of investigating what happened to Mrs. Hudson's husband. Mrs. Hudson takes an active role in the investigation. I liked how the investigation was conducted. It was thorough and showed real investigative techniques, not just a quick wrap up at the end as so many books do. I liked the book enough to buy the second in series.
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October 10, 2022
An interesting treatment of the relationship between Mrs. Hudson and Sherlock Holmes. Mrs. Hudson is her new name, given to her by Inspector LeStrade when her policeman husband disappears. He sets her up at 221 Baker Street, and forbids her to go out or to meet with anyone she knows, including her family, to protect her. She decides to take in lodgers, and Holmes and Watson appear. As they get to know each other better, Holmes helps her to try to find out if her missing husband is alive or dead. Romance eventually enters the picture - I had a little trouble with that part. It just didn't fit with the Holmes who lives in my head. But altogether a very good read.
July 11, 2018
Thoughtful Origin Story of and by Mrs. Hudson
I've read dozens of Sherlock fan fiction books and collections and this book is among my top three favorites. (The others are The Sher!ockians and The Tarlington.) House of Mirrors, narrated by a young Mrs Hudson, is engaging, true to the Canon in style, and replete with cultural references to food, fashion, and manners.
I don't want to give away the storyline. Suffice to say that this is an alternative yet plausible universe. Well played, Ms. Hedgecock!
I've read dozens of Sherlock fan fiction books and collections and this book is among my top three favorites. (The others are The Sher!ockians and The Tarlington.) House of Mirrors, narrated by a young Mrs Hudson, is engaging, true to the Canon in style, and replete with cultural references to food, fashion, and manners.
I don't want to give away the storyline. Suffice to say that this is an alternative yet plausible universe. Well played, Ms. Hedgecock!
May 23, 2022
3.5 rounded up. It's an interesting idea, and I was excited to see how the dynamic would be between Ms. Hudson and Sherlock Holmes. Overall, it reads fine. If you are a fan of Victorian lit, you should enjoy this. My biggest issue is the way the writer approaches Holmes. It's almost as if she's never read anything else with the character involved. She gets some of it right, but I found myself pausing way too much thinking "that's not right". If you don't mind a different Sherlock Holmes than the traditional version it won't bother you.
January 10, 2025
Great book!! If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, you will love this book. Join Mr. Holmes and his landlady, Mrs. Hudson in solving the disappearance of her husband. I read the entire book in one sitting, I couldn’t put the it down. You will enjoy reading about all of Sit Arthur Conan Doyle’s fascinating characters. Liz Hedgecock does a wonderful job reintroducing these characters to avid readers. She is one of the best writers today. I look forward to reading many more adventures of Holmes and Mrs. Hudson!
September 20, 2022
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Another will written British 🏰 romantic relationship adventure thriller novel by Liz Hedgecock Mrs. Hudson and Sherlock Holmes book one. A interesting story line about how Mrs. Hudson came into being. I would highly recommend this novel, series, and author too readers of action mysteries and Sherlock Holmes fans. Enjoy the adventure of reading different types of novellas, novels 👍🔰, and books, 2022 👑👒😀
Another will written British 🏰 romantic relationship adventure thriller novel by Liz Hedgecock Mrs. Hudson and Sherlock Holmes book one. A interesting story line about how Mrs. Hudson came into being. I would highly recommend this novel, series, and author too readers of action mysteries and Sherlock Holmes fans. Enjoy the adventure of reading different types of novellas, novels 👍🔰, and books, 2022 👑👒😀
October 7, 2022
A Titillating Read
I have always thought of Sherlock Holmes as a rational Victorian man, logical but incapable of deep feelings for a woman. And Mrs. Hudson, if I thought of her at all, as his long-suffering landlady. I enjoyed seeing another side of them both and I’m now completely invested in their world. I look forward to reading more books in the series and seeing where the next adventure takes them…and me!
I have always thought of Sherlock Holmes as a rational Victorian man, logical but incapable of deep feelings for a woman. And Mrs. Hudson, if I thought of her at all, as his long-suffering landlady. I enjoyed seeing another side of them both and I’m now completely invested in their world. I look forward to reading more books in the series and seeing where the next adventure takes them…and me!
April 25, 2024
Mrs. Hudson. Who is she? How did Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson come to be her lodgers at 221B Baker Street? Curious minds want to know!
I wouldn't add A HOUSE OF MIRRORS into the canon of Arthur Conan Doyle; however, it is an interesting new backstory for both Mrs. Hudson and Sherlock Holmes. As Hedgecock tells us, Mrs. Hudson isn't Mrs. Hudson at all. She was born Helen Marsden (called Nelly), married Jack Villiers (who called her Nell), and became Mrs. Hudson through the machinations of Inspector Lestrade. The story goes back and forth between 1881 (Nell Villiers) and the years 1876 and 1878 (Mrs. Hudson) as the story of an extraordinary life unfolds.
Liz Hedgecock takes us to a time early in the life of Sherlock Holmes. You will discover that he is twenty-six years old in 1881 making him younger than any movie or television series portrays him. I have always had a problem with Basil Rathbone's portrayal of Holmes and Nigel Bruce's portrayal of Watson. The idea that Holmes and Watson are older men doesn't comport with the descriptions of agility given to us by Conan Doyle. The best Holmes, in my estimation, shown in his Victorian Era setting, is Robert Downey, Jr. The bare-knuckle fight scene in the movie "Sherlock Holmes" is memorable for its depiction of Holmes' calculating mind and physical prowess.
