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mkhay's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
tjazz's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
hvtardiswltrvl's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
dkpalmer13's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
danubooks's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
What starts as a possible threat to a family member may end up shedding light on a past tragedy..
Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes arrive in the small town in the south of France, ostensibly for a visit with Holmes’ son Damian and his family. A period of recuperation after their latest exploits would also not be unwelcome, particularly since Russell is nursing an injured ankle. Being met by someone with a cocked shotgun is but the first indication that this will not turn out to be the rapprochement for which they had hoped, and things will only get worse. Damian, his fiancée and daughter have decamped after an intruder was caught breaking in one night, which coupled with a pair of foreign men asking around town for his address points to possible danger. Just who these people are is uncertain, and what they may be up to is equally unclear. Holmes sets off to connect with Damian and get him and his family somewhere safe, while the injured Russell is left behind. While alone, she pokes about in some boxes which recently arrived for Damian from Paris, connected in some way to his artistic ancestorsm and discovers an encrypted journal. As Holmes works to identify what if any threat faces Damian and from whom, Russell is able to translate the journal. Both aspects lead to past associations with India, and not only is the safety of Holmes’ family on the line….Russell may just have solved a painful mystery from Holmes’ past.
Just about thirty years ago, Laurie R. King published the first book in the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series, The Beekeeper’s Apprentice. I thoroughly enjoyed that first entry in the series (and am more than a little shocked to find how much time has passed since then), and have read many (though not all) of the books that followed. The Lantern’s Dance marks the eighteenth entry in the Russell/Holmes collection, and I can honestly say that I enjoyed this almost as much as I did the very first. The relationship between a later-in-life Sherlock Holmes and a young woman who is every bit his equal in intellect and whom he has come to accept as such remains an enjoyable construct to a mystery where the reader must use their own skills of deduction alongside the pair to solve the mystery afoot. With vivid descriptions of a past India, from its wonders and beauty to the prejudices and unfairness present, the journal left by a young woman who identifies herself as Lakshmi weaves a fascinating tale, while the prickly relationship between Holmes and his son with Irene Adler (of whose existence he has only been aware for a relatively short time) makes the current uncertain situation more difficult…there is much to ponder and absorb. Keeping within the tenets of the official Holmes
canon while expanding Holmes’ character and those who populate his life is a challenge for which Ms King is always ready. This book is a must-read for those who have enjoyed any of the previous Russell/Holmes books, as well as for those interested in Sherlockian literature in general. While it is not strictly necessary to have read any or all of the preceding novels, I would advise people to pick up at least one or two of the earlier books (both because they are wonderful books to read, and because it will give the reader a more thorough appreciation of the Russell/Holmes relationship). That said, I have not read some of the most recent installments but was able to quickly sort out what had happened during my absence. Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group -Ballantine Bantam for allowing me access to a copy of The Lantern’s Dance….I am so glad to have the opportunity to catch up with these “old friends”.
Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes arrive in the small town in the south of France, ostensibly for a visit with Holmes’ son Damian and his family. A period of recuperation after their latest exploits would also not be unwelcome, particularly since Russell is nursing an injured ankle. Being met by someone with a cocked shotgun is but the first indication that this will not turn out to be the rapprochement for which they had hoped, and things will only get worse. Damian, his fiancée and daughter have decamped after an intruder was caught breaking in one night, which coupled with a pair of foreign men asking around town for his address points to possible danger. Just who these people are is uncertain, and what they may be up to is equally unclear. Holmes sets off to connect with Damian and get him and his family somewhere safe, while the injured Russell is left behind. While alone, she pokes about in some boxes which recently arrived for Damian from Paris, connected in some way to his artistic ancestorsm and discovers an encrypted journal. As Holmes works to identify what if any threat faces Damian and from whom, Russell is able to translate the journal. Both aspects lead to past associations with India, and not only is the safety of Holmes’ family on the line….Russell may just have solved a painful mystery from Holmes’ past.
