Sophia Rose is here with Knave of Diamonds by Laurie R. King, a Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes historical mystery. Grab an iced coffee and see why this series has captivated Sophia.
by Laurie R. King
Series: Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes #19
Genres: Historical Mystery
Source: Publisher
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Mary Russell’s allegiances are tested by the reappearance of her long-lost uncle—and a tantalizing case not even Sherlock Holmes could solve.
When Mary Russell was a child, she adored her black sheep Uncle Jake. But she hasn’t heard from him in many years, and she assumed that his ne’er-do-well ways had brought him to a bad end somewhere—until he presents himself at her Sussex door. Yes, Jake is back, and with a load of problems for his clever niece. Not the least of which is the reason the family rejected him in the first He was involved—somehow—in the infamous disappearance of the Irish Crown Jewels from an impregnable safe in Dublin Castle.
It was a theft that shook a government, enraged a king, threatened the English establishment—and baffled not only the Dublin police and Scotland Yard, but Sherlock Holmes himself. And, now, Jake expects Russell to step into the middle of it all? To slip away with him, not telling Holmes what she’s up to? Knowing that the theft—unsolved, hushed-up, scandalous—must have involved Mycroft Holmes as well?
Naturally, she can do nothing of the sort. Siding with her uncle, even briefly, could only place her in opposition to both her husband-partner and his secretive and powerful brother. She has to tell Jake no.
On the other hand, this is Jake—her father’s kid brother, her childhood hero, the beloved and long-lost survivor of a much-diminished family.
Conflicting loyalties and international secrets, blatant lies and blithe sounds like another case for Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes.
Sophia Rose’s Review
All Mary Russell wants to do when the wedding is over is to head home and sleep in her own bed. Naturally, this isn’t to be when a long-lost black sheep relation arrives on her doorstep and whisks her away on the hunt for the Irish Crown Jewels that went missing in a robbery several years back and the only case to defeat Sherlock Holmes.
Laurie R. King’s Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes’ series has captivated me from the beginning and I am still eager nineteen books later to pick up the latest, Knave of Diamonds.
Knave of Diamonds presented a cold case robbery of the past, but that felt secondary to Mary finally getting answers about her father’s younger ne’er-do-well brother who disappeared years before and she mostly believed was dead. Now Uncle Jack has shown up on her doorstep needing her help with some unfinished business. Russell is wary, but agrees to help her uncle track down the Irish Crown Jewels while feeling the pull of divided loyalties in opposite directions of thieving uncle vs. detective husband.
Knave of Diamonds divides the story among three narrators: Mary, Sherlock, and Uncle Jack so the reader gets to know Uncle Jack and what he’s up-to as he pits his wits with his brilliant niece and her equally genius husband. I enjoyed getting the back history on the robbery as Jack told it to Mary and also the bits of investigating Holmes did on his end. It was fun seeing Mary back in action in Ireland safe-cracking and more.
I will admit to feeling something of a let-down with this one. It was fascinating for the family mystery reveals, but I just couldn’t get vested in the mystery side because the lack of tension throughout. The robbery details were revealed with Jake’s story and it was more a treasure hunt than a case to solve. Even the big climax seemed muted making this feel like a cozy mystery more than the grittier historical mysteries earlier in the series.
I didn’t hate it, but had to adjust my expectations to appreciate what I got. So, this is one I’d recommend to cozy historical mystery fans who appreciate a husband and wife detecting team and some family back history while on a jewel hunt.
About Laurie R. King
Laurie R. King is the New York Times bestselling author of 27 novels and other works, including the Mary Russell-Sherlock Holmes stories. She is probably the only writer to have both an Edgar and an honorary doctorate in theology.
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About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Katherine
I agree this lacked the tension of the previous books though I really did enjoy the family secrets and I loved seeing a bit more focus on Russell.
Sophia Rose
I think if I’d been expecting the change; I’d have done better. But, you’re right, Katherine. There was a great deal to like.
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
Sorry this one wasn’t exactly what you’d hoped. But sounds like in the end it was still a good enough read. Great review!
Sophia Rose
Yes, exactly so, Lisa! I really love the characters so it was no hardship seeing them in a different sort of mystery-solving situation.
Mary Kirkland
Even though it wasn’t what you expected I’m glad it wasn’t a bad read for you.
Sophia Rose
Thanks, Mary!
I’m used to these being twisty and sometimes dangerous so the ‘cozy’ vibe took some adjusting.
Kim
I’m a huge Russell and Holmes fan as well! One thing I’ve been very curious about over the last several installments are the family themes that have been popping up. Familial conflict (such as Russell and Mycroft’s conflict with Holmes in the middle), reuniting with long-lost family members, etc. I’m particularly intrigued by Russell’s thought of reaching out to her paternal grandparents in Boston. Perhaps a future trip might be in the works for her and Holmes?
Sophia Rose
Yes, that conflict with Mycroft and Mary is really something. Oh, I do like that idea of a potential case that takes her near her paternal grandparents now.