So I have finished my Easter Book. An anti-Sherlock Holmes set in 1895 London at the height of the notorious detective’s fame. The tagline on the book is "London Society takes its problems to Sherlock Holmes. Everyone else goes to Arrowood."

Arrowood and his very capable assistant Norman Barnett investigate the seedy underside of London. Cases are brought to a conclusion (not solved) using hard graft, illegal means when necessary, amateurish psychology and a lot of luck (both bad and good). This particular story has the classical Crime Noir storyline. A beautiful Femme Fatale brings a compelling case to a down on his luck hard-boiled detective. Can she be trusted? Of Course not! The conclusion is gritty and not one Mr. Holmes would have been proud of, but more fool him.

I would have liked a little more character development - but this is the first novel so there is plenty of time.

Recommended to anyone who enjoys a mystery with their historic fiction and is not afraid to bash the snobbery of Detective Holmes :)