A fun addition to a smart,well-loved series. Mary's adventures take her to the Riviera where she runs into Gerald and Sara Murphy and pals,, including Pablo Picasso. She also finds Mrs. Hudson. Excellent read!

4.5 stars

I have always loved this series and thanks to Netgalley have been devouring the early release copies of the past few installments - perhaps too early and too enthusiastically, because I could barely recall some of the previous plot points that featured in this book! I highly recommend you review/re-read "The Murder of Mary Russell" before enjoying "Riviera Gold".

My failure to do so may be part of the reason why "Riviera Gold" seemed to have a slow start, but I see others noticed this as well. While this book lacks some of the speed and drama of others in the series, you can depend on King's thorough research to bring the scenery and society of the Cote d'Azur in 1925 to life. You can also expect - Russell being Russell - a smattering of shenanigans. If this were a lesser series and author I would round down to four stars, but "Riviera Gold" was a pleasant and entertaining story that left me excited for the next book... vampires in Romania, you say?

A solid addition to this now-venerable series! Mary continues her newfound proclivity to brush shoulders with the rich and famous in gorgeous settings with plenty of enriching historical detail. And Sherlock Holmes is there too.

Many thanks to Bantam for an advance reader's copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Riviera Gold is the latest book in the long-running series about Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes. Mary Russell first met Holmes in Sussex when she was 16. She went on to get an Oxford degree and become Holmes's partner, professionally and personally.. After the events of the previous book, Island of the Mad, Russell is feeling the aftermath of a solved case (a bit down) and decides to join some friends as crew on a sailboat heading to Cote d'Azur and Monte Carlo. Russell has the idea that Mrs. Hudson might be there. Mrs. Hudson left England after the events of The Murder of Mary Russell (spoiler: she survived),

At this point in time, the mid-1920s, Monte Carlo and the surrounding areas are busy in the winter, but not the hot summers and the famous casino has fallen on hard times. There's some movement to rejuvenate the area, and some nutty Americans have begun vacationing there in the summer. Russell meats Gerald and Sara Murphy, American expats. In their company, she sees Mrs. Hudson.

Mrs. Hudson had come to Monte Carlo to reconnect with an old friend, but finds that some other old acquaintances are also in Monte Carlo.

I found this entry quite enjoyable. There's a nice mix of real people whom I always check out online, and new characters. We get to learn more of Mrs. Hudson's backstory. Holmes does make an appearance after a few days. I enjoy watching two very, very smart people working through a mystery. There's a quite exciting denouement and a nice resolution of Mrs. Hudson's story--at least for now.

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I’m a big fan of this series and was delighted to read another Russell/Holmes adventure. Mary is much more prominently featured in this story, and Holmes is out of town for the first few chapters. That’s fine with me, because over the course of the series, Mary has developed into such a delightfully strong, smart, complicated young woman that it is only natural for her to become more independent. For people new to these books, my advice would be to start from the beginning so that you can enjoy the evolution of the Holmes and Russell partnership. This book in particular would be a difficult place to jump in; I somehow missed the previous book, and despite having read all the others, I felt that I was really starting at a disadvantage. Clearly I missed all kinds of changes to the domestic setup and revelations about Mrs. Hudson. The good thing is that this reminds me that there’s another Laurie King book I must read ASAP. The current story takes place in and around beautiful Monaco, giving Mary ample opportunity to mill around various glamorous settings and hobnob with the Iikes of Picasso. The plot is not the most exciting, but it provided enough of an excuse for Holmes and Russell to wander through hidden caves, etc., while getting Mrs. Hudson out of a jam. I was happy enough to spend time in their company that I didn’t mind, though I did wish for a little more Holmes-style deduction. The insight into the process of casting in bronze provided an added bonus. As always, I look forward to the next book in the series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for a digital advance review copy.

Note- I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I am a longtime fan of this author and series, so I was chomping at the bit to read the latest installment. My first impression reading was that it was a bit of a departure for the series- Russell and Holmes were a bit more openly expressive towards each other than normal and their conversations with each other felt a bit different. The crime/central mystery didn't appear until about a third of the way through the book, and even then didn't provide many twists and turns. Mrs. Hudson plays a big part in this book and I will be honest and say I'm not really invested in her- I like the character well enough but am not that interested in her goings on at this point.
I love Russell and I felt that this book was a very enjoyable time spent with her and provided I think a good, believable insight into how she is changing and growing emotionally as she is now 25.
As a standalone book I would probably give this 3 stars- the story isn't great, but Ms. King is a great writer so even without a great plot she can really keep a reader engaged. As part of this series with established, rich characters that are built upon here though I give it an easy 4 stars, and am now chomping at the bit to read the next one!
Anyone considering reading this book I highly recommend starting from the beginning of the series and working your way forward!

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review -
Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes arrive on the Riveria.
A friendship forms between Sara, Gerald, & Russell.
Russell is investigating their former housekeeper who hasn't been seen since she was accused of murder.
And then a man is found dead in the housekeepers room.
Those who control the casinos don't want the investigation
Can Sherlock and Mary solve this?

Mary Russell returns (with Sherlock) in another exciting adventure. We get to see some familiar faces and an interesting peak at historic figures. There are a few surprisingly sweet little moments and lines that remind us that this is a marriage, not just a partnership, but it is primarily with keen minds, solving the puzzles life throws them.

Riviera Gold equals the quality that all its sisters in the Mary Russell series show. Witty, sincere, and delightfully academic, fans new and old are sure to love Mary Russell, Sherlock Holmes, and a rather cunning Mrs. Hudson in Monte Carlo.
The great part about King's series is that she loves to play "historical character sardines", with the next book including one (or two or five) more nonfictional people than the last. The crossovers add a realistic feel to the fictional characters and a flair of make-believe to the real-life.
King provides a satisfactory conclusion to character arcs that will leave you asking, "How could I have thought anything different?"

Riviera Gold picks up shortly after the previous book and longtime fans of the series definitely won’t be disappointed with the 16th book in the series!

Continuing to look into Mrs. Hudson’s past into present, this is classic Russell and Holmes at their best. The storyline and twists and turns are as well written as always, with some surprises but also wraps up nicely. The characters were introduced to were interesting and added to the overall story. Loved it!

Fans of this smart, sophisticated series will not be disappointed in this 16th installment, which finds Mary Russell and Holmes in the midst of a mystery that centers around Mrs. Hudson's flight to Monte Carlo and the subsequent murder of a young man in her new home. Holmes and Russell encounter exiled Russian arms dealers and smuggled treasure as well as Lily Langtry and Pablo Picasso. A lot for one book, but author Laurie R. King is a master at blending these engaging fictional characters with real historic personages and events while also respecting the Sherlock Holmes cannon. Nevertheless, while Holmes is important to untangling the mystery, the emphasis is very much on Mary Russell. Events unfold through her keen, observant eyes as she occasionally defies Holmes in deference to her friendship with Mrs. Hudson.

Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.

The 16th! Chapter of Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes begins almost right after Island of the Mad ends.
Mary Russell is heading into Monte Carlo, Monoco and connects with old and new friends. As always there is danger, history, excitement and a vivid picture of 1920's Monoco. Everything ties up nicely, and I love the connections that are made.
I will read everything Laurie King writes about these two characters.