A Study in Sable

The 11th book in Lackey's Elemental Masters series (after From a High Tower) partners familiar faces with literary great Sherlock Holmes to solve a series of strange events. Series protagonists Nan and Sarah have returned, along with their feathered companions, Grey and Neville, and their talented young ward, Suki. After being tested by the great detective himself, the pair set out to work with John and Mary Watson, making particular use of Nan's psychic abilities to solve the case of a missing girl whose sister is the new darling of the Royal Opera stage. The course of the case sees Nan and Sarah searching in opposite directions, and the strength of their devotion to each other is tested as they delve into their work with the Watsons. Lackey's characteristic attention to detail often overwhelms the greater story, but the beauty in the bonds between characters shines through. The artificially elongated narrative detracts from an otherwise sumptuous story set against the backdrop of Victorian England. (June)