This series is one of the best, consistently erudite, mystery series out there and I was so thrilled that in book 19 (!), King has continued the streak. In this, we learn more about Russell's family and some about the past history of Ireland. Furthermore, I love the fact that every book of this series feels like a travelogue. Great series, great book. Seriously, try this series.

Knave of Diamonds is the nineteenth novel in the series that follows the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell. In this book at the beginning we are introduced to Jake Russell who is Mary's Uncle whom she hasn't seen since she was a child. He ends up showing up at at her doorstep asking for help as he was involved in a robbery of jewels.
Mary wants to help him only he doesn't want Sherlock to know about it. She knows that she doesn't want to hide it from her man and at the samd time her uncle was her biggest hero growing up. She decides to help him and sends little clues along the way to let Sherlock know that she is okay. Overall this was a very interesting installment.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

Knave of Diamonds is the 19th book in Laurie R. King's long-running historical mystery series Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes. This is only the third one I've read after books 17 and 18. Each of these books had cases that stand alone. I do feel I've missed out on important issues by not starting at the beginning, such as this: Why is young Mary Russell married to the WAY older Sherlock Holmes?! I'm trying to collect the previous books in the series so I can have that question answered!

When Mary Russell was a child, she loved her wayward Uncle Jake. When she didn't hear from him in years, she assumed he had come to a bad end. But then he shows up at her home in Sussex! He needs help from his niece. Why? It seems like Jake was involved in the infamous disappearance of the Irish Crown Jewels from a safe in Dublin Castle in 1907. The theft had shaken everyone involved, from the King to the government. It was. also the case Sherlock Holmes could not solve. Jake wants Russell to help him without telling Holmes about it. She can't do that! But then again, he is her deceased father's kid brother and her childhood hero. You just know she's going to help him!

Out of the three books I've read of this series, I believe this one may be my favorite! And the reason is Jake Russell. He may be a rogue, a knave, the family black sheep and no doubt a criminal, but he's also very charming. Russell (what everyone calls Mary) adored him as a child, but he disappeared from her life. She didn't see him even after her parents and brother were killed in a car accident, leaving her all alone. So she was shocked when he showed up! He expected Russell to leave with him and assist him, without telling her husband and partner Holmes. She couldn't resist Jake's pleas, but she had little ways of letting Holmes know she was okay. Holmes couldn't solve the theft of the Crown Jewels case, and Russell believed Mycroft Holmes must have somehow been involved. That can't be a good thing! Though there were some serious parts to this story, this one felt more lighthearted than the others I've read. I loved Russell's interactions with Jake, and those between Jake and Holmes. It's best not to get too much into the plot of this book; you'll want to try to solve the case alongside Russell and Holmes! (And I still want to know why she married the old guy!) One thing that fascinated me about this story is that I learned in the author's notes at the end that the 1907 theft of the so-called Irish Crown Jewels was an actual historic event and that some of the characters in the book were actual people. How cool is that?! I can't wait to read all about Russell and Holmes' next adventure!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Laurie R. King for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Knave of Diamonds coming out June 10, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I actually haven’t read the other books in the series. I wasn’t familiar with them. I love Sherlock Holmes stories so I was excited to check this out. I think Mary was a really strong and smart character. I enjoyed the story and mystery. I’ll have to check out more books by this author.

Mary and Sherlock find themselves traveling to Ireland to find the lost King’s jewels. This story is full of adventure and is based on a true story. It alternates POV between Mary, Sherlock, and Mary’s long-lost uncle, Jake, which adds more depth to the story. The chapters are short, but the plot is so complex that I couldn’t stop reading. This was a great read that stretched my brain trying to figure out what happened to the jewels!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Laurie R. King has delved further into the emotional lives and backstories of Holmes and Russell over the last few novels, and I am here for it! In Knave of Diamonds, we meet Russell's ne'er do well Uncle Jake, her father's brother. We learn that Jake was a transient presence in Mary's life before the death of her family, but she remembers him fondly, even as he involved her and her brother in questionable schemes. Now Jake has resurfaced after a decade and he embroils Holmes and Russell in a case involving an unsolved heist of the Irish Crown Jewels. Told in alternating perspectives of Russell, Jake, and Holmes, the story unfolds in parallel timelines, with intriguing gaps and additions to the timeline, and one somewhat unreliable narrator, this was a thoroughly satisfying and enjoyable addition to the series.

I wish I knew how to quit this series...

Despite the fact that I RUN to read the newest book in this series each time one comes out, it’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed one as much as the first few I binged when I first discovered the series (in 2018).

