A Beautiful and Terrible Murder

A dark academia take on the core Holmesian cast, starring one spunky Irene Adler, who’s leading a double life as Isaac Holland in order to prove she’s better than all the privileged young men vying for the top academic position. When her classmates start turning up dead, Irene finds an unlikely detective partner in Sherlock Holmes, the other social outcast of their class. With the murders isolated to Oxford, it’s only a matter of time until they catch the killer, but only at the cost of many secrets, and as the bodies pile up, it may already be too late.Irene is one hundred percent drive and ambition, and between her dual academic schedule (Irene and Isaac both have grades to maintain), frequent disguise changes, and determination to leap into any investigations herself, the pace is non-stop. While the focus is on her life as Isaac, where most of the murder investigation occurs, the time she spends as herself in the nursing program and at social activities is also full of intrigue, especially as her less-than-positive familial relationship is revealed.Stylistically, the narrative has a fun way of springing little surprises on the reader, even with facts about Irene that she herself obviously already knows. The tension between Alder and Holmes is electric from the off, and they both delight in going toe-to-toe. Later in the book, I would have liked to see more reflection on the weightier subjects, such as the looming presence of death. Also, I was looking forward to the inevitable moment when Irene’s true identity became revealed, but in those instances, it’s met with almost universal nonchalance and not revisited.As a retelling, I don’t know that there’s a particular connection between these characters and the originals, apart from the names and basic friendships. Here we have a younger Holmes - observant as ever, yet fallible, flirtatious, and not having the urge to torture a violin. There’s also diligent Watson, scheming Moriarty, and secretive, coy, Irene Adler (although, I won’t pretend to have enough knowledge of the original to draw any comparisons there). They’re a fun cast, but if the names were changed, I think the story would have worked just as well as an entirely original story.This can be read as a standalone, but there is a sequel ahead.**Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to review with YA Books Central. See YABC for more reviews!**

I love the Irene Adler character, the bad thing is my Irene is Rachel McAdams 😅 one that can defend herself and can kick butts. The story here is ok but I felt a bit pointless in her reasons for doing things. Just make her more capable, not super woman but at least able to find something around her to hit the villains! (Or use your brain to get even with your enemies, something!)😂

I’ve always loved it when an author takes a side character from classic literature and gives them the spotlight. That’s exactly what Claire M. Andrews does in A Beautiful & Terrible Murder, and the result is an absolute treat—a fast-paced, atmospheric mystery with a heroine you can’t help but root for.Here, Irene Adler—famous in Sherlock Holmes lore as “the woman”—steps into the lead role. Disguised as Isaac Holland, she infiltrates Oxford’s elite academic world at a time when women weren’t even allowed through the doors. This setup alone hooked me, but what makes it really sing is Irene herself. She’s whip-smart, daring, and more than capable of holding her own alongside a young Sherlock Holmes, who enters the story with his usual blend of brilliance and intrigue. Their partnership is one of the highlights of the book—full of sharp banter, sparks of chemistry, and a sense that these two are equals in every way.The Oxford setting adds so much to the story. Andrews captures that dark-academia vibe perfectly: ancient stone walls, secret societies, and an undercurrent of danger that builds with each twist in the murder investigation. The mystery itself is nicely layered, with plenty of red herrings and just the right amount of suspense to keep you flipping the pages. It has that “just one more chapter” quality I always look for in a good historical mystery.What really impressed me, though, was how seamlessly Andrews balances all the elements—mystery, atmosphere, character, and a dash of romance—without ever letting one overshadow the others. Irene shines as the heart of the novel, and by the end, you feel like you’ve truly gotten to know her beyond her brief cameo in Conan Doyle’s original tales.If you’re a fan of Sherlock Holmes stories, dark academia settings, or mysteries led by clever, strong-willed heroines, this book should absolutely be on your radar. A Beautiful & Terrible Murder is fresh, fun, and thoroughly engaging—a reimagining that feels both respectful of the original and entirely its own thing.

Like her other shero, Daphne, Claire Andrews' Irene Adler is brilliant.Nothing keeps her down for long, either physically or mentally.Lady Adler doesn't take crap from anyone.This is the perfect book for fans of mysteries and especially for Sherlock Holmes fans.While technically labeled young adult, I can't imagine anyone over the age of maybe 16 who won't fall in love with Irene Adler.I will be very cross with the author, Claire Andrews, if she doesn't bring Irene back soon.

Fantastic!