Castle Shade: A Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes

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)