Table Of Content

“Sherry Thomas has done the impossible and crafted a fresh, exciting new version of Sherlock Holmes. From the carefully plotted twists to the elegant turns of phrase, A Study in Scarlet Women is a splendid addition to Holmes’s world. This book is everything I hoped it would be, and the next adventure cannot come too soon!” —Deanna Raybourn, New York Times bestselling author P S T RAISE FOR THE NOVELS OF HERRY HOMAS “Enchanting . . . An extraordinary, unputdownable love story.” —Jane Feather, New York Times bestselling author “Sublime . . . An irresistible literary treat.” —Chicago Tribune “Thomas continues to be a refreshing voice in the genre with her lively plots, witty dialogue, and intelligent characters . . . She compels readers to think, feel, laugh—and, ultimately, heave a deep sigh of satisfaction.” —RT Book Reviews (Top Pick) “Thomas tantalizes readers . . . An enchanting, thought-provoking story of love lost and ultimately reclaimed. Lively banter, electric sexual tension, and an unusual premise make this stunning debut all the more refreshing.” —Library Journal (starred review) “[A] masterpiece . . . A beautifully written, exquisitely seductive, powerfully romantic gem of a romance.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Deft plotting and sparkling characters . . . Steamy and smart.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Historical romance the way I love it.” —All About Romance “[A] truly enjoyable historical romance with funny characters, beautifully written prose, and a satisfying ending.” —Dear Author “Sherry Thomas’s captivating debut novel will leave readers breathless. Intelligent, witty, sexy, and peopled with wonderful characters . . . and sharp, clever dialogue.” —The Romance Reader “Layered, complex characters . . . Beautiful writing and emotional punch.” —Smart Bitches, Trashy Books Titles by Sherry Thomas BEGUILING THE BEAUTY TEMPTING THE BRIDE RAVISHING THE HEIRESS THE LUCKIEST LADY IN LONDON MY BEAUTIFUL ENEMY A STUDY IN SCARLET WOMEN BERKLEY An imprint of Penguin Random House LLC 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014 Copyright © 2016 by Sherry Thomas Penguin Random House supports copyright. Copyright fuels creativity, encourages diverse voices, promotes free speech, and creates a vibrant culture. Thank you for buying an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright laws by not reproducing, scanning, or distributing any part of it in any form without permission. You are supporting writers and allowing Penguin Random House to continue to publish books for every reader. BERKLEY is a registered trademark and the B colophon is a trademark of Penguin Random House LLC. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Names: Thomas, Sherry (Sherry M.), author. Title: A study in scarlet women / Sherry Thomas. Description: Berkley trade paperback edition. | New York : Berkley Books, 2016. Identifiers: LCCN 2016019090 (print) | LCCN 2016024011 (ebook) | ISBN 9780425281406 | ISBN 9780698196353 (ebook) Subjects: | BISAC: FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Historical. | FICTION / Historical. | GSAFD: Mystery fiction. Classification: LCC PS3620.H6426 S78 2016 (print) | LCC PS3620.H6426 (ebook)| DDC 813/.6--dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016019090 Ebook ISBN: 9780698196353 First Edition: October 2016 Cover art by Shane Rebenschied Cover design by Alana Colucci This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. Version_1 To the beautiful person and constant delight that is Sean ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Kristin Nelson, who never met a book of mine she couldn’t sell. Wendy McCurdy, who believed the Lady Sherlock series had potential. Kerry Donovan, who worked tirelessly on this book. Janine Ballard, who went over the manuscript with a fine-toothed comb. Shellee Roberts, who kicked my ass when it needed kicking. Traci Andrighetti, who restored my confidence after said ass-kicking. My husband, who can always be counted on to hold down the fort, deadlines or not. Everyone who ever cheered on the idea of a female Sherlock Holmes. And you, if you are reading this, thank you. Thank you for everything. CONTENTS Praise for the Novels of Sherry Thomas Titles by Sherry Thomas Title Page Copyright Dedication Acknowledgments Prologue Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty