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Mrs. Hudson #6
Mrs Hudson and The Christmas Canary
December in London, and Maximilian Cortado, the world famous violinist, has disappeared, the only clue being the unexpected delivery to his townhouse of a basket containing a live hen.
When it emerges that a number of other notable members of society have been receiving similarly unexplained fowl, the deliveries begin to appear more sinister.
Sherlock Holmes, however, seems more intrigued by a trivial incident in Sussex, where someone has been damaging Christmas trees intended for a local stately home. So when he is asked by the wife of a famous artist to investigate a robbery carried out twenty-three years before, Mrs Hudson sees an opportunity to assist.
At the centre of that mystery is the Christmas Canary, a solid gold decoration of mesmerising beauty, hand-crafted for the fifth Lord Empingham. For years it had graced the top of the Christmas tree at Frawling Hall – until its mystifying disappearance broke the seventh Lord's heart. Fowl deeds are afoot, but can Mrs Hudson restore the canary to its perch before it’s too late?
When it emerges that a number of other notable members of society have been receiving similarly unexplained fowl, the deliveries begin to appear more sinister.
Sherlock Holmes, however, seems more intrigued by a trivial incident in Sussex, where someone has been damaging Christmas trees intended for a local stately home. So when he is asked by the wife of a famous artist to investigate a robbery carried out twenty-three years before, Mrs Hudson sees an opportunity to assist.
At the centre of that mystery is the Christmas Canary, a solid gold decoration of mesmerising beauty, hand-crafted for the fifth Lord Empingham. For years it had graced the top of the Christmas tree at Frawling Hall – until its mystifying disappearance broke the seventh Lord's heart. Fowl deeds are afoot, but can Mrs Hudson restore the canary to its perch before it’s too late?
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2022
62 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Martin Davies
50 books92 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Martin Davies is a British author. He has written four novels about Sherlock Holmes' housekeeper and four other novels, including one about Joseph Banks and the Mysterious Bird of Ulieta, entitled The Conjuror's Bird, all of which have been published.
Martin Davies grew up in North West England. All his writing is done in cafes, on buses or on tube trains, and an aversion to laptops means that he always works in longhand. He has travelled widely, including in the Middle East and India, and substantial parts of THE UNICORN ROAD were written while travelling through Sicily. He works as a consultant in the broadcasting industry.
Martin Davies is a British author. He has written four novels about Sherlock Holmes' housekeeper and four other novels, including one about Joseph Banks and the Mysterious Bird of Ulieta, entitled The Conjuror's Bird, all of which have been published.
Martin Davies grew up in North West England. All his writing is done in cafes, on buses or on tube trains, and an aversion to laptops means that he always works in longhand. He has travelled widely, including in the Middle East and India, and substantial parts of THE UNICORN ROAD were written while travelling through Sicily. He works as a consultant in the broadcasting industry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 19, 2022
Martin Davies gives us a Victorian festive read, featuring the formidable housekeeper, Mrs Hudson, narrated by the able housemaid, Flotsam, aka Flottie, both playing a key role in helping to solve the mysteries that come to Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson. Holmes is not blinded by social and class conventions and expectations when it comes to Flottie, who as well as carrying out household duties, receives lessons in science from the Honourable Rupert Spencer, chaperoned by Miss Hetty Peters, now a friend of hers. London is in the grip of a bitterly cold winter and the upcoming Chrismas festivities when a gentleman, Mr Horace Denham arrives, concerned with the disappearance of his friend, the well known violin virtuoso, the widower Maximilian Cortado, on the cusp of getting engaged to Miss Lavinia Burrows.
Prior to Cortado going missing, he had received an odd delivery, an exotic French hen, inquiries reveal he is but one of many recipients who have had sinister deliveries of fowl, and which include the Earl of Brabham. They are a disparate group, and there seems to be nothing that connects them, Sherlock takes the case but he seems more interested in the vandalism of Christmas trees in Sussex, convinced it will precede a theft. This has him trying to find the owner of the estate where this happened, and this leads him a 23 year old buried scandal, the theft of a priceless gold, jewelled canary, always the ornament placed at the top of the Chrismas tree at Lord Empingham's Frawley Hall. With Holmes working out what apparently happened to Cortado, but not explaining, he has Mrs Hudson and Flottie make their way to see the dying Empingham, to reassure him that the canary will be returned to him.
However, nothing pans out as expected, and it is down to Mrs Hudson and particularly Flottie, who find themselves in a desperate race against time to save the canary from a nightmare fate in London in the hands of a ruthless gentleman criminal. This is a fun and entertaining Christmas Victorian crime addition to Davies series that highlights the instrumental role played by the women in Sherlock Holmes household. The only minor criticism I have is that there is a little too much repetition, usually with the retelling of the impossible story of how the canary went missing in the tower all those years ago. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
Prior to Cortado going missing, he had received an odd delivery, an exotic French hen, inquiries reveal he is but one of many recipients who have had sinister deliveries of fowl, and which include the Earl of Brabham. They are a disparate group, and there seems to be nothing that connects them, Sherlock takes the case but he seems more interested in the vandalism of Christmas trees in Sussex, convinced it will precede a theft. This has him trying to find the owner of the estate where this happened, and this leads him a 23 year old buried scandal, the theft of a priceless gold, jewelled canary, always the ornament placed at the top of the Chrismas tree at Lord Empingham's Frawley Hall. With Holmes working out what apparently happened to Cortado, but not explaining, he has Mrs Hudson and Flottie make their way to see the dying Empingham, to reassure him that the canary will be returned to him.
