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.

This is the 19th book in King’s Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series, and it’s as if the author returned to the character we first met, and fell in love with, in the first book of the series, “The Beekeeper’s Apprentice” (1994). This outing has Russell helping her long-missing uncle search for the Irish Crown Jewels that are still missing after being stolen a decade earlier.

This is a well-written, complex historical mystery with lots of twists and turns. King keeps her readers guessing what role Russell’s uncle played in the theft of the crown jewels, but she’s up to the challenge of helping him find them.

If you’re a fan of Mary Russell, but have been disappointed in the last several outings, pick up this book and you won’t be disappointed. If you’re new to this series, pick up “The Beekeeper’s Apprentice” and be introduced to the young woman, Mary Russell, newly graduated from Oxford and the then-newly retired Sherlock Holmes.

My thanks to Bantam and NetGalley for an eARC.

Know up front that I'm a fan of this long running series and also that you'll be fine with this as a standalone because King has created terrific characters and merged them with real events. This is told by Mary Russell, her black sheep Uncle Jake, and of course, Mary's husband Sherlock Holmes. Mary hasn't seen Jake for many years but now he's turned up, admitted he was involved in the 1907 theft of the Irish Crown Jewels and asked for her help in finding them. Turns out this was the one case Sherlock had heretofore been unable to solve. And, of course, that his brother is somehow connected. No spoilers but know that real people appear (I learned something while googling them). There's terrific verbal play between Mary and Sherlock. King's a terrific storyteller who has a way of keeping you reading past when you should have turned out your light for the evening. Thanks to netgalley fort the ARC. Great read.

Fans of Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, rejoice! We have a new volume, and—in my opinion at least—it is the best of recent additions to the series. Russell and Holmes mysteries are always good, but some rise above the "merely" good in one way or another. In this case, the real pleasure is the new additions to the cast of characters. We have at least one, perhaps two new members of the Russell/Holmes contingent, and I am hoping they'll be popping up again in future volumes.

I don't want to say more than that because at this point, one of the greatest pleasures of reading books in this series is to come to them without preconceptions and let the writing take you where you will. Enjoy!

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin Random House Publishing for an early copy of Knave of Diamonds by Laurie R. King

The dynamic duo of Russell and Holmes are working apart yet together as they attempt to retrieve the Irish Crown Jewels that had been stolen long before and are now brought to the forefront by an unexpected visit from Mary's estranged Uncle Jake Russell. In fact, Holmes had looked into the theft several years previously, but his work was hushed up by the British government and likely his brother, Mycroft.

Mary partners with her uncle on a journey to Ireland but fails to find the jewels. After they are confronted by a Mrs. Walsh, companion to Lady Vicars, they are given another chance to locate the jewels. This time, Holmes joins in the caper. When the jewels are located at the estate of O'Mahony, much of the facts rather than the fiction is revealed about the jewels. Mary also discovers a family heirloom which may have been Uncle Jake's motive from the very beginning.

Jake, always the renegade, may decide to return to his wayward lifestyle, but Mary and Holmes have grown to appreciate him and, after all, he is family.

Laurie R. King has included real-life characters O'Mahony and Francis Shackleton, brother of explorer Ernest Shackleton, which adds to the adventure that is Knave of Diamonds.

For fans of: Masie Dobbs books, Lady Emily mysteries
Title: Knave of Diamonds
Author: Laurie R King
Genre: 🔎 Historical Mystery
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌘
Violence: 🔪🔪
TW: Loss of family

Synopsis: Russell returns from the wedding of Holmes’s son to find her own family calling: the n’er do well uncle Russell has not seen since she was a girl wants Russell to help him locate the Irish Crown Jewels, missing since 190. But Russell questions the motives of this known confidence man who swaps skins almost as deftly as Holmes himself.

Thoughts: King capitalizes on the sparse backstory Arthur Conan Doyles provided to create her own rich history for Holmes & a future intertwined with Russell’s. Both are evidenced in ‘24’s The Dancing Lantern, as Russell and Holmes delve into puzzles surrounding the detective’s family. Likewise, the appearance of Uncle Jake in The Knave of Diamonds reveals more of Russell’s family history and unearths a case tied to Holmes’s past. King’s fertile imagination also builds a poignant treasure hunt around the question: what really happened to the Irish Crown Jewels? Could charming, chameleon-like, con man Jake have played a role? Expanding the narration to the 3 main actors—Russell, Jake & Holmes—allows the reader to experience the action from 3 POVs. It also spotlights the role trust, loyalty & justice play in family dynamics. I particularly enjoyed the insights into Holmes’s complicated feelings for his wife. 19 books strong, I can’t wait to see what further adventures await Russell & Holmes.

Thank you to Bantam & NetGalley for a gifted book in exchange for an honest review.

The Sherlock Holmes/Mary Russell series is one of my favorites and 18 books in, I am guaranteed to auto-buy any new release. That being said, I was excited to get this advanced reader’s copy for early review.

The book is based on the 1907 theft of the Irish Crown Jewels and involves the reappearance of Mary’s uncle, Jake, whom she hasn’t seen in many years. Contrary to her belief that he must by now be long-dead, Jake is very much alive and admits to Mary that he was involved in the theft of the Irish Crown Jewels. Sherlock reluctantly gets pulled back into the case, which he had originally investigated in 1907 and the developments stir up some old resentments. The book takes off from there and does a great job of reintroducing old characters, expanding our knowledge of Mary’s past, including filling us (and Mary) in on information about her parents.

The novel is unique to the other books in the series in that it offers us the additional point of view of Jake, who is such a valuable part of Mary’s backstory. Written from a 3-person perspective, the narrative moves quickly and is a great continuation of the series. Knave of Diamonds is readable as a stand-alone, but why would you deprive yourself of the 18 books that come before it? This is one of my all-time favorite series and Knave of Diamonds did not disappoint. Do yourself a favor and start at the beginning with Beekeeper’s Apprentice, but if you are lacking the time to read all 18, I do recommend this one!

Thank you to Random House-Ballantine Books and Net Galley for allowing me this advanced reader’s copy to review for my honest opinion.

I read a few of the early Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes books. This is the nineteenth in the series. It has a good plot, but the book started very slowly - it really didn't get interesting until half-way through. From then to the finale I really enjoyed the book.

The author chose to switch character viewpoints almost every chapter, but the Holmes and Mary chapters are in the third person, while her uncle Jake's chapters are in his voice, with his thoughts. I found this technique curious, and I'm not sure I really liked it, but I suspect I know why she did it.

All in all, a very good historical mystery once it gets going! Faithful followers of the series will not want to miss it.

I have read and loved every one of Mary Russell’s “memoirs” as written by Laurie R. King, but this novel seems different in both tone and atmosphere. I don’t like Knave of Diamonds any less than the previous novels in the series, but it definitely seems to be a departure. The story starts with a lot of talking, all of it necessary, but pages and pages of dialogue to bring the characters (and the reader) up to speed. And then when the action starts, it is nonstop and almost madcap in nature. Everyone is rushing here and there, and finally converging in a satisfying conclusion. The pace is lighter and faster, and certainly better suited to my current mood—and perhaps; to the national mood, which may be the point.

This is a fun and engaging novel, adjectives I don’t think I've ever used for this series before. And I also think it would be possible to read and enjoy it without having read other books in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Knave of Diamonds
By Laurie R. King

Laurie R. King is a prolific writer. She has been writing since the 1990s – she is the author of multiple series, the most famous of which is her Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes books. This is the 22nd book in the Russell/Holmes series. Having read other books in the series, I can say that the reader can pick up any book in the series and it will stand alone.

Mary Russell is Sherlock's wife. In this book, her ne'er-do-well uncle Jacob (Jake) Russell shows up on their doorstep. He manages to convince both Mary and Sherlock that they need to help him recover the Irish Crown Jewels which had been stolen in 1907 from an impregnable safe and never recovered. It seems that Jake had played a part in the theft. At the time, Holmes had investigated and written a report solving the crime, only to have the investigation buried.

Now the three of them once again are on the road to solve the case and find the missing jewels. The story is told in chapters told by each of them in turn. Thus the reader gets the story from three different perspectives. This makes for a very interesting read. The cast of characters, while plentiful, is intriguing and easy to follow. And you don't have to be a Sherlock Holmes fan to enjoy these books.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

Knave of Diamonds by Laurie R. King is the next wonderful installment of the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series. Mary’s Uncle Jack visits, asking for Mary’s help recovering a treasure. Mary decides to help him despite the fact it’s a case Sherlock failed to solve years ago. What will happen when Sherlock catches up with them?