Just about thirty years ago, Laurie R. King published the first book in the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series, The Beekeeper’s Apprentice. I thoroughly enjoyed that first entry in the series (and am more than a little shocked to find how much time has passed since then), and have read many (though not all) of the books that followed. The Lantern’s Dance marks the eighteenth entry in the Russell/Holmes collection, and I can honestly say that I enjoyed this almost as much as I did the very first. The relationship between a later-in-life Sherlock Holmes and a young woman who is every bit his equal in intellect and whom he has come to accept as such remains an enjoyable construct to a mystery where the reader must use their own skills of deduction alongside the pair to solve the mystery afoot. With vivid descriptions of a past India, from its wonders and beauty to the prejudices and unfairness present, the journal left by a young woman who identifies herself as Lakshmi weaves a fascinating tale, while the prickly relationship between Holmes and his son with Irene Adler (of whose existence he has only been aware for a relatively short time) makes the current uncertain situation more difficult…there is much to ponder and absorb. Keeping within the tenets of the official Holmes
canon while expanding Holmes’ character and those who populate his life is a challenge for which Ms King is always ready. This book is a must-read for those who have enjoyed any of the previous Russell/Holmes books, as well as for those interested in Sherlockian literature in general. While it is not strictly necessary to have read any or all of the preceding novels, I would advise people to pick up at least one or two of the earlier books (both because they are wonderful books to read, and because it will give the reader a more thorough appreciation of the Russell/Holmes relationship). That said, I have not read some of the most recent installments but was able to quickly sort out what had happened during my absence. Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group -Ballantine Bantam for allowing me access to a copy of The Lantern’s Dance….I am so glad to have the opportunity to catch up with these “old friends”.
alixv's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
cgonya1's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell are planning on spending a holiday with Holmes’ son, Damian Adler and his family. Except when they arrive Damian and co are not there. According to family servants/friends, Damian received some mysterious crates supposedly related to Horace Vernet, Holmes’ great-uncle. While Holmes rushes to his son, Russell stays behind and investigates said crates. She discovers a coded journal and sets about translating it. As each entry is revealed, more questions puzzle Russell. The most urgent being why is the past intruding now in Damian Adler’s life? Or was it meant to intrude on Holmes?
One of my favorite series of all time. I love pretty much all things Sherlock Holmes, but I also enjoy reading about something new to the mythos. I wanted this one to take its time, and really settle into my bones. However, it was just so good, and had so much going on, that I finished it rather quickly. This is a series that needs to be read in order. There are enough hints to previous investigations that readers won’t feel lost, but those hints are more of a “do you remember this?” variety.
The descriptions immerse readers into whatever time frame the author intended. It also makes us aware of what country the reader will find themselves in. The characters, their personalities, eccentricities, and flaws make them all personable. With some new characters, I can’t wait to see what the next novel brings to Mary and Sherlock.
Overall, I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.
One of my favorite series of all time. I love pretty much all things Sherlock Holmes, but I also enjoy reading about something new to the mythos. I wanted this one to take its time, and really settle into my bones. However, it was just so good, and had so much going on, that I finished it rather quickly. This is a series that needs to be read in order. There are enough hints to previous investigations that readers won’t feel lost, but those hints are more of a “do you remember this?” variety.
The descriptions immerse readers into whatever time frame the author intended. It also makes us aware of what country the reader will find themselves in. The characters, their personalities, eccentricities, and flaws make them all personable. With some new characters, I can’t wait to see what the next novel brings to Mary and Sherlock.
Overall, I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.
bethanycrowepowell's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
A great new outing with Russell and Holmes! We reconnect with Damian Adler and his family, as well as uncovering a new mystery in their own family circle. This had a satisfying mix of legwork detecting and puzzle solving that still left room for a lot of character moments with high personal stakes.
I love when a new volume sends me back to reread older installments that connect, and now I’m rereading Language of the Bees for the first time after finishing Lantern Dance.
I love when a new volume sends me back to reread older installments that connect, and now I’m rereading Language of the Bees for the first time after finishing Lantern Dance.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Violence, Misogyny, Colonisation, and Emotional abuse
danubooks's review
4.0
What starts as a possible threat to a family member may end up shedding light on a past tragedy..
Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes arrive in the small town in the south of France, ostensibly for a visit with Holmes’ son Damian and his family. A period of recuperation after their latest exploits would also not be unwelcome, particularly since Russell is nursing an injured ankle. Being met by someone with a cocked shotgun is but the first indication that this will not turn out to be the rapprochement for which they had hoped, and things will only get worse. Damian, his fiancée and daughter have decamped after an intruder was caught breaking in one night, which coupled with a pair of foreign men asking around town for his address points to possible danger. Just who these people are is uncertain, and what they may be up to is equally unclear. Holmes sets off to connect with Damian and get him and his family somewhere safe, while the injured Russell is left behind. While alone, she pokes about in some boxes which recently arrived for Damian from Paris, connected in some way to his artistic ancestorsm and discovers an encrypted journal. As Holmes works to identify what if any threat faces Damian and from whom, Russell is able to translate the journal. Both aspects lead to past associations with India, and not only is the safety of Holmes’ family on the line….Russell may just have solved a painful mystery from Holmes’ past.
