R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 10/15/2013 + 1453 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

Irene Adler is a character all her own who can and does match wits with the famous Sherlock Holmes. Her cohort is Penelope Huxleigh, who narrates the story and serves as Irene's companion (Watson). Just to eliminate confusion in this discussion Irene calls her Nell throughout the tale.

This is an entertaining read placed in 1890s London, and is based on Arthur Conan Doyle's 'A Scandal in Bohemia' where readers of Doyle's works discover Irene Addler. Irene's passion is opera and her career seems to be taking off. She combines her singing with investigation, her second love. She and Penelope pool their talents to search for The Zone of Diamonds, a diamond belt from the french crown jewels which was lost after the Revolution. Irene and Holmes believe that the belt is hidden somewhere in London.

I like the fact that Holmes appears now and then to remind Irene just what she must be about. Even though it was a bit long, I liked this one and look forward to checking out the next Irene Adler novel. The reviews I read were mixed but I found it fun. Yes, this novel is basically a pastiche, a work that imitates the style or character of another. One should remember that basically, a pastiche celebrates the work it imitates.

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