REVIEW: The Mystery of the Indian Diadem

The Mystery of the Indian Diadem
Author: Amelia Littlewood

After the solving of the murder at the Netherfield Park Ball a few months previous, Elizabeth Bennet longs to once again meet her new friend, Sherlock Holmes. Her newly married sister, Jane, has invited her to spend some time at her home in London, so of course she ventures across town to 221 B Baker Street. Holmes has been contacted by Mary Morton. Mary's father has been killed after receiving a threatening note. Holmes and Elizabeth are once again on the case! The game is afoot!

This story had a bit more investigation in it than the first book because it wasn't necessary to spend so much time introducing the two characters. But....there really isn't much of Sherlock Holmes wit and investigation style in these stories. The tale is told from Elizabeth's point of view, and she seems to control much of the investigation. Holmes is a very controlling, exacting and demanding person, and his personality really never comes out. I did enjoy this 2nd story in the series, but the combination of these two characters really isn't clicking for me. Sherlock seems muted, and Elizabeth is obsessed with detecting, earning her own living, etc.  I think I just need to suspend my love for the original classic versions of these characters, and just enjoy these stories for what they are -- light reads that are meant to be an homage. I just wish the stories were a bit more substantial and not just light, fan fiction.