Castle Shade by Laurie R King

                                                                     

I was given a free e-copy of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I have read the entire Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell series by Laurie R King, and was so thrilled to be allowed to read this one. I can honestly say that this is one of, if not the primary, favorites of mine.

Queen Marie of Romania is considered to be much loved by her adoptive country. So loved that the country fathers gifted her the Castle Bran, and it has become a much loved location of Queen Marie's and her daughter Princess Ileana. Unfortunately, someone or something is causing mischief. Shadow figures, whispers in the night, and accidents to young girls who work in the castle. While these main just be rumors and accidents, this is a land steeped with mythic suspicions. So when Queen Marie reaches out to Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell, they are at first uncertain of going. However, a young girl has become involved and the danger does not appear to be simply the work of a strigoi. Or is it? 

First of all, Bram Stoker's Dracula and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes are two of my favorite novels of all time. I have re-read both stories multiple times and own multiple copies. I have also read Sherlock Holmes pastiches that combine with Dracula. I have not, however, read one that imbues so many historical facts, and I do feel that is why this novel will be a new favorite of mine. Not many people know that in Romania's history, there was also a female Count Dracula, Countess Erzabet Bathory, so it was really exciting to see her referenced here. I also enjoyed Russell's implication of a "witchhunt" against a female during Bathory's time. It gives one pause to consider other such atrocities. 

Second, I have to admire the way Laurie R King, or Mary Russell whichever author you prefer, shows character development and growth. For example, everyone knows that Sherlock Holmes has a tendency to turn a blind eye against women. However, in this novel he openly admits to this flaw and encourages Russell to assist him in correcting it. He does not, though, change in the "dramatics" of his character which we have come to rely on Holmes. Russell, on the other hand, still carries a grudge against Mycroft and it is seen in her reluctance to assist a Queen. At least until others are affected. But I also like how she keeps to her "roots". Mainly her academia as well as her Hebrew roots throughout the series. They may be small mentions but they are still mentions that remind us of her background.

Finally, the writing is just as elaborate as the first novel. The scenes are described to make the reader feel as if they are actually inside Castle Bran or on the road to the local village. I can imagine the shooting-brake car that the doctor drives, and picture the scene at Father Constantin's home. I always look up the geography with King's novels just so I can have an idea of what part of the world I am in. I can also safely say that I related to Mary and her language predicament because I, too, know a little Romanian. It was not hard to imagine catching bits and pieces of the conversations around her.

Overall I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.