The Lantern's Dance

A Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes (Mary Russell Mysteries, Book 18)

By: Laurie R. King

Narrated by: Amy Scanlon

Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, hoping for a respite in the French countryside, are instead caught up in a case that turns both bewildering and intensely personal

After their recent adventures in Transylvania, Russell and Holmes look forward to spending time with Holmes' son, the famous artist Damian Adler, and his family. But when they arrive at Damian’s house, they discover that the Adlers have fled from a mysterious threat.

Holmes rushes after Damian while Russell, slowed down by a recent injury, stays behind to search the empty house. In Damian’s studio, she discovers four crates packed with memorabilia related to Holmes’ grand-uncle, the artist Horace Vernet. It’s an odd mix of treasures and clutter, including a tarnished silver lamp with a rotating shade: an antique yet sophisticated form of zoetrope, fitted with strips of paper whose images dance with the lantern’s spin.

In the same crate is an old journal written in a nearly impenetrable code. Intrigued, Russell sets about deciphering the intricate cryptograph, slowly realizing that each entry is built around an image—the first of which is a child, bundled into a carriage by an abductor, watching her mother recede from view.

Russell is troubled, then entranced, but each entry she decodes brings more questions. Who is the young woman who created this elaborate puzzle? What does she have to do with Damian, or the Vernets—or the threat hovering over the house?

The secrets of the past appear to be reaching into the present. And it seems increasingly urgent that Russell figure out how the journal and lantern are related to Damian—and possibly to Sherlock Holmes himself.

Could there be things about his own history that even the master detective does not perceive?

©2024 Laurie R. King (P)2024 Recorded Books

A fun historical romp!

First, a word about the new narrator: let me ease any worries you might have. The tragic death of Jenny Stirlin who voiced all other books was a great loss to this series. But the new narrator, Amy Scanlon, does a wonderful job, especially with Mary and the secondary characters. I’m not quite enamored with her voice for Sherlock, but it’s not bad. Just not what I’m used to. And to be fair, it took me a couple of books to warm to Jenny’s voice for him. So, don’t worry, listeners, Amy Scanlon does a fine job!!

Now for the story: I loved the glimpses of India we get from Mary’s translation of the mystery notebook! It was interesting to watch this person’s life unfold. I do have to say, however, I figured out who the writer was by about the third section Mary translated. But this didn’t take away any of the enjoyment from the rest of the book. I loved how Ms. King wove history together with modern events and persons. I won’t give anything away, other than to say we learn a lot more about Sherlock’s side of the family! And Ms. King did a great job of making sure these revelations jibe with the original Holmesian lore. Bravo!

Overall very fun, with much less action and danger than some previous books, which was a nice respite.

RIP Jenny Sterlini , but Fantastic New Narrator

I was saddened to learn why the usually narrator of this series did not narrate this book. They did an excellent job in choosing a worthy new voice for Mary Russell. I think it brings a whole new perspective to have a narrator who is closer in age to our main character at this point in her life.

This particular entry in the series is also one of my favorites with a great ad interesting plot with some fun twists I admittedly guessed ahead of time.

a real gem!

one of my favorite Mary Russell stories yet! kept me intrigued from the very first chapter!

Narrator was great

What a difficult thing it must be to step into the shoes of a late, beloved narrator like Jenny Sterlin. But it didn’t take me long to find the new voices of the characters I love and enjoy the story. I look forward to the next!

Glorious! Worth the wait!

I needed to make two adjustments to how I approached this story in order to see it for the lustrous gem that it is. I had to adjust to a new narrator (R.I.P., Jenny Sterlin), and I had to be patient at the beginning. The narration improves as the story unfolds, and the unfolding does not disappoint! Give it time and you will be well rewarded. Can you guess who wrote the journal before Mary Russell tells us? Get ready for a soul-satisfying read!

Worth waiting for!

Ok I admit it - I grieved when the narrator was not Jenny Sterlin. She is an impossible act to follow although the narrator did a good job. The story is wonderful and the ending joyous. Another triumph! Worth waiting for!

Another fabulous Mary Russell tale

the plot was excellent & the ending completely unexpected. Storytelling at its best. Loved the introduction of Damien's daughter.

Another excellent King novel

The narrator has a beautiful voice, perfectly modulated in English. She is not at her best in French, however, which makes her a strange choice for this novel, in which there is a good deal of French.

Fascinating complex story

This well-written clever adventure about the international background of the Holmes family has twists enough for hardened mystery fans yet adds a tender family story. Don’t miss it.

From quiet little book to oh? OH! Wow!!

As I started the next chapter with Russell/Holmes I quickly concluded this would be a cozy little story. (My apologies Ms. King)

But as it went on, from a side story to revelation, And more revelation. To give just enough information to make you suspect...

What a story. Did I say wow? Wow.

And wow, people will debate if this explains many things about Mr. Holmes; or if it is "Holmes Heresy".

As the story came together it made me think of a word I have never used in a review. Perfection.

Thank you, Laurie King.