The Locked Room (The Baker Street Mysteries Book 3), by Holly Hepburn

 

Publication Jan. 20, 2026

First, I want to tell readers that such a job as held here by Harriet "Harry" White really did exist. Make sure you read the Author's Note before you dive into the book for more on that and some other relevant notes. Once you dive into the book, whether as a returning reader or a newbie, you're in for quite a ride. Harry, the grand-daughter of a baron, hardly fits the expected mold for women in 1930's London. She's smart, curious, independent, living on her own, and just can't resist answering the occasional letter herself as Holmes' assistant that she's been given to respond to for the fictional Sherlock Holmes and getting involved in investigating the "case". She's smart enough to know she doesn't have the latitude of Doyle's Holmes and can't do it all on her own. While not exactly fool hardy, she does seem to get herself into some tricky, dangerous situations, especially for a lady of her social status in England. Fortunately, she has too sleuthing buddies, with Beth playing a prominent and seemingly permanent role this go-round.

I don't want to dive too far into the plot as it'll be far more fun to discover it as you read but will say it starts with not even a letter to Holmes but an advertisement/announcement in the newspaper from none other than Professor James Moriarty, Holmes nemesis. While assuming it's just a fun taunt, the game becomes deathly serious with not just the theft of a diamond but death. Watching Harry and Oliver, plus Beth, work their way through the clues and red herrings is fun and you'll get a tour of some old style gambling dens and underground London in the process. Harry is also trying to sort out her youngest brother Rufus' latest potential scandal, something that leads Harry into a side of London respectable young women didn't frequent. Wait to you see how she manages this. Oliver is right there beside her for much of this and has a few revelations of his own that startle Harry. Sometimes it's tough to disguise your feelings.

Okay, not saying much more other than that the visits themselves are wonderfully described and, oh, you will even get to experience a circus of the time. Cotton candy, anyone? I liked the characters and it was nice to get to know her brother Seb a bit better as well as Percy, Harry's mother's choice for a son-in-law. Oh, and Harry meets Scotland Yard's Inspector Wells, who you'll surely enjoy getting to know. The author does a great job setting the scene and I felt like I was right there with the characters on the streets and, well, elsewhere. As noted, the book works well as a standalone, so don't hesitate to jump in there. You'll be quickly caught up on the cast of characters and some of the social divisions of the time.  The mystery is clever and, oh, so devious. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks and #NetGalley for this early peek back into time to catch up on Harry's life. The ending already has me ready for the next episode.