Reviews

The Lantern's Dance by Laurie R. King

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hinesight's review against another edition

3.0

I love this series, which is clever, absorbing, amusing - all the good things, even if Holmes is admitted to be a bit long in the tooth for sleuthing post WWI. This was the weakest of the recent books, in my opinion. There was no mystery, per se. Certain plot points were repeated several times - yes, I remember, move on, etc.

The series can write its memoirs, perhaps, and focus on Holmes before he needs a retirement home.

cradlow's review

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

bargainsleuth's review

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3.0

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I discovered Mary Russell in 1998, a few years after the series premiered. I have thoroughly enjoyed the series for the most part. Laurie R. King is a fantastic writer, but this book was a little disappointing to me.

I'm not a big fan of the Damien Adler storyline, not because the great Holmes had a love child, but how he and Mary treat Damien. Also, I used to lament when Holmes and Russell would go their separate ways and investigate independently. Now I am used to it, so it doesn't bother me as much, but because of a sprained ankle, Mary's investigation consists mostly of translating a text. A good portion of the story is the translation.

And the big reveal? Saw it coming a mile away.

There were good parts to the story, and I liked it, but didn't love it. It's certainly not as bad as The Pirate King, which turned me off of the series for several years. ;