Chronicles of the Lost Years by Tracy Cooper-Posey

Chronicles of the Lost Years: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery

by Tracy Cooper-Posey

Book Blurb:When Sherlock Holmes was at the peak of his success he disappeared, abruptly, for three years. Dr. Watson believed him to be dead. No one knows what happened to him in those years…until now.

Watson takes up his pen one last time to describe in a private memoir the true tale of Holmes’ adventures during his three-year absence from Baker Street and provides a fictional explanation for many of the mysteries and inaccuracies found within the Sherlock Holmes collection of stories and novels.

The answers come in the shape of a woman – Elizabeth Sigerson. Elizabeth is independent, practical, a crack shot with a pistol and definitely not a woman of her time. Elizabeth is embroiled in Holmes’ life just when Holmes scheme to expose Moriarty is culminating. She can more than hold her own against Holmes’ abilities but she has a secret that Holmes is compelled to solve…

A copy of the book was provided by author for an honest review
Book Review was completed by guest reviewer, Jillian Lee

Chronicles of the Lost Years is the second book in Cooper-Posey's series. It's not necessary to begin with the first entry, though; the author kicks off with a comprehensive (perhaps a bit TOO comprehensive) timeline and summary of everything we might have missed. Chronicles of the Lost Years follows Sherlock Holmes and the ever faithful Watson on an intricately plotted adventure. It's so phenomenally faithful to the original stories' style, tone and characterizations that one can picture Arthur Conan Doyle nodding with approval. It's meticulously researched and written with the skill and polish of an experienced author. 

Objectively, this is a high quality novel---but, alas, our reactions to fiction are subjective, and my mystery-adoring heart just couldn't muster up much actual affection or attachment to Chronicles of the Lost Years even as my mind was readily acknowledging its many assets. Ultimately, like most Sherlock Holmes stories, this book is perhaps more satisfying on an intellectual level than an emotional one. 

Prospective readers should be aware that romance is merely one of the book's many elements, and certainly not the primary one. Readers in search of a layered, heartfelt romance may feel disappointed, but Holmes fans and general mystery junkies are likely to gobble this up with unabashed delight.