However, nothing pans out as expected, and it is down to Mrs Hudson and particularly Flottie, who find themselves in a desperate race against time to save the canary from a nightmare fate in London in the hands of a ruthless gentleman criminal. This is a fun and entertaining Christmas Victorian crime addition to Davies series that highlights the instrumental role played by the women in Sherlock Holmes household. The only minor criticism I have is that there is a little too much repetition, usually with the retelling of the impossible story of how the canary went missing in the tower all those years ago. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
December 7, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- I am in LOVE with the cover of this one!
This was my first time reading this author and my first foray into the Mrs. Hudson Series, and I can't praise it enough! Fantastic writing. Well paced. Suitably festive. Held up well as a standalone. An intelligent and well crafted plot that kept me guessing. And a plethora of likable characters. What more can I reader ask for!? I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this series. 👍🏻👍🏻
ARC Via NetGalley**
This was my first time reading this author and my first foray into the Mrs. Hudson Series, and I can't praise it enough! Fantastic writing. Well paced. Suitably festive. Held up well as a standalone. An intelligent and well crafted plot that kept me guessing. And a plethora of likable characters. What more can I reader ask for!? I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this series. 👍🏻👍🏻
ARC Via NetGalley**
October 20, 2022
I was interested in this book because I thought the cover looked eye-catching and very attractive. From the description, it sounded like something that I would enjoy, so I was pleased to be approved to read this and write a review.
This was a delightful and very well-written Christmas themed Victorian mystery. I haven't read any of the other books in this series, but Victorian mysteries are something that I typically enjoy. Sherlock Holmes and all related characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are some of the most beloved characters in the crime/mystery genre, and I'm always interested to see another's take on them, but I do have expectations. I expect elegant writing that stimulates my imagination, and this book lived up to those expectations.
From the first page, I felt the author brought the setting and the characters to life. I felt drawn into the atmosphere of Christmas approaching in Victorian London. I liked the narrator, Miss Flotsam. She seemed intelligent, with a kind of vulnerability that I found endearing.
I felt very cheerful while reading this, and I think it's the kind of book that I would choose to curl up and read with a hot drink on a cold December evening. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Victorian mysteries, fans of Sherlock Holmes, those who enjoy cosy mysteries, or anyone who is looking for a good Christmas-themed book to read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for my opportunity to read and review this book.
This was a delightful and very well-written Christmas themed Victorian mystery. I haven't read any of the other books in this series, but Victorian mysteries are something that I typically enjoy. Sherlock Holmes and all related characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are some of the most beloved characters in the crime/mystery genre, and I'm always interested to see another's take on them, but I do have expectations. I expect elegant writing that stimulates my imagination, and this book lived up to those expectations.
From the first page, I felt the author brought the setting and the characters to life. I felt drawn into the atmosphere of Christmas approaching in Victorian London. I liked the narrator, Miss Flotsam. She seemed intelligent, with a kind of vulnerability that I found endearing.
I felt very cheerful while reading this, and I think it's the kind of book that I would choose to curl up and read with a hot drink on a cold December evening. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Victorian mysteries, fans of Sherlock Holmes, those who enjoy cosy mysteries, or anyone who is looking for a good Christmas-themed book to read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for my opportunity to read and review this book.
December 21, 2022
An interesting hypothesis that Sherlock Holmes' housekeeper and maid are also capable of solving mysteries when the great man is otherwise engaged with matters of national importance. There was a great build up of pace towards the end with many unexpected twists and turns and a surprising reveal at the end to tie it all together. A very enjoyable read.
December 31, 2022
I've been going through all kinds of Christmas books this winter, and when I saw this in a store I knew I had to read it. I would recommend reading other books in the series first though. I thought it would be fine, and sure, it worked, but it took me a while to fill in a bunch of stuff I was supposed to know from earlier books. The characters fell a bit flat and I was not prepared that it would mostly be about Flotsam, not Mrs Hudson or Sherlock Holmes. It's a nice puzzle mystery, but they tell the same story several times in slightly different ways. The fate of the Empingham Canary and other beautiful pieces of art moved me, but by the end I was a bit tired of it. Especially since lord Empingham was so old he wouldn't have time to delight in the presence of the bird.
This was a cozy Christmas mystery, but I would've wanted more of Mrs Hudson and more of a collaboration between them. Not Holmes figuring it all out by himself, claiming the honor and the women figuring it out slightly later and doing all the work.
This was a cozy Christmas mystery, but I would've wanted more of Mrs Hudson and more of a collaboration between them. Not Holmes figuring it all out by himself, claiming the honor and the women figuring it out slightly later and doing all the work.
November 10, 2022
I was drawn to this book by the premise and the lovely Christmassy cover. I didn’t realise it was a part of a series, this is the sixth book. It can be read as a standalone though.
The story is told by Flotsam, who I loved. I didn’t realise it was a Holmes and Hudson mystery before reading but I really enjoyed following Flottie and Mrs Hudson trying to solve the mystery.
There were twists and turns. I was surprised at the outcome as I had no idea how this was going to turn out.
It was a great cosy mystery and I’ll certainly be reading others in the series.
Thank you to Love Book Tours and the publisher for having me on the tour and for my gifted ebook.
The story is told by Flotsam, who I loved. I didn’t realise it was a Holmes and Hudson mystery before reading but I really enjoyed following Flottie and Mrs Hudson trying to solve the mystery.
There were twists and turns. I was surprised at the outcome as I had no idea how this was going to turn out.
It was a great cosy mystery and I’ll certainly be reading others in the series.
Thank you to Love Book Tours and the publisher for having me on the tour and for my gifted ebook.
February 23, 2025
A bit slow sometimes, but nice and cosy.
November 10, 2022
1896. Several mysteries have arrived at the home of Holmes and Watson. They have been contacted because world famous violinist, Maximilian Cortado, has disappeared. Also brought to there notice is that someone is damaging Christmas trees in Sussex, seven men have received a live hen and the robbery 23 years ago of a Christmas ornament. Ably aided or lead by Flotsam and Mrs Hudson can they between them solve the mysteries.
An entertaining and well-plotted historical mystery. Anther good addition to this well-written and enjoyable series with its cast of likeable characters. Which can easily be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An entertaining and well-plotted historical mystery. Anther good addition to this well-written and enjoyable series with its cast of likeable characters. Which can easily be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2022
*3.5 Stars*
I like to think of myself as a connoisseur of Christmas. I love all things yuletide-related, whether it be a trope-laden holiday romance or, in this case, a simple Sherlockian-style mystery with slushy London as the background. Mrs. Hudson and the Christmas Canary by Martin Davies surprisingly has very little to do with Mrs. Hudson, Sherlock Holmes, or John Watson. Instead, the story follows Flotsam, better known as Flottie, in her work for the famous detective, which sometimes includes solving mysteries.
This is the sixth installment in the series, which finds Flottie investigating the disappearance of a famous violinist. It is coupled with the fact that someone has been sending chickens to men of society with seemingly no connection to one another. Not to mention the cold case of a bejeweled canary that was stolen many years prior. (And surely the Christmas season can't pass without a bit of romance, as well). So what's a former orphan turned assistant to one of the most famous detectives to do? Why solve the mystery, of course!
It's been at least a decade since I last read Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, but to my recollection, the style feels similar. There are no spoilers for the original novels, so you'll not be ruining a plot twist if you decide to try this book. The central mystery is a bit convoluted, and the physical description of where one of the main capers takes place makes no sense. Try as I might, even rereading the passage serval times, I could not picture what Davies was trying to convey. It would have also been nice if more prequel information had been peppered throughout the narrative. Although, not knowing precisely what happened in the previous novels doesn't detract from the current story. Watson, although his appearance brief, was my favorite character. Rather than the oafish portrayal that sometimes accompanies his character, he gives the reader stodgy comedic interludes.
My biggest qualm with this novel will likely be why some love it: it's simply not that gripping. I found myself with just a general curiosity about what was to come, lackadaisically guessing at whodunit and internally shrugging at the big reveal. This mystery has little thrill, making it a good choice for those who enjoy a lighter read. The low-stakes nature of the book makes it perfect for those who like the idea of mysteries but without the high tension. The characters are also incredibly likable and fun to read.
Overall, this was a solid mystery and good for someone looking for a touch of romance where Christmas themes are imbued throughout but hardly a main character.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC!
I like to think of myself as a connoisseur of Christmas. I love all things yuletide-related, whether it be a trope-laden holiday romance or, in this case, a simple Sherlockian-style mystery with slushy London as the background. Mrs. Hudson and the Christmas Canary by Martin Davies surprisingly has very little to do with Mrs. Hudson, Sherlock Holmes, or John Watson. Instead, the story follows Flotsam, better known as Flottie, in her work for the famous detective, which sometimes includes solving mysteries.
This is the sixth installment in the series, which finds Flottie investigating the disappearance of a famous violinist. It is coupled with the fact that someone has been sending chickens to men of society with seemingly no connection to one another. Not to mention the cold case of a bejeweled canary that was stolen many years prior. (And surely the Christmas season can't pass without a bit of romance, as well). So what's a former orphan turned assistant to one of the most famous detectives to do? Why solve the mystery, of course!
