Library Journal
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Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell journey from the sunny beaches of their previous adventure (Riviera Gold) to the Carpathian Mountains, home of Count Dracula and Elizabeth Báthory. Holmes has been engaged to help Queen Marie of Roumania protect her daughter Princess Ireana and put a stop to rumors that the queen is following in the bloodthirsty steps of her real and fictitious predecessors. While Mycroft Holmes believes Marie's troubles are an attempt to destabilize the country politically, Sherlock and Russell are convinced that someone closer to home wants the queen out of her castle so they can take possession of it themselves. Russell and Holmes must solve the case before the perpetrator turns from threats to murder. King mixes a bit of real history with a case of misdirection and mayhem that goes back to basic detective principles, while her protagonists deal in their inimitable style with secretive locals, politics going awry, and trust issues that won't stay on the back burner. VERDICT Highly recommended for historical mystery fans who have followed the series, as well as readers looking for historical heroines with agency such as Maisie Dobbs, Bess Crawford, or Phryne Fisher.—Marlene Harris, Reading Reality, LLC, Duluth, GA

Publishers Weekly
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Set in 1925, King’s thrilling 18th adventure featuring Mary Russell and her husband, Sherlock Holmes (after 2020’s Riviera Gold), takes the couple to Bran Castle in Transylvania, home of Marie, Queen of Roumania, who’s in need of their services. The queen, whose arrival at the castle is delayed, is worried about her 16-year-old daughter after receiving a letter warning her not to bring the girl back to the nearby village of Brasov “or she will die.” While awaiting Marie, Mary and Holmes, who’s masquerading as an architectural consultant for the castle’s restoration, explore Brasov, which has been rife with rumors of “mysterious figures and men risen from the dead,” and mingle with the members of the queen’s household. The disappearance of a servant girl raises the ante. King smoothly slips in fascinating historical details about the life of Marie of Roumania, all the while keeping the plot galloping along at high speed. This is a treat for old fans and newcomers alike. Agent: Zoe Quinton, Zoe Quinton. (June)