A LOVELY AND DEADLY DANCE

Irene Adler investigates another spate of murders.

After more than a year away from London, Irene returns at the request of her formidable grandmother, Augusta Moriarty, and Queen Victoria. Grisly murders targeting members of the monarch’s court have unsettled the city, and the queen wants Irene to discover who’s responsible. Irene stays with her best friend, Geraldine, and is soon pulled back into the dangerous world she thought she’d left behind. Irene, who’s pale-skinned with dark red hair, hasn’t spoken to Sherlock Holmes since she left England, and she finds him deeply shaken after losing the coveted All Souls College seat they once competed for at Oxford. Though she asks for his help, Sherlock, who’s drowning his sorrows in drink, is far from being at his best. Complicating matters further, Queen Victoria also enlists James Moriarty, Irene’s villainous half brother, to assist in the investigation. Sherlock, who has tan skin and curly black hair, eventually agrees to join the case, and Irene once again assumes her old disguise of Isaac Holland. As she draws closer to the truth, she confronts revelations that threaten everything she holds dear. Irene and Sherlock’s relationship remains a strong point, and readers hoping for romantic developments won’t be disappointed. Although the action and mystery are less compelling, fans of the first book will likely find this story an enjoyable return to their world.

An entertaining sequel that unfortunately doesn’t hold up to the series opener.