The opening scene in flashback is especially charming, and the mystery, as Laura and Reggie embark on it, has elements of interest. Towards the end, the story takes a peculiar turn as both protagonists are replaced by supporting characters, including a coyly described version of Holmes himself. It may not be my best decision to jump into a series with the sixth installment. If I had a more extended history with these characters, I might have been less disappointed with their ultimate lack of agency, the rather hand-wavy explanation of the sinister goings-on, and borderline deus ex machina resolution.
On the whole, this book was extremely entertaining to read, but ultimately less than the sum of its parts. Its strengths are charm, wit, and a modernized version of ye olde pulp-paperback page-turning prose. But despite the review clip's promises, I doubt Conan Doyle would be overly impressed, as his emphasis was more often on a tightly written mystery than lovable characters with adorable foibles who--left to their own devices--would have been effortlessly murdered by the villains and their inexplicably loyal and committed henchmen. (8/10)
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