I think what initially drew me to them was Mary’s independence (both financial and relationship-wise) and intellectual pursuits, and I loved to imagine myself in her shoes. Reading them was almost like a daydream of another life. However, these later books have been more plot-driven than character-driven and I feel much less of that connection to her.

With this one specifically, the plot was chaotic, the mystery was lackluster and the most interesting character (The O’Mahony) was in it far too little. I did, however, enjoy the Irish history that was woven in.

I'm only giving this two stars, but I know I'll still clamor to read the next one. *shrug*

This most recent installation in Laurie R King's Mary Russell series finds Russell and Holmes just home from their latest adventure, only to discover Jacob Russell, Mary's long list Uncle has finally reappeared. And he brings with him ...intrigue.
I've been waiting and hoping to see a hint of Uncle Jake since reading the short story that introduced him. I still remember the hope that dear Russell, who has lost so very much, might find her lost uncle. And though we had to travel Europe a bit as Russell and Holmes solved mysteries in glamorous locales, we finally got there. It was absolutely worth the wait.
At this point in a series (book nineteen) it's as much about the characters as the mystery. This time the mystery was fun, our detectives are tracking down the stolen Irish Crown Jewels, missing since a mysterious set of circumstances in 1907. It was delightful, following Russell and Holmes (and Uncle Jake) as they traversed bits of the UK and Ireland in search of the jewels. These mysteries often offer up a historical figure or two, and this had so many among the persons of interest! It really made me want to read more about this curious set of real life characters. Ms. King even notes that she actually had to take down a few of these real life characters to make them feel believable.
But most gratifying in this story was the new developments among our characters. Seeing Russell and Holmes both try to adapt to Uncle Jake's reappearance, and how it changes Russell's concept of her own family was lovely and sweet for a reader who also sees Mary Russell as family. There were some elements that came together in this story that felt so perfect and complete that I marveled when I saw what had done. This was a delightful blend of historical fiction and mystery, and I can't wait to see what comes next in Mary Russell's life.
I've posted this review on my social media pages, and to Barnes and Noble website. All the links are included.

I’ve only got to see the names of Sherlock Holmes, Mycroft. Watson and now the Russells to know there is a good story, always long and convoluted but one that will keep you turning pages. This story did not disappoint.

Jake Russell, the shady uncle chequered past reappears with a very strange story. The Irish Crown Jewels which disappeared is now in the news amongst pa small group of men, each of which have different reasons to get hold of them. Their whereabouts are vague and in pursuit of them Jake is able to persuade Mary to join in the escapade. Holmes catches on and follows his intrepid wife. Complicated forays all turn up nothing in this story of family loyalty, hushed up scandals involving royalty, skirmishes with the Dublin and London police till the final twist in the tale.

Very good reading, not so much detection but carries on at a goodly pace.

Back in Sussex following extended travels, Holmes is called away to London when Mary Russell's long-lost con-man uncle Jake shows up, looking for Mary's help in tracking down the Irish Crown Jewels. The jewels disappeared from a strong room in Dublin Castle in 1907 and uncle Jake just may have played a role in the heist, which Sherlock investigated at the time but his solution to the case was ignored lest it cause some governmental embarrassment. Mary and her safe cracking skills accompany Jake to Ireland, with Holmes not far behind. They encounter a number of unique and interesting characters along the way, and the story fills in some of Mary's family history. An excellent mystery and, as always, rich with historical details. I love this series; Laurie R. King never disappoints!

Although I love the original Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes stories, I also love many of the new novels based on the character. One of the best series is Laurie R. King's Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes series. These novels center on young Mary who became an apprentice to a retired Sherlock Holmes, eventually to become his partner and later his wife. The best part of this series is the smart self sufficient female protagonist and the fantastic relationship between the two characters. King always sets the stage with historical events and famous people. All the characters are as richly described as the scenery and the stories are always a fun diversion. This time around events hit close to home, when Mary's long lost uncle reappears. Any long running series is bound to be a bit uneven. This novel was slower paced than most of King's stories; there seemed to be a lot of exposition and little action for the first third of the book. The story also had less real mystery than usual, but it was carried by the introduction of some fantastic new characters and a lot of great dialogue. I accessed advance reading and listening copies of this book from the publisher and alternated between the two formats. The chapters of these books always alternate between the main characters' points of view and this audiobook had separate narrators for Holmes, Russell, and her uncle Jake. All three actors did a fine job and if you like audiobooks, you will not be disappointed. The audiobook also has a bonus short story at the end.