It's been at least a decade since I last read Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, but to my recollection, the style feels similar. There are no spoilers for the original novels, so you'll not be ruining a plot twist if you decide to try this book. The central mystery is a bit convoluted, and the physical description of where one of the main capers takes place makes no sense. Try as I might, even rereading the passage serval times, I could not picture what Davies was trying to convey. It would have also been nice if more prequel information had been peppered throughout the narrative. Although, not knowing precisely what happened in the previous novels doesn't detract from the current story. Watson, although his appearance brief, was my favorite character. Rather than the oafish portrayal that sometimes accompanies his character, he gives the reader stodgy comedic interludes.
My biggest qualm with this novel will likely be why some love it: it's simply not that gripping. I found myself with just a general curiosity about what was to come, lackadaisically guessing at whodunit and internally shrugging at the big reveal. This mystery has little thrill, making it a good choice for those who enjoy a lighter read. The low-stakes nature of the book makes it perfect for those who like the idea of mysteries but without the high tension. The characters are also incredibly likable and fun to read.
Overall, this was a solid mystery and good for someone looking for a touch of romance where Christmas themes are imbued throughout but hardly a main character.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC!
April 16, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Mrs Hudson and The Christmas Canary is the sixth book in the cozy English mystery series by Martin Davies. Released 10th Nov 2022 by Canelo, it's 310 pages and is available in ebook format. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is on the surface a nice tie-in series starring the redoubtable Mrs. Hudson (of 221B Baker St. fame), and featuring lots of nice Holmes and Watson cameos. As always, this installment also features Mrs. Hudson's assistant Flotsam who has blossomed into a capable, honourable, intelligent, and fearless protagonist in her own right.
There are several disparate plot threads - a Russian violinist's disappearance, a very cold case robbery, strange deliveries of live birds to luminaries in and around London, and Holmes seems more fascinated with criminal damage to Christmas trees in Sussex - and they all twine ever more tightly together to reach a satisfying climax and denouement. The author weaves fictional characters and events so skillfully around real historical characters that it's not always easy to figure out where fact shades into fiction.
Despite being the 6th book in the series, it works perfectly well as a standalone, and I had no trouble keeping up with the plot.
Four stars. This would be a good choice for holiday reading for fans of very historical British cozies. It would also make a good choice for bookclub discussion or a buddy-read for cozy enthusiasts. It's not canon, of course, but it slots neatly into the world better than most series featuring the Great Detective and his household.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Mrs Hudson and The Christmas Canary is the sixth book in the cozy English mystery series by Martin Davies. Released 10th Nov 2022 by Canelo, it's 310 pages and is available in ebook format. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is on the surface a nice tie-in series starring the redoubtable Mrs. Hudson (of 221B Baker St. fame), and featuring lots of nice Holmes and Watson cameos. As always, this installment also features Mrs. Hudson's assistant Flotsam who has blossomed into a capable, honourable, intelligent, and fearless protagonist in her own right.
There are several disparate plot threads - a Russian violinist's disappearance, a very cold case robbery, strange deliveries of live birds to luminaries in and around London, and Holmes seems more fascinated with criminal damage to Christmas trees in Sussex - and they all twine ever more tightly together to reach a satisfying climax and denouement. The author weaves fictional characters and events so skillfully around real historical characters that it's not always easy to figure out where fact shades into fiction.
Despite being the 6th book in the series, it works perfectly well as a standalone, and I had no trouble keeping up with the plot.
Four stars. This would be a good choice for holiday reading for fans of very historical British cozies. It would also make a good choice for bookclub discussion or a buddy-read for cozy enthusiasts. It's not canon, of course, but it slots neatly into the world better than most series featuring the Great Detective and his household.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
November 14, 2022
3.5 stars
You can read all my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a pretty good historical fiction mystery set in Victorian London. Flottie is the teenage housemaid for Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. She occasionally assists Mrs. Hudson, the cook, and Holmes in his investigations. This time, Flottie helps solve a 23 year old mystery of the missing solid gold Christmas canary that belonged to a wealthy family and was handed down over the generations. It was displayed as the Christmas tree topper every year, until it was mysteriously stolen during a house party.
Holmes gets involved when he's hired to locate a missing violinist who disappeared after a live hen was delivered to his house. It turns out live hens were delivered to several men, all of whom were present at the Christmas party at which the golden canary was stolen. Also complicating matters is a rash of vandalized Christmas trees on the property where the canary was stolen.
Holmes is called away several times and directs Flottie and Mrs. Hudson to make inquiries on his behalf. As the women begin to investigate, the matter gets more and more complicated. I liked how Mrs. Hudson mentored Flottie and guided her thinking to keep the investigation moving. For being only 17, Flottie is very bright and knowledgeable. She is strong and determined and isn't afraid to put herself out there to solve the mystery. When some would easily dismiss her, she holds her own and without causing a scene, insists on being taken seriously. I really liked this character.
The reason I marked this book down is that the pacing was uneven and it dragged at times in the middle. I think there was a little bit too much filler and with better editing, could have been a more solid and impactful book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Love Book Tours and the author. All opinions are my own.
