I hope Ms. King never runs out of ideas. These books (all of her books) are so well written and wonderfully conceived.
This is another glorious jaunt with Russell and Holmes with the addition of Uncle Jake.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

I have read and loved many of the Mary Russel novels. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for Knave of Diamonds. My primary problem with the novel was the first 1/3. Too much time is spent telling the reader about the theft of the Irish Crown Jewels, an historic crime that occurred in 1907. Since the theft has never been solved and the jewels never recovered, it is fair game for a mystery novel. If this history had been brought out, either as a brief introduction or as information presented throughout the book, I would have been happier. As it was, by the time I got into the action (which, as usual, was well presented, I had lost interest in the book.

I do, however, look forward to future Mary Russel novels.

I must admit that I’ve enjoyed the last 2 Russell & Holmes novels. I have kept up with purchasing hardcovers as they are released but prior to being invited to read the last three as ARC’s. I had gotten bogged down around ‘Justice Hall’. The spark that ignited with ‘The Beekeepers Apprentice’ had waned for me.

That stated, these last two books, ‘The Lantern’s Dance’ & now ‘Knave of Diamonds’ have recaptured all the magic from the early days.

This time it’s Russell encountering a (believed) long lost Uncle Jake. Her deceased father’s Black Sheep of a younger brother whom Russell had presumed long deceased. Still miraculously alive and wheedling her into some less than legal shenanigans.

I loved everything about this book. From the joyous wedding at the beginning with all the famous artists and musicians from the 1900’s attending. To Holmes satisfaction in finally knowing something that his all-knowing brother Mycroft was unaware. To the interactions between Jake and Mary, and the unintended acquisition of a new housekeeper. (which was frankly hilarious).

Highly, HIGHLY recommend!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

When a new Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes book is published, it is an elementary fact that I will be reading it. After all, I had read or listened to all of the other 18 books in the series and could not have enjoyed them more, finding them adventurous, exciting, suspenseful and composed of colorful and unique characters. The settings were always stunning, the clothes and costumes imaginative, and the intriguing mysteries and plots making the tales memorable. The books should not be imagined as simply more stories involving Sherlock Holmes by those readers who have not yet ventured in to reading Laurie R. King’s novels. They are unique in their inclusion and focus on Mary Russell, Sherlock’s wife, her marriage and working relationship with the famous detective and Mary’s to be lauded self-sufficiency and bravery. Knave of Diamonds alternates chapters with Mary, Sherlock and Jake each providing their own narrative but Mary is once again at the center of the scheme as it is her past that defines the present activities and her family history that is germane to the adventure that unfolds.
Knave of Diamonds is historical fiction based on the true event of the theft of the Irish Crown Jewels in 1907. The Jewels of the Order of St. Patrick had vanished from a safe at Dublin Castle, a few days before the arrival of King George and Queen Mary in Ireland for an investiture ceremony. The jewels, in a tower strong-room, consisted of a jeweled badge and star, diamonds and gemstones and ceremonial collars containing gems. The reader can easily find information on the disappearance of the Crown Jewels, and the characters portrayed in the story who were very real and actually connected to the theft. Knave of Diamonds brings the story of the stolen jewels to light for those not familiar with the theft or those interested in it while intertwining aspects of the theft with the exploits of the three protagonists.
Jack Russell, brother of Mary’s father, who died in a car wreck along with Mary’s mother and brother, was disowned by his grandparents when Mary was seven or eight years old. Mary’s mother called her brother-in-law “The Knave” as he was a bit of a rogue with a checkered history. The family even believed he was connected to the theft of the Crown Jewels. Mary last saw him when she was eleven and last heard from him when she received a letter from him after the death of her family. Jake sudden appearance and his admitting to his own involvement with the theft of the jewels as well as his association with culprits involved, drive the plot surrounding the hunt for the stolen items and his need for the assistance of his niece. Sherlock had been a detective on the case of the missing jewels but his proposals regarding the case had been dismissed and he had turned his back on the case. Now, alongside Mary and Jake, he is involved in the search and the game is afoot.
The novel is heavy with name-dropping, with both real and fictional people. There are passing mentions of Arthur Conan Doyle, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Detective Chief Inspector John Kane, who was involved with the actual theft of the Irish Crown Jewels. Sir Arthur Vicars and Frank Shackleton and Captain Richard Howard Gorges are all intergral to the story and are historical real life persons implicated in the actual theft.
King makes references to Detective Chief Inspector G. Lestrade of Scotland Yard, Sherlock’s friend and participant in other Sherlock Holmes books, and Mrs. Hudson, housekeeper and mother figure to Mary who has left the Holmes’ employment. Louise Holmes, Sherlock and Mycroft’s mother is mentioned. Damian Adler, Sherlock’s son, and his wife Aileen, play cameo roles, if I may use that phrase. Mycroft, Sherlock’s brother, who has been professionally involved with the case of the Crown Jewels, is tangentially involved in the proceedings. Even Sherlock’s bees are alluded to.
The story is lively and especially interesting if the reader, like myself, likes a compelling tale that invites you to delve deeper in to the subject matter and separate fact from fiction. It is unlike most of the Holmes stories with its connection to a real event but is engaging in its own right and I recommend it. The story stands on its own but I believe is more enjoyable reading if you have some familiarity with the aforementioned characters and their own connections and histories.
I want to thank NetGalley and Bantam for an advance copy of Knave of Diamonds, This is my honest review of Laurie R. King’s book.

