A Study in Charlotte Book Review

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro is a young adult mystery novel. It was published in March of 2016. It is the first book in the Charlotte Holmes series.

Sherlock Holmes reimagined. Charlotte Holmes and James Watson are third-generation descendants of the both very famous Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. James or rather “Jamie,” (he cannot stop people from calling him by his childhood nickname) has just moved from London to attend a boarding school by the name of Sherringford in Connecticut. He received a full-ride scholarship to play rugby there and it just so happens that Charlotte Holmes attends the same boarding school as well. Jamie has always dreamt of meeting Charlotte and becoming partners to solve cases. When Jamie and Charlotte first meet, however, it becomes apparent that Jamie’s dreams may have been just that—dreams. Charlotte is quick-witted and calculated and has a bit of a dark, untamed side. Jamie is kind, supportive, and grounded. Though a bit impulsive. If anything, the two seem like complete opposites who are destined to never get along. Until that is, Jamie and Charlotte are being framed for murdering one of their classmates. The clock is ticking and Jamie and Charlotte band together to solve the case and clear their names before someone else gets hurt or worse.  

This is definitely one of my favorite books I have ever read. The pace of the story was quick and efficient. The twists and turns kept me on my toes and I was genuinely surprised about some of the plot twists. (I usually try to figure out who did it, etc.) I did not see a few things coming and I appreciate that immensely. This book and series are written terrifically well and I cannot recommend it highly enough.