Knave of Diamonds - Historical Mystery Review

Goodreads: Knave of Diamonds (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes #19) by Laurie R. King

Rating:  Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  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's 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 a secure 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 Homes 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 Jake, even briefly, could only place her in opposition to both her husband-partner, and to 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, beloved and long-lost survivor of a diminished family.

Conflicting loyalties and international secrets, blatant lies and blithe sounds like another case for Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes.

Genre:  Mystery - Historical

Why I Picked This Book:  I have been reading this series for years and thoroughly enjoyed the last few books especially.

My Impression:  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.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely!  I really enjoy this series and this one did not disappoint.  

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you enjoy mysteries with a little bit of adventure this is a great series but start from the beginning. 

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *