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Sherlock Holmes and Elizabeth Bennet Mysteries #2
The Mystery of the Indian Diadem
The Mystery of the Indian Diadem - A Sherlock Holmes & Elizabeth Bennet Mystery Elizabeth Bennet goes to London to join forces with Sherlock Holmes once again and investigate what first appears to be an accidental death. After the marriage of Jane and Mr. Bingley, Lizzie is invited to stay with them at their estate in London. She plans on meeting with Mr. Holmes again, in hopes of working another case. When she does call upon him in his London apartment, the two hit the ground running. Mr. Holmes has been retained as a private detective in the case of a murder and missing treasure. He is initially intrigued because the murder appears accidental and was ruled as such by the coroner. Lizzie must learn to balance her newly found love of solving crimes with her family’s and society’s expectations of her. She is expected to settle down and marry, but her love of detective work and observation has eliminated her own desire to marry, especially as she begins to realize that it is possible to make a living from doing such things as solving crimes. The Holmes and Bennet Book 1: Death at the Netherfield Park Ball Book 2: The Mystery of the Indian Diadem Book 3: The Peculiar Doctor Barnabus Book 4: The Apparition at Rosing’s Park Book 5: The Shadow of Moriarty Book 6: The Adventure of the King's Portrait Book 7: The Case of the Patriarch Book 8: The Final Equation VISIT WWW.CYANIDEPUBLISHING.COM AND DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE CRIME / MYSTERY STARTER LIBRARY
- GenresMysteryHistoricalNovella
87 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2017
27 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Amelia Littlewood
13 books34 followersAmelia works as a librarian and lives in an idyllic Cotswold village in England with Darcy, her Persian cat. She has been a Jane Austen fan since childhood but only in later life did she discover the glory and gory of a cozy mystery book. She has drafted many different cases for Holmes and Bennet to solve together.
Visit www.amelialittlewood.com for more details
Visit www.amelialittlewood.com for more details
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 6, 2018
After the solving of the murder at the Netherfield Park Ball a few months previous, Elizabeth Bennet longs to once again meet her new friend, Sherlock Holmes. Her newly married sister, Jane, has invited her to spend some time at her home in London, so of course she ventures across town to 221 B Baker Street. Holmes has been contacted by Mary Morton. Mary's father has been killed after receiving a threatening note. Holmes and Elizabeth are once again on the case! The game is afoot!
This story had a bit more investigation in it than the first book because it wasn't necessary to spend so much time introducing the two characters. But....there really isn't much of Sherlock Holmes wit and investigation style in these stories. The tale is told from Elizabeth's point of view, and she seems to control much of the investigation. Holmes is a very controlling, exacting and demanding person, and his personality really never comes out. I did enjoy this 2nd story in the series, but the combination of these two characters really isn't clicking for me. Sherlock seems muted, and Elizabeth is obsessed with detecting, earning her own living, etc. I think I just need to suspend my love for the original classic versions of these characters, and just enjoy these stories for what they are -- light reads that are meant to be an homage. I just wish the stories were a bit more substantial and not just light, fan fiction.
This story had a bit more investigation in it than the first book because it wasn't necessary to spend so much time introducing the two characters. But....there really isn't much of Sherlock Holmes wit and investigation style in these stories. The tale is told from Elizabeth's point of view, and she seems to control much of the investigation. Holmes is a very controlling, exacting and demanding person, and his personality really never comes out. I did enjoy this 2nd story in the series, but the combination of these two characters really isn't clicking for me. Sherlock seems muted, and Elizabeth is obsessed with detecting, earning her own living, etc. I think I just need to suspend my love for the original classic versions of these characters, and just enjoy these stories for what they are -- light reads that are meant to be an homage. I just wish the stories were a bit more substantial and not just light, fan fiction.
July 26, 2019
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars
There's nothing that reminds me of Pride and Prejudice here except the character names Elizabeth Bennet and her sister Jane, who is already married to Charles Bingley. The Bingleys live in London (unlike the P&P Bingleys, who first live in Hertfordshire and eventually move near the Darcys in Derbyshire). Elizabeth goes to stay with them for an extended visit, eager to see Mr. Holmes and perhaps assist him in solving another crime. Things at Longbourn just are too dull for her now.
She travels to London by post chaise and observes an older man who appears secretive and tense, holding a trunk to his chest during his entire journey.
