Secret Letters [Hardcover]

Leah Scheier (Author)

Book Description

Release date: June 26, 2012

Inquisitive and observant, Dora dreams of escaping her aristocratic country life to solve mysteries alongside Sherlock Holmes. So when she learns that the legendary detective might be her biological father, Dora jumps on the opportunity to travel to London and enlist his help in solving the mystery of her cousin’s ransomed love letters. But Dora arrives in London to devastating news: Sherlock Holmes is dead. Her dreams dashed, Dora is left to rely on her wits—and the assistance of an attractive yet enigmatic young detective—to save her cousin’s reputation and help rescue a kidnapped heiress along the way.
 
Steeped in Victorian atmosphere and intrigue, this gripping novel heralds the arrival of a fresh new voice in young adult literature.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"With secret codes, illicit love affairs, disguises, deception, and murder--not to mention an intriguing leading man and feisty, smart heroine--what's not to love?" --Booklist

Well-paced and filled with cliff-hanger chapter endings, Scheier's first novel...is filled with aspects of criminology-code breaking, secret messages, disguises, trysts, kidnapping, and, of course, murder-that are sure to excite CSI fans. This novel, part-romance and part-detective story, begs for a sequel.-- School Library Journal (STARRED review)

Amidst twisting plots, multiple mysteries, and a budding romance, Dora and Peter work together to solve a mystery of a kidnapped lady...an engaging read that holds the reader's attention throughout.. the setting in Victorian London with references to Sherlock Holmes could attract more than just the usual mystery readers. ---VOYA

In a mystery with twists, the threat of danger,and a dramatic resolution, debut author Scheier offers a tenacious heroine determined to rise above the restrictions of her gender to claim her legacy.Upbeat, witty prose results in a fun beginning to what looks like the first of more adventures for this young pair of investigators--Publisher's Weekly

From the Back Cover

"I had proposed that we make this trip to see the London detective not only because I wished him to help save my cousin from scandal, but because I had been waiting years for an opportunity to meet him. And the reason that I had been waiting years to meet him? Well, that was the greatest secret of all."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion Book CH (June 26, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1423124057
• ISBN-13: 978-1423124054
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.2 x 8.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #536,607 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Check out www.leahscheier.com for more information!

Leah Scheier was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. As a child, she was inspired by her favorite authors, Arthur Conan Doyle, Lloyd Alexander, and C.S. Lewis to dream up tales of adventure and romance. Now grown up with daughters of her own, Leah works as a pediatrician and continues to create new stories. Leah and her family divide their time between Atlanta, Georgia and Modiin, Israel.
Her first novel, SECRET LETTERS, comes out June 26th (Hyperion/Disney).

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Book Review: Secret Letters July 19, 2012

By Chelsey Lynn

Format:Hardcover

I absolutely love this author! Leah is probably one of the kindest that I have run across since I have been blogging! Her writing is just as sweet as her nature. She took a storyline with a Sherlock twist and made it a masterpiece. When an author takes an already well known piece of literature like Sherlock Holmes or any fairy tale, they are taking a chance in retelling it. All of the classics are already great so to rewrite one with a modern day twist or even a spin off in any context or genre is taking a huge risk. Leah, you did not disappoint, at least not in my opinion!

I have always wondered how authors go about writing mystery novels because they, of course, have to know the ending before they write it or at least have a good idea of where the story line is going to take them. Often times readers can pick up early what is going to take place in novels such as this. I was completely enthralled the entire time that I was reading this book. Even though I could guess which characters were involved I still was shocked and thrown off track by the end of the book. Leah added tiny little surprises that were waiting for readers within each chapter.

Dora is not your typical main female character. She is confident in herself but has a subtle way of showing it. This, again, is a time period when women were not meant to share the same professions or maybe even hobbies as men. Dora was a skilled investigator and she knew that, but she had to be careful as to how she let others on to her little secret. She is very inquisitive and like Sherlock, she does not give up when she knows there may just be a clue in her midst. Dora comes off as a mild mannered female lead and that is a nice change opposed to the attitude and sassy heroine that we are so used to reading about. Dora is a delicate character; however, she is also extremely clever but is not one to brag about any of her exquisite qualities. She allows her detective to do all the talking!

Peter Cartwright was the male opposite to Dora, as he was a young investigator as well. Peter was, at first, a quiet and cunning character. Later on readers learn that Peter's past had a lot to do with shaping him into possessing a more harsh exterior than most young men his age. I loved the way that treated and valued Dora's investigative skills. Even though she was a woman and most would have frowned upon him doing so, he allowed her to help him and trusted her judgment throughout the story. Sometimes the best characters have more depth to them than meets the eye. Writing characters like these two deserves an award or a freshly baked cake or something commendable!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Oh, Please Give Me More! July 5, 2012

By malloryjade

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

What an intriguing novel! I was immediately grabbed with the summary, and it was not misleading! Secret Letters was an intriguing, page flipping book that keeps you guessing! I mean, the idea of Sherlock Holmes' daughter is creative and (as far as I know) never thought of before! Dora is a sweet, yet strong heroine and the perfect detective. Her intelligence and observation skills astound me and remind me of the Gallagher Girls by Ally Carter! Peter was dashing and so considerate of Dora and sets the heart a-flutter! A wonderful tale, and I am eagerly wishing for a sequel, although it just came out so I know it will be some time. You will be missing out if you don't find some way to get your hands on this book!

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Reading Guide Review May 24, 2013

By Clare Cannon

Format:Kindle Edition

A Sherlock Holmes inspiration that's impossible to put down. As I became intrigued by the developing mystery I just hoped that the story would be worthwhile, but soon I was so captivated by the two main characters that even if the story was average I knew I'd need to spend more time with them.

The story was good, though not quite superb (and with such great characters, it really could have been!). The problem wasn't the scandals from the past, they were handled much like they are in the classics - talked about but not lived through in detail. Pre-marital and extra-marital affairs form the substance of most of the mysteries, but (as in Bleak House, for example) these were carried out by peripheral characters, and the younger ones at the centre of this story held honour in higher esteem.

It was more that the narrative felt uneven, sometimes credible and other times forced, often leaving you to wonder how Dora would have known something, or lumping you with a heavy dose of investigatory recapitulation that dulled the fun. The setting was sometimes true to Victorian England but other times false, particularly when Dora spoke and thought in the voice of a modern teenager for whom Victorian manners seemed ludicrous.

The main story developed credibly, but there were quite a few sidelines left hanging: James and Agatha? James' connection with the secret letters? The pregnant and unmarried side character who considers having an abortion? Lady Rose's relationship with her family?

But as I said, the two main characters were my favourite part of the book. Dora and Peter are two of the most interesting, likeable characters in young adult fiction in a long time. I loved their intelligence, their youthfulness, their triumphs and embarrassments, and even the sad secrets of their pasts borne with sorrowful dignity. Mostly though, I loved their interactions which were the basis of their natural and refreshingly fun friendship, and happily the novel finishes with the excitement of future possibilities. Reviewed for www.GoodReadingGuide.com