A Ruse of Shadows

By: Sherry Thomas

Narrated by: Kate Reading

"I cannot recommend this series enough."—#1 New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood

Charlotte Holmes finds herself in a dreadfully precarious position when she’s accused of murder—a crime she’s accustomed to solving as Sherlock Holmes—in this twisty Victorian mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of A Study in Scarlet Women.

Charlotte’s success on the RMS Provence has afforded her a certain measure of time and assurance. Taking advantage of that, she has been busy, plotting to prise the man her sister loves from Moriarty’s iron grip.

Disruption, however, comes from an unexpected quarter. Lord Bancroft Ashburton, disgraced and imprisoned as a result of Charlotte’s prior investigations, nevertheless manages to press Charlotte into service: Underwood, his most loyal henchman, is missing and Lord Bancroft wants Charlotte to find Underwood, dead or alive.

But then Lord Bancroft himself turns up dead and Charlotte, more than anyone else, meets the trifecta criteria of motive, means, and opportunity. Never mind rescuing anyone else, with the law breathing down her neck, can Charlotte save herself from prosecution for murder?

Critic reviews

"Charlotte, like all of Sherry Thomas’s leads, is deliciously complex and utterly one of a kind. Unique and addictive, I guarantee you that if you pick up this masterpiece of a series you’ll be kicking your feet and biting your fist! I cannot recommend this series enough."--#1 New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood

“I AM RIVETED. The Lady Sherlock series is so smart and clever and witty.”–Julia Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of the Bridgerton series

"Drama, intrigue, mayhem and murder…the new installment in Sherry Thomas’ beloved Lady Sherlock series delivers all this and more."--Woman's World

"A Ruse of Shadows is an unmissable high point of Sherry Thomas’ Lady Sherlock, a joyfully original historical mystery series with a romantic twist.”--BookPage

"For fans of witty banter, gender-swapped Sherlock, and intricate mysteries!”--Book Riot

“Thomas’s intricate story is populated with complex and engaging secondary characters both new and returning.”--Library Journal

“The consistently well-drawn characters serve as an anchor, and the occasional glimpse of Charlotte’s love for her family and her lover, Lord Ingram Ashburton, adds a needed touch of warmth to the clever but clinical jigsaw structure of the mystery.”--Kirkus

"Thomas wields the English language with exquisite finesse and possesses remarkable gifts for dexterous plotting and populating her imagined world with nuanced and intriguing characters. A Ruse of Shadows is the witty and wonderful eighth entry in Thomas’ exemplary Lady Sherlock mysteries, a series definitely worth starting from the beginning.”"--Booklist

A great addition to the series

I couldn’t put it down. This is one of my favorite series and this book did not disappoint.

Amazing... I loved it

Another amazing intricately plotted tale of the battle of wits and chess moves between not only Charlotte and Moriarty but also between her and Lord Bancroft. There was another difference I noted in this book that I had not noticed before. There were several short incomplete scenes between various characters (there are many in her sphere now after 7 previous books) that leave you tantalized and scratching your head regarding what is happening. They were, of course, all explained in the end which left me feeling like I wanted to immediately go back and listen to it again. I was also delightedly satisfied to see the relationship between Charlotte and Ash progress ever so slightly yet significantly.

No words

Love the characters & the plot. Charlotte is my favorite heroine. I hope this series doesn’t come to an end anytime soon.

Waiting for the next installment

I await each installment

The number of moving parts and characters always keep me riveted
Kate Reading’s ability to create the vocal personalities is superb
Thank you, Ms Thomas

The depth of the characters and how they create such a deep bond between all of them.

Loved the underlying romantic story line. Also loved the plot. It was such a great read, I read it 3 times!