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Marty Hudson Mystery #2
Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Disappearing Diva
From #1 Kindle New York Times bestselling author Gemma Halliday and USA Today bestselling author Kelly Rey comes a story about Sherlock Holmes, two savvy female detectives, and one chance to catch a killer and the hot Dr. Watson at the same time…
If there's one thing Martha "Marty" Hudson can't say no to, it's her best friend Irene Adler. So when Irene's little white lie about a fake detective named Sherlock Holmes turns into a real case from an actual paying client, Marty is all in. But their simple missing person case takes a deadly turn when the missing "person" ends up being a missing corpse. Rebecca Lowery was an opera singer in life and, according to her sister, who hires the famous detective to find her, a diva with capital D. When her body goes missing after a supposedly accidental fall, Marty Irene can think of several people who might want the diva to disappear permanently—especially if her missing body is actually hiding evidence of her murder. Is it the boyfriend with a temper and a shady record, the jealous understudy who's now stealing the show, the creepy undertaker with possible ties to the underworld, or the estranged sister herself who now inherits everything? Marty and Irene aim to find out, even while trying to keep cool around the hot ME, Dr. Watson, and dodging questions from the Irregulars blogger, Wiggins, about the mysterious man behind the name Sherlock Holmes. Will the ladies be able to pull this one off? Or are they in over their heads…and possibly about to take their own final bows?
The Marty Hudson
Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Brash Blonde – book #1
Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Disappearing Diva – book #3
What critics are saying about The Marty Hudson
"This is a terrific new series featuring modern updated Sherlock Holmes characters. I've been looking forward to reading this book as a fan of Sherlock Holmes and I was not disappointed."
—A Cozy BookNook
"One of the most anticipated of the fall releases happens to be one of THE BEST of the fall releases! Halliday and Rey have joined forces to create a SUPERLATIVE new cozy mystery series that will leave readers clamoring for more."
—Blogcritics, Diane Morasco
"This well-written book is loaded with fantastic, lovable characters. Marty's story is full of humor, mystery and suspense."
—BookLikes
If there's one thing Martha "Marty" Hudson can't say no to, it's her best friend Irene Adler. So when Irene's little white lie about a fake detective named Sherlock Holmes turns into a real case from an actual paying client, Marty is all in. But their simple missing person case takes a deadly turn when the missing "person" ends up being a missing corpse. Rebecca Lowery was an opera singer in life and, according to her sister, who hires the famous detective to find her, a diva with capital D. When her body goes missing after a supposedly accidental fall, Marty Irene can think of several people who might want the diva to disappear permanently—especially if her missing body is actually hiding evidence of her murder. Is it the boyfriend with a temper and a shady record, the jealous understudy who's now stealing the show, the creepy undertaker with possible ties to the underworld, or the estranged sister herself who now inherits everything? Marty and Irene aim to find out, even while trying to keep cool around the hot ME, Dr. Watson, and dodging questions from the Irregulars blogger, Wiggins, about the mysterious man behind the name Sherlock Holmes. Will the ladies be able to pull this one off? Or are they in over their heads…and possibly about to take their own final bows?
The Marty Hudson
Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Brash Blonde – book #1
Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Disappearing Diva – book #3
What critics are saying about The Marty Hudson
"This is a terrific new series featuring modern updated Sherlock Holmes characters. I've been looking forward to reading this book as a fan of Sherlock Holmes and I was not disappointed."
—A Cozy BookNook
"One of the most anticipated of the fall releases happens to be one of THE BEST of the fall releases! Halliday and Rey have joined forces to create a SUPERLATIVE new cozy mystery series that will leave readers clamoring for more."
—Blogcritics, Diane Morasco
"This well-written book is loaded with fantastic, lovable characters. Marty's story is full of humor, mystery and suspense."
—BookLikes
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2018
118 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Gemma Halliday
95 books1,890 followersGemma had a hard time figuring out what she wanted to be when she grew up. She worked as a film and television actress, a teddy bear importer, a department store administrator, a preschool teacher, a temporary tattoo artist, and a 900 number psychic, before finally selling her first book, Spying in High Heels, in 2005 and deciding to be a writer.
Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.
Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.
Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.
Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 18, 2018
Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Disappearing Diva by Gemma Halliday and Kelly Rey is an exciting, fast-paced, highly enjoyable cozy mystery. I loved every bit of it.
The book has all the aspects Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes is popular for – but differently. Holmes "hardly a celebrity. Especially considering he didn't actually exist" is how the book begins. The address for the now popular but elusive detective is in Baker Street, while Irene Adler is the narrator's best friend and main accomplice in creating the detective façade. Let's not forget Dr. Watson. ;)
Martha "Marty" Hudson and Irene Adler are confronted with a strange case of a missing corpse. A Barbara Lowery claims that upon coming to the local mortuary, she discovers that the woman they were to bury is not her sister, Rebecca, a play singer.
"I tried to file a missing persons report but…well, I guess that wasn't quiet the right division."
Missing Corpses Division? Irene typed.
Marty and Irene begin to search for clues leading up to the "disappearing diva" and as they trudge in the investigation, they discover that Rebecca was more than disliked by a few people. Several with motives to take her out of the spotlight.
"So what about Rebecca did someone not want seen?"
The novel is narrated from Marty's first person perspective, showing Marty's constant fear of getting their fake "Sherlock Holmes" business discovered by the police. She is down to earth, and while it would be normal for her millionaire best friend to take the spotlight, I liked that the authors made Marty the narrator. She's also funny and smart and I particularly liked how she began following the clues that made up Rebecca's life prior to her death.
"He pushed up his sleeves, the better to intimidate us with his Popeye forearms."
One of the things I loved about Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Disappearing Diva is the use of "show don't tell" and the humour. The book is simply hilarious! Both Marty and Irene are cynical and the encounters and people they face make for great laughs.
"Do you think we should knock on that door?"
"I think we should leave and never come back," Irene said. "Rebecca Lowery probably jumped out of her casket and ran off by herself when she got a look at this place."
We also get a bit of romance as Marty crushes over Dr. Watson, whose appearances though few are important. The reader can't help but hope for a happy ending for the may-be-couple.
Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Disappearing Diva is five-star must-read by all levels. It's pace is fast and as the duo run around trying to solve the mystery and get paid – because Marty's inherited house is falling apart – the reader can't help but keep reading to find out who "misplaced" Rebecca and why.
Note: I received a free copy of Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Disappearing Diva in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour.
There is a giveaway for 2 e-book copies of Sherlock Holmes and the Brash Blonde (book 1 in the series) at http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...?
September 6, 2018
“Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Disappearing Diva”earns 5/5 High Cs…Clever!
Barbara Bristol hopes to hire Sherlock Holmes to find her missing sister, Rebecca Lowrey, who has been in rehearsals with a traveling operatic company. Seems an easy enough job, until our two detectives, Mary Hudson and Irene Adler, are informed Rebecca is dead and her body has gone missing. The morgue had positively identified the body as her sister, but the body delivered to the mortuary was not her. Maybe this would be biting off more than they could chew, but the fees could do wonders to their bottom line…we’re on it! So a Diva has disappeared, visiting sexy Dr. Watson is bittersweet, weirdness abounds at the funeral parlor, and suspects, motives, and revelations about the sisters make both women wishing Sherlock, the made-up front man of their detective firm, could actually take the lead.
I am a fan of Gemma Halliday and Kelly Rey as individual authors, but teaming together their signature writing styles with clear descriptions and engaging banter to create a clever mystery has been very entertaining. For me, beyond those characteristics and a very satisfying story, I want a set of characters that are realistic. I want realistic backgrounds, reactions to events, decision-making processes, and investigating methods. Marty Hudson checks all my boxes! She is grounded, yet flawed, and recognizes she can't always ignore law enforcement. As a barista at a Stanford café she “crashed” several classes which has provided her with a unique degree of knowledge she can apply to her investigation. The investigation is methodical, and although she may go off on an unsanctioned avenue of interest, she knows the value of law enforcement, no matter how “grumpy.” The side characters are also done well, even quirky at times, with her BFF/sidekick, handsome/by-the-book ME, senior citizen neighbors, suspects, witnesses, and an inherited basset hound. Along with some page-turning peril, humor has not been lost. This is a very entertaining book, and book one has all the same attributes making it next on my “TBR” queue. One issue for this detective partnership...why is Marty so worried about money when her BFF has loads?
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
Barbara Bristol hopes to hire Sherlock Holmes to find her missing sister, Rebecca Lowrey, who has been in rehearsals with a traveling operatic company. Seems an easy enough job, until our two detectives, Mary Hudson and Irene Adler, are informed Rebecca is dead and her body has gone missing. The morgue had positively identified the body as her sister, but the body delivered to the mortuary was not her. Maybe this would be biting off more than they could chew, but the fees could do wonders to their bottom line…we’re on it! So a Diva has disappeared, visiting sexy Dr. Watson is bittersweet, weirdness abounds at the funeral parlor, and suspects, motives, and revelations about the sisters make both women wishing Sherlock, the made-up front man of their detective firm, could actually take the lead.
I am a fan of Gemma Halliday and Kelly Rey as individual authors, but teaming together their signature writing styles with clear descriptions and engaging banter to create a clever mystery has been very entertaining. For me, beyond those characteristics and a very satisfying story, I want a set of characters that are realistic. I want realistic backgrounds, reactions to events, decision-making processes, and investigating methods. Marty Hudson checks all my boxes! She is grounded, yet flawed, and recognizes she can't always ignore law enforcement. As a barista at a Stanford café she “crashed” several classes which has provided her with a unique degree of knowledge she can apply to her investigation. The investigation is methodical, and although she may go off on an unsanctioned avenue of interest, she knows the value of law enforcement, no matter how “grumpy.” The side characters are also done well, even quirky at times, with her BFF/sidekick, handsome/by-the-book ME, senior citizen neighbors, suspects, witnesses, and an inherited basset hound. Along with some page-turning peril, humor has not been lost. This is a very entertaining book, and book one has all the same attributes making it next on my “TBR” queue. One issue for this detective partnership...why is Marty so worried about money when her BFF has loads?
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
August 20, 2018
I absolutely adored this humorous cozy mystery!!!
Marty and Irene are still in business after their first foray in the private detective business, even if their boss, Sherlock Holmes, doesn’t really exist. This new case isn’t your normal run of the mill case...this one involves a missing body. It should be pretty simple, but it turns out to be anything but that. In fact, it takes a deadly turn with secrets someone would kill to keep hidden.
Oh my goodness, I just love Marty and Irene. Both are very smart, resourceful women, but it is more luck than skill, although they are learning, that helps them solve their cases. There are a lot of suspects in this particular case. Rebecca Lowery, the missing corpse, was an opera diva. Her understudy doesn’t seem really broken up about her death. Then, there is the head of the opera company, the creepy undertaker, or a boyfriend with a bad temper.
The mystery kept me guessing. There were twists and turns within each chapter of the book. I loved the secondary characters, especially Dr. Watson. He and Marty definitely have chemistry!!! I thought the authors also did a great job of interjecting their humor throughout the book as well! The mystery, the light romance, the characters, and the funny moments blended together quite nicely to make this a great little read!!!
Marty and Irene are still in business after their first foray in the private detective business, even if their boss, Sherlock Holmes, doesn’t really exist. This new case isn’t your normal run of the mill case...this one involves a missing body. It should be pretty simple, but it turns out to be anything but that. In fact, it takes a deadly turn with secrets someone would kill to keep hidden.
Oh my goodness, I just love Marty and Irene. Both are very smart, resourceful women, but it is more luck than skill, although they are learning, that helps them solve their cases. There are a lot of suspects in this particular case. Rebecca Lowery, the missing corpse, was an opera diva. Her understudy doesn’t seem really broken up about her death. Then, there is the head of the opera company, the creepy undertaker, or a boyfriend with a bad temper.
The mystery kept me guessing. There were twists and turns within each chapter of the book. I loved the secondary characters, especially Dr. Watson. He and Marty definitely have chemistry!!! I thought the authors also did a great job of interjecting their humor throughout the book as well! The mystery, the light romance, the characters, and the funny moments blended together quite nicely to make this a great little read!!!
August 19, 2018
With a bit of Remington Steele feel, this fun duo takes on an unusual case - a disappeared corpse. Great characters but uncooperative witnesses and suspects. If they didn't need the money so badly, and if Dr. Watson wasn't such a hunk...
a fast paced and fun delve into the world of Opera and mobsters.
a fast paced and fun delve into the world of Opera and mobsters.
August 18, 2018
Great mystery
I can't wait for the next one. Sherlock Holmes is real at least on paper if not human. He gets the job done with his "helpers" or apprentice as he says. It is a great story.
I can't wait for the next one. Sherlock Holmes is real at least on paper if not human. He gets the job done with his "helpers" or apprentice as he says. It is a great story.
October 12, 2018
4.5/5 stars
Sherlock Holmes and the Disappearing Diva is Book 2 in the Marty Hudson Mystery series. This definitely works as a stand-alone, though. I did not read the first one and never felt I was missing any vital info. Perhaps I will read Book 1 just to find out what really got Irene and Marty to create the fictitious Sherlock Holmes Detective Agency that is taking on very real cases!
There are some fun characters in this series. The protagonist, Marty is really likable. She’s funny, self-deprecating, loyal to her friends and determined. Her quirk is attending classes and courses at Stanford, where she works in a campus bookstore café. The range of classes is interesting and provides a valid rationale for her having quite a few random bits of knowledge, including how to pick a lock.
Best friend Irene is sassy, bold and clever. She’s also an incredibly wealthy venture capitalist from who Marty refuses to accept any money to assist with the broken down home her great-aunt left her. Irene happily leads Marty on some wild rides.
Marty’s neighbours are on the older side and the ladies are preoccupied with starting a relationship with Mr. Bitterman despite his disgusting cooking concoctions… fish eye casserole!??? Ugh! Apparently his ‘good’ hair and substantial pension make him a very eligible, even if ancient, bachelor. These folks lend some excellent comic relief to the story.
The mystery itself is very well-plotted. There are well-sketched suspects with valid motives and substantial opportunity. Useful clues and red herrings abound. I enjoyed trying to sift through it all. I had my suspicions about the real culprit but couldn’t figure out the motive.
Some things I liked:
The fact that the agency is called Sherlock Holmes Detective Agency.
The love polygon with Mr. Bitterman at the centre. Just how many old ladies have the hots for this octogenarian?
The romance is on a slow burn and there is some decent chemistry between Marty and the Medical Examiner, Dr. Watson.
The fact that the M.E. is named Watson.
The friendship between Marty and Irene.
The San Francisco setting.
Something I did not like:
I wonder how long the ruse of Sherlock can play out. This is only Book 2 but already Marty is pretty frustrated with keeping up the pretence of being a real licensed detective. I hope Marty’s frustration over this issue is not a recurring theme in subsequent instalments.
Overall I enjoyed this mystery and look forward to reading more in the series. I want to know just what case Sherlock Holmes will take on next!
Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book to review through Great Escapes Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.
Sherlock Holmes and the Disappearing Diva is Book 2 in the Marty Hudson Mystery series. This definitely works as a stand-alone, though. I did not read the first one and never felt I was missing any vital info. Perhaps I will read Book 1 just to find out what really got Irene and Marty to create the fictitious Sherlock Holmes Detective Agency that is taking on very real cases!
There are some fun characters in this series. The protagonist, Marty is really likable. She’s funny, self-deprecating, loyal to her friends and determined. Her quirk is attending classes and courses at Stanford, where she works in a campus bookstore café. The range of classes is interesting and provides a valid rationale for her having quite a few random bits of knowledge, including how to pick a lock.
Best friend Irene is sassy, bold and clever. She’s also an incredibly wealthy venture capitalist from who Marty refuses to accept any money to assist with the broken down home her great-aunt left her. Irene happily leads Marty on some wild rides.
Marty’s neighbours are on the older side and the ladies are preoccupied with starting a relationship with Mr. Bitterman despite his disgusting cooking concoctions… fish eye casserole!??? Ugh! Apparently his ‘good’ hair and substantial pension make him a very eligible, even if ancient, bachelor. These folks lend some excellent comic relief to the story.
The mystery itself is very well-plotted. There are well-sketched suspects with valid motives and substantial opportunity. Useful clues and red herrings abound. I enjoyed trying to sift through it all. I had my suspicions about the real culprit but couldn’t figure out the motive.
Some things I liked:
The fact that the agency is called Sherlock Holmes Detective Agency.
The love polygon with Mr. Bitterman at the centre. Just how many old ladies have the hots for this octogenarian?
The romance is on a slow burn and there is some decent chemistry between Marty and the Medical Examiner, Dr. Watson.
The fact that the M.E. is named Watson.
The friendship between Marty and Irene.
The San Francisco setting.
Something I did not like:
I wonder how long the ruse of Sherlock can play out. This is only Book 2 but already Marty is pretty frustrated with keeping up the pretence of being a real licensed detective. I hope Marty’s frustration over this issue is not a recurring theme in subsequent instalments.
Overall I enjoyed this mystery and look forward to reading more in the series. I want to know just what case Sherlock Holmes will take on next!
Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book to review through Great Escapes Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 17, 2018
Marty Hudson and her sidekick Irene Adler take another case for the fictitious Sherlock Holmes agency that was created originally to find information on Marty's great-aunt's death. This time they are hired to look into the disappearance of a body from a funeral home. The death was ruled a natural death, but it was suspicious as another body had replaced the original.
This is a fun tale with a good bit of humor, well developed characters, and lots of unexpected twist and perils that put Marty in harms way.
If you like this story, I would recommend Kelly's Jamie Winters mysteries. They have a bumbling Legal aide as the primary investigator. She is helped quite a bit by a precocious teenager that you never know what she will come up with.
This is a fun tale with a good bit of humor, well developed characters, and lots of unexpected twist and perils that put Marty in harms way.
