Riviera Gold by Laurie R. King

RIVIERA GOLD by Laurie R. King is another mystery novel in her series that features Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes (beginning with The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, and including titles like Dreaming Spies and The Murder of Mary Russell).  Mrs. Hudson, having left Holmes’ employ and settled in the Monte Carlo area, is a central figure in this latest work of suspense. In fact, King dedicates the book to “all the grey-haired ladies out there, filled with wisdom and mischief. And yes – to some of the men.” With cameo appearances by Lillie Langtry and Pablo Picasso, King conveys the opulence of the 1920s. Russell and Holmes try to solve a murder of which Mrs. Hudson is suspected; even soliciting information from Mycroft Holmes who responds, “A professional beauty, an arms merchant, a Russian Count, and a Blackpool forger. Does this cast of disparate characters actually have anything to do with one another?” Read RIVIERA GOLD to find out! Given a starred review by Library Journal; this title could certainly be enjoyed as a stand-alone work and readers familiar with the excellent series will appreciate its references to past events even more.