You can read all my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a pretty good historical fiction mystery set in Victorian London. Flottie is the teenage housemaid for Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. She occasionally assists Mrs. Hudson, the cook, and Holmes in his investigations. This time, Flottie helps solve a 23 year old mystery of the missing solid gold Christmas canary that belonged to a wealthy family and was handed down over the generations. It was displayed as the Christmas tree topper every year, until it was mysteriously stolen during a house party.
Holmes gets involved when he's hired to locate a missing violinist who disappeared after a live hen was delivered to his house. It turns out live hens were delivered to several men, all of whom were present at the Christmas party at which the golden canary was stolen. Also complicating matters is a rash of vandalized Christmas trees on the property where the canary was stolen.
Holmes is called away several times and directs Flottie and Mrs. Hudson to make inquiries on his behalf. As the women begin to investigate, the matter gets more and more complicated. I liked how Mrs. Hudson mentored Flottie and guided her thinking to keep the investigation moving. For being only 17, Flottie is very bright and knowledgeable. She is strong and determined and isn't afraid to put herself out there to solve the mystery. When some would easily dismiss her, she holds her own and without causing a scene, insists on being taken seriously. I really liked this character.
The reason I marked this book down is that the pacing was uneven and it dragged at times in the middle. I think there was a little bit too much filler and with better editing, could have been a more solid and impactful book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Love Book Tours and the author. All opinions are my own.
November 10, 2022
„Have you ever felt as though you were a butterfly being kissed by a moonbeam?“
Book: Mrs Hudson and the Christmas Canary
Author: Martin Davies
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Historical Fiction (Mystery)
This is the sixth book in the Mrs. Hudson series by Martin Davies. Although I haven't read the other books, I had a wonderful time with this one.
We mostly follow Mrs. Hudson and Flotsam, aka Flottie, who are housemaids for THE Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
Christmas preparations are in full gear, when world famous violinist, Maximilian Cortado, disappears.
Simultaneously, a number of noble man received a basket containing an exotic live hen. Later we find out, that the missing Mr. Cortado also received one. These noble men have nothing in common, except that they were all present 23 years ago, when a priceless gold/bejeweled canary went missing.
➕It was a very well written Victorian mystery in a Christmas setting. What more could I want? I like that the mystery was lighthearted and that it was made clear to us, that the thief 23 years ago had only good intentions. I really liked the characters and the authors take of Holmes and Watson were very well executed. Even though they were in the background most of the times, it never felt like they were missing from the story. I would also love to eat a meal prepared by Mrs. Hudson 😅
➖Not a lot! There were a few filler pages that felt unnecessary. Some of the characters felt one dimensional, which is understandable since there are a lot of them. I also wished we would have gotten a bigger „Aha!“ moment, when the mystery was revealed.
Thank you so much to #NetGalley & Canelo for my advance copy. All opinions are my own!
Book: Mrs Hudson and the Christmas Canary
Author: Martin Davies
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Historical Fiction (Mystery)
This is the sixth book in the Mrs. Hudson series by Martin Davies. Although I haven't read the other books, I had a wonderful time with this one.
We mostly follow Mrs. Hudson and Flotsam, aka Flottie, who are housemaids for THE Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
Christmas preparations are in full gear, when world famous violinist, Maximilian Cortado, disappears.
Simultaneously, a number of noble man received a basket containing an exotic live hen. Later we find out, that the missing Mr. Cortado also received one. These noble men have nothing in common, except that they were all present 23 years ago, when a priceless gold/bejeweled canary went missing.
➕It was a very well written Victorian mystery in a Christmas setting. What more could I want? I like that the mystery was lighthearted and that it was made clear to us, that the thief 23 years ago had only good intentions. I really liked the characters and the authors take of Holmes and Watson were very well executed. Even though they were in the background most of the times, it never felt like they were missing from the story. I would also love to eat a meal prepared by Mrs. Hudson 😅
➖Not a lot! There were a few filler pages that felt unnecessary. Some of the characters felt one dimensional, which is understandable since there are a lot of them. I also wished we would have gotten a bigger „Aha!“ moment, when the mystery was revealed.
Thank you so much to #NetGalley & Canelo for my advance copy. All opinions are my own!
October 30, 2022
I am so glad to see that Martin Davies continues to make this series one I can get without having to read the blurb or check on reviews. For me, this is the best one yet and I think that is due, in large part, to the fact that Flotsam is maturing, in this story she is seventeen, so sending her out into some sketchy situations doesn't seem to be so risky because of her age. She has grown into the circumstances she finds herself in while "helping" Mrs. Hudson and Sherlock Holmes solve cases. This book contains multiple crimes or situations for Holmes and Watson to investigate so they are off to Scotland to work on the most important one while Mrs. Hudson and Flotsam travel all over London and to Sussex, to Frawling Hall to tell Lord Emplingham that his precious Christmas canary ornament would finally be restored to him.
I enjoyed this story very much even though I spent many a moment trying to picture exactly how large that canary could be. It had to be seen sitting on a branch at the top of the tree (which was even with the gallery on the upper floor) and yet small enough to be easily concealed in a wooden box when someone was carrying it. A conundrum for me for sure. The setting for most of the novel is Victorian London in the weeks leading up to Christmas and the author does a very good job of showing that city off at its best. The Christmas traditions, both indoor and out, are dropped naturally into the narrative, so you want to make a cup of hot tea and enjoy browsing the shop windows with Flottie as she makes her way back to Baker Street.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for an e-galley of this novel.
I enjoyed this story very much even though I spent many a moment trying to picture exactly how large that canary could be. It had to be seen sitting on a branch at the top of the tree (which was even with the gallery on the upper floor) and yet small enough to be easily concealed in a wooden box when someone was carrying it. A conundrum for me for sure. The setting for most of the novel is Victorian London in the weeks leading up to Christmas and the author does a very good job of showing that city off at its best. The Christmas traditions, both indoor and out, are dropped naturally into the narrative, so you want to make a cup of hot tea and enjoy browsing the shop windows with Flottie as she makes her way back to Baker Street.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for an e-galley of this novel.
July 27, 2025
Mrs Hudson and the Christmas Canary by Martin Davies
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Canelo and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
December in London, and Maximilian Cortado, the world famous violinist, has disappeared, the only clue being the unexpected delivery to his townhouse of a basket containing a live hen.
When it emerges that a number of other notable members of society have been receiving similarly unexplained fowl, the deliveries begin to appear more sinister.
Sherlock Holmes, however, seems more intrigued by a trivial incident in Sussex, where someone has been damaging Christmas trees intended for a local stately home. So when he is asked by the wife of a famous artist to investigate a robbery carried out twenty-three years before, Mrs Hudson sees an opportunity to assist.
At the centre of that mystery is the Christmas Canary, a solid gold decoration of mesmerising beauty, hand-crafted for the fifth Lord Empingham. For years it had graced the top of the Christmas tree at Frawling Hall – until its mystifying disappearance broke the seventh Lord's heart. Fowl deeds are afoot, but can Mrs Hudson restore the canary to its perch before it’s too late?
My Opinion
I have read this book as a standalone and it has not spoilt my enjoyment. An interesting read with a great pace.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Canelo and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
December in London, and Maximilian Cortado, the world famous violinist, has disappeared, the only clue being the unexpected delivery to his townhouse of a basket containing a live hen.
When it emerges that a number of other notable members of society have been receiving similarly unexplained fowl, the deliveries begin to appear more sinister.
Sherlock Holmes, however, seems more intrigued by a trivial incident in Sussex, where someone has been damaging Christmas trees intended for a local stately home. So when he is asked by the wife of a famous artist to investigate a robbery carried out twenty-three years before, Mrs Hudson sees an opportunity to assist.
At the centre of that mystery is the Christmas Canary, a solid gold decoration of mesmerising beauty, hand-crafted for the fifth Lord Empingham. For years it had graced the top of the Christmas tree at Frawling Hall – until its mystifying disappearance broke the seventh Lord's heart. Fowl deeds are afoot, but can Mrs Hudson restore the canary to its perch before it’s too late?
My Opinion
I have read this book as a standalone and it has not spoilt my enjoyment. An interesting read with a great pace.
Rating 4/5
December 10, 2022
It’s1896 and, as Christmas approaches, 221B Baker Street is confronted with several mysteries. Among them - a world-renowned violinist has disappeared, someone has sent live French hens to several men who seem to have nothing in common except they all attended a Christmas party 23 years before at which a beautiful tree ornament was stolen, and trees near the same estate have been vandalized. With all these problems, it’s a good thing Holmes has the help of Mrs Hudson and Flotsam.
Mrs Hudson and The Christmas Canary is the sixth entry in the historical mystery series A Holmes & Hudson Mystery, by Martin Davies and, like past books in the series, it is a whole lot of fun. I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys an entertaining Christmas cozy with likeable characters and an interesting locked-room puzzle, if you haven’t read any of the past books, not to worry, it can be read as a standalone.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
Mrs Hudson and The Christmas Canary is the sixth entry in the historical mystery series A Holmes & Hudson Mystery, by Martin Davies and, like past books in the series, it is a whole lot of fun. I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys an entertaining Christmas cozy with likeable characters and an interesting locked-room puzzle, if you haven’t read any of the past books, not to worry, it can be read as a standalone.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
December 23, 2022
Another fabulous Martin Davies Holmes & Hudson book!
I read so many wonderful books of so many types but stumbling on a new to me Holmes & Hudson (And Flotsom) book is always a joy.
Mrs Hudson and the Christmas Canary is another great mystery where you’re provided clues to solve the mystery but get to enjoy all the colorful characters, a wonderfully described London and details of a servants world of the time period. Martin Davis does a tremendous job writing as a a young female house servant and letting us hear her private thoughts.
