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.

Subtle eddies and tidal pulls will have you gliding seamlessly from point of view to point of view; Mary Russell's trying to keep her eyes on the shore of what is right and true, Sherlock Holmes' deciding upon which body of water he chooses to swim in and Mary's elusive, Uncle Jake Russell who sails under many flags. When her Uncle Jake decides to reenter Mary's life, not uncoincidentally timed for when Holmes is away from home, she chooses to team up with him in Ireland in an attempt to locate the Irish Crown jewels. The same jewels Jake had a hand in stealing long ago. The same jewels that Holmes had a hand in attempting to locate. The same jewels with which Mycroft Holmes' powerful position in government had a role to play in their not being located. Never discount Mary's ability to balance intellect, heart and courage even in such troubled waters.

Every single word on the page was perfectly placed and was a complete joy to read. I literally smiled with delight throughout the book. All the multitude of seemingly magical elements Ms. King has created within this world are present. Mary's indomitable spirit and courageous heart are present in spades. The instances of Holmes' deep caring for her both when she is aware and unaware as well as his protective stance regarding Jake are gems. I cheered as family-deprived Mary learned at her uncle's side about her father and mother's personalities in addition to Russell family history. Sprinkled throughout are touching unspoken glimpses of how Jake reminds Mary of her father and how Mary reminds Jake of her parents. Additionally, the supporting characters are all interesting and highly entertaining. The plot twists and sleight of hand of "where did it go?" and “who done it?” had me guessing up until the last. Thank you Random House Publishing Group and and NetGalley for this ARC.

I really enjoyed this latest installment of the Mary Russell series. As always, the writing was intelligent and well-researched. I like how the author anchors her fictional characters to real people and historical events. I found the 3 POV a little jarring at times but it did allow for understanding the characters a little better and showing their growing understanding and respect for each other. And an added bonus was having part of the story set in County Wicklow, home of my ancestors.

A cozy and light-hearted adventure, this installment doesn't have much mystery but is a fun exploration of a new character. I agree with other readers that having a second first-person view (Jake's) was a bit jarring, but in the end it didn't detract from the story. This book didn't rely too heavily on the plots of previous volumes, which was fine with me because I realized I really need to do a re-read of the series to refresh my memory of the various relations and revelations that have appeared so far. Laurie King remains one of the best in the business with her evocation of the era and her seamless weaving of historical details, events, and figures into the plot.

Knave of Diamonds returns Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes to England, and just when I had enough time to be pleased with that after several books set in Europe, the story moved to Ireland. Luckily, it came with a new character, Mary's uncle, Jake Russell.

Having just recently re-read Locked Doors, I truly enjoyed this look at the part of Mary's family that had not previously been explored. I also find the books to be at their best when they intersect with real events, and the theft of the Irish Crown Jewels is that for this edition.

I found the book hard to put down and really enjoyed the character additions, especially the new resident of Sussex (I'll avoid saying more due to spoilers). Also, any book where Sherlock gets one up on Mycroft is that bit extra fun!

All in all, it left me happy and ready for the next book in the series whenever it may arrive!

Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Mary Russell has fond memories of her Uncle Jake even though he disappeared from her life shortly before her family were killed in a tragic car accident. His knocking on her door in rural Sussex one afternoon knocks her for sixes and sevens. He urgently needs her help with a problem that has haunted him and others for years...the theft of the Irish Crown Jewels. This is the crime of legend that stymied not only Scotland Yard. the government and even the great Sherlock Holmes himself. And Jake wants to drag her into this murky mischief? But Mary can never resist a challenge and the game's afoot. When the "Beekeeper's Apprentice" was released decades ago I was immediately captivated by what I consider the best pastiche of Arthur Conan Doyle's canon ever conceived. The concept of the greatest detective becoming partners with a bespeckled, awkward fifteen year old was mind boggling yet brilliant. This nineteenth entry is just as original and fresh as the beginning. Mary is very much her own woman with skills and abilities that provide a balance to the relationship. Featuring the points of view of the three participants the reader gains in sight into each character's cleverness and their back story. As always King does solid research and the narrative reflects the history culture and society of the times making for an informative and entertaining read. If you have not discovered this treasure of a series you have many hours of enjoyment in store.

