Summer Reading 2025 Knave of Diamonds: A Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes

Russell and Holmes are finally back from the continent and ready to relax, after tending to the bees, of course. But then Holmes is summoned by Mycroft in relation to an old case - a case where Holmes was prevented by the British government itself from bringing his investigation to an official close. And while he is away, Russell receives a visit from her uncle. Readers have been given details about a few of Russell's family members (beginning with the odious aunt and cousin who were making her life miserable when she first met Holmes), but this is a relative that has remained in the past until now. When it turns out that Uncle Jake was somehow (is still somehow?) involved in that unsolved case, we are not too surprised.

As the three of them set out to find the missing Irish Crown Jewels, the interplay between them all is fascinating. Episodes that Russell has shared with Holmes are fleshed out with more detail and we start to see where Russell learned a few of the skills she already had before becoming the apprentice of Sherlock. Breaking and entering, safe-cracking, train rides, boat trips, and visits to tea shops are just a few of the activities that take place as we watch Russell become reacquainted with Jake and learn along with her about a few of the shady exploits he has been involved in over the years. The friction between husband and uncle is understandable considering which side of the law they each represent.

It is an intriguing and suspenseful adventure - made more so by our desire as readers for Uncle Jake not to break Russell's heart and for Holmes and Jake to peacefully coexist.

I read an advance copy provided for review purposes by the publisher through NetGalley.