Holly Hepburn

The new headquarters of the Abbey Road Building Society have been built on 221B Baker St well known as the residence of the world’s most famous but definitely fictional detective. Harriet ‘Harry’ White works as a secretary there but after an unfortunate encounter between an overly amorous boss’ groin and her knee, she has been relegated to the basement to answer letters that arrive daily seeking the detective’s help. She replies with a stock answer explaining that Holmes has show more retired and is no longer available for consultations. However, when a telegram arrives seeking urgent aid for celebrated author, Philip St John, her interest is piqued and soon, she finds herself, with the reluctant help of her friend, Oliver, in Cambridge at the isolated Thurmwell Manor where St John suffers a mysterious illness, one caused, according to his servants, by the ferryman, a local legend who is said to curse anyone who has the misfortune of seeing him.

The Cursed Writer is the second historical cozy mystery in the Baker Street Mysteries by Holly Hepburn and it is an entertaining and atmospheric tale with a strong. Intelligent female protagonist, an interesting mystery, a touch of the gothic, a hint of the supernatural and, of course, a nod to the great detective himself. The story brings together several different plot lines, all of which are concluded satisfactorily and ends with a hint to future adventures for Harry and Oliver acting as Sherlock Holmes’ assistants. Definitely a fun read for Sherlock Holmes’ fans or anyone who enjoys a compelling historical cozy with interesting characters and plots.

I received an e-arc of the book from Netgalley and Boldwood Books in exchange for an honest review show less

In this book we meet Merry a writer of contemporary romance who is suffering from writer’s block and whose boyfriend Alex ( she’s been with him since school days) decides to call a day on their relationship. Merry sees an advert for a writer in residence on Orkney for 6 months and decides to apply, hoping the change of scene will mend her broken heart and get her writing again.

She is met at Orkney by Niall the librarian who looks a bit like Clark Kent/ Superman ( I’m thinking Henry show more Cavill not Christopher Reeve), but makes a decision early on not to get involved and tells a lie that she is still with Alex.

She soon settles in to island life and does eventually start writing again albeit a historical romance based on the lives of two people on Orkney during WWII, this isn’t the book her publishers are expecting. She also meets an Icelandic man Magnus (described as Thor like full on Viking).

The descriptions are very good and I would like to visit Orkney.The book is full of good secondary characters including Sheila, the old lady who runs and gets Merry running with her, her friend Jess who comes to visit and a delinquent goat called Gordon.

As the story progresses you wonder which man she is going to end up with. I thoroughly enjoyed my read of this book.

This is the first Holly Hepburn book that I have read it won’t be the last and I am lucky that I have two of her other books in my bookcase ( bought because of the pretty covers). This was originally published as four novellas, this is the bind up of them all. 4.5* show less

I'm a huge fan of all things islands, especially Scottish islands, so I was really looking forward to reading Coming Home to Brightwater Bay which is set on the Orkney Islands. After a shock break up with her boyfriend alongside dealing with a bad case of writer's block, romantic novelist Merry Wilde applies to be the Orkney author in residence for six months hoping it will heal her broken heart and resuscitate her career.

I loved the description of the islands which sounded windswept and show more beautiful, and Merry's little croft with its log fire. She meets some wonderful new friends including librarian Niall, and Viking Magnus, and the Watsons from a nearby farm and their unruly goat, Gordon! Niall takes Merry around all the local sights and the author really sold Orkney to me, as I learned about the islands along with Merry.

I read this book on holiday and it was the perfect light holiday read, so easy to pick up and dive straight back into the story. I really enjoyed the journey that Merry went on from struggling writer to having a whole new future ahead of her. Coming Home to Brightwater Bay is a captivating feel-good read with delightful characters, a heart-warming storyline and an amazing setting with a cosy community feel to it. I found it so enjoyable and utterly charming. show less

I loved everything about this historical cozy. The link to Sherlock Holmes intrigued me as I didn't know that this was based on the fact that someone was actually employed at the Building Society to answer letters sent to Sherlock Holmes. I love history so this little tidbit fascinated me and it sets up Harry nicely for many more investigations.
Harry is a wonderful character. She's clever, independent and kind. She has a secret tendre for Oliver, the family friend and I'm sure he feels the show more same way. However, it doesn't stop the flirty banter between her and the occasional eligible bachelor that her match-making mother sends her way.
The mystery of the missing maid kept me entertained throughout. The pacey drama and easy-to-read style meant that I devoured this book in one day
I loved this mystery and I'll be excited to read the next book when it is published. show less