The combination of Holmes, Watson, Mrs Hudson and Flotsom sleuthing as a sort of team puts a comfortable spin on the customary Sherlock Holmes books.
I love the growth of Mrs Hudson and Flotsom’s relationship and Flotties with Scraggs though that one is much more limited in this book.
Bottom Line: I’m buying hard copies of each of these books and I suggest you at least download them because I think you’ll find them as captivating as I.
I read so many wonderful books of so many types but stumbling on a new to me Holmes & Hudson (And Flotsom) book is always a joy.
Mrs Hudson and the Christmas Canary is another great mystery where you’re provided clues to solve the mystery but get to enjoy all the colorful characters, a wonderfully described London and details of a servants world of the time period. Martin Davis does a tremendous job writing as a a young female house servant and letting us hear her private thoughts.
The combination of Holmes, Watson, Mrs Hudson and Flotsom sleuthing as a sort of team puts a comfortable spin on the customary Sherlock Holmes books.
I love the growth of Mrs Hudson and Flotsom’s relationship and Flotties with Scraggs though that one is much more limited in this book.
Bottom Line: I’m buying hard copies of each of these books and I suggest you at least download them because I think you’ll find them as captivating as I.
November 24, 2022
As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the publishers' blurb, but will instead recommend that you read this entertaining novel for yourself!
This is the second Mrs Hudson novel I've read (there are more in the series that I need to catch up on!!), and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The plot is interesting and well thought out, with more than one strand weaving through.
I love the way that although there are references to Holmes and Watson (who I love, don't get me wrong!), most of the action takes part without them even being present. This presents a very interesting slant on things, seen largely from the viewpoint of Flotsam and Mrs Hudson.
It's good to see the characters developing more with each novel, and I enjoy the period references, giving an insight into how things were for various classes at that time.
Already looking forward to reading the next in this series.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
This is the second Mrs Hudson novel I've read (there are more in the series that I need to catch up on!!), and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The plot is interesting and well thought out, with more than one strand weaving through.
I love the way that although there are references to Holmes and Watson (who I love, don't get me wrong!), most of the action takes part without them even being present. This presents a very interesting slant on things, seen largely from the viewpoint of Flotsam and Mrs Hudson.
It's good to see the characters developing more with each novel, and I enjoy the period references, giving an insight into how things were for various classes at that time.
Already looking forward to reading the next in this series.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
January 4, 2023
This is a probably the strongest one of these so far. A very good mystery that ties up nicely. The story moves along at a good pace and there are some wonderful descriptions and events, with a nice final reveal at the end. Two tiny issues below, but don't let that stop you enjoying this delightful easy-read over the Christmas period next year.
Two issues:
Two issues:
November 8, 2022
The quirky premise and christmassy cover immediately drew me in. I hadnt appreciated this was part of a series around Hudson and Holmes but its completely standalone, I only mention it because if you enjoyed this I think you should go read the rest of the series.
I was never a fan of Sherlock Holmes, historical fiction in general bores me to tears however there was something so endearing about Flottie that I found myself racing through this tale.
It twists and turns in so many directions, I never had any idea where anything was going - except Miss Coburg, that I had speculated upon.
A cosy mystery perfect for cosying up with on a winters night and for anyone who is a Sherlock Holmes fan, I don't think you will be disappointed!
I was never a fan of Sherlock Holmes, historical fiction in general bores me to tears however there was something so endearing about Flottie that I found myself racing through this tale.
It twists and turns in so many directions, I never had any idea where anything was going - except Miss Coburg, that I had speculated upon.
A cosy mystery perfect for cosying up with on a winters night and for anyone who is a Sherlock Holmes fan, I don't think you will be disappointed!
November 15, 2022
I was drawn to request this title because it's Mrs. Hudson, Sherlock Holmes and I love Christmas themed mysteries. I was in the perfect mood to enjoy this one and I wasn't disappointed. Meeting the additional character of Flotsam aka Flottie made it very enjoyable. She is a delight and a great co-sleuth to Mrs. Hudson.
The mysteries are a plenty - strange fowl deliveries, Christmas tree vandalism and the 23 year old mystery of the missing Golden Canary that had, at one time, graced the top of a Christmas tree. Let the sleuthing begin. After reading this entry I can't wait to catch up and read the previous five mysteries in the series.
My thanks to the publisher Canelo and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
The mysteries are a plenty - strange fowl deliveries, Christmas tree vandalism and the 23 year old mystery of the missing Golden Canary that had, at one time, graced the top of a Christmas tree. Let the sleuthing begin. After reading this entry I can't wait to catch up and read the previous five mysteries in the series.
