Another delightful outing for Russell and Holmes! The 19th in the series, this book introduces us to the black sheep of Russell's family, her Uncle Jack, her father's brother. While he's an important figure in Russell's life, as we soon learn, he also has his own, previously unknown connection to Holmes as well. This book explores the history of the so-called Irish Crown Jewels and their theft in the early 20th century, the recent-in-the-book Irish War of Independence and its effects in the immediate years after, and (briefly, but interestingly!) the breed history of the Irish Wolfhound. It's a very Irish-focused book, on the whole!

Whereas the last book was a departure in form and style, this book was a return to the adventure format, though there isn't really a ton of actual mystery to be solved here. The topic implies that there is, but in truth, many of the characters have the answers that are being sought and just reveal things over time. While this doesn't have a strong mystery focus, and moves away from the quieter, introspective character study of Lantern's Dance, it does hew closely to an adventure format, which makes sense given the character of Jack Russell and his own personal background. It's a very fast-paced story, moving swiftly from beat to beat as it carries us along to find the Irish Crown Jewels. A majority of the characters we meet are real people (if sometimes unmoored in time, as the author herself admits in her note at the end), which brings home the historical elements of this historical mystery. One thing Laurie R King always does so well is present these elements of history to us in a way that makes me, at least, immediately go to look things up and learn more about the topic. This book was no exception.

I did have some critiques for this book, however, though I did enjoy it a great deal. I thought it was repetitive in some places, for example. We have 3 POVs in this book (Russell, Holmes, and Jack), and often two characters will be together while another character is off somewhere else, leading to moments where we have a scene with two of the characters, and later those characters provide a recap of the on-page scene to the third character who wasn't present. It's usually kept rather short, but it still wasn't really necessary. I continue to lament that the one thing I want in the series since book 10 STILL hasn't happened (JUST LET MYCROFT AND MARY FIGHT), though it was hinted at in a truly tantalizing fashion here. I also found some of the character motivations slightly unbelievable, particularly with Jack, leaving me to feel like there is more going on than was really explored or even hinted at.

Nonetheless, this was just an enjoyable, relaxing, and familiar read. I continue to return to these books over and over because they're comfortable and fun and I love seeing what will happen next. King has mentioned some possibilities for her next Russell books in her newsletter, and there is one in particular that I do hope she gets to write in the next few years - hopefully I'll get to write a review for that book at some point!

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book; all opinions are my own.

I think this is my favorite book in the series so far. Traveling with Uncle Jack, Russell, and Holmes to Ireland to retrieve the Irish Crown Jewels was such a fun trip. Each book in this series gets better and better. A must read for lovers of the Russell and Holmes series.

This book was so good! I love Mary's uncle's character and revisiting an old Holmes case. An entertaining, must read that I couldn't put down.

I'm a longtime fan of this series and am always eagerly awaited a new installment. I had mixed feelings about this book however.

On the plus side, King's books are always well-written. I'd say for mysteries she's near the top in terms of writing quality. The plot is always detailed and engaging. This is absolutely the case for Knave of Diamonds. Enjoyed it and read it in the span of a couple days easily.

On the minus side- while admittedly some of the books in this series veered toward being overly descriptive, this one actually featured a lot less and was more dialogue heavy, at the expense of the depth of many of the other books in the series. Secondly, and somewhat relatedly- the series started off and continued until more recently being completely from the first person POV of Mary Russell.. We really got into her inner thoughts and experiences. King started several books back interspersing fairly brief sections with Sherlock Holmes' third-person POV. Pointing aside the question of how such accounts would be included in what is supposed to be Mary Russell's "memoirs" - these are enjoyable and allow readers to get more insight into the mind of the series' other man character. However, now in the last couple we're getting long sections told from the POV of other characters- Mrs. Hudson who at least was a long time character in the books in the previous series installment, and in this one Russell's Uncle Jake, who to my knowledge had never been mentioned prior. All well and good and interesting plot wise to introduce this long lost relative, but for a long standing series where readers are ostensibly invested in Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, devoting a third or so to the POV of a new character is a bit of a hard sell (at least for me.)
Totally enjoyable to read, but a bit disappointing for this fan at least. I will say the Uncle Jake sections were focused on his thoughts and interactions about and with Russell and Holmes- the story is still centered on Russell as they all are, but this makes it feel a bit diluted.
That being said, I understand we're 20+ books deep into the series so things inevitably have to evolve, and I enjoyed this book and am back to eagerly awaiting the next one.

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC.

