All Roads Lead to Whitechapel

Baker Street Inquiries #1

by Michelle Birkby

Behind every great man is a great woman...? Maybe so, but the women in Sherlock Holmes's life are tired of toiling in his shadow. Matters come to a head when the Great Man declines to help a desperate young bride, prompting Mrs. Hudson (Holmes's housekeeper) and Mary Watson (wife to the good Doctor) to set up a sleuthing shop of their own, operating out of the kitchen at 221B Baker Street. Every clue they untangle leads to, yes, the grim slums of Whitechapel, where Jack the Ripper appears still to be busy with his carving knives. The shadow of evil looms much larger than Mary and Mrs. Hudson imagined when they hatched their plans at the kitchen table. But with so many women in terrible danger, it seems only appropriate that it's women who will set things right.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Crime, Historical Mystery, Mystery Thriller

270 pages, Hardcover

First published February 25, 2016

About the author

Michelle Birkby has always loved crime stories, and read her first Sherlock Holmes book when she was thirteen. She was given a beautiful collection of all the short stories and has been hooked with the wonderful, gas-lit, atmospheric world of crime and adventure ever since. A few years ago Michelle was re-reading The Empty House and a blurred figure in the background suddenly came into focus. It became clear to her that Mrs Hudson was much more than a housekeeper to 221b and she'd always been fascinated by Mary Watson's character. So she set about giving the women of Baker Street a voice and adventures of their own . . . The House at Baker Street is the first book in the exciting Mrs Hudson and Mary Watson Investigations.

Reviews

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciate what the author was working at with this book—taking a famous work of a dead white male author about white male main characters and finding a way to give voice to the women who languished in the background of those novels! And why wouldn’t Martha Hudson and Mary Watson be bored with their supporting cast roles and be anxious to take on starring roles of their own?

The book isn’t bad by any stretch of the imagination. But it is obviously a first-published book. There’s a lot of potential here and I’m glad to see that there’s a second novel in the series. Good ideas and decent writing deserve to be rewarded.

I think many Holmes purists wouldn’t be too impressed with this series because the books have a very 21st century vibe to them (Go, girl!) and they maybe make Sherlock and John look more human than Conan Doyle portrayed them. I found that refreshing, but I suspect my gentleman friend (who is an intense Holmes fan) would not be amused.

If you aren’t too deadly serious about the Holmes canon, this heretical little novel might be to your liking.

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who like works based entirely in the Victorian Era, for those who have some knowledge about Sherlock Holmes, for those who enjoy a true mystery, The House at Baker Street combines those elements with a tasteful sense of decorum. The loyal landlady/housekeeper takes on this case with sensitivity, inquisitiveness, and a newfound admiration for how Holmes solves his cases. I enjoyed following along with the action and the perils involved, never mind the mystery itself. Wonderful character development. The author, Michelle Birkby, is someone I will follow with great interest. Highly recommended! Come Watson, the game's afoot . . .

[Riju Ganguly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This pastiche deserves to be read due to the following reasons:
1. After a very long time a novel has done justice to Mrs. Hudson and Mary Watson. These two characters outshine everyone else with their warmth, honesty, courage, determination and utter tenacity.
2. Victorian London, with all its grime and splendour, hypocrisy and lies, deceipt and destruction, comes alive in deft sketches, in the backdrop.
3. The novel also does a splendid job in terms of establishing two BSI prominents. Wiggins and Billy become a lot more than the usual footnote in annotated versions of the canon.
4. Blackmail as a crime had been discussed slightly in the canonical case of Charles Augustus Milverton. But this novel gives a darker and far more vicious picture of the society where such crime threw knifes in the dark.
5. The parting shots thrown by Mrs. Hudson, against the antagonist, Lestrade, Holmes et.al. are simply stunning!
Overall, this is a grim book dealing with darkness. But it’s the warmth of protagonists which make it such a good read.
Recommended.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Sherlock Holmes turns away a potential client, Martha Hudson and Mary Watson step into the breech.

A marvellous story with action, adventure, much warmth between the characters, and real character depth.

