The Last of August

By: Brittany Cavallaro

Narrated by: Graham Halstead, Julia Whelan

Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's Summary

In the second brilliant, action-packed book in the Charlotte Holmes series, Jamie Watson and Charlotte Holmes are in a chase across Europe to untangle a web of shocking truths about the Holmes and Moriarty families.

Jamie and Charlotte are looking for a winter break reprieve in Sussex after a fall semester that almost got them killed. But nothing about their time off is proving simple, including Holmes and Watson’s growing feelings for each other.

When Charlotte’s beloved Uncle Leander goes missing from the Holmes estate - after being oddly private about his latest assignment in a German art forgery ring - the game is afoot once again, and Charlotte throws herself into a search for answers. 

So begins a dangerous race through the gritty underground scene in Berlin and glittering art houses in Prague, where Holmes and Watson discover that this complicated case might change everything they know about their families, themselves, and each other.

©2017 Brittany Cavallaro (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

riveting, poetic, and complex

A morally ambiguous, psychologically complex, and riveting page-turner that takes, even more so than the first book in the series, the first genuinely unique take on Sherlock Holmes that I have encountered in decades. First rate.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Not as good as the first, but still a fun read.

As someone who adored A Study in Charlotte (5 stars). I have to say, The Last of August was a bit of a disappointment for me.

I felt that I wasn't nearly as engaged in the mystery surrounding this novel; I had to restart the book at one point as I lost focus and became confused about the sudden introduction of art theft.

Additionally, in regards to Jamie and Charlotte's relationship, I felt that their constant bickering throughout the novel was slightly offputting as a reader.

However, with that in mind, The Last of August got into the groove around the 50% mark, and I became more engaged in the novel's plot. I owe this fact partly to Graham Halstead and Julia Whelan's fabulous narrating.

Overall, while I enjoyed The Last of August, In my view, it was not nearly as captivating as book #1. Although being the Sherlock nerd that I am, I am still keen to read the next instalment, "The Case For Jamie."

Not My Favorite

First, let me say it's not a terrible book. It just wasn't as good as the first one was. I enjoyed the humor and Charlotte and Jamie's relationship. There was more action as well! I loved the Europe setting, art forgery, and Charlotte's chapters! Of course Jamie was a plus! The narrators were really good too! However, it was extremely confusing and kind of slow. It copied some plot points from the first book. Although, it wasn't my favorite, I'll still be reading the third book.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Disappointing

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I enjoy all things Sherlock Holmes. I loved the first book in this series, but this book did not capture my attention. The plot was weak and the creativity and brilliant allusions from the first book did not carry through to this book.

Would you be willing to try another book from Brittany Cavallaro? Why or why not?

Yes. While this book was disappointing, I do like the concept of the future Holmes/Watson generation.

What about Graham Halstead and Julia Whelan ’s performance did you like?

The vocal performance was excellent. Consistent voices and accents, a smooth comfortable voice. Graham Halstead gives unique voices for every character and his narration from Jamie's perspective is fantastic. Julia Whelan captures Charlotte's cold and detached personality perfectly.

Do you think The Last of August needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Yes. There is so much room for character development and exploration. The Holmes/Watson relationship could be explored in many ways.

Any additional comments?

I was very excited for this book to come out. I watched online for the release date, downloaded the audiobook as soon as it was available and listened to it in one day. I debated buying the actual book, but by half way through the audiobook, I decided against it. I was excited to see what the author would do with the characters relationship, adventures and interactions within the modern world. Instead I found the book focused almost entirely on teenaged relationship and sexual frustration and did not develop the relationships or characters very well.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful