Robyn DeHurt, A Study in Scandal

A Study in Scandal

Robyn DeHurt

Avon, Mar 2006, $5.99, 384 pp.

ISBN: 0060782161

In 1892 London, Amelia Watersfield formed the Ladies' Amateur Sleuth Society with three close friends, because she loves mystery novels, especially the one starring Holmes. She informs her friends Margaret Piddington, Wilhelmina Mabson and Charlotte Reed that they will work on their first case, the Jack of Hearts robbery at the opera. Her friends agree, but lack Amelia's enthusiasm.

Someone steals Nefertiti's bust from the extensive ancient Egyptian collection owned by Amelia's father, terribly upsetting him. Amelia and her dad hire private sleuth Colin Brindley to investigate. Amelia finds the detective dashing, while Colin struggles to concentrate on the case as his mind keeps focusing on his client's daughter. As he begins to make inquiries into her dad's case, Amelia forces him to accept her as his Watson, not just to keep her safe, which is the top priority of the sleuth. She proves quite helpful, even at times acting more like Holmes as they fall in love, but he worries that she will go after Jack of Hearts.

A STUDY IN SCANDAL is a fabulous Victorian private investigative romance that pays homage to Holmes. The storyline is fast paced, as Amelia bullies her way into the inquiries Colin makes while inspiring him to do his best. Fans will enjoy this superb thriller and want more romantic detective stories starring the Holmes-Watson lead couple and the other three members of the Ladies' Amateur Sleuth Society.