Martha Hudson and Mary Watson miostly flit around the edges of the canon stories, the exception being Mary's leading role in "The Sign of the Four". This book fleshes out both women, making it obvious why Holmes remains at Baker Street, and just what Watson sees in Mary.

I do not have the room to keep all but the very best (in my opinion) books in my small Sherlock Holmes library. "The House of Baker Street" is the latest addition to that library and will be read many, many times in the future.

I cannot recommend this book too highly.

[Pallavi · Rating 4 out of 5]

****3.5****

Mrs. Hudson and Mrs. Watson are drawn out of their mundane everyday life when Mr. Sherlock Holmes rejects a lady client. Mrs. Hudson feels the need to help this rejected lady client. She along with Mrs. Watson, Billy and other boys try to solve this mystery of a tormenter who preys on Ladies of the society and love seeing them slowly getting destroyed.

But little did Mrs. Hudson and Mrs. Watson know that they are seeking a very dangerous adventure where they have to be ready for anything. Even Miss Adler was in picture and helped a bit to do the rough & tough jobs.

It was an entertaining read and I enjoyed it. A fast paced read with good twists and turns. A cozy read for a cozy holiday.

Happy Reading!!

[Deirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Watson and Mrs Hudson team together to investigate a blackmailer that is driving some people to suicide. He seems to revel in destroying lives. When they investigate it becomes more involved and they keep finding more and more victims. The danger ramps up as they get closer to the truth.
Written from Mrs Hudson's perspective this is an interesting twist on the tales.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars and I cannot highly recommend this book enough to everyone.

This book is one of those happy accidents that sometimes I run into. I was reading 'Mystery Scene' magazine and a reviewer stated wonderful things about this book and also stated that she hoped an American publisher would pick this up to be published here in the States. Well, I know here in the US, publishers can be slow for picking up British novels. I guess the translation is too difficult! Anyway, I went to my favorite British online bookstore @ www.bookdepository.com and got my copy. My goodness, how right that reviewer was about this book.

This is a Mrs. Hudson and Mary Watson adventure. Yes, it does feature Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson but this case is one that Holmes turns down. A young socialite wife is being blackmailed for affairs that she did not have but is worried about her reputation and what her new husband may think. (This is Victorian times and just the hint of scandal can ruin someone). Holmes thinks this is not a challenging enough case and sends the young wife away in tears. Mrs. Hudson and Mary Watson are in the kitchen and invite the young woman to tea and to share her story with them. The result is the 2 women stating they will help Mrs. Shirley. After all, Mrs. Hudson and Mary Watson's lives are about keeping house and baking, and both women agree an adventure would be good for them. And what an adventure it becomes.

The plot continues with more references to the Holmes and Watson cases but I am not an avid reader of Sherlock Holmes. However, with what little I know, I was able to keep up with the references. Just a wonderful novel. If you can, I encourage all those reading my review to grab a copy. It is definitely worth it and shipping is free from book depository. I can't wait for the next one.

[Paromjit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book for all Sherlock fans, it is Arthur Conan Doyle but so much more. Whilst the story fits in well with the world of Sherlock, it adds and fills in more of the lives of the women. The novel is narrated through the eyes of the Martha Hudson and how she comes to join forces with Mary Watson to investigate a complex mystery. Martha acquires a poignant backstory that includes sorrow. She is a multilayered, intelligent and determined woman and I found myself absolutely captivated by her.

The story begins with Sherlock failing to show any interest in Laura who is being blackmailed. Brimming with compassion for Laura's situation, Martha and Mary take on her case. They have no idea of the dangerous path that the investigation takes them with other victims, murders and a larger than life ruthless and menacing villain. The Baker Street Irregulars and Irene Adler make their appearance in this great mystery.

The author tackles the position of women in the Sherlock books and within the Victorian period. I was mesmerised by the astonishingly able, intelligent and brave Martha. Michelle Birkby has performed a tremendous job in bringing Martha and Mary to the forefront with integrity and credibility. Her descriptions lodged in my imagination and made the book come vividly alive. The mystery itself is a compelling one where you really want to find out what is going to happen. An extremely strong addition to the Sherlock world. I cannot recommend the novel enough! Many thanks to Pan Macmillan for an ARC via netgalley.

