I have read (listened to the audio, actually) every Mary
Russell novel. There have been a few that I liked less than others, but in
general, this is an excellent series. These novels represent one of my favorite
expansions of the Holmes universe.
In this story, Sherlock Holmes' secretive brother Mycroft
conspires to send his sister-in-law Mary Russell to the set of a pirate movie.
Working undercover as a secretary to the filmmaker, she investigates a series
of crimes that may be related to the production team. Desiring reality the
crew, along with a dozen teenaged Englishwomen, head to Portugal to begin
filming. They find themselves housed in luxury while the producers make plans
to begin filming. But it slowly dawns on Russell that they may have in fact
been kidnapped. And that is where the adventure starts.
Despite the fact Russell and Holmes are separated for
various parts of the novel, you do get the idea that they are working together,
as Holmes' shadow hovers over the portions of the novel when Russell is working
solo. And (this is not a spoiler) when Holmes does arrive on the scene, the
danger and action heats up nicely.
The characterization of both Russell and Holmes, and of
their relationship, are very strong. This is an imaginative series, and this
particular novel does not disappoint.
As always, Jenny Stirlin does a terrific job narrating this
book.
Cross-posted to the Book Guys website.
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