Just about thirty years ago, Laurie R. King published the first book in the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series, The Beekeeper’s Apprentice. I thoroughly enjoyed that first entry in the series (and am more than a little shocked to find how much time has passed since then), and have read many (though not all) of the books that followed. The Lantern’s Dance marks the eighteenth entry in the Russell/Holmes collection, and I can honestly say that I enjoyed this almost as much as I did the very first. The relationship between a later-in-life Sherlock Holmes and a young woman who is every bit his equal in intellect and whom he has come to accept as such remains an enjoyable construct to a mystery where the reader must use their own skills of deduction alongside the pair to solve the mystery afoot. With vivid descriptions of a past India, from its wonders and beauty to the prejudices and unfairness present, the journal left by a young woman who identifies herself as Lakshmi weaves a fascinating tale, while the prickly relationship between Holmes and his son with Irene Adler (of whose existence he has only been aware for a relatively short time) makes the current uncertain situation more difficult…there is much to ponder and absorb. Keeping within the tenets of the official Holmes canon while expanding Holmes’ character and those who populate his life is a challenge for which Ms King is always ready. This book is a must-read for those who have enjoyed any of the previous Russell/Holmes books, as well as for those interested in Sherlockian literature in general. While it is not strictly necessary to have read any or all of the preceding novels, I would advise people to pick up at least one or two of the earlier books (both because they are wonderful books to read, and because it will give the reader a more thorough appreciation of the Russell/Holmes relationship). That said, I have not read some of the most recent installments but was able to quickly sort out what had happened during my absence. Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group -Ballantine Bantam for allowing me access to an advanced copy of The Lantern’s Dance….I am so glad to have the opportunity to catch up with these “old friends”.
Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes arrive in the small town in the south of France, ostensibly for a visit with Holmes’ son Damian and his family. A period of recuperation after their latest exploits would also not be unwelcome, particularly since Russell is nursing an injured ankle. Being met by someone with a cocked shotgun is but the first indication that this will not turn out to be the rapprochement for which they had hoped, and things will only get worse. Damian, his fiancée and daughter have decamped after an intruder was caught breaking in one night, which coupled with a pair of foreign men asking around town for his address points to possible danger. Just who these people are is uncertain, and what they may be up to is equally unclear. Holmes sets off to connect with Damian and get him and his family somewhere safe, while the injured Russell is left behind. While alone, she pokes about in some boxes which recently arrived for Damian from Paris, connected in some way to his artistic ancestorsm and discovers an encrypted journal. As Holmes works to identify what if any threat faces Damian and from whom, Russell is able to translate the journal. Both aspects lead to past associations with India, and not only is the safety of Holmes’ family on the line….Russell may just have solved a painful mystery from Holmes’ past.
Just about thirty years ago, Laurie R. King published the first book in the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series, The Beekeeper’s Apprentice. I thoroughly enjoyed that first entry in the series (and am more than a little shocked to find how much time has passed since then), and have read many (though not all) of the books that followed. The Lantern’s Dance marks the eighteenth entry in the Russell/Holmes collection, and I can honestly say that I enjoyed this almost as much as I did the very first. The relationship between a later-in-life Sherlock Holmes and a young woman who is every bit his equal in intellect and whom he has come to accept as such remains an enjoyable construct to a mystery where the reader must use their own skills of deduction alongside the pair to solve the mystery afoot. With vivid descriptions of a past India, from its wonders and beauty to the prejudices and unfairness present, the journal left by a young woman who identifies herself as Lakshmi weaves a fascinating tale, while the prickly relationship between Holmes and his son with Irene Adler (of whose existence he has only been aware for a relatively short time) makes the current uncertain situation more difficult…there is much to ponder and absorb. Keeping within the tenets of the official Holmes canon while expanding Holmes’ character and those who populate his life is a challenge for which Ms King is always ready. This book is a must-read for those who have enjoyed any of the previous Russell/Holmes books, as well as for those interested in Sherlockian literature in general. While it is not strictly necessary to have read any or all of the preceding novels, I would advise people to pick up at least one or two of the earlier books (both because they are wonderful books to read, and because it will give the reader a more thorough appreciation of the Russell/Holmes relationship). That said, I have not read some of the most recent installments but was able to quickly sort out what had happened during my absence. Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group -Ballantine Bantam for allowing me access to an advanced copy of The Lantern’s Dance….I am so glad to have the opportunity to catch up with these “old friends”.