Book 19 in the Mary Russell series
This book picks up shortly after the last one, The Lantern's Dance. Mary and Sherlock have arrived home from France when Mary gets an unexpected visitor, her long lost, beloved, and slightly criminal uncle Jack. He wants her to help him with an old crime he committed but was then betrayed by his partners.

I have been reading and enjoying this series for a long time and I’ve appreciated the varied settings and puzzles. This one is a bit more light hearted than some of the other books and I enjoyed meeting a new member of Mary's family book, the Irish setting and the resolution to the jewel theft. Add in some colorful side characters- I particularly liked Mrs. Marsh, the botanist companion- and Knave of Diamonds was a thoroughly fun read!

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the advance copy.

Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy of this wonderfully entertaining book. A search for gems is at the center of the action and brings Mary Russell's cousin into the action playing out in England and Ireland. Sherlock enters into the plot as Mary and her cousin benefit from his help. It is a light hearted romp even though one would expect more danger considering the value of what is at stake.

This is a book that I feel would be of literary interest to students and teachers in literature classes and any Sherlock Holmes/Mary Russell readers. It is very detailed in wording, a pictorial situation in the narrative.
In each chapter, some very short, some lengthy wording is spoken by the main characters, Sherlock Holmes, Mary Russell, and her cousin Jake. All of this works together as you feel family loyalties, the bad and the good, belief and disbelief as they set out to find a treasure, The Crown Jewels. Will one of them keep the jewels or return to elderly owner? It is a broad scenario of family, deceit, and many lies. At the end, you may feel somewhat connected to the interactions of people throughout the world today.

I wish it were possible to always have an unread Laurie King book on my kindle, or side table. I am an unabashed fan of her smart historic mysteries and this new addition to the series had me riveted from the first chapter.

The plot is engaging, but the best feature of the novel for me is that it further exposes the family history of Sherlock’s wife, Mary.

“Uncle Jake” adds depth and a bit of mischief to the family tree and the book exposes his character and the mystery simultaneously.

I loved everything about this book and think fans of the series will be thrilled with this new chapter of Mary’s adventures.

I grew up on Sherlock Holmes, and until I found Laurie King, I had no idea he had been married. I was introduced to Mary Russell at least 15 years ago, and have read every one of the fantastic stories. Just when I think there cannot possibly be any new adventures, along comes another book and a whole new journey. As is often the case, history gets blended with Mary Russell to make a great story. This time we leave the comforts of Sussex and find our way to Ireland in a tale about the missing Irish Crown Jewels. Once again, I could not put the book down and wished it would never end. I am looking forward to our next adventure together.

I’ll start by saying that I absolutely love the series. Love the way it’s written, how fleshed out the characters and environment is, and I’ll say that Knave of Diamonds follows that trend. I started the book and just could not put it down. Started it on a Saturday afternoon and finished it Sunday morning. Having it take place immediately after the Lanterns Dance put into revelation that the last several books took place over 2-3 months from Mary’s perspective. I now have a desire to go read the series again from the start while waiting for the hopeful next entry.

Mary Russell returns from many months away from home to find her long lost uncle waiting for her with a tale she knows is not entirely the whole truth. An adventure ensues taking Holmes and Russell to Ireland with a secretive Uncle Jake in search of the Irish Crown Jewels.

I found it a slow start (there was a lot of sitting and chatting in the first third of the book) but then the characters got off their feet and got the storyline moving. (The slow start is likely more attributable to my mental state regarding current world events rather than LRK’s writing which is, as always, intelligent and well-researched.) Each chapter was told from the perspective of either Mary, Holmes, or Jake. I was not particularly fond of Jake’s chapters although I understand the need for them to tell the story. By the middle of the novel I was accustomed to them and they didn’t detract from the storyline. Jake definitely still has some secrets at the end of the novel and I am sure we will see him show up in Mary’s life again in a future story.

Overall I found it was a satisfactory addition to Russell’s memoirs and I’m looking forward to listening to the audiobook at a later date.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam for an eARC of this book in return for an honest, thoughtful review.

I truly enjoyed this book. 19th in the Holmes and Russel series! Laurie King demonstrates her knowledge and appreciation for Sherlock Holmes by continuing to put Holmes and Russel into interesting plots and places. Always clever, witty and intriguing, another entertaining read!