I really enjoyed this latest adventure with Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes. I've been a fan for over twenty years and I feel like this book had a great balance of historical research and adventure-- some earlier books tended to have a bit too much of the former, despite how interesting King's subject matter always is. I enjoyed meeting Russell's Uncle Jake and am excited to see what another particularly intriguing new character will be up to next. While I doubt people are going to jump straight into book 18 of a long-running series, I'll definitely continue to recommend these books.

Mary Russell hasn't seen her roguish Uncle Jake in over a decade, but she has enough fond memories to hear him out when he shows up at her door with a convoluted tale. He asks for her help in tracking down the Irish crown jewels, infamously stolen in 1907. This is particularly awkward because her husband, Sherlock Holmes, was part of the hunt at the time and remains salty that his investigation was quashed. The unlikely trio engages in a fairly low-stakes romp across Ireland, meeting plenty of larger-than-life historical figures as they trace the purloined gems.

Laurie R. King once again displays her extraordinary storytelling skills and masterful prose in book #19 of the Mary Russell and Sherlock Homes historical mystery series. Devotees of the series know that Mary (called Russell in most of the books) is the much younger wife of renowned detective Sherlock Holmes and has become a skilled and trusted participant in her husband's investigations and adventures, along with some of her own.

This story features a character that Russell had thought dead for more than a decade, her Uncle Jake Russell. Jake has often been in trouble as a thief and con man, and he implores his niece to assist him in finding and restoring the Irish Crown Jewels to their rightful owner (despite the fact that he is considered one of the suspects in their theft). Russell knows this could negatively affect her relationship with Sherlock, but Jake was her childhood hero and the younger brother of her deceased father, who had perished along with Mary's mother and brother in a fiery crash years ago.

As always, the descriptions are fascinating and the story is immersive. One of my regrets, however, is that there is a great deal of exposition about Jake and his background, which slows the story down in the early chapters. I also felt the plot was so twisty and had so many characters as to make it difficult to follow (for me, anyway). But King's books are always worth reading, and her impressive research and imagination combine to produce ambitious, beautifully written mystery novels.

My thanks to Random House/Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher. This book was such a great read that I couldn't put it down. It had everything that I enjoy about this series including a tightly plotted mystery told from multiple viewpoints. Believed to be an orphan, Mary's black sheep uncle making an appearance at her home while Sherlock is away certainly is a shock to her as is the mystery that he quickly pulls her into regarding missing Irish crown jewels. Ms. King does a great job in keeping the reader guessing, and Uncle Jack is a wonderful addition a rich catalogue of supporting characters. Jack's background is slowly reveal and readers can understand why Mary has such fond memories of her uncle. I'm not going to rehash the plot as the book description does a wonderful job. Long time readers of the series won't be disappointed and newcomers will quickly find themselves rushing to find copies of back titles to immerse themselves in the world of Russell and Holmes. I'm looking forward to future titles and hope we get to see Mycroft soon.

After 17 delightful Russell/Holmes adventures, I was stunned to see a new one. After all, Holmes has to be around 80 by now. So while the story is largely Russell's, King finds a way to keep Holmes involved and relevant. Told from three perspectives, the story in fast moving and satisfying. The introduction of Holmes' mother (thought long dead), while not relevant to this adventure, hints at more to come from King. Fans will be thrilled and newcomers to the series will be hooked.

A solid entry in this series. A more fast paced adventure than typically, which I like. I enjoyed the multiple POV’s.

This is a very good Russell and Holmes mystery involving stolen Irish jewels and the reappearance
of Russell’s mysterious Uncle Jake with a new Mrs. Hudson thrown in for good measure.

The knave of diamonds is a story of family loyalty as well as a treasure hunt for cursed gems.

When her black sheep uncle turns up Mary Russell allows herself to be drawn away from her husband, Sherlock Holmes into a nefarious hunt for the fruits of a historically notorious robbery. She knows getting involved is a bad idea but feels obligated after having assumed her uncle was dead most of her life.

What follows is a labyrinthine trip through half lies and half-truths, entanglement with police as well as past victims. She also finds herself tempted to find and keep the treasure instead of returning it to the proper parties.

I have enjoyed all the Mary Russell novels and am reminded of a saying of Holmes, that gems are magnets for crime. It is fascinating watching Mary try repeatedly to search out the various locations where the stolen gems got cached, then moved. It’s a bit like a serial Indiana Jones adventure.

Mary mentions that it was fate that prevented her from being raised by her uncle, and I find myself wondering, with Mary mirroring her uncle's nefarious instincts, if possibly she might more than a niece...

This novel is suitable for Holmesian fans and young adults who are fond of Victorian mysteries.

