The Cursed Writer
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.
Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/thecursedwritersocial
Author Bio
Holly Hepburn writes escapist, swoonsome fiction that sweeps her readers into idyllic locations, from her native Cornwall to the windswept beauty of Orkney. She has turned her hand to cosy crime inspired by Sherlock Holmes himself. Holly lives in leafy Hertfordshire with her adorable partner in crime, Luna the Labrador.
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Why Should You Read It?
Holly Hepburn’s The Cursed Writer is a delightfully atmospheric mystery that immerses readers in the eerie world of 1930s Cambridgeshire. Harriet White, an unlikely sleuth who answers letters on behalf of Sherlock Holmes, finds herself thrust into a real-life mystery after receiving a chilling telegram about celebrated author Philip St John. With ghostly apparitions, a looming curse, and a grand gothic manor, this novel expertly blends elements of supernatural suspense with classic detective work.
Harriet, or Harry, is a refreshingly sharp and pragmatic protagonist, whose confidence in logic is tested as she ventures into the hauntingly beautiful Thurmwell Manor. The setting itself becomes a character, with its eerie halls and misty fens creating a palpable sense of dread. As Harry navigates the superstitious fears of the manor’s residents, the mystery of Philip St John’s “curse” deepens, and Hepburn keeps readers on edge with twists that challenge Harry’s—and our—faith in reason. The loyal wolfhound at St John’s side adds a heartwarming touch to the otherwise chilling atmosphere.
While The Cursed Writer delivers an engaging mystery, the pacing occasionally lags as Harry pieces together the puzzle. However, the richly detailed 1930s setting and Hepburn’s nods to Sherlock Holmes make this a captivating read for fans of historical mysteries and Gothic fiction. It’s a well-crafted adventure with a perfect balance of intrigue and the supernatural, leaving readers eagerly awaiting Harry’s next case.