The Missing Maid

Book excerpt: A GLORIOUS SHERLOCK HOLMES-INSPIRED MYSTERY FOR FANS OF NITA PROSE AND JANICE HALLETT. 'A page-turning cosy crime delight, with a fearless heroine and a twisty mystery at its heart, full of humour, drama, revelations and romance' – KATIE MARSH London, 1932. A young maid steps onto a train... and disappears. Her desperate family writes to the only person they can think of to help: Sherlock Holmes. A shame then, that Mr Holmes isn’t real. But then, from a basement beneath 221b Baker Street, someone replies... Harriet White knows responding to the maid’s family could land her in hot water, but she’s no stranger to trouble. It was refusing to cow to her over-familiar boss that saw her demoted to the postal department of their Baker Street head office in the first place. Her new job is to work through the mountain of correspondence addressed to the street’s most famous resident. But when this letter catches her eye, she knows she must do something to help the missing girl. Harriet decides to act as Holmes’ new assistant, armed with only her love of Conan Doyle’s stories to guide her. But can she solve the case of the missing maid? Or does she risk losing her job – or much, much more – in the process? Readers are loving The Baker Street Mysteries: ‘I really enjoyed this cozy mystery because it is at the intersection between cozy mystery and historical fiction and it is simply brilliant. Hepburn weaves a strong plotline and Harry shines throughout. A real pleasure to read.’ – Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I am definitely a Sherlock Holmes fan, so the premise of this story got my attention immediately, but it was the writing, characters and the new story perspective that firmly held it.’ – Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I loved everything about this historical cozy. The link to Sherlock Holmes intrigued me as I didn't know that this was based on the fact that someone was actually employed at the Building Society to answer letters sent to Sherlock Holmes. I love history so this little tidbit fascinated me and it sets up Harry nicely for many more investigations.’ – Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A delightful cozy mystery! Can you imagine having the job of answering letters addressed to Sherlock Holmes? And what would you do if it was someone who you thought you might help? I found myself laughing out loud at the antics of Harry! She is such a delightful heroine. Funny, smart and brave! Her indomitable spirit instantly endeared her to me.’ – Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Grabbed my heart from the first minute and captivated me to the last page. When a book connects so beautifully with what one wants at the time, it's impossible to keep it under wraps. It gave me Dear Mrs. Bird vibes, a very happy discovery!’ – Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I was totally gripped from the first page to the last. Loved the story and the characters with a few unexpected bumps along the way. Loved this book and can’t wait for the next one!!!’ – Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I liked Harry from the very beginning. I loved the interaction between Harry and Oliver and can see this unfolding in future books.’ – Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