Knave of Diamonds AUDIO by Laurie R King is Book 18 in the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes partnership/marriage which has been quite successful so far. Mary makes me laugh because she always tries to keep things from Holmes and he always knows. I find that extraordinary considering how bright she is. This time, her long-lost uncle has appeared. He had been somewhat of a black sheep when she was a child and after a particularly interesting jaunt where she and her brother helped him defraud a man out of his pub, her father banished him. The banishment probably wouldn’t have lasted as he was a favorite of all, but then, the automobile accident and Mary was sent to her aunt in Sussex. Now he was back and wanted Mary to help him retrieve the Irish “crown jewels” which had disappeared years earlier. In an odd turn, Sherlock was in London at the same time, discussing the “crown jewels” with Mycroft. He was not inclined to help as they had ignored what he had said when it happened and he’d been called to investigate.

Mary and Sherlock are an odd pair, Sherlock so many years older than she. But, it works. She is a clever as he and he knows and respects that in her. They lead a pleasant life when they are at home, she with her books and he with his bees. They travel often, sometimes at the behest of a client. Wherever they go, mysteries seem to find them. This was indeed a mystery. But, Jake had a reason, not purely that of a thief, for wanting to find they jewels. It softened her heart for him, which was already pretty soft. The mystery and chase was a good one, meeting some interesting folks along the way, as always, some of whom would become permanent fixtures in their lives. It was a good book.

Always, a joy to read, this is the first time I’ve listened to the audiobook. It was a different experience. The readers were Amy Scanlon, Jefferson Mays, and Steven Crossley who did a nice job, although in “Mary’s chapters” the voice for Jake was different than in the other chapters. Noticeable. Other than that they did a wonderful job. Very easy to listen to.

I was invited to listen to Knave of Diamonds by Remedia and to read by Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Remedia #RandomHousePublishingGroupBallantine #AmyScanlon #JeffersonMays #Steven Crossley #LaurieRKing #KnaveOfDiamonds

This has been a mystery series I have enjoyed for years and I was excited to pick up this latest book and it did not disappoint. While I have thoroughly enjoyed the Damien Adler storyline I'm so glad that in this book we are getting more time in Russell's past and we are digging into a case that has haunted Holmes for years.

I loved getting a peek into a slightly more vulnerable Russell as well as dealing with a decades old cold case that has been a sore spot for multiple law enforcement and both the Holmes brothers. I did love seeing Mycroft having some page time as it feels like it's been a while since he's played a really active role that isn't just pulling strings way behind the scenes.

The mystery kept me engaged and I really enjoyed seeing all the characters work their different roles. I do prefer when Holmes and Russell to work together more but that's a pretty minor issue. This is not a series to just jump into as there are a lot of characters and the lines connecting them can be a bit convoluted. I would think it would be a bit confusing to new readers. That said, if you start from the beginning I think you will find a solid and interesting series of mysteries with compelling characters. Even if you aren't the biggest Holmes fan (I am not), this is an enjoyable series and this was a fantastic latest entry. I'm really looking forward to a reread of the whole series at some point soon.

This story was so well done and I really enjoyed it. I enjoy reading from this author and I'm looking forward to the next book. The plot was really well explored and I enjoyed the overall story. The characters were great and I was able to dive myself into this book. It was well done and I highly recommend. This book was so good.

“Knave of Diamonds,” by Laurie R. King, Bantam, 320 pages, June 10, 2025.

When Mary Russell was a child, she adored her black-sheep uncle, Jacob Russell. But she hasn’t heard from him in many years. She was 11 the last time she saw him.

Her parents and brother are long dead. She is now an adult and is married to Sherlock Holmes. They live in Sussex, England.

She’s assumed that Uncle Jake’s ways have brought him to a bad end somewhere. Years ago, Jake was involved in the infamous disappearance of the Jewels of the Order of St. Patrick from a secure safe in Dublin Castle.

The theft of the jewels, known as the Irish Crown Jewels, shook a government, enraged a King, threatened the English establishment—and baffled not only the Dublin police and Scotland Yard, but Sherlock Holmes himself.

Jake did keep watch over his niece from a distance. And saw Holmes’ illegitimate son, the artist Damian Adler, marry his wife, Aileen Henning, in a village near Paris. Adler is also the son of the late singer, Irene Adler.

The day after Russell and Holmes return home from the wedding, Sherlock leaves for London to meet his brother, Mycroft, who is a government official. After he leaves, Patrick Mason, their farm manager, arrives and he has Jake with him.

The book is split among three narrative points of view, with excellent characters and a fast-moving plot. The historical details are interesting, too. This is the 19th in the series.

I rate it five out of five stars.