Coincidentally, the same gentleman becomes the subject of Elizabeth's first case in London with Mr. Holmes. His daughter, Ms. Morton, seeks their help after she discovers him dead. The authorities determined the cause to be an accidental fall, but Ms. Morton believes he was murdered.
The mystery has a vague similarity to Arthur Conan Doyle's The Ring of Four, but it's an uncomplicated, simplified version that's devoid of any building tension. I understand that this is to keep it a light, quick read, but it also prevents it from being a difficult case worthy of Sherlock Holmes. The killer literally sits around waiting to be arrested.
Elizabeth is cast in the role of a somewhat more observant female Dr. Watson. The author takes Elizabeth Bennet's habit of observing others and expanded it to have her craving the excitement of solving puzzles as Mr. Holmes does. This Elizabeth rarely thinks about marriage. When she does, she doesn't yearn for love; she just doesn't picture herself married at all. She has the intelligence but not the witty humor of Jane Austen's creation. Even putting aside the obvious lack of a P&P storyline, this character doesn't seem like Elizabeth Bennet to me.
The writing is distractingly modern at times, with "alright" sprinkled throughout. More jarring, Mr. Holmes's client is identified as Ms. Morton throughout, but "Ms." didn't replace "Miss" until a whole century later...assuming this occurs during the late 1800s.
While it's an okay story, I don't believe it successfully merges Arthur Conan Doyle's world with Jane Austen's.
There's nothing that reminds me of Pride and Prejudice here except the character names Elizabeth Bennet and her sister Jane, who is already married to Charles Bingley. The Bingleys live in London (unlike the P&P Bingleys, who first live in Hertfordshire and eventually move near the Darcys in Derbyshire). Elizabeth goes to stay with them for an extended visit, eager to see Mr. Holmes and perhaps assist him in solving another crime. Things at Longbourn just are too dull for her now.
She travels to London by post chaise and observes an older man who appears secretive and tense, holding a trunk to his chest during his entire journey.
Coincidentally, the same gentleman becomes the subject of Elizabeth's first case in London with Mr. Holmes. His daughter, Ms. Morton, seeks their help after she discovers him dead. The authorities determined the cause to be an accidental fall, but Ms. Morton believes he was murdered.
The mystery has a vague similarity to Arthur Conan Doyle's The Ring of Four, but it's an uncomplicated, simplified version that's devoid of any building tension. I understand that this is to keep it a light, quick read, but it also prevents it from being a difficult case worthy of Sherlock Holmes. The killer literally sits around waiting to be arrested.
Elizabeth is cast in the role of a somewhat more observant female Dr. Watson. The author takes Elizabeth Bennet's habit of observing others and expanded it to have her craving the excitement of solving puzzles as Mr. Holmes does. This Elizabeth rarely thinks about marriage. When she does, she doesn't yearn for love; she just doesn't picture herself married at all. She has the intelligence but not the witty humor of Jane Austen's creation. Even putting aside the obvious lack of a P&P storyline, this character doesn't seem like Elizabeth Bennet to me.
The writing is distractingly modern at times, with "alright" sprinkled throughout. More jarring, Mr. Holmes's client is identified as Ms. Morton throughout, but "Ms." didn't replace "Miss" until a whole century later...assuming this occurs during the late 1800s.
While it's an okay story, I don't believe it successfully merges Arthur Conan Doyle's world with Jane Austen's.
April 27, 2018
I kinda fancy this Sherlock!
June 12, 2021
Just so-so
This rather dry tale continues the amateur investigating career of Elizabeth Bennett in association with Sherlock Holmes. After helping to investigate the death of Mr Wickham at the Netherfield ball, and following the marriage of Jane and Bingley, Elizabeth goes to London to stay with Jane and Bingley with the ulterior motive of again working with Sherlock Holmes on another case.
The book is written in the first person, narrated by Elizabeth, and she describes her new compulsion to observe people, analyze situations, and draw conclusions in a completely joyless manner, referring to it all as a sort of addiction that drives her. This is a kind of disturbing development, and I wish the author hadn't borrowed the name of Elizabeth Bennett to inhabit her character. It's true that our beloved Elizabeth is brave, intelligent, and clever, all traits that lend themselves well to someone investigating crimes. But this Elizabeth lacks the warmth, the wit, and the kindness of the original from P&P. Her narration is clinical, and doesn't even come across as enthusiastic.
This is a very short story, so the case wraps up quickly by necessity, which makes it difficult to become invested in any feelings one way or the other. The narration style is very simplistic, not at all the flowery type of speech we expect for a Regency era tale. It's written well enough, but I can't say I would recommend it.