I have been a long-time fan of this series, although must admit that I've struggled with the past few books - this one included. It seems like the plot of each novel gets more drawn out as the series progresses, with a concomitant uneven pacing that is slowing down the reads for me and making them somewhat less enjoyable as a result. I really liked the addition of Jacob, and the resulting information about Mary's past, but I got frustrated with him as often as not. I also felt like the rehashing of the theft of the jewels just kept being retold, from each perspective, as new witnesses and characters were introduced, and that pulled me out of the story because it felt repetitive rather than additive. On the whole this wasn't one of my favorites...

When her errant uncle Jake walks back into Mary Russell’s life, she knows enough about his reputation to realize it’s not just out of familial affection. Years after the theft of the Irish Crown Jewels, new circumstances cause it to be brought to the forefront again, which stirs up memories for Holmes and has Jake squarely at the center of the intrigue. Told in alternating perspectives — Mary, Jake Russell, and Holmes — Knave of Diamonds is a good, but not great, addition to this beloved series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Laurie R. King's "Knave of Diamonds" tells the story of a jewelry theft from the perspectives of both Mary Russell and her uncle, Jake. It's an intriguing look at Mary's backstory, with Uncle Jake reappearing in the adult Mary's life after a long absence. Needless to say, Jake is in trouble and needs Mary's help; Sherlock gets involved -- and it becomes a heist mystery as they try to track down the missing jewels.

This was a fun read, but perhaps not the best in the Mary Russell series. I found the changing perspectives confusing, especially at the very start of the book, and Jake was not as sympathetic a character as Mary deserved. 

King's characters are so well rendered that I consider them acquaintances — and I look forward to spending more time with them soon.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

As always. Laurie King delivers a solid story. Told in alternating voices of Mary Russell and her Uncle Jake, we learn more about Mary's past as well as gaining insight into her and Holmes' relationship. Well worth your time!

“Knave of Diamonds" by Laurie R. King is an intriguing read with a mix of mystery and historical elements. The plot is well-crafted, and the setting is vividly described, transporting readers to another time and place. However, the pacing felt uneven at times, with some sections dragging on longer than necessary. The characters, while interesting, didn't always feel fully fleshed out, which made it hard to connect with them on a deeper level. Overall, it's a decent book with some engaging moments, but it didn't quite live up to its full potential. Worth a read if you're a fan of the genre, but it might not be for everyone.

A ton of fun and this might be the best of Mary Russell yet.

You have to hand it to Laurie R. King, after 19 books, Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes are as entertaining as ever.

Family dynamics, which often plays a role in this series, is forefront, but this time in the form of Mary Russell's disreputable Uncle Jake. In another author's hands, Jake might have been a stereotype, but King gives him chapters to narrate and we get to know him through his thoughts, not just actions as seen by Russell and Holmes.

He's in trouble, of course, and in fact tied to a crime that has been long unsolved. One of those cases where people know damn well who did it, but there is no proof and where on earth is the loot. To complicate matters, Holmes investigated this case years ago, and his conclusions were dismissed. He has good reason to hold a grudge.

Even though Jake ropes Mary in for a "quick" investigation, the reader knows that nothing is ever that simple, and the ride to get to the conclusions is wild. The pacing never lets up, even when Mary is riding in a mule cart though the Irish countryside in search of the one place the loot might be found

The dynamics between Mary and her Uncle Jake, Mary and Holmes, and Holmes and Jake are fun to read as nobody gets stuck in their first conclusions.

Highly recommended. A sheer delight.

Knave of Diamonds is a historical mystery series giving center stage to a fictional female character - Mary Russell – along the famous Sherlock Holmes.

The story begins with reappearance of Jake Russell – Mary’s uncle who has disappeared for a few years, and is considered the black-sheep in the family. Once, her beloved uncle. Now, she is a bit bitter about his disappearance. Nevertheless, she gets involved in his somehow involvement in the infamous disappearance of the Irish Crown Jewels from Dublin Castle.

Mary and her husband Sherlock Holmes are clever detectives who pull the reader into their work of solving another mystery case filled with secrets, lies, and deception.

This cozy mystery progresses at slow pace.

I really enjoyed this book. Years ago, Laurie R. King included a small a tale in one of her books about Mary's Uncle Jake. It was one of Mary's favorite childhood memories, besides the throwing knife he gave her, which she still carried. Imagine her mixed emotions when Uncle Jake returns after a very long absence. She had assumed he was dead. Otherwise, why had he not returned to her after her parents and brother died in a car accident? Ah, there were good reasons, some not so much. He had things he preferred to hide from her, but now seemed to be the time to return. If her husband didn't have him immediately arrested!

