• Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Sword Princess

  • The Great Detective in Love, Book 1
  • By: Suzette Hollingsworth
  • Narrated by: Joel Froomkin
  • Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (65 ratings)

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Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Sword Princess  By  cover art

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Sword Princess

By: Suzette Hollingsworth
Narrated by: Joel Froomkin
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Publisher's summary

Victorian romantic Mystery in the humorous vein of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer.

The Great Detective has more in store for his landlady's niece than washing jars and labeling specimens: pistol shooting, fencing, boxing, and Jiu-Jitsu. This she can master, but Mirabella Hudson must face the greatest horror of all: Miss de Beauvais' Finishing School for Distinguished Young Ladies.

Sherlock Holmes gets more than he bargained for when he hires his landlady's young ward to keep his laboratory in order. Mrs. Hudson's niece might be clever, but Mirabella Hudson is insubordinate, talks too much, is an accident waiting to happen--and, worst of all, is distractingly pretty.

Unfortunately, 'pretty' is just what Sherlock Holmes needs.

Sherlock might be a master of disguise, but pretty he is not. The Great Detective requires a female operative to go under cover at London's premier finishing school where Princess Elena Petrovic-Njegos of Montenegro is a client--and the target of an assassination plot. If the inexperienced Miss Hudson and her employer do not succeed in saving the princess, there is trouble brewing across the globe that could potentially lead to war on a massive scale. Montenegro is a small Serbian country, but she has among her allies the Mother Russia.

One unsuccessful case could ruin this young detective's career before it starts. Above all, Sherlock must have occupation. Work is the blood in his veins. Work is life.

The game is afoot! And there can be no greater puzzle than what he receives in the form of one Mirabella Hudson--who might stump even Sherlock Holmes.

©2015 Suzette Hollingsworth (P)2015 Suzette Hollingsworth

What listeners say about Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Sword Princess

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Sherlock in Mr. Darcy mode meets his match.

A fun frolic that lovingly plays on the Sherlock canon with a light and airy touch. Die-hard Conan Doyle purists may balk at the romantic slant but that doesn't mean that this isn't a highly enjoyable spin on the character of Holmes.

Sherlock hires Mrs. Hudson's feisty niece as a lab assistant (think of Merida in Brave) and finds her strong-headed independent mind a fascinating foil for his own genius. The banter between the two of them is delightful and Mirabella is a youthful Victorian heroine that fans of MC Beaton's amateur sleuths will find endearing. The narration is full of life and the characters are portrayed with theatrical zest - it has a great old fashioned radio-drama feel. Sherlock takes the back seat here in the sleuthing department - functioning largely as the impetus for Mirabella's adventures, but she's a great character worthy of her own tale.

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A Sherlock tale with Hepburn and Tracy flair.

Where does Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Sword Princess rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was very engaging. I think the narrator did a grand job bringing the characters to life - especially considering the primary character is not really Sherlock, but a feisty female protagonist. It had wit and humor to it and the sparring between the lead characters was enjoyable. The tone of the narration was well matched to the comedic energy of the book - this is a frothy, lighter spin on the Holmes character. The narration has real wit and gives Sherlock a dry, Noel Coward-esque bite that was great fun. It had the feel of a classic old Hollywood mismatched romantic comedy to me.... Hepburn and Tracy. It was charming and would really appeal to people who love the idea of a kind of Jane Austen meets Conan Doyle mash-up.

What did you like best about this story?

I think the lead character was very engaging. She was fiesty and not your typical Victorian delicate flower. It had a kind of Disney heroine whimsy that I thought was an original way to approach the classic characters.

Which character – as performed by Joel Froomkin – was your favorite?

Probably Mirabelle - he did a great job bringing her to life.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I think the final scene - during a ball - was really charming.

Any additional comments?

