The Last of August follows Charlotte Holmes and Jamie Watson on their winter break from school while they plan to visit, first, Jamie's mother in London, and then, Holmes' family in Sussex. 
 That's an easy start to what ends up transpiring after Holmes' uncle Leander goes missing and the pair dash off to Berlin on his trail. Picking up where Leander left off investigating a ring or art forgers. 
 Plus, of course, Moriartys. 
 That description, too, seems a bit watered down for what truly goes on throughout the pages of The Last of August. 
 This book, much moreso than A Study in Charlotte, is way more centered around the long-standing feud and the general family history between the Holmes and Moriartys. Therefore, I found it to be even more I guess I'd say personal where Charlotte is concerned. Plus, much of what we learned about her in the first book is still having cause and effect on her in this book, and we see her struggle through her fears. Namely, her fear to get closer to Jamie. Both professionally and personally. 
 But of course, the story is told from Watson's point of view so it's his observations, mainly, that we base our information on. It's how he's perceiving Holmes' attitude and actions toward him. But, we know, with Holmes motives are usually buried deep until a chosen upon reveal. 
 Brittany Cavallaro does include a couple of chapters from Charlotte's point of view which I enjoyed. A little glimpse into how she thinks, of course without revealing too much to said reader of said story. I don't think it's something that was done in the first book, but I liked it because seeing those small moments of unchecked honesty from Charlotte Holmes does much to add depth to her character. 
 I will say that I enjoyed the mystery of the first book more than what we have here. I think the mystery is so much overshadowed by the feud between these families that it looses some of its focus for me. 
 The Last of August starts, and finishes, some unexpected storylines and leads readers, possibly somewhat warily, onto the next book. We're left in a bit of a lurch, so there's no telling what, how, or where the third book will pick up, but I'm very interested to see the continuing development of these characters. 
 I love the spin Brittany Cavallaro has put on the famous Holmes and Watson duo. 
 *Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.