Laurie R. King is a masterful storyteller, always a pleasure to read. I love the way she interweaves accurate historical data with her always-intriguing storyline. The surrounding characters breathe and interact with the main characters (Mary Russel & Sherlock Holmes) in realistic and delightful drama and humor.

I always have to slow down my reading speed so I can make the joy last longer.

I never thought anyone could capture the essence of Doyle's Holmes outside of his books, until I read Laurie R. King.

I'm very fond of these book and have read the whole series so far. While not as good as the original Sherlock Holmes mysteries they are still some of the best mysteries out there. I highly recommend for all mystery lovers

I loved the setting for this story. The tale itself was very intriguing with multiple points of interest. The adventures of Russell and Holmes were great to tag along on.
Many thanks to Ballantine Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

The redoubtable Mrs. Hudson reappears in RIVIERA GOLD, alive and well and living in Monaco, where Mary has come in hopes of finding her. But not long after Mary’s arrival, Mrs. Hudson is arrested for the murder of a young man. In their efforts to clear her, Holmes and Mary are drawn into an investigation which ultimately involves a Riviera art colony, smugglers, an infamous arms dealer, and White Russian emigres. Ms. King weaves these disparate elements together with historical figures including Sara and Gerald Murphy, the Jersey Lily, and several famous artists and writers, and ties in a lingering mystery from THE MURDER OF MARY RUSSELL.

I thoroughly enjoyed RIVIERA GOLD. Mary and Holmes both seemed more themselves than they did in Island of the Mad (when, admittedly, they were both shaken by the events and revelations of the previous book.) The overall tone of RIVIERA GOLD is nicely balanced between the warmth and gaiety of the Riviera and the darker hues of danger and suspense. The pacing, too, is excellent: slow and leisurely at the beginning, as befits summertime on the Riviera, but ratcheting up steadily before taking off in a literal race to the finish. The dual mysteries are well-plotted, too, difficult but not impossible to unravel. King provides clues for the reader all along the way, not just through Mary’s first-person narrative, but via occasional third-party conversations between Mrs. Hudson and other people — mostly unnamed, though their identities become clear eventually.

As enjoyable and well-crafted as the novel is, however, I can’t in good conscience recommend it to anyone unfamiliar with the Mary Russell canon. Much of the thread involving Mrs. Hudson will be hard to understand if you haven’t at least read THE MURDER OF MARY RUSSELL. And honestly, the series as a whole is so well-written and so engaging that I can’t imagine jumping in mid-stream. If you’re new to the books, I highly recommend you start at the beginning with THE BEEKEEPER'S APPRENTICE. (See my series review, here.) If you are a long-time fan, you might wish to reread THE MURDER OF MARY RUSSELL first, so the details of Mrs. Hudson’s past are fresh in your mind… but as long as you remember the gist, you should find no difficulty, and much pleasure, in following the events in RIVIERA GOLD.

Another solid addition to a great series. I just finished it and I already want to read it again. Loved having Mrs. Hudson involved again and learning more of her past.

RIVIERA GOLD by Laurie R. King is another mystery novel in her series that features Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes (beginning with The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, and including titles like Dreaming Spies and The Murder of Mary Russell). Mrs. Hudson, having left Holmes' employ and settled in the Monte Carlo area, is a central figure in this latest work of suspense. In fact, King dedicates the book to "all the grey-haired ladies out there, filled with wisdom and mischief. And yes – to some of the men." With cameo appearances by Lillie Langtry and Pablo Picasso, King conveys the opulence of the 1920s. Russell and Holmes try to solve a murder of which Mrs. Hudson is suspected; even soliciting information from Mycroft Holmes who responds, "A professional beauty, an arms merchant, a Russian Count, and a Blackpool forger. Does this cast of disparate characters actually have anything to do with one another?" Read RIVIERA GOLD to find out! Given a starred review by Library Journal; this title could certainly be enjoyed as a stand-alone work and readers familiar with the excellent series will appreciate its references to past events even more.

Following the events in their Venice investigation, Mary Russell decides to accept a friend's invitation to join him crewing a sailboat to the French Riviera, Monte Carlo, to be exact. Before she walked out of their lives, Mrs. Hudson mentioned this exact city so Mary takes a chance and, naturally, a dead body, smugglers, an evil arms dealer, and Mrs. Hudson are all tangled up in a new case for Russell and Holmes.



Riviera Gold is the sixteenth mystery in the Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes series. The case itself is standalone, but the story threads tie in with two previous books so it works best read in order.



What a brilliant summer read! It was fun to vicariously visit the little country of Monaco and the sleepy towns and coasts of the area when the glitz is tarnished and the resurrection to glamour hasn't come back yet. Mary encounters several famous faces of the Jazz era in the course of her visit and investigation.