I love this series and this book may be my favorite so far out of all of them. I loved the different POV's and the storyline. It was engaging, interesting, just delightful. I loved it and can't wait for more Russell and Holmes.

This was a solid entry in the series, though not one I would recommend for newcomers as the first foray into a Russell/Holmes adventure. In many ways, it was more of a character study of Jake Russell and his relationship with Mary than anything. This story was split into three POVs, which is unusual for this series-- Mary, Jake, and Holmes all take turns--but I did enjoy the effect the alternating viewpoints provided. The mystery in this novel is not one that I found to be particularly intriguing or complex; given that it had happened many years prior, it was more of a backdrop for travel and some minor hijinks as Uncle Jake and Russell reconnected. Not my favorite Russell adventure, but an enjoyable book that set up future Holmes an Russell tales.

This was a very pleasant addition to the memoirs of Mary Russell. Long lost black sheep Uncle Jake brings his dubious past baggage to Russell for assistance in resolving an old burglary gone wrong. Holmes becomes involved because he worked on the other side of this theft trying to discover where the Irish crown jewels went. It turns into a delightful little adventure in Ireland with no real danger or consequences, but still a good read.

I must admit to having mixed feelings about this book, but I don't think that's the fault of this particular book. I have loved the Mary Russell series for 20 years now, but have enjoyed the series less and less as the cast of permanent characters has expanded. What I loved was the dynamic & mystery solving abilities of Holmes & Russell together - in many of the recent books, they've been separated for large chunks while other characters take more of the spotlight. They've felt more like platonic business associates than a married partnership in the books published in the last decade or so, That's still the case..

It's not a bad book by any means. If you really enjoy the widening world of the series, you'll probably like this one. I must admit to not particularly caring about Russell's Uncle Jake, and this book is all about Uncle Jake. If you primarily like the Holmes & Russell dynamic, there's not much here.

England, 1920s: Mary Russell and husband Sherlock Holmes have finally returned home, a few days early, unfortunately, but Sherlock’s brother Mycroft needs them. While Sherlock is consulting with his brother in London, Mary’s black sheep Uncle Jake shows up asking for Mary’s help in a not-so-legal endeavor involving the Irish Crown Jewels.

A bit of back story: Russell (as she’s referred to in the books) met Sherlock Holmes on the Sussex downs when she was 15 years old. She had recently lost her parents and brother in a tragic car accident that left her both grieving and recovering from serious physical injuries. She quickly became his apprentice, then his his partner , and then - once Russell was of legal age, of course - his wife. There’s eighteen previous books in the series that describes their many adventures. Meanwhile, her Uncle Jake had disappeared before many years the accident, and based on a single short story, had truly earned the ‘black sheep’ title.

I really enjoyed this book! Some of the Russell books are a bit hit or miss, but this one was a hit - one of my favorites. Ms. King’s writing, as always, is lovely; in this book, she manages to have the point of view of three different characters, all with a distinct voice. And as a bonus, we get to meet Uncle Jake and meet a new delightful character, Mrs. Walsh, a ‘gloriously idiosyncratic kind of gem’.

Highly recommended. Despite it being part of a long running series, I think it works as a stand alone, although I also recommend picking up the others in the series. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley.com which I voluntarily reviewed.

It’s no secret that I love the Russell and Holmes series. I’ve read all the books and enjoyed every one of them. Among the many things I look forward to with each new installment are the clever extensions of the Sherlock Holmes canon as developed by Arthur Conan Doyle. Earlier novels have introduced new members of the Holmes and Adler families and elaborated an entire hidden past for Mrs. Hudson. This one—like “Locked Rooms,” one of my favorites in the series—focuses instead on Mary Russell’s past.

Russell, as she prefers to be known, is, of course, herself an extension of the canon—a female Sherlock Holmes. For the sake of readers who haven’t read as far into the series as I have, I don’t want to say too much about her family situation, which has been gradually revealed over time. “Knave of Diamonds” introduces her uncle, Jacob (Jake) Russell, a charming grifter assumed to have died fourteen years before the novel opens, when Russell was eleven years old. Jake’s last big con before his disappearance involved a set of diamonds known as the Irish Crown Jewels, the theft of which was investigated by, among others, Sherlock Holmes.

Holmes still bears a grudge fourteen years after the fact, because his original investigation and that of the Scotland Yard detective charged with the case were shut down by direct order from the king. So when his brother Mycroft asks Holmes to reopen the investigation on the grounds that the jewels have resurfaced, Sherlock Holmes refuses—until he returns home and realizes that Russell has decamped for Ireland with her uncle Jake …

This is a great addition to the series, well written and fast paced, as they all are. If you already love Russell and Holmes as a detecting pair, don’t hesitate to dive into this one. If you enjoy historical mysteries and haven’t encountered the series before, do yourself a favor and start with “The Beekeeper’s Apprentice.” It won’t take you long to get through that and the next sixteen books.

This one is really good, friends.

I was at first worried about the extra POV because I’m always glad to just stick with Mary, but it worked here with Jake, Holmes, and Mary. A solid entry mixing the real with the imagined. Less introspective than other Mary Russells lately and more fast paced adventure, which I like.