Sherlock's Secretary

by Chris Chan

Addy Zhuang is "Sherlock's Secretary," the bank employee tasked with responding to all of the letters addressed to Sherlock Holmes. One day, his life is turned upside-down when two bank robbers burst into his office and steal three letters addressed to Sherlock Holmes. The police conclude that this is all some pointless prank, but Addy can't shake the suspicion that something more sinister was behind the theft. When a true crime reporter gets interested in the case, Addy joins her in an investigation that leads to a cast of colorful characters, and a long-buried secret involving a forgotten Sherlock Holmes television movie and the "Great Erasure" at the BBC. It's a humorous romp celebrating Sherlock Holmes fandom and a twisty mystery that's not just a whodunit, but also a whydunit.

Genres: Mystery

224 pages, Paperback

Published November 3, 2021

Reviews

[John Hinchliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sherlock with a difference!
What an interesting take on a Sherlock Holmes story this is. A modern day bank robbery at 221b Baker Street launches Sherlocks Secretary into a dangerous investigation. I think this is a real novel kind of story that kept me gripped from the very start. Highly Recommended listen. Kevin Green is an accomplished narrator who did a really good job of this book. Well worth it's 5 stars.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this very unusual story. There are a lot of Sherlock Holmes stories out there and I don't just mean the ones by Arthur Conan Doyle but I think this is a first. Rather than write about the famous detective the author has created a unique plot where the characters know Holmes is fictional and uses his skills of deduction to solve the case. I haven't actually read a Homes book and did hesitate about getting this book because I was worried there was going to be lots of references or quotes that had no meaning to me but I liked the sound of the blurb, so gave it ago. Glad I did because I needn't of worried, there is references to Holmes but it is done in such away that it is part of the story and easily explained. I loved the deduction used to explain things and the mystery was wrapped up nicely. The characters were engaging and likeable and I look forward to the next book.
With a street address of 221B Baker Street it is not surprising that people send mail asking the most famous Detective Sherlock Holmes to solve cases. What is surprising is the fact that the bank at that address hires someone to handle and correspond with the mail. Addy finds himself investigating his own case, like his fictional hero, when two men tie him up and run away with three letters addressed to Holmes. Can he use his skills to find out which letter the thieves were actually after and which were a decoy. Joined by a true crime pod caster the pair quickly follow the trail back to a missing person, a dead body and a secret that someone is willing to kill to keep a secret.
I liked the narrator but the voice he used for some of the female characters was to quiet.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Julie Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable bit of Sherlock Holmes oriented fluff, but from the angle Addy Zhuang who is hired to answer letters written to Holmes at 221-B Baker Street. Fully aware the Holmes is a fictional character, this is the first of two mysteries where Addy and his podcasting girlfriend solve crimes somehow involving Holmesian details. Addy's keen powers of deduction are a tribute to Holmes in themselves and the mysteries are light fun.

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review.

An entertaining, original story with an excellent cast of characters, startling twists, a dash of romance, and lots of humour. I loved the performance of the narrator, Kevin Green, he was cast perfectly for this book.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addy Zhuang has a job many of us would kill for. He’s been hired to answer Sherlock Holmes’ mail. Well, the messages that people send to 221B Baker Street, one of the most famous addresses of all time. Sherlock’s Secretary is a present-day mystery novel that begins when someone steals some of Sherlock’s letters.

Addy and true crime podcaster (and object of Addy’s crush) Zabel Carvalho follow the clues to find out who’s behind the theft and why. Along the way, they discover a ridiculous group of exaggerated personalities, including a small group of local Holmes Society members who can’t agree on anything.

A terrible, never-seen 1960s TV movie about Sherlock Holmes also plays a role. The desire to find a missing TV episode is one many fans will relate to. They will likely also appreciate the scene-setting references. Sidney Paget, Benedict Cumberbatch, Basil of Baker Street, William S. Baring-Gould, and Jonny Lee Miller, among others, all get a passing mention.

It’s the details that caught me. I loved thinking about how Addy handled the task and decorated his office. The discussions he and Zabel have, trying to apply Sherlock’s methods and puzzle out what’s going on, are the kinds of conversations many Sherlockians have envisioned, were they lucky enough to be pulled into a mystery.

This is a light, breezy read that moves quickly through its twists and turns. I enjoyed the couple of hours I spent with it.