I found the murder to take back seat to all the other shadowy goings on in this book. It gets rolling slowly and the reader might be tricked into drowsily paging through the backdrop, introductions, and early set up including several brief scenes that Mrs. Hudson narrates. My antenna went on the alert when the mention of a lost fortune came up and a Russian Czar's treasure. There was just so much intrigue going on. The big mystery was the tension surrounding Mrs. Hudson herself. Mary and Holmes are at odds over whether Mrs. H is up to her old tricks or happened to end up in the mess.



One of the biggest draws to this series is both the juggernaut detecting team that is Russell and Holmes, but also the fascinating marriage they share. Holmes might be Victorian in many ways and much older while Russell is also a product of her age, but there is a warm glowing spark between the ill-sorted pair that makes it all work.



In the end, the climax had me flipping pages madly and I appreciated the denouement that tied up all the threads neatly. Oh, and hinted about their next case of vampires in Romania... I can recommend this series to Sherlock fans and also historical mystery lovers.

I absolutely adore the Russell and Holmes books! Sadly I have only read a couple of them but this is a series that I knew I would love the second I cracked open the first book a few years ago.

But as you can see this is a very long standing series and while I only read a couple of the books in the series, it’s a series that I know I would pick up again when I needed something guaranteed to be enjoyable.

When I was approached to read this book I debated about passing, simply because I knew there were a number of books I would need to read to get caught up on the series, but I also really loved the sound of this mystery and I ultimately caved and couldn’t wait to get reacquainted with some of my favorite characters.

Summary
It’s summertime on the Riviera, where the Jazz Age is busily reinventing the holiday delights of warm days on golden sand and cool nights on terraces and dance floors. Just up the coast lies a more traditional pleasure ground: Monte Carlo, where fortunes are won, lost, stolen, and hidden away.

So when Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes happen across the Côte d’Azur in this summer of 1925, they find themselves pulled between the young and the old, hot sun and cool jazz, new friendships and old loyalties, childlike pleasures and very grownup sins (summary from Goodreads)

Review
Ok so to be fair, I have only read the first two books in this series and while I loved them—it is clear that I have missed a lot from book two to this one (book sixteen). It’s not to say this book wasn’t good, but I just want to point out that I did feel like I missed a substantial part of the larger narrative. But at the end of that day that was ok by me because the mystery is what’s front and center in this book.

With seasoned mystery writers who have long standing series such as this, the authors usually do a great job at keeping the focus on the mystery so while I felt like I was missing back stories and plots, it wasn’t the central story of the book and the author did a great job keeping new readers up to speed with the lives and history of Mary and Holmes. I enjoyed the mystery so much and found myself falling in love with the series all over again and am eager to go back and read some of the other books in the series now!

As expected, the author did a wonderful job describing the south of France in glorious details, I could practically feel the sun on my face. The only thing that surprised me about this book was that the Holmes parts didn’t really make an appearance in the book until much later and in my limited experience with this series, I always felt that Mary and Holmes were much better together as their whit played off each other so well and in this book the first half was mostly just Mary. Mary is a strong character thought who is fully developed but I just enjoy the banter between her and Holmes so much that I missed that a little in this one.

Overall though this was an excellent installment to a longstanding fan favorite series! The cover is beautiful, the writing and mystery well done and engaging, and of course two beloved characters! I can’t wait to jump back into this series. This year I have really been making an effort to give into historical mystery series that I love but haven’t finished and this one is moving to the top of my list!

Book Info and Rating
Kindle Edition, 320 pages
Published June 9th 2020 by Bantam
ASIN B07XXDRMS2
Free review copy provided by publisher, Bantam, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 4 stars
Genre: historical mystery

5 Golden Stars

Let me preface this review by saying I am starting with this book as my first venture into the series. It would have been helpful to have read the previous stories but I am glad I read this as I now have a reason to go back and read all the others.
The reader is first teased with an intriguing look at a young woman that seems to befall on hard times in 1877. The next segment we are in 1925 and it is summer on the Riviera, Mary Russell, partner and wife of the world renowned sleuth Sherlock Holmes is deeply missing their former housekeeper Mrs.Hudson, who was more like family to her. No one knows where she is, but before she left she hinted about being fond of Monte Carlo. This happens very early on in the book so no spoilers here.
While sipping wine on a beach in the Riviera, Mary happens upon her beloved grandmother figure. It is clear she does not want to be recognized. Baffled by her reaction, Mary plays along. Mrs. Hudson does not return the next day and once again Mary is at a loss to what is happening.
I knew the age gap between Holmes and Mary prior to reading this book but they complimented each others eccentricities so perfectly! The chemistry and mutual respect is there and I often forgot about the vast difference in years.
The casinos are opulent and decadent and the scene where Mary plays at the roulette table really brought the feel for the era to me. The talent Ms. King displays in her vivid descriptions adds to the beauty and brings this time period to glorious life.
Mrs. Hudson is soon embroiled in a murder and is the chief suspect. A young men had bled out by a gunshot wound in her modest home. Mary and Holmes jump in to figure out who killed this individual. Mary never falters in her belief of Mrs. Hudson's innocence or character despite past deeds. Holmes on the other hand is a hard sell. He cares for his old friend with which he had an unusual connection but he now has his doubts.
Ms. King is a brilliant writer. Turning the pages you will encounter not only murder but forgery, deceit and greed that grip the reader to find out how Mrs Hudson is involved in all of this. A cast of notable characters along with a famous artist that once walked this Earth makes the story a delightful and unique adventure.
i can't wait to start reading Mary Russell's previous tales and highly recommend this shining gem. Happy Reading! Reviews left with Good Reads, KOBO, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book for my reading pleasure.'