I think there are elements that will certainly displease die-hard Conan Doyle purists... but if you are a fan of various incarnations of the character - from Cumberbatch to Downey Jr., this novel uses the Holmes character as a springboard for an engaging heroine who has real pluck. If you're intrigued with the idea of a kind of Sherlock meets Anne of Green Gables pairing... then you'll find it a delightful diversion.

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A new and different challenge for Holmes

Cumberbatch/Sherlock meets his match! Publisher's summary outlines the plot adequately, and spoilers are inappropriate. What you really want to know that this book is great fun and has an interesting slant on Holmes and company. The characters are quite well developed by the author, but Froomkin's performance really animates them and cranks up the wiseassery level bigtime. The imagery is excellent, whether of a personage or a setting or an interaction. I found no boring or dull spots that were not backstory. If tempted to over compare this with Conan Doyle, I will advise you that Holmes is 27 and Watson is 29 here, so adjust your thinking. Also, be aware that this book is the vehicle to introduce a new character into the action: a much younger, more socially cognizant female who is more than capable of sparring with good old Sherlock. I hope for more of their adventures!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Delightful - Entertaining-

I had reservations about this book, but decided to ray it anyway. I'm glad I did! The narrator is very talented, and easy to listen to. The story is well written, and not predictable. No foul language or sex scenes. It is a fun book-well written with mystery and action. It is not a gooey Pollyanna book by any means. Holmes and Watson both are a little tainted. Their "shining armor" has a few dents here and there. This makes them more human and believable. I look forward to listening to the whole series.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A Great new Sherlock Holmes

Where does Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Sword Princess rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

very high up ive read a lot of Sherlock Holms books but this is the first one I've listened to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Sword Princess?

this audio was a really fun read Sherlock meets his match in Mirabella, Mrs. Hudson's niece, and I love it. I always wanted to read or listen in this case to a book where Sherlock wasn't the smartest one and had a love interest he needed one. I love the way Suzette writes her own Holmes book

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved the scenes where Sherlock and Marabella spars with each other they were funny.

Any additional comments?

I really loved this book will get more from this author

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

An interesting look into the world of Sherlock

Where does Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Sword Princess rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was a very good read. I will admit it was slow in the beginning as the characters introduced themselves. And I took longer to listen to this audiobook than normal. But the moment one of the main characters joined the finishing school. The story started to really change to a more exciting pace that I could get into. So if you guys find it a bit slow in the beginning - I suggest keep trecking on. You will get sucked in.

What about Joel Froomkin’s performance did you like?

I thought the narrator was amazing. He was able to differentiate many voices. From grown up characters to the children in the orphanage.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I really liked the gutsy character Mirabella was. You can see how as the book progressed she was able to put sherlock on edge.. and was not just a country bumpkin. Or whatever else she called herself in the book. She was definitely my fave character. And was quite fleshed out as someone who would go the extra step to protect those around her.

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review courtesy of audiobook blast.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Irene Adler has competition

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes I would.

It is a fun, exciting listen with wit and humor.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

These was lots of action. The heroine was witty, gritty, spunky and intelligent.

Have you listened to any of Joel Froomkin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first Froomkin listen. The narration was well done.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Shelock's Smarter Partner

Any additional comments?

Shelock's lab and personal abode is a mess. He needs a capable assistant. So he reluctantly hires his land lady's, niece Mirabella Hudson.

Marabella has dreams of going to university and becoming a scientist. Sherlocks latest case is in need of a young lady to work undercover. The princess of Monte Negro is attending a British finishing school and her her life is under. threat. Beside this plot there is another plot and group of villains.

Matabella proves her competency to be more than just a tea brewer and test tube washer.

She is a more than a match for the great detective.

“I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot come”

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

It was different

What did you like best about Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Sword Princess? What did you like least?

I liked the narrator the best out the whole book. I also liked the young lady, can't remember her name. She was the Landlady's niece. She gave it a bit of flair.

Just over all a bit to much for me I guess, I just couldn't see Sherlock Holmes in it. Maybe I am just to use to the old books or the shows I love but it took me a while to get into it. :(

What does Joel Froomkin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He is a very interesting story teller even if I think he gave a bit to much flair to certain words, but over all he was the reason I kept listening.

