The Cursed Writer

'When did you become aware something was wrong?'

'When the screaming began. . .'

Harriet White is no stranger to odd correspondence. Ensconced in the basement of the Baker Street building society, her job is to reply to the mail they receive on behalf of Sherlock Holmes.

But while letters to the fictional sleuth may be plentiful, telegrams are rare, and so when she receives one describing the grave situation of celebrated author Philip St John, her interest is piqued. The writer describes St John as being consumed by terror, seeing ghostly apparitions on the fens, and only at ease in the company of his loyal wolfhound.

Before long, Harry finds herself in Cambridgeshire under the guise of being Holmes' assistant. The residents of Thurmwell Manor believe their master is cursed. Harry is sure there must be a logical explanation, but inside the echoey halls of the grand gothic house, her confidence in science and reason begin to crumble. . .

Can Harry solve the mystery before the fens claim their next victim?

Join Harriet White in 1930's London for another glorious Sherlock Holmes-inspired mystery, for fans of Nita Prose and Janice Hallett

'Honestly I couldn't find one bad thing to say about this book! I'm a new fan for sure!' Goodreads review

'The Missing Maid is a delightful book. I loved Harry. She's warm, funny, sassy and brave. I'm very much looking forward to reading what Holly brings us next in this series.' Goodreads review

'This is such a clever idea for a cozy mystery series! I love Harry and the twisty plot of this book. Can't wait for the next book!' Goodreads review

'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 review

'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 review

'I loved everything about this historical cozy. Harry is a wonderful character. She's clever, independent and kind. The mystery of the missing maid kept me entertained throughout. The pacey drama and easy-to-read style meant that I devoured this book in one day.' Goodreads review

'This was my first exposure to the agile and creative scribblings of Holly Hepburn and I found her writing style to be smooth, immersive, and easy to follow, with issues and scenarios true to the period. I adored her conjured characters and look forward to more of these adventures. ' Goodreads review

'The witty and whip-smart novel is refreshing and fabulous. Talk about an excellent start to a new series, one I genuinely look forward to. Holmes' fans especially ought to enjoy this. 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 review

'I absolutely loved this exciting and entertaining debut into cozy crime from a favourite author. I hope this is the start of a series and can't wait to see what Harry gets up to next!' Goodreads review