Book Review: A Tempest at Sea by Sherry Thomas

Posted March 13, 2023 by WendyW in Book Review, bookblogger / 35 Comments

A Tempest at Sea
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

by Sherry Thomas
Publication Date March 14, 2023
Published by Sherry Thomas
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Genres: Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Cozy / General, Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Historical, Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Traditional, Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Women Sleuths, Fiction / Romance / Historical / Regency, Fiction / Romance / Historical / Victorian
Pages: 340
Format: ARC
Reading Challenges: Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2023

***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***


​​​​​​​"I AM RIVETED. The Lady Sherlock series is so smart and clever and witty." -- Julia Quinn, New York Timesbestselling author of the Bridgertons series

Charlotte Holmes’s brilliant mind and deductive skills are pulled into a dangerous investigation at sea in the new mystery in the bestselling Lady Sherlock series.

After feigning her own death in Cornwall to escape from Moriarty’s perilous attention, Charlotte Holmes goes into hiding. But then she receives a tempting offer: Find a dossier the crown is desperately seeking to recover, and she might be able to go back to a normal life.

Her search leads her aboard the RMS Provence, sailing from Southampton for the eastern hemisphere. But on the night Charlotte makes her move to retrieve the dossier, in the midst of a terrifying storm in the Bay of Biscay, a brutal murder also takes place on the ship.

Instead of solving the crime, as she is accustomed to doing, Charlotte must take care not to be embroiled in this investigation, lest it become known to those who harbor ill intentions that Sherlock Holmes is still abroad and still very much alive.


A Tempest at Sea by Sherry Thomas is the 7th book in the author’s popular Lady Sherlock series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but reading the series in order will enhance your understanding of the characters. 

Story Recap:

Charlotte Holmes is in hiding in order to escape Moriarty’s unwanted attention.  Then she gets an assignment to find a dossier for the crown and she boards the RMS Provence to complete the assignment.  While on board ship, a brutal murder happens.  But, Charlotte is unable to help in the investigation as she’s hiding out and in disguise.  She can’t let anyone know that she is still alive and on board the ship.  

My Thoughts: 

I loved this book.  And I’m going to read the entire series and catch up before the next book comes out.  The whole Sherlock Holmes is a woman in Victorian England is such a fun take on the traditional stories.  

I found myself on the edge of my seat throughout this book as we raced against time to solve the murder.  I loved all the twists and turns this story took.  Since Charlotte is trapped on the ship, this mystery is similar to a locked room mystery in that everyone on the ship is a suspect, and nobody leaves.  

The characters are what make this series so special.  I love Charlotte, she’s intelligent as well as independent, and her friends are all very special too.  

Recommendation: 

I highly recommend A Tempest at Sea to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.  I received a complimentary copy of this book.  The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About Sherry Thomas

USA Today-bestselling author Sherry Thomas decided that her goal in life is to write every kind of book she enjoys reading. Thus far she has published romance, fantasy, mystery, and a wuxia-inspired duology. Her books regularly receive starred reviews and best-of-the-year honors from trade publications, including such outlets as the New York Times and National Public Radio. She is also a two-time winner of Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® Award.

Sherry immigrated from China at age 13 and English is her second language.

Book Challenges:

A Tempest at Sea counts towards my Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2023

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

  • Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2023

35 responses to “Book Review: A Tempest at Sea by Sherry Thomas

  1. I enjoyed the first few books in this series and for whatever reason, I have not read the previous two books. I need to catch up as well as read this one. Wonderful review, Wendy.

  2. The characters do really make this series. I love Charlotte and Mrs. Watson and was so glad to see Olivia in this book. And even Lady Holmes though she is absolutely the worst!

  3. I agree – the characters are wonderful. I especially loved Charlotte’s cheekiness. She’s my kind of female lead. I want to read 1-6 now too!

  4. I haven’t heard of this series yet, and it looks delightful. I love that cover, and the synopsis sounds great as well. Thanks for the review!