In accordance with FTC guidelines, the advance reader's edition of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

I happily received this ARC from NetGalley as a long-time fan of this series. In the previous book, we had a nice jaunt into some of Holmes' family backstory, and in this installment, we learn more about Russell's, particularly her uncle Jake. He shows up seemingly out of the blue and sweet talks Mary into accompanying him into a potentially criminal plot. (Will she/won't she?) Of course, Holmes is standing by assessing this family member with the faults of his own family in the background and making his own choices quietly in the background. In addition to the family story, there is the romp of the mystery that fans of this series have come to expect - with the travel and twists that make it all so much fun. By the end we even get a glimpse of a new character that promises to bring added fun to future installments. Thoroughly enjoyed this one!

A new Russell/Holmes book is always a highlight of my reading year, and if the book features more insights into their family histories, that’s even better…”Locked Rooms” and “The Lantern’s Dance are among my favorites for that reason. King’s newest reunites Mary with her beloved Uncle Jake, who has been absent from her life for many years. Despite the years apart, Jake’s appearance brings back many good memories of adventures (or misadventures) with him.
However, Uncle Jake isn’t there for a warm family reunion, but to talk to Mary about a years-old mystery that has yet to be solved and in which he is involved…the theft of the Irish Crown Jewels, a crime which Holmes investigated years ago.
“Knave of Diamonds” is another great Russell/Holmes story. Good characters and adventure.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an advance copy for review.

I enjoy this series. I like the partnership between Holmes & Russell. I like the setting and the solving of the mystery.

I hope for many more in this series.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was a little put off by the beginning of this latest in the Mary Holmes series. I've loved the earlier books, and I was disappointed when the narrator of this book was Mary's Uncle Jake.
In addition, Jake's story was a lot of telling and not much doing, and it took awhile for the action to heat up. Once Mary, Jake and Sherlock got into motion, though, this became a typical, terrific story. The audio was well narrated, with Amy Scanlon and Robert Ian Mackenzie smoothly voicing the characters.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A long lost uncle and an unsolved case intersect

Mary Russell and husband Sherlock Holmes are about to head back to England after a spate of interesting events on the Continent when Holmes receives a summons from his brother Mycroft. They have no sooner arrived at their Sussex home than Holmes is off to London, where Mycroft attempts to persuade him to look into a case (one which Holmes previously investigated but the powers that be refused to act on his findings in order to avoid government-adjacent scandal) which has resurfaced with the recent release from prison of one of the parties involved. Meanwhile, Russell receives a surprise visit herself once Holmes has departed, from her uncle Jack Russell whom she hasn't seen for many years...for so many years that, especially given his proclivity for dubious (i.e., criminal) adventures, she has long assumed he was dead. Particularly since he did not appear when her parents and brother were killed in an auto accident, leaving her orphaned. She always had a fondness for the dashing, and charming man nicknamed The Knave by her late mother (a fondness which her mother shared, though tempered with bemused frustration), and had in fact been called in to help him on a con when she was just a child. Jack has appeared with a request...he was involved with an escapade back in 1907 which had caused quite an uproar but has never been settled, and he believes that with Russell's help he can make the matter right. There's only one problem....Jack's' escapade and Mycroft's revisited case are one and the same, the theft of the "Irish Crown Jewels", also known as the Jewels of the Order of Saint Patrick, which disappeared from Dublin Castle and have never turned up. The two investigations soon merge into one, with Holmes not altogether certain that Jack is being completely honest nor that he can be trusted. Traveling back and forth to Ireland (which means sea voyages for Russell, which she doesn't enjoy, as well as requiring care given the troubles unfolding between the Irish people and the English). A Boer war hero whose war experiences have rendered him less than gentlemanly (particularly when he drinks), the widow of the man who had been charged with keeping the jewels safe, rumors of homosexual rings and more must be investigated if they are to find out what happened to the jewels and, if they still exist, what should be done with them.
Author Laurie R. Kings as always weaves fascinating historical tidbits, interesting twists on the Holmesian canon, and a group of fascinating, well-developed and highly entertaining characters. I loved "meeting" Uncle Jack Russell, a lovable rogue who claims he never stole from anyone who couldn't afford the loss, and whose life is a bit like a never-ending game of Three Card Monte. Red herrings provide plenty of misdirection, but with Holmes and Russell on the case its pretty hard to keep the truth from being discovered. The chapters alternate between the points of view of Jack, Russell, and Holmes which proves highly effective, and the novel is both a strong new entry into the established series while also being easily read and enjoyed as a standalone. I thoroughly enjoyed it, as I have the series from its beginning, and I recommend it for those who enjoy the legend that is Sherlock Holmes, those who enjoy a female protagonist who can more than hold her own in a time when women were usually relegated to the sidelines of life, and readers of Jacqueline Winspear, Stephanie Barron and Carole Nelson Douglas (whose Irene Adler mysteries are another delightful read). My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine/Bantam Books for granting me access to this latest adventure in exchange for my honest review.