I loved this book! Not only was it in Mary’s and Sherlock’s perspectives, but we also got to hear from Uncle Jack as well. I thought it was a well developed mystery, and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I can’t wait for the next installment!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for access to an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this latest in the Holmes/Russell series. The couple are attending the wedding of Damien, Holmes's son. in France. The couple return to London and Mary goes on to Surrey while Holmes is summoned by his brother Mycroft. Mycroft alludes to new activity in an unsolved case involving Holmes many years ago. The theft of the Irish Crown Jewels created an uncomfortable time for the British government. The King was furious and Holmes frustrated when the case was suddenly dropped.
Mary's beloved Uncle Jake who seemingly abandoned her many years ago enters the picture with ties to and information about the theft. Soon Mary and Holmes are deeply involved following leads based on Jakes information. Things get touchy between the couple when Holmes expresses doubts about Uncle Jakes veracity but Mary has faith in the man she remembers from childhood.
This is #19 in the long running series and unlike some earlier titles in the series, it's a straightforward tale that doesn't require the reader to keep multiple characters and their relationships along with several subplots in mind. That's not to say it's simplistic, just that it's a pleasure to read an interesting mystery with good characters . Chapters are narrated by Holmes. Mary and Jake and we learn a lot about Mary's early life. Thanks to Netgalley and Bantam for the ARC.

Mary’s long-lost uncle Jake, the inveterate troublemaker and lovable rogue she had long presumed dead, suddenly shows up on her doorstep needing help. With danger and drama promised by a famous set of missing jewels, it’s a juicy beginning to the latest book in this long-running (30 years!) series, and it’s only fair after the last couple of books for an unexpected family member to appear from Mary’s side. As Mary decides to help Jake, it starts to look like a Mary-only adventure, but Holmes cottons on to what must be happening and soon joins in, making this perfectly-titled novel the best kind of book in this series: with fan favorite Mary holding her own as a fully-fledged investigator but with her husband’s participation still giving readers the old-school fun of a Sherlock Holmes novel. It would be hard to ask for more—there’s international intrigue, a role for Mycroft, and a terrific character in Jake, from whom young Mary learned some shady skills. The ending is satisfying on many levels. Well done, Laurie King!

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for a digital advance review copy.

Thanks to NetGalley, Bantam Books, and RB Media for the digital copy of this book and audiobook; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I fell in love with the Russell/Holmes series way back in 1998, when I started borrowing audiobook cassettes from the library. I have eagerly anticipated each book because of Laurie R. King’s writing. It’s such a pleasure to read engrossing historical fiction that is expertly researched and put upon the page.

Such is the case with Knave of Diamonds. The crux of the mystery surrounds the disappearance of the Irish Crown Jewels in 1907. They were in a secured safe at Dublin Castle a couple of days before an investiture ceremony involving King George and Queen Mary. Mary Russell’s black sheep Uncle Jake was rumored to be involved in the heist, and he disappeared from Mary’s life during her formative years.

Now, Uncle Jake is back, looking for help from Mary, adding a third POV narrative. I was a little worried about listening to the audiobook because the former narrator, Jenny Sterlin, embodied Mary Russell with every breath. However, Amy Scanlon, Jefferson Mays, and Steven Crossley do an excellent job of narration and add their own unique style to the book.

What’s interesting about Jake’s return is that he wants Mary’s help to find the missing jewels. What’s even more interesting is that Sherlock had investigated the theft, provided the authorities with his thoughts and was dismissed. Now Jake is asking Holmes and Russell to hunt for the stolen items.

As is the case with some of the Russell/Holmes mysteries, there are mentions of real-life people scattered throughout the text. F. Scott Fitzgerald (who made an appearance in another volume of the series), Arthur Conan Doyle, and even DCI John Kane, who was the actual detective assigned to the case.

Knave of Diamonds can be read as a standalone mystery novel, but King’s writing is so good, you’ll want to go back and read the rest of the series!

We finally meet Russell's uncle Jake and he was not at all disappointing! The Knave Of Diamonds is a excellent addition to the long line of Russell/Holmes series. Long time readers are used to the Russell/Holmes dynamic so it was fascinating to read about it from Jake's perspective! Once again, Laurie R. King manages to blend history with her own characters to create an amazing mystery that I couldn't put down!

