Cyndi J. (cyndij) reviewed Island of the Mad (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Bk 15) on + 1032 more book reviews
15th in the series. Lots of atmosphere in this one, almost exclusively set in Venice in the 1920s. There's no real puzzle to solve - the obvious reason for Lady Vivian's disappearance is the correct one, the villain is who you think it is, and the enjoyment comes from how Russell and Holmes track her down. Compared to some of the others it's pretty lightweight - the duo are never in any danger nor does there seem to be much to anyone else. There are a couple very small segments from Holme's POV, so small they are rather jarring to read. However, I did enjoy the depiction of Venice, the brief historical bits about the rise of Fascism, and it was nice to see the two finally working together. I would have liked a little more in-depth look at Mary's brief thoughts about her life choices, perhaps. All in all, not the most exciting or thought-provoking, but enjoyable.
Thomas F. (hardtack) -
While I really enjoy King's Russell and Holmes series, I was a bit disappointed with this one. It seemed a bit drawn out. And while I realize the author wants to keep the reader guessing, I pretty much had it figured very early on what Vivian's problem was and why she disappeared. So I was disappointed Russell didn't catch on to it until almost the end. I thought she was smarter than that. :-)
Of course, I'm fully aware Russell is simply a character doing what the author wants her to do.
Of course, I'm fully aware Russell is simply a character doing what the author wants her to do.
Sally B. (slbenjamin) reviewed Island of the Mad (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Bk 15) on + 14 more book reviews
This is a wonderful series. For fans of Sherlock Holmes, it might be a bit distressing how the author eases him out of later books. Still, it's engaging and Mary Russell is a protagonist worthy of the name, even in the Holmes genre!