My thanks to the publisher Canelo and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 20, 2022
Mrs. Hudson and the Christmas Canary is a cozy mystery which is part of a series set in the world of Sherlock Holmes with his cook, Mrs. Hudson, and a housemaid named Flotsam doing most of the investigative work. It's a light, easy-to-read Victorian-era mystery set in London and the English countryside during the Christmas season which ties together a missing violinist, several baffling deliveries of hens in London, damaged Christmas trees, stolen jewels, and a Christmas canary ornament that has been missing for 23 years. Although part of a series, this is fine as a standalone without having read the previous books in the series and it's an entertaining mystery for the holiday season!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
October 29, 2022
This is such a cute series. I love the spin on the Sherlock Holmes canon, as well as the introduction of people like Mr Raffles as a nod to British Mysteries more broadly speaking. I'm really enjoying the development of Flotsam's character, as well as the development of her relationships with the other characters. I must confess I found the underlying mystery in this one to be slightly less interesting than those in most of the earlier books in the series, but it was still a sweet holiday sentiment and I did enjoy how everything wrapped up in the end. It was a lovely story and a solid addition to the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
November 18, 2022
Written in an old fashioned style , from the point of view of Flottie, a housemaid in the employ of Sherlock Holmes. I have to say that the writing style did take me a while to get used to, but the plot did capture my imagination and I enjoyed the book on the whole. Part of a series, this is the first book I have read , which was fine. Perhaps I would have known more about the characters if I had read previous books.
An unusual read, I suppose, but it is certainly an original premise. At times slow moving and repetitive, the pace builds up towards the end .
My thanks to Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
An unusual read, I suppose, but it is certainly an original premise. At times slow moving and repetitive, the pace builds up towards the end .
My thanks to Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
February 14, 2023
Households around London receive mysterious packages containing live hens, but Sherlock finds an article about decapitated Christmas trees more intriguing. This leads to the discovery of a prized ornament that went missing twenty-seven years before. When another case calls Holmes and Watson away, Flotsam and Mrs. Hudson keep following the clues though aspects of the case prove distracting to Flotsam as she worries about Scraggs’ latest venture. Despite her divided attentions, will she still manage to find the long lost canary? Or will she join it in peril?
Another fun read though the constant repetition of the story of the theft of the canary did wear on me a bit.
Another fun read though the constant repetition of the story of the theft of the canary did wear on me a bit.
October 30, 2022
I’m so surprised this series wasn't on my radar already, but this was my first book from this series. I loved the strong women of Holmes’ household. Flottie and Mrs. Hudson prove to be sharp, dedicated and humorous.
The mystery was clever with a charming love story that added to the mystery without over-doing it. I think some of the repetition of the theft could have been avoided, but I really enjoyed how Martin Davies brought everything together in the end.
I can’t wait to read the earlier books in the series! Thank you #Canelo and #NetGalley for the ARC.
The mystery was clever with a charming love story that added to the mystery without over-doing it. I think some of the repetition of the theft could have been avoided, but I really enjoyed how Martin Davies brought everything together in the end.
I can’t wait to read the earlier books in the series! Thank you #Canelo and #NetGalley for the ARC.
November 16, 2022
This cozy crime book was just the perfect read for the weather here in CT. It's been getting colder and I love snuggling up with a blanket and a book like this. It is fun take to follow Mrs. Hudson on a mystery based around Sherlock Holmes, who is wildly famous.
While I haven’t read the other books in the series, I thoroughly enjoyed the holiday feel and the adventure that the reader is taken on trying to solve the mystery (and the puns lol). Definitely a great read for this time of year!
While I haven’t read the other books in the series, I thoroughly enjoyed the holiday feel and the adventure that the reader is taken on trying to solve the mystery (and the puns lol). Definitely a great read for this time of year!
November 17, 2022
I love a good mystery! Holmes and Watson were ever present, but mostly in the background, leading our heroines along as they solved the mystery of the Christmas Canary. The characters were all so much fun, and so different, and all of the different smaller mysteries swirled around each other throughout. It dragged a little for me in the middle, but once it got going again, I could not put it down! So many twists and turns before the mysteries were all solved. I highly recommend this Christmas mystery!
December 29, 2022
My first in the series, although it is book six, I'm pleased to have met Sherlock Holmes in Martin Davies' Mrs Hudson Series, though most of the action takes part without him. Enter Mrs Hudson and Flotsam, the housemaid. This festive puzzle has a Christmas Canary at its core. The mysteries are well crafted, the characterisation is great and the Victorian Christmas atmosphere is perfectly drawn. Cleverly done.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Canelo via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Canelo via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
January 29, 2023
Mrs Hudson and the housemaid Flotsam again take centre stage in a Christmas adventure. The housekeeper of Sherlock Holmes and Flotsam investigate the strange delivery of hens to various gentlemen around London, and discover a link to the strange disappearance of a golden bird many years before.
Martin Davies brings a new slant to the Sherlock Holmes genre, placing the women at the centre of the investigation with Holmes and Watson as extras in the events of the novel. His creation of Flotsam is clever and we see her developing as a character in each of the series of novels.
Martin Davies brings a new slant to the Sherlock Holmes genre, placing the women at the centre of the investigation with Holmes and Watson as extras in the events of the novel. His creation of Flotsam is clever and we see her developing as a character in each of the series of novels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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