The latest entry in King's Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes mystery series is layered with surprises and past connections. Mary and Holmes have just returned to Sussex from Damian Adler's wedding in France in 1925, attended by family and the avant garde circle of friends to Damian and Aileen, such as Gerald and Sara Murphy, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Picasso, and Josephine Baker. Holmes leaves for London for a meeting with his brother, Mycroft when who should appear on Mary's doorstep but Jake Russell, Mary's long lost uncle who she has had no word from since her family died in the automobile accident in 1914. Why is he here?

Jake needs her help. He tells the story of the last fourteen years to Mary from which she learns he was involved in the famous theft of the Irish crown jewels in 1907 in Dublin. Jake persuades Mary to help him search for the crown jewels. An adventure-filled trip to Ireland ensues, an endeavor soon joined by Holmes when he returns from London. Who has the jewels? Why is Jake on the trail now, after all these years?

The chapters are narrated by Jake, Mary, and Holmes, revealing the progress of their hunt and Jake's relationship with Mary and Holmes. King is skilled at depicting her characters on a quest with notable twists and turns and a very satisfying conclusion. Fans of the Russell and Holmes series will not be disappointed. Anyone who enjoys historical mystery fiction or fiction inspired by classic mysteries should try King's series.

The search for the Irish Crown Jewels turns into a farce starring Jake Russell, Mary Russell, and Sherlock Holmes, with supporting roles played by numerous rogues, gentlewomen, and peers. The historic theft was so outrageously ridiculous that only an equally ludicrous best-plans-go-to-hell hunt would ensue. Enjoy!

The nineteenth book in the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series reunited Mary with her Uncle Jake. She hasn't seen him for many years but remembers all sorts of childhood adventures with him. Jake has had a long career as a conman and thief.

He's come to see Mary after being sure that Sherlock wasn't around because he wants her help. Back in 1907, Jake was involved in the theft of the Irish Crown Jewels. The jewels disappeared somewhere along the way and Jake believes that he and Mary can find them now.

Sherlock was also involved in the case at the request of his brother Mycroft. However, when the case led to uncovering homosexual scandal, the case was buried really, really deep. Holmes has had that unfinished case lingering in the back of his mind for many years.

This story is told from three viewpoints. Jake, Mary, and Sherlock all take turns telling the story. It was another excellent historical mystery.

I will readily admit that I approached this book with some trepidation feeling that, perhaps, Laurie R King was grasping a bit this far into the series. I'm happy to report how wrong I was. The POV format was perfect for this telling and added a certain charm resulting in another triumph. I quite enjoyed seeing all the threads pulled together in the end to give such a refreshing (and rejuvenating) ending.

This review is based on an advance copy that I received for free.

This is so odd... I thought I had reviewed Knave of Diamonds. Another mystery for Russell and Holmes to solve. Oh, well.

I fell in love with the Russell/Holmes duo... 30 years ago? I think it's 30 years. Way back with The Beekeeper's Apprentice. I found it at a local library on the New Books shelf, crammed in among much flashier volumes. There was a bee on it somewhere, as I recall, and a crown. I thought something along the lines of bees? Beekeepers? Sherlock Holmes?!!! And I pulled it off that shelf (it was a very crowded shelf) and haven't stopped reading and enjoying the series since.

There have been entries i didn't enjoy as much, and even one that I don't know if I ever finished. That doesn't matter. For the most part, they are just lovely. It's like falling into a book when you were a child-- you're not reading a story, you're somehow moving through it along with the protagonists. ( This is Ms. King's literary magic... she transports you to whatever time and place she wishes for you to occupy!)

Many people gently complain about the way Russell and Holmes are often separated. I feel that way, too. However, a Holmes by his or herself is better than no Holmes at all. (Perhaps that should be her or his self... ) Likewise, I'm not overly fond of Jake. But... if reading about Jake gets me my Russ & Holmes fix, count me in!

Can this book be read alone? I think probably, but so much would be lost. Do yourself a favor, get hold of at least the first few volumes in the series, read and enjoy them, then, when you have a handle on things, then, start this volume. You won't regret it. You absolutely won't.

Oh! My thanks to Ms. King, the publisher and Netgalley for making this e-book available to me. I've had it on my books to read list for months already. Now I just have to wait for the copy I ordered. I'll read it again when it comes. : )