[Astrid Lim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Mrs Hudson and Mary Watson here!! This book is the perfect answer of the lack of feminism and women's role in the original Sherlock Holmes series. The mystery is quite engaging, the setting is believable, and most importantly, Mrs Hudson's voice is easy to follow. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!

[Mary Pagones · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely delightful read! The feminist reconceptualization of the characters of Mrs. Hudson and Mary Watson are what make this such a page-turner, more so than the mystery. There’s a great deal of sly humor in Mrs. Hudson’s rhetorical jabs at her famed lodger, and while Holmes and Watson are only peripheral characters, they remain very true in their voices to the original tales.

[Les Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very disappointing book. Can’t think of a reason to try another by this author. Unless you can make a 4-5* recommendation.

[Shelbycat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fabulous addition to the sherlock family.

[Kath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a hard book for me to review as I am in two minds about it. Read as an isolated book starring two female main characters and it really does stand up for itself. Read as a foray into developing a much loved (albeit probably underused) character from the great Sherlock Holmes books, I am not sure it sits exactly right with me. That said, and probably because I have not read many Sherlock books, nor am I a great aficionado of said work, I did enjoy what I read.
In this book, Mrs Hudson teams up with Mary Watson to solve a crime that Sherlock has appeared to have dismissed out of hand. Laura Shirley is being blackmailed. Mrs Hudson and Mary comfort her as she leaves Sherlock's rooms and manages to coax some details out of her. They then enlist the Baker Street Irregulars to help them by following Laura, her husband and her staff in order to discover who could be targeting her. The story weaves its way through the streets of London - especially the infamous Whitechapel, home to the Ripper. Along the way, they are joined by Irene Adler, recruited for her special skills. As time goes on, more victims are uncovered, the stakes get higher, and then it becomes a race against time to catch the bad guy before more people get hurt.
As I have said, I am in two minds about this book. Mainly because I have formed my own opinions about Mrs Hudson based on the Doyle books I have read and, at times, they conflict with what is described in this book. Although I do like the idea of taking lesser characters from classic literature (and modern come to that) and developing them further into main characters in their own books, I think it has to be done congruently and, from what I read in this first book, I am not quite sure that, for me anyway, it has been in this case. That said, I did enjoy the bits of backstory about their lives and how and where certain characters met. I also liked Mrs Hudson's own backstory, I found that to be both interesting and credible.
So all in all, this for me was a good solid read, the mystery was interesting, it contained some good action scenes and the pacing was good. The author managed to do the Victorian era justice throughout with respect to tone and atmosphere.
Would I read the next in the series. Yes I would definitely give it a go. Would I recommend the book, again yes, but probably not to Sherlock purists!

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Ascari Vau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Die Geschichte brauchte Zeit, mich einzufangen. Vor allem den Anfang fand ich etwas schleppend erzählt, weil der Roman immer wieder von größeren und kleineren Rückblenden unterbrochen wird. Trotzdem fängt man an, sowohl Mary als Martha (Jaaaa, Mrs. Hudson bekommt endlich einen Vornamen!) zu mögen und mit ihnen mitzufiebern, ob es ihnen gelingen wird, ihren ersten gemeinsamen Fall zu lösen. Dass Irene Adler ebenfalls einige Auftritte hat, ist vor allem für Fans schön, ist aber für die Geschichte nur teilweise nötig.

Der Untertitel sagt es außerdem schon: Auch wenn die Geschichte in der Baker Street spielt und natürlich Holmes und Watson vorkommen, liegt der Fokus definitiv auf den beiden Frauen, die in den klassischen Geschichten eher Randfiguren sind. Den Sherlock-Fans kommt Birkby allerdings trotzdem entgegen, denn es gibt viele kleine Szenen, in den Sherlock beschrieben und charakterisiert wird (unter anderem das Kennenlernen von Sherlock Holmes und Martha Hudson!).

Das Englisch ist meines Erachtens ein klein wenig altmodisch, aber nicht zu schwer, sodass man relativ leicht in die Geschichte hineinkommt - und vor allem im letzten Drittel gab es für mich kein Halten mehr beim Lesen!

Kurz noch zum Cover, auch wenn ich mich dazu normalerweise eher selten äußere: Das Foto hier gibt nicht sehr gut wieder, dass der Schriftzug eigentlich in Gold geprägt ist. Das gedruckte Buch sieht daher wirklich sehr, sehr edel aus, auch wenn es nur ein Taschenbuch ist.

[Anny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright, let me tell you a thing!

If you enjoy Sherlock Holmes, never mind if it's the books, the BBC show, the other adaptations...this book is a definite must read.

I just couldn't stop seeing Una Stubbs and Amanda Abbington when I've read this!

It took me forever (cough, about four days) to read, but I've been a little stressed out and didn't want to ruin the book with the way I was feeling. Anyway. Go. Read. Now.

This is probably one of my worst 'reviews' ever. I didn't even say why I liked it so much.

[Athirah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes before, and so I thought that this would be an interesting read. A mystery solved by Mrs. Hudson instead of the infamous Holmes- how exciting!
True, the writing is noticeably different, and holds far too much sentiment during some points, which does affect the suspense and ambience of the mystery. And the characters feel somewhat modernised, altered glorified versions of themselves.
But overall the book had me hooked and I enjoyed every page. I would recommend.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published at Reading Reality

This is not the first re-imagining of the life of Sherlock Holmes’ imperturbable housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson, to emerge in recent years, but it is the one that tears the fabric of its canon the least. (The Murder of Mary Russell by Laurie R. King posits a much, much different life for the Great Detective’s landlady!)

Instead, like Carole Nelson Douglas’ series featuring Irene Adler as the protagonist, The House at Baker Street show the world of 221b through the eyes of its female inhabitants and habitués as they take up a case that Holmes rejects. And they carry it off with aplomb, if not without more than their fair share of danger and intrigue.

Just like Holmes himself, Martha Hudson also has the assistance of her very own Watson. Mrs. Hudson is aided and abetted by Mrs. Watson – the former Mary Morstan that was. In addition to calling on the aid of many of Holmes’ own allies, including the ever-present and ever-helpful Irregulars.

And when Hudson and Watson find themselves in need of an expert housebreaker, they turn to Holmes’ very own nemesis, Irene Adler herself.

The case in The House at Baker Street feels very much like something that Holmes would reject out of hand – and one where the female Hudson and Watson would understand the circumstances so much more intimately than the male detectives.

At a time when an unsullied reputation was a woman’s most precious possession, a whisper campaign of tireless malignity filled with descriptions of unspeakable acts could bring down the highest of the elite – and could wreck a formerly happy marriage. It could even end a life.

Or two. Or ten. Or possibly a hundred.

But whisper campaigns are insidious, and women, even more so then than now, we’re not supposed to even think of the things that were being hinted at. Never accused, because an accusation requires proof. But whispered about in an undertone in a crowded ballroom, or a smoky club room. And, as always, it is impossible to prove a negative. How does one prove that one hasn’t ever done something, especially when no one will directly speak of it?

Laura Shirley is a victim of just such a campaign. Holmes rejects her incoherent plea for help, both impatient with her frightened mannerisms and certain that she must be lying about something relevant. He’s certain that there’s no smoke without at least a little fire.

Martha Hudson and Mary Watson know better. Laura Shirley’s fear is real. Whether Hudson and Watson have learned enough of the detective business to solve her case is anyone’s guess – including their own.

But in a fit of daring – or perhaps insanity – they decide to try. And discover that they have inserted themselves into a web much darker than they, or even Sherlock Holmes himself, ever imagined.

Escape Rating A-: This story feels like it fits almost seamlessly into the Holmes canon. It’s not just that the reader can feel the pea-souper fog and almost smell the smells – especially the unsavory ones. It’s that this story feels like something that could have happened under Holmes’ very nose – not because he didn’t notice but because he often does not seem to care what happens to other people. In the stories, and especially in some of the portrayals of Holmes on TV and in the movies, he frequently seems like a fairly selfish bastard.

And a genius, of course. But still, quite often, a bastard who cannot admit that he does, in fact, care about at least some of the people around him. Like Watson. And Mrs. Hudson, and the Irregulars. And even, in an unspecified and undefined way, Irene Adler.

But it is all too easy to seem him dismissing Laura Shirley in irascible impatience. And even today, we are all much too aware that a woman’s testimony about her abuse, because that is what was happening to Laura Shirley, is always discounted, often down to nothing. That men in general and Holmes (and her husband) in particular would write her story off to either hysterical imaginings or a guilty conscience feels like the way of the world. Not just hers, but ours.

That Martha Hudson and Mary Watson take her seriously because they both know better also feels entirely too plausible. But what makes this book is that they choose to do something about it – and in the doing uncover great danger – but also discover that they, every bit as much as Holmes and Watson, rise to the thrill of the chase and the danger of the hunt for evil.

Hudson and Watson, but particularly Mrs. Hudson, jump off the page. The story is told from Martha Hudson’s perspective, and we are with her as she reaches outside of herself and pushes out of her “comfort zone” to face this challenge. We are with her as she stumbles and fumbles and most importantly, learns how to expand herself into this new role that she has taken on. And it is the making of her.

That Hudson and Watson discover in the end that evil, is in fact hunting them makes for the perfect ending – and effectively slots the first case of Hudson and Watson into the greater arc of Holmes and Watson’s long-running battle with the greatest criminal mastermind of their generation.

If you love Sherlock Holmes’ stories, The House at Baker Street is a marvelous addition to your addiction. It certainly was to mine. There is a second book in this series, titled The Women of Baker Street, which I can’t wait to immerse myself in.

[Yorky Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic. Best book I have read this year. So loyal to Conan Doyles Characters. They all bob up Lestrade, Baker street irregulars, Watson yet its the ladies of the house that for once get a voice and a brain and the chance to use all that knowledge that the years spent with Holmes and Watson has given them. Cannot wait for the next book.

[Lindsay · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just can't be bothered anymore. If you've read The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton/seen The Master Blackmailer then this is just superfluous, and the writing isn't good enough to lift the pilfered storyline. I like the idea of Mrs Hudson, Mary and Irene solving crimes but I'm fairly sure I can find better fanfic on AO3 - for free.

[Vikas Datta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique perspective into the Sherlockian universe and a fiendish mystery to boot...

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really my cup of tea; too many descriptive passages and the suspense suffered because of it.

[Liawèn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an awesome book. Review follows :-)

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a reprint of The House at Baker Street by the same author. Which I absolutely loved, but certainly didn't need to buy a second time.

[The Honest Book Reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book drew my attention because of the concept of Mrs Hudson and Mrs Watson being given centre stage. I thought it a wonderful idea, and wanted to see just how it would be achieved. There is so much room to explore these two characters.

Both the women in the story are drawn with care and detail. For me the true shining light in this book is the characters. The author uses the preconceptions of women at the time to showcase their strengths, and in the story it's the preconceptions that make them both such effective adversaries against those they are trying to bring to justice. But, it's not only the two women that are given more focus in this story. Billy and the Irregulars are also given more attention, and I found all the characters truly engaging.

John and Sherlock make small appearances in the story. One of the highlights in the book is seeing Sherlock confounded about what the women are up to, and the thrill Mrs Hudson gets in seeing him confused.

As I think on the mystery in this story, I wonder if it could have been stronger. I did enjoy the concept, the idea that blackmail was being used not to demand monetary reward but as a means to destroy people, was something different to most other mysteries. Tied into the mystery is all the societal prejudices and norms of the time, which the author uses well. It makes the mystery fit the historical period, but is the mystery suitably strong and engaging? To a point, yes, but I wished for a stronger mystery. At this point, while I enjoyed seeing the investigation, it felt more like pointing fingers at people and finding out they're wrong, then moving to the next assumption. It did feel like little deduction and more guessing. Maybe in book two things change a bit, and I do get that the author is trying to show our characters learning how to investigate.

Still, this is a delightful cosy mystery. The characters alone will make you want to read this and then the next book. That's what won me over. I want to see more of Mrs Hudson and Mrs Watson. If I had to pick my favourite at this point, it would by Mrs Hudson.

[Merve · Rating 4 out of 5]

'' Sherlock'un da dediği gibi, biz oyundaki yeni oyuncularız. ''
Konusu:
Sherlock Holmes ve Dr Watson bilmeyen yoktur. Ee hep onları okuduk Holmes'un ev sahibesi Bayan Hudson ve Watson'ın güzel eşi Mary Watson'ın da bir maceraya atıldığını düşünün.

Sherlock bir gün gelen bir kadını ters çevirir. Kadın sürekli ağlamaktadır. Bu arada mutfakta çay sefası süren Hudson ve Mary kadını görünce dayanamazlar ve çay ikramıyla derdini de dinlerler. Kadın şantaja marum kalmaktadır. Hem de yapmadığı şeyler yapılmış gibi gösterilmekte ve üstüne üstlük neredeyse evliliğini bitirecek mektuplar almaktadır. Bunun üzerine bizim kızlar duramaz ve davayı üstlenir. Tabi Holmes ve Watson'dan habersiz.

Çeşitli maceralara katılmaya başlarlar... Yorumum;
Bayıldığımı yukarıda da belirtmiştim. Gerçekten çok güzeldi. Uzun zamandır bu kadar çok eğlendim. Konusu güzeldi. Sürekli bir merak içerisinde okuttu ve eğlendirdi. Kesinlikle çerez falan da değildi. Özellikle Irene'da bir bölümde onlara katılınca duramadım gülmekten.yani kısacası kesinlikle okuyun, okutturun derim.

Puanım :5/5

[Sabine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny, immensely exciting Holmes-pastiche. You'll get to know a few sides of Holmes you've never seen before. At the same time, it is a very respectful adaptation which doesn't add over-the-top-action or cheesy love plots to the story that wouldn't suit Holmes' character at all. Instead, Mrs Hudsons and Mary Watsons characters finally get the interesting plot they deserve. They get empowered, so it's a really feministic view on the Holmes-canon and on the victorian era. At the same time, it doesn't try to judge gender roles from the era by our modern standards. All in all, thumbs up for this well-made Holmes-pastiche!

[Ayşe Demir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Düşüncesi güzel. Kadınları ön plana çıkarmak istemesi, onların da zeki olduğu ve gizemleri çözüp maceralara atılabileceği düşüncesi gerçekten müthiş. Bu fikirle yola çıkıp bir kitap yazmış fakat çok yavan olmuş. Ortaya çıkan gizem çok yavan, heyecanlandıran yerler çok çok az, üstelik kitaplardan ve diziden hoş göndermeler yapması gerekirken epey bir parça alarak sayfaları doldurmuş. Bilinen, eski dosyaları bize anlatmasına gerek yok sonuçta. Kadınları yüceltmek isterken batırmış. Öyle saçma hareketler yaptılar ki birçok kişi öldü ama yine de kitabın kahramanı oldular. 😂

[Alex Jakob-Whitworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed it. Good to see a kind of “fan-fiction” well-written, and it is a wholly welcome approach to the canon.
Women doing the detecting, and they aren’t bright young things either - also welcome.
Not a heavy read but thoroughly readable and I will look for the next in the series.
I liked the way the characters are given characters and motivations - the gentle crossing over into Sherlock Holmes plots gives satisfaction and period detail adds a sense of time and place.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5★

A very clever idea - to take minor characters in the Sherlock Holmes novels - his housekeeper, Mrs Hudson, and Dr Watson’s wife - and make a story where they are the stars! This made me realise I’ve never read any of Athur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes books, so I hope to remedy that at some point. I’m also interested to rsee where the next in this series takes us!

[Lucy Lillianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

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