2026: BOTM: May "The Other Woman" by Richard T. Ryan > Likes and Comments

Our May Book of the Month is with Author Richard T. Ryan and his thriller:
The Other Woman.

A missing person case for Sherlock Holmes soon becomes sinister with the fate of England hanging in the balance.

Goodreads Information:
Published :20 August 2025
Kindle Edition: 202 pages
Paperback: 234 pages
Hardcover: 234 pages

Please allow Author Richard T. Tyan to make the first comment.
Thank you!

One of the interesting things about this book is a few weeks after I finished, there was a story (no spoilers) which made national headlines. The story parallels the plot of the book, so I guess Sherlock Holmes remains both timely and timeless.

After a mysterious woman arranges an appointment at Baker Street, Sherlock Holmes finds himself thrust into an inquiry with far-reaching implications.

What begins as a simple investigation into a missing person soon morphs into a mystery that threatens to have unprecedented turmoil for both the British Empire and perhaps the rest of the world.

As a result, Holmes and Watson soon find themselves racing to uncover the fiendish plot that might well spell death for hundreds of thousands and untold suffering for millions more.

Good morning all,

I do hope you are having a great day. I also hope, if you’re reading it, that you are enjoying The Other Woman.
Usually when I start writing a book, I have at least a vague idea of where it’s going. That was the case with this one as well and then in the middle it took a sudden turn and all of a sudden I had an entirely new story on my hands.

If you’re familiar with the terms plotters and pantsers, I’m definitely one of the latter.

So we can discuss the plot, the process or just Holmes in general.

Thanks for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to hearing from you, answering your questions and discussing the world’s greatest detective.

Rich Ryan

Thanks, Rich. What a great way to start the month!

So....if you don't start with an outline or a plan, do you think you finish your first draft faster than you would if had more than a vague concept?

I'm looking forward to finding out what the sudden turn in the middle of the book is.

I wish I could plot but I’ve found that things hit me suddenly and I can just integrate them as I go. I also think it’s more freeing!

I plan to start this book in a couple of days. I need to finish one more ARC and write the review on it and then I'll get started on it. I'm looking forward to experiencing your take on Holmes.

I have another question. You have written several books featuring Sherlock Holmes. For the ones (other than this one), is there a specific order that they should be read in?

Pam: All my books are stand-alones. They can be read in any order you like. I don’t do spoilers and I try not to repeat myself. That being said in my last two or three books I have referenced events from earlier novels in footnotes.

Thanks!

Thanks for a good read! I enjoyed the novel. My review has been posted on Goodreads and Bookbub. I didn't find the book on The StoryGraph. I plan to also post my review on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, but haven't gotten that done yet.

You did a great job of capturing the essence of Holmes and Watson but also made it feel fresh. I also liked that there is a bit of history folded into the story that adds depth to it.

Thanks so much for the kind words. I try to blend history and mystery. I’m a big believer that literature should both teach and delight.

Is anyone else reading this BOTM in May (or have you read it previously)?

If so, were there any specific historic or geographic details that stood out as great atmosphere builders?

I felt the trip to the docks was especially atmospheric.

Thanks! The London docks were hotbeds of intrigue and criminality in the Victorian era.