The Art of Theft: Lady Sherlock #4. Sherry Thomas. Penguin Publishing Group. Copyright 2019. Pb. 304 pp.; ISBN: 9780451492470
Lady
Charlotte, a/k/a Lady Sherlock, has a new mystery to solve which involves
adventure and romance. A Maharani from
India visits Lady Charlotte and at first decides she will not allow Lady
Charlotte to help her because the Indian royalty does not believe Sherlock
exists. Over a brief time, however,
after the visits of Lord Ingram (who
yearns for Charlotte as a lover) and Mr. Marbleton, who wants to court Livia, Livia’s
sister, the plot is revealed. It turns
out the Maharani has a weak son who rules but has made a serious mistake that
if revealed could make them lose the support of the ruling British.
The
questions are many. What written secrets
are hidden in the back of a painting about to be auctioned and perhaps sold at
a ball being held in Paris, France. The
Maharani’s son had contacts with Prussia in which the latter promised to
militarily help against the British. But
what’s on the papers is in code. Her son
is now in ill health due to this international communication gone nowhere and
these paper machinations may be very dangerous if recovered by the wrong
people.
Nevertheless,
Lady Charlotte, with the help of Lord Ingram, Mr. Marbleton, and Livia set out
to recover the papers. This involves
learning more about the price of art, those who attend the ball and will
auction after much eating and drinking.
Does such partying increase the value and worth of famous and valuable
paintings?
Of
course, danger lurks in their pursuit.
Lord Ingram and Mr. Marbleton are almost drowned in the grounds of the
site of the castle where the ball will be held.
Meanwhile, romantic ideas increase as the characters discover what their
intended lovers are really like in peaceful and chaotic times. It all proceeds
even to the very cliff-hanger style ending which leaves the reader anxious to
read more of this group’s daring adventures and hope that these romantic plans
will become serious. For those who love
a good mystery with lots of riddles and threats, this is your next read.
Although this is the fourth novel in a series, it’s also an enticing
stand-alone novel. Nicely crafted, indeed, Sherry Thomas! More please!
