When Charlotte Holmes learns that Inspector Treadles is in the custody of Scotland Yard for a double murder, she is surprised to say the least. Treadles has been part of her tenure as Sherlock Holmes--the bedridden, genius brother she helps investigate hard to solve cases, who is in fact just a ruse--sometimes standing in her way, but eventually coming around to her unorthodox methods of finding the truth behind crimes. His wife, Mrs. Treadles, doesn’t believe her husband would kill anyone, let alone two people, but the evidence suggests otherwise. Charlotte takes on the case, and with her sometimes lover Lord Ingram, her friends Mrs. Watson and Miss Redmayne, as well as her sister Livia, sure to find out what truly happened one fateful night on Cold Street.

Thus begins a twisty, classic whodunit, but with a decidedly feminist angle. Many of the people who Charlotte has to question are women, who are so often overlooked and taken advantage of because men think they are inferior. Mrs. Treadles, for example, was left Cousins Manufacturing and has had a hard time with the all-male board members taking her seriously when it comes to running her own business--something she is more than qualified to do. Miss Longstead, a mixed-race young woman has made her debut in society, but because of her quiet nature and heritage, isn’t expected to go far. There are countless other women within this novel, including Charlotte herself, who have to go above and beyond to prove themselves, and even then it is not without ridicule. The men in the novel, including those found murdered, have to come to terms with the changing time and the role that women will play in it. While Charlotte Holmes has found a way to operate through society after scandal, she also knows things have a long way to go. . .

The fifth book in Sherry Thomas’ Lady Sherlock series, MURDER ON COLD STREET is an engaging murder mystery. Coming into this novel without having read the previous novels may leave some readers wondering what exactly is the nature of the various relationships Charlotte has with different characters, but the mystery is interesting and makes for page-turning intrigue. As expected, Charlotte dons different disguises and makes observations of the smallest details, which inform her final conclusions about the nature of Inspector Treadles’ involvement with the murders. While there are some instances of long-winded explanations and recounts of events, as well as quite a bit of focus on Charlotte’s love of sweets and her resulting plump figure, the threat of danger lurking is enthralling, particularly in the form of the still-mysterious Moriarty, who seems to have some sort of hand in all of the nefarious deeds taking place in London. While there are some enthralling exchanges and surprising events, this book didn’t have the same breakneck pace as the earlier books. Different characters are given scenes from their points of view, but these instances were brief and hard to discern from the chapters from Charlotte’s perspective. Charlotte and Lord Ingram’s slow-burn romance is still going, and they do seem more comfortable in their attraction and feelings. Seeing many of the beloved side characters was enjoyable as well. Like many of the other books in this series, events set in motion in MURDER ON COLD STREET are sure to come up again in future books--so pay close attention!