This rather dry tale continues the amateur investigating career of Elizabeth Bennett in association with Sherlock Holmes. After helping to investigate the death of Mr Wickham at the Netherfield ball, and following the marriage of Jane and Bingley, Elizabeth goes to London to stay with Jane and Bingley with the ulterior motive of again working with Sherlock Holmes on another case.
The book is written in the first person, narrated by Elizabeth, and she describes her new compulsion to observe people, analyze situations, and draw conclusions in a completely joyless manner, referring to it all as a sort of addiction that drives her. This is a kind of disturbing development, and I wish the author hadn't borrowed the name of Elizabeth Bennett to inhabit her character. It's true that our beloved Elizabeth is brave, intelligent, and clever, all traits that lend themselves well to someone investigating crimes. But this Elizabeth lacks the warmth, the wit, and the kindness of the original from P&P. Her narration is clinical, and doesn't even come across as enthusiastic.
This is a very short story, so the case wraps up quickly by necessity, which makes it difficult to become invested in any feelings one way or the other. The narration style is very simplistic, not at all the flowery type of speech we expect for a Regency era tale. It's written well enough, but I can't say I would recommend it.
March 7, 2019
Quick read about Elizabeth Bennett consulting with Sherlock Holmes concerning the murder of a former soldier and a threat to his daughter. There is also a missing crown and a violent act of war within the mystery. Elizabeth loves being able to observe people and “read” them. She is not ready to settle down and become a wife and mother. She loves her independence and her ability to earn her own money doing something she loves. Holmes enjoys working with Miss Bennett. She brings empathy towards their clients while he brings cool calculation and logic. They are the perfect partners.
February 1, 2018
While entertaining, this one isn't really an intriguing book. It might be because I'm first and foremost a Sherlock Holmes fan, and so far there are little to nothing of the detective in these stories.
Told from Elizabeth Bennet's POV, the story lacks excitement and fails to really engage the reader, even in its short length.
I don't know if I will keep reading this series, but I surely won't recommend it to any Homes fan.
Told from Elizabeth Bennet's POV, the story lacks excitement and fails to really engage the reader, even in its short length.
I don't know if I will keep reading this series, but I surely won't recommend it to any Homes fan.
January 7, 2018
An excellent sequel
Without the constraint of needing to establish the relationship between Holmes and Elizabeth, this story was much better than the first. The pair continues to work, and Littlewood created an interesting and complex mystery to unravel.
Without the constraint of needing to establish the relationship between Holmes and Elizabeth, this story was much better than the first. The pair continues to work, and Littlewood created an interesting and complex mystery to unravel.
February 27, 2018
A quick read. Written in the style of the original Sherlock Holmes series with the exception of his sleuthing partner. Mr. Holmes in this series is however more eager to have a partner solving crimes with him.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
October 13, 2018
Amelia Littlewood, I think, did a good job of writing the original characters with the new story line. I love seeing the dark side of Elizabeth and happy to see Jane and Mr. Bingley turned out how I imagined them.
April 4, 2019
Lizzie goes to London to work with Holmes much against her parents wishes for her future. Seems rather unlikely but still lives in the universe as she stays with Bingley and her sister. Strange pastiche of two classics but light fun
January 11, 2018
My second read from author Amelia Littlewood was very Sherlockian and an enjoyable read although not as satisfying as Death at the Netherfield Ballpark. Still, I'll be reading more from this author.
March 11, 2018
Another riveting story!
This is once again an example that a great book doesn’t have to 100 chapters long. I much prefer a shorter book with the depth these stories have.
This is once again an example that a great book doesn’t have to 100 chapters long. I much prefer a shorter book with the depth these stories have.
April 29, 2018
Enjoyable
I am a rabid fan of Sherlock Holmes so was very skeptical . But it turns out to be light Sunday afternoon reading and enjoyable.
I am a rabid fan of Sherlock Holmes so was very skeptical . But it turns out to be light Sunday afternoon reading and enjoyable.
April 4, 2024
In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, Mary Morton is certain her father was murdered because his life had been threatened, and so she approaches Sherlock Holmes. Elizabeth Bennet happens to be visiting at that time and remembers that while traveling post chaise to town another passenger was Mr Morton.
A cozy mystery
(Ms. - Miss)(My first suspect is always the victim?)
A cozy mystery
(Ms. - Miss)(My first suspect is always the victim?)
June 23, 2018
Birthday Book via BookObsessed 2018
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews