A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia by Clara Benson --- Book Review

A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia by Clara Benson

Remember Appledore?

For those of you who don’t, just close your phone after you read this post and watch Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock Holmes. I’m sure you’ll understand then. And to my fellow wise readers and watchers who’ve had the privilege of enjoying this masterpiece….. I bring to you - A Case of Blackmail by Clara Benson. 

This masterpiece just caught my attention when I was scrolling through Pinterest and I must say I haven’t been prouder of the app than that day. I read the book early (which is certainly not me as I take hundred of days to pick up a book on my tbr) but the beautiful🤩 sky blue cover with a poison bottle and a font radiating Victorian London vibes just pulled me in. Here’s for you some reading inspiration to get out of a reading slump or a drama over-saturation in your life.

A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia (#1 Freddy Pilkington-Soames Adventure)

My Ratings-💣💣💣💣💣/💣💣💣💣💣

“As it happened, that was exactly how Freddy felt at that moment, for it seemed as though an entire orchestra had crept into his skull while he was asleep and begun to perform—except that each musician had decided to play a different tune at once. The percussion section was particularly enthusiastic, and he was almost sure that one of the percussionists had mistaken him for a bass drum, and was pounding him over the head rhythmically with a large mallet.” 

Read this again. I’ll have to admit, this is the most beautiful and creative description I’ve ever read of a hangover. And this is just one, imagine what a book of 262 pages could do to you. This book is a wholesome meal. You’ll get British High Society + Absurd Family Fights + Gossiping Women + Equally Guilty Suspects. This book is multiple POV and I must admit I don’t prefer those books. But this book? This book is a perfect example of using POVs to further a point without giving away any clues and weakening the plot.

Now, you must be wondering where Sherlock Holmes gets linked to all that stuff. If you remember, Holmes said “He uses his power and wealth to gain information. The more he acquires, the greater his wealth and power.” about Augustus Magneussen. The quote “I think he just enjoyed having power over people. He took pleasure in the knowledge that his position in society was all thanks to the misery of others.” jogged my memory. This book is about blackmail just like the Episode His Last Vow in the Third Season. 

This book is a whodunnit set in Victorian London, amongst the high society people who believe that they cannot ever be arrested. Each one is equally guilty as each has their dark secret. This book does not follow a police officer nor the Scotland Yard. Instead, it follows Freddy Pilkington-Soames, son of Cynthia Pilkington-Soames, who is a reporter and isn’t aware of detective work. Until now. He’s pulled into a serious affair and could be jailed along with his mother on the accessory to murder charge. So what does one do to avoid it? Run? Hide? Nope. One solves it. Or better, hides the incriminating stuff so that the real murderer gets caught. 

And the ending my god! Mwah 😘😘😘

Who will it be? Read her book to quench your curiosity.