I have read every book in this series and this one was one of my favorites! Learning more of Mrs. Hudson's past and featuring her as a main character is so much fun. I loved the setting, the secondary characters, and seeing Mary evolve and learn about herself. Accepting that maybe Holmes isn't always right. I hope we are Mrs. Hudson again soon!

Every time I pick up one the Mary Russell mysteries, I imagine her as Eleanor Roosevelt. Both are strong, intelligent women and were married to challenging men. Mary Russell is married to Sherlock Holmes. She’s lot younger than he is and manages to hold her own. The latest book, Riviera Gold, follows Mary as she leaves Venice in 1925, the setting for the last mystery, on a sailboat heading for the French Riviera and Monaco. Of course, where Mary goes, ill winds will follow. This time she finds herself helping the Holmes former housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson, who has been arrested for the murder of a young man. Of course, Holmes is there, but Mary is quite capable of solving mysteries herself. I loved the further development of Clarissa Hudson into an unexpected force in her own right with a history no one know about. I recommend that readers first read The Murder of Mary Russell. One of the things I like about Laurie King’s series is her lack of reminding people what happened in previous books.

Rivera Gold is a well paced story of mystery and intrigue which expands on the colorful backstory of Mrs. Hudson, and interweaves real life characters of the time period. Much of the story focuses more on Mary's investigative skills than on Holmes (referred to as Mary's violinist husband Sheldon Russell), though his line of investigation leads precariously close to political intrigue.

A number of story narratives revolving around Mrs. Hudson are (for the most part) resolved, as Mary's (and many longtime readers of the Conan Doyle Holmes stories) perception of the beloved and reliable housekeeper are challenged. I enjoy King's backstory for Mrs. Hudson, whose life prior to her role at Baker Street gives the character the complexity missing from the Conan Doyle stories.

I've enjoyed every one of Laurie R. King's novels, but particularly the Mary Russell series. I do so appreciate a writer who respects her readers' intelligence! Russell is a favorite character: as smart and practical and daring as some of my much-admired female forebears.

These books are the best of historical fiction, bringing alive an era and many, many exotic settings. This installment, set in Monaco and Cap d'Antibes, was a bit less fun for me -- although it had all the hallmark elements: puzzling crimes, psychological insight, sheer pluck, and the evolving relationship between the proto-feminist Russell, and her much older, famous husband, Sherlock Holmes.

The best part of the book for me was learning more about the intriguing Mrs. Hudson, who has had a life that Mary, who loves her, never dreamt of.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an advance readers copy.

Ended up not finishing it. I don't know if it was just me, but as a very longtime fan of Mary Russell, I sort of get the vibe LRK isn't as fond of the series as she once was.

I look forward to each new Mary Russell novel with great anticipation and I have yet to be disappointed. This newest adventure has Mary sailing off from Venice (leaving Holmes behind) destination Monte Carlo. Mary is hoping to track down Mrs. Hudson but when she does find her former housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson is barely recognizable. Now Miss Hudson is a friend of Lily Langtree and has been transformed with new hairstyle and fashionable clothes. Mary knows that something is up because her friend gives her only a mild nod and indicates that she is not free to communicate. When Miss Hudson is "detained" after a body is found in her rented flat, Mary knows that it is time to get Holmes involved but before she can send a telegram, he is there.

The twists and turns that are incorporated in this story had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Even though there are a few harrowing moments, this reader was far more interested in finding out the details of why and what then worrying about our friends - Russell, Holmes, and Mrs. Hudson.

A great addition to the series!

