Historical novel set mainly in Dublin / IRELAND

6th May 2026

Knave of Diamonds by Laurie R King, historical novel set in mainly in DUBLIN / IRELAND.

No.19 in the Mary Russell / Sherlock Holmes series.

Mary herself is a sleuth, married to the renowned Sherlock Holmes and the investigations in this series are carried out under her aegis, rather than by her more famous investigating husband (although he may help out on occasion!).

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Her Uncle Jake has forged his own life, and is seen as the black sheep of the family. He abandoned the family – what was left of it after a terrible accident – and disappeared. His spontaneity was alluring to her as a child but a much darker side became all too evident as the years passed. And now, after fourteen years, here he is, standing on the threshold of Mary’s home in Sussex. She feels she may have seen him in crowds and indeed he admits that he has occasionally popped up to to keep a secret eye on her.

Back in 1907 it is clear that Uncle Jake had something to do with the theft of The Jewels of the Order of St Patrick (in other words, the Irish Crown Jewels) and when asked directly by Mary he fudges, but only a little. It was a case on which Sherlock Holmes originally worked….

Following his visit, she is on a mission to delve into the whole mystery afresh, juggling political and cultural difficulties with a sharp eye and quite some wit.

This story is based on a true case and the jewels – taken from a safe in Dublin Castle in July 1907 – which have never been recovered.

This is a lovely series, written with authority and ingenuity, with a great central protagonist.

Tina for the TripFiction Team

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