A HOUSE OF MIRRORS must also predate any encounters with That Woman — Irene Adler. Through well-crafted plotting, Hedgecock shows us a side of Holmes never imagined by his creator.
If you're looking for an Arthur Conan Doyle copycat, I suggest you look elsewhere. If you are open-minded about Sherlock Holmes, A HOUSE OF MIRRORS will give you a new appreciation of the dynamic among Mrs. Hudson, Holmes, Watson, and Inspector Lestrade. And Mycroft, Sherlock's older brother, is instrumental to the solution of the cold case that beleaguers 'Mrs. Hudson.'
I wouldn't add A HOUSE OF MIRRORS into the canon of Arthur Conan Doyle; however, it is an interesting new backstory for both Mrs. Hudson and Sherlock Holmes. As Hedgecock tells us, Mrs. Hudson isn't Mrs. Hudson at all. She was born Helen Marsden (called Nelly), married Jack Villiers (who called her Nell), and became Mrs. Hudson through the machinations of Inspector Lestrade. The story goes back and forth between 1881 (Nell Villiers) and the years 1876 and 1878 (Mrs. Hudson) as the story of an extraordinary life unfolds.
Liz Hedgecock takes us to a time early in the life of Sherlock Holmes. You will discover that he is twenty-six years old in 1881 making him younger than any movie or television series portrays him. I have always had a problem with Basil Rathbone's portrayal of Holmes and Nigel Bruce's portrayal of Watson. The idea that Holmes and Watson are older men doesn't comport with the descriptions of agility given to us by Conan Doyle. The best Holmes, in my estimation, shown in his Victorian Era setting, is Robert Downey, Jr. The bare-knuckle fight scene in the movie "Sherlock Holmes" is memorable for its depiction of Holmes' calculating mind and physical prowess.
A HOUSE OF MIRRORS must also predate any encounters with That Woman — Irene Adler. Through well-crafted plotting, Hedgecock shows us a side of Holmes never imagined by his creator.
If you're looking for an Arthur Conan Doyle copycat, I suggest you look elsewhere. If you are open-minded about Sherlock Holmes, A HOUSE OF MIRRORS will give you a new appreciation of the dynamic among Mrs. Hudson, Holmes, Watson, and Inspector Lestrade. And Mycroft, Sherlock's older brother, is instrumental to the solution of the cold case that beleaguers 'Mrs. Hudson.'
June 25, 2024
1876 is the year that Mrs Nell Villiers first met Inspector Lestrade and is recruited to analyses police reports, but within two years her policeman husband has disappeared. So Lestrade places her in Baker Street under the name of Mrs Hudson where eventually she starts work with Holmes. But what had happened to her husband. Holmes and Hudson in investigate. (A different interpretation of the character of Holmes).
An entertaining and well-written mystery.
An entertaining and well-written mystery.
June 23, 2020
A very entertaining mystery novel, narrated by Mrs. Hudson. We get to know Sherlock Holmes as a young man who falls in love with his landlady while they solve a cold case together.
The historical details about public transport, fashion, food and social interaction in Victorian London are beautifully described.
The historical details about public transport, fashion, food and social interaction in Victorian London are beautifully described.
October 1, 2021
Engrossing
I enjoyed this novel - or I did after I realized this was not the Sherlock Holmes I've known all these years. Once you accept that, the story becomes believable and enjoyable. Just think of him as "George." It is well-written and well-paced. I'm not sure if I will read the other 2 books in this series, though.
I enjoyed this novel - or I did after I realized this was not the Sherlock Holmes I've known all these years. Once you accept that, the story becomes believable and enjoyable. Just think of him as "George." It is well-written and well-paced. I'm not sure if I will read the other 2 books in this series, though.
August 27, 2023
Affectionate Sherlock Holmes?
A different side of Sherlock Holmes is revealed through the eye is Mrs, Hudson. A fine book that gives us the beginning of his saga. For the real Holmes
connoisseur, this book isn't what you would expect, but it is an entertaining book. A refreshing look at another side of Mr. Holmes.
A different side of Sherlock Holmes is revealed through the eye is Mrs, Hudson. A fine book that gives us the beginning of his saga. For the real Holmes
connoisseur, this book isn't what you would expect, but it is an entertaining book. A refreshing look at another side of Mr. Holmes.
March 8, 2025
A brilliant new take on the working relationship between Sherlock Holmes and his housekeeper Mrs Hudson.
It seems that Mrs Hudson has a few secrets of her own, including the fact that her name isn't Hudson. She teams up with Holmes to solve a few mysteries of her own.
I love this new interpretation of the consulting detective novels and thoroughly enjoyed both the plot and the characters.
It seems that Mrs Hudson has a few secrets of her own, including the fact that her name isn't Hudson. She teams up with Holmes to solve a few mysteries of her own.
I love this new interpretation of the consulting detective novels and thoroughly enjoyed both the plot and the characters.
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