Was Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Sword Princess worth the listening time?

It was okay, but not sure if I would try another one.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

charming Sherlock + original female character

An utterly charming pastiche of Sherlock and Watson, with a new element in the household: the addition of the young Scottish niece of Mrs. Hudson who is hired as a maid at first but it drawn into one of Sherlock's investigations as an active participant. The male pair are younger (Watson 29 and Holmes 27), more exposed, and more imperfect than in most Sherlock pastiches. Sherlock is calculated, arrogant, and brilliant - but he is also more transparent (we see more of his planning and preparation) and more emotional (he seems to show real affection for Watson as well as for Mirabella). While I don't think that we needed a pastiche with a romantic triangle where Watson and Sherlock both seem to have feelings for the same woman, this was handled in a very proper, restrained way. Mirabella is a strong, feisty, good-hearted young lady and a fine female character intruding into the old boys' club of Baker Street. She gets put into peril by the case but she is also taught to fight, defend herself, and trust her own instincts. In fact, she gets a strong sidekick in the Princess of Montenegro (the Sword Princess of the title), who she is sent to watch over. Both of these ladies are smart and independent and capable. Mirabella and Sherlock banter and spar verbally, and she gives as good as she gets from the famous detective.

I thoroughly enjoyed all of this implausibly female-influenced Sherlock story. Though it is lighter in tone, it's still a Sherlock story. It's a bit of a pity that the female characters steal from the impact of the mystery itself, which took a backseat to the banter. This felt more like one of the Guy Richie Sherlock movies than the BBC Cumberbatch Sherlock episodes. It's sharper, sillier, and more violent.

The narration of this book is wonderfully done by Joel Froomkin, who does fantastic female voices and a killer Scottish accent.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Sweet Mystery!

Vikki’s Musings

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Sword Princess is a departure from my usual read. I received a copy of the audio version from the author in exchange for an honest review. This is a delightfully intriguing story, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am so glad I took a change on this sweet read.

When Mirabella Hudson is hired as an assistant to Sherlock Holmes, the last thing she imagined is going undercover at a finishing school to help protect Princess Elena Petrocic-Njegos of Montenegro. While shocked and concerned at the prospect of this assignment, Mirabella embraces it, determined to fulfill her responsibilities.

Sherlock Holmes is enchanted by the vivacious, yet annoying Mirabella, the young woman he hires to assist him and keep him organized. He does not need the distraction of his pretty assistant, but when he sees the need for an undercover operative to protect the Princess of Montenegro, he decides Mirabella would be perfect for the assignment.

Will Mirabella not only save the princess, but little children from the orphanage as well, or will she fail at her mission?

Ms. Hollingsworth has penned a well-written and enchanting read. I enjoyed the sweet romance between Sherlock Holmes and Mirabella Hudson a great deal. While this is a romantic element and not the central theme of the book, I found it charming. There is also another romantic element in this book between the princess and her prince as well. The mystery thread is intriguing and captured my interest immediately and pulled me into the tale.

Mirabella is a great character. I loved her determination to pursue her goals and her desire to help others. Some of the scenes between her and the orphans she helps touched my heart. The bravery she shows is incredible, especially when she is so afraid for her charges. That scene had me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what would happen!

Ms. Hollingsworth moves from Mirabella’s point of view to Sherlock’s with ease, and her story line is expertly woven between the mystery and the romantic element. Her pacing is excellent and made this story a delight to read.

Since I listened to the audio version, I want to mention the narrator. Joel Froomkin is fantastic. He switches from one character to the next, giving each their distinctive voice. I especially loved his interpretation of the children. I will certainly look forward to listening to this talented narrator again.

If you enjoy a fascinating mystery with a sweet romance interwoven, then you will enjoy Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Sword Princess. I highly recommend this wonderful book and great narration. Happy reading!

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4 people found this helpful