It's about time Laurie King returned to her Russell and Holmes. The ones we all used to love. This book reminded me why I began the series with the Bee Keeper's Apprentice. (You don't have to read them in order, but after this one, go back the first one. ) Nuance. Well developed characters. Rich textured clothing. And the comforting rituals of tea, lighting a pipe, and luxuriating next to one's own suitable mate. Holmes and Mary are back, stronger than ever. Mary is learning about the surprising background of Mrs. Hudson and how it led to the relationship as the Holmes' housekeeper. Mary comes to terms with her own presuppositions about Mrs. Hudson and unravels a mystery. All this on the Riviera. The peaceful beaches and the elegant settings tantalize the senses. Return to the best series that opens the door to the only women in the world who could tolerate and love Sherlock Holmes: Mary Russell and Mrs. Hudson.

Laurie King began writing historical mysteries featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes a number of years ago.  She began with The Beekeeper's Apprentice, a book that I loved, and has now made it to her 16th and  newest novel, Riviera Gold. 


There are many authors who write stories based on Sherlock Holmes. I think that the books by Ms. King are among the best in the genre.  In time, the story has made it to the Jazz Age and the novel has a mix of historical and fictional personages.  Among the real people are Gerald and Sara Murphy, but our intrepid duo is more interested in Mrs. Hudson.


There is murder and more in this title that I recommend.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Another gutsy performance by Mary Russell!

Before my eyes Mary Russell, investigator, intellectual/prodigy, wife and partner to Sherlocke Holmes, a derring do sailor (despite her dislike of sailing), art critic and avenging angel sails into Monte Carlo without Holmes. Of course she's never sure when, or if, Holmes will join her. Is already there, or off somewhere else?
Mary sails off from Venice with the Hon. Terry and gang, and after twenty-two days of hard work and avoiding sea sickness she arrives in Monte Carlo.
Mrs Hudson, now Clara not Clarissa, has left the Holmes abode. The last Mary heard (whilst in Venice) was that she'd been seen in Monte Carlo.
When Mary does see her, Mrs. Hudson is at a beach party with some of Mary's new and reasonably wealthy, avant garde friends, she's lending a hand minding the children.
All I can say to King is, "What did you do with Mrs Hudson?" Last I saw of her was in "The Murder of Mary Russell" leaving the Holmes' residence for--maybe Monte Carlo.
And now here's a new or rather evolving chapter in Mrs. Hudson's life, along with Mary and Holmes. Gone is the housekeeper. Now we have an older, more elegantly dressed woman, and as it turns out, a close friend of Lily Langtree.
This is a time charged with artists, arms dealers, old scores to be settled, smugglers, White Russians and more against the background of the Mediterranean.
It seems Mrs. Hudson touches all these concerns in some way or another. What is her end game? Well that's completely shrouded in mystery.
When Holmes arrives, he finds things have moved quickly and when Mary is threatened he moves like lightning.
I was glued. Throughout there is a feel of the giddy times of the 1920's--1925 to be exact.
Picasso turns up and there's a nod given I felt to his future works, in the descriptions of the scenes Mary and the group saw en route to a metal foundry for a pouring for bronze sculptures.
"Picasso would stand for a moment in admiration, then return to the conversation—leaving one with the conviction that the flowers, the boys, the shadow had been etched into his visual memory forever."
This was another cracker of a read!

A Random House - Ballantine ARC via NetGalley

I read some of the early books in this series. My interest was peaked by the description so I requested it from Netgalley.
The book is a good depiction of a certain type of people of leisure in the 1920’s. Mary went here and there and to another place. Sherlock was off on a different mission. Mary headed to the Cote d’Azur to see if she would be able to find Mrs. Hudson who departed 11 weeks prior.
There were a lot of extraneous events that were supposed to build the story but felt a little like filler. I did enjoy the descriptions of the beach.
I’m not sure why I only liked the story but it wasn’t as good as my memories of the first books I read years ago.
If you like the time period and mysteries, give this a try.

There are very few authors who can keep up an interesting series of substance for a span of sixteen books. Laurie King is in that special circle. Every book is meticulously researched so the reader feels they have experienced the setting first-hand.
I love Mary Russell's wit and independence. Her competitiveness with Holmes is a delight. Mary would never say it's a competition - but she lives for moments she can be a step ahead of him. Holmes is, as always, quite the man of mystery. He can assume any persona at the drop of a hat.
This installment finds them living the high life in Monte Carlo, hot on the trail of one Mrs. Hudson. For Mary, it's like suddenly realizing your grandmother used to be a burlesque dancer. It just doesn't compute that Mrs. Hudson - HER Mrs. Hudson - could have such a checkered past. Determined to unravel the mystery that is Mrs. Hudson, Russell and Holmes rub elbows with gamblers, smugglers, wealthy Americans, unsavory arms dealers, and a murderer...
A delightful escape as always. I am a long-time fan of this series. It never gets tired, and I continue to look forward to every new book!