I was also very pleased this book included an answer to a big question left hanging from Lantern's Dance. Not a thorough answer but enough, for now.

Laurie King has gifted her readers with another book about Mrs. Sherlock Holmes.

One of the very best Doyle pastiches, this volume introduces Mary Russell's Uncle Jake. He shows up after a 14-year absence and wants help finding the Irish Crown Jewels.

Holmes, Russell and Uncle Jake visit estates on either side of the sea hiding in rhododendron thickets and cracking safes. This book may not be as suspenseful as earlier ones but it fills in details of the Russell family and adds to Holmes' humanity.

Read slowly: You'll hate to see it end.

I am new to this author and this series but k will absolutely be going back and reading more now. This book was a pleasant surprise, whimsical and cozy and mysterious all at the same time. I enjoyed the characters and the journey very much.

I'm a long-time fan of the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series. Thank you, NetGalley, for the Advanced Reader Copy!

This book continues the narrative following the revelations of the previous book, The Lantern's Dance. Mary's uncle Jake, who we haven't heard about since "Mary's Christmas", contained in the short-story collection "Mary Russell's War," has reappeared in her life and asks for her help. Besides filling in some of the gaps in Jake's life, a rollicking adventure unfolds as Mary and Jake, Jake and Holmes, and others chase after the lost Irish Crown Jewels.

This story could certainly be enjoyed as a stand-alone story for those new to this series, but to enjoy it even more I'd suggest reading (rereading?) "Mary's Christmas" first.

King deftly weaves the narrative together, including (as always!) well-known historical characters.

It was almost painful to set this book down between reads, and the ending had me chuckling out loud. Well done!

Mary Russell is surprised when the uncle she assumed was dead shows up at her door in need of her help in finding the Irish Crown Jewels which disappeared 14 years ago. Of course, Mary's husband Sherlock Holmes follows and the 3 travel Ireland in search of the jewels and more. Wonderful!

This book marks a sarisfying return to form. I very much enjoyed the early books in this series, but felt that the middle books lost a bit of focus and edge. Not to worry, This one is as good as the first ones, and should welcome back readers who may have drifted off.

The duo of Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes are at it again in this installment of a long-running series. As always the dynamics between them are incredible, and I'm never disappointed in seeing Holmes in the role of husband and partner. The mystery in this one is a bit understated; we have a good idea of what happened fairly early on, but it's still enjoyable in a different way. We get to learn more about Mary's family here, and we even meet her long lost Uncle Jake. He narrates part of the story, and I found that an interesting addition. I think this will be a hit with fans of this series and would definitely recommend it. If you haven't read this series before, however, I would definitely recommend starting from the beginning before reading this as I think this one will appeal more to those who have some of the back story. I look forward to continuing with this series and revisiting these characters soon.

Mary Russell's Uncle Jack visits and pulls her into one of his schemes. A delightful look at one of Mary's family members and his ability to persuade Russell and her husband, Sherlock Holmes, to help him against their better judgement. There are more serious themes of family loyalty, forgiveness, and redemption intertwined with an old crime that needs a resolution. It can probably be read as a standalone, but the entire series is worth a read for the character development and back stories. Thanks to Bantam and Netgalley for the eARC.

KNAVE OF DIAMONDS by Laurie King

So much to love here: Russell, Holmes, Uncle Jake (the rascal), Russell missing Mrs. Hudson now that she’s back home in Sussex . . . and then the case of the stolen diamonds, the Irish Crown Jewels. There are even Irish wolfhounds! Travel is by train, boat (poor Mary), fast car, and donkey cart, and accommodations vary equally. I especially enjoyed the POV shifting from Mary and Jake (first person) and Holmes (third person), a shifting of perspectives, helping us to understand them and to watch their growing understanding and respect for each other. It’s a bit like the game of three-card monty, which we also learn a bit about. Above all, there is help from friends new and old, and delicious descriptions. I was glad to be along on this adventure.
I’m not going to spoil others’ enjoyment by giving details away . . . just going to say that the mystery resolves well, and that there’s a pleasant development at the end. Have fun reading it! (You’ll have to wait until June, this is a good time to read the earlier books).
One more commendation for Laurie King and her team, I read an advance copy, designated as not having been proofed, and didn’t spot any errors in the whole book — remarkable! There were a couple in the Endnotes, which I’m sure will be corrected — Do read it, the real-life events are fascinating!