If you like this story, I would recommend Kelly's Jamie Winters mysteries. They have a bumbling Legal aide as the primary investigator. She is helped quite a bit by a precocious teenager that you never know what she will come up with.
September 30, 2018
Marty Hudson and her rich best friend Irene Adler work for Sherlock Holmes as private investigators. Of course they created Sherlock Holmes and spend a lot of time covering up for where he is. This time it gets a little dicier. This is a fabulous story. I love how the ladies manage to get around a reporter who is following them. I highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
August 17, 2018
Another fun entry in the Sherlock Holmes Cozy Series
Having created Sherlock Holmes as an imaginary detective, Martha Hudson and Irene Adler get a second case, the disappearance of a body from a mortuary. Holmes fans will enjoy the character names that pop, but one need not know the Holmesian Canon to enjoy these books.
Having created Sherlock Holmes as an imaginary detective, Martha Hudson and Irene Adler get a second case, the disappearance of a body from a mortuary. Holmes fans will enjoy the character names that pop, but one need not know the Holmesian Canon to enjoy these books.
August 20, 2018
Using the fictional detective may seem like a good idea, but the fact that none of the characters in the book knew about Sherlock Holmes seems odd - even the police are gullible enough to believe this fictional character really exists seems rather far fetched. Having said that, Gemma has spun out an interesting story, keeping the reader's attention...
October 6, 2018
Switching bodies.
So many references to the original but so totally not. I loved the first story and "The Disappearing Diva" is even better. I would prefer it if the girls COULD take care of themselves rather than bumble along but, you can't have everything.
So many references to the original but so totally not. I loved the first story and "The Disappearing Diva" is even better. I would prefer it if the girls COULD take care of themselves rather than bumble along but, you can't have everything.
January 29, 2019
Very fun
Consider Sherlock Holmes as the voice behind Charlie's Angels. That's pretty much what you have here only with a lot of fun and a little romance thrown in. Of course there is some danger too, but by far the most entertaining read I've read in a while.
Consider Sherlock Holmes as the voice behind Charlie's Angels. That's pretty much what you have here only with a lot of fun and a little romance thrown in. Of course there is some danger too, but by far the most entertaining read I've read in a while.
November 12, 2019
A LIGHT-HEARTED TWIST ON HISTORICAL SUPERHERO
This was a fast-paced and totally enjoyable book. Some of the characters were not really ones you could believe, but it was a lot of fun.
This was a fast-paced and totally enjoyable book. Some of the characters were not really ones you could believe, but it was a lot of fun.
July 19, 2021
The mystery was a bit more obvious this time, at least to me, but the story was quite fun and it did have a satisfying resolution.
The characters are getting fleshed out better and are quite fun. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
The characters are getting fleshed out better and are quite fun. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
January 4, 2025
Fun read
I am enjoying this series immensely, looking forward to the next adventure. Recommend the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The only thing I can’t believe is that Marty, an avid student never heard of the famous detective.
I am enjoying this series immensely, looking forward to the next adventure. Recommend the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The only thing I can’t believe is that Marty, an avid student never heard of the famous detective.
August 14, 2018
Martha Hudson and Irene Adler are hard at work trying to find a dead body. And their boss, Sherlock Holmes, is still missing!
September 9, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed both books in this series, highly recommended for anyone who enjoys cosy mysteries style of writing 5 stars
October 21, 2018
Good book
Great mystery. Kept me guessing to the very end. A little romance and humor thrown in for good measure. Don't miss it
Great mystery. Kept me guessing to the very end. A little romance and humor thrown in for good measure. Don't miss it
December 5, 2018
A good humorous, entertaining and enjoyable mystery, I really enjoyed it.
February 8, 2021
Marty & Irene have to find a missing body, opera diva, from the mortuary. Marty & Watson become attracted to each other. Lestrade is on the case. A twisting whodunnit
August 19, 2021
Loved it
Really enjoying this series. Great storyline and fun characters. Marty is hilarious, love her neighbors in the apartment building. I look forward to more of her adventures.
Really enjoying this series. Great storyline and fun characters. Marty is hilarious, love her neighbors in the apartment building. I look forward to more of her adventures.
August 30, 2021
Absolutely loved this book. It had everything, but not too much. The authors have the balance perfect. Impatiently waiting for the next book
June 19, 2022
Loved it
This series just keeps getting better and better. The characters are fantastic and so funny. Excited to read book 3.
This series just keeps getting better and better. The characters are fantastic and so funny. Excited to read book 3.
September 1, 2022
Another fun romp from Ms. Halliday!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews