*4.5 ( )

The fourth Lady Sherlock mystery is starts out as a heist story. An old friend of Mrs. Watson's comes to "Sherlock Holmes" to get him to recover some indiscreet letters that are hidden behind a painting. Unfortunately, the painting is at a chateau in France that is exceptionally well guarded.

The chateau is open once a year for an exclusive art auction which would seem to give Charlotte and her crew -- including Mrs. Watson, Charlotte's sister Livia, her friend Lord Ingram, Livia's romantic interest Mr. Stephen Marbleton, and Ingram's secret service friend - their opening to retrieve the letters. However, there are many more than one secret at the chateau and other factions are also planning to use the annual ball to further their own agendas.

Neither Charlotte nor the rest of her associates were expecting an encounter with Moriarty again or with meeting the soon-to-be-ex Lady Ingram. Those encounters have to be factored in as they execute their heist.

This story was also filled with relationships. Livia and Stephen's seems to be star-crossed since he and his family have been on the run from Moriarty for a couple of decades and he isn't willing for Livia to join him in danger. Mrs. Watson and her old friend once had a relationship too, but Mrs. Watson left her when her lover couldn't guarantee the financial security that Mrs. Watson needed. And Charlotte and Lord Ingram have a very complicated relationship that almost defies description. Her goals and his are very far apart.

This was an engaging episode in the Lady Sherlock series. I enjoy Charlotte's character and her intelligence. She has clear goals and the determination to see them through. ( )

This is one of my favorites in the wonderful Lady Sherlock series. An old and secretive friend of Mrs. Watson’s arrives, hoping to hire the famous Sherlock Holmes to help her deal with a blackmailer. Soon Charlotte Holmes (who represents the fictional Sherlock) and her friends find themselves part of a caper to steal a valuable painting from a luxurious party at a mysterious French mansion, complete with hidden passages and secret rooms. Charlotte’s friend Lord Ingram, her sister Livia, and Livia's friend Stephen Marbleton all join in the plot. Charlotte and Lord Ingram continue their flirtation. But the gang uncovers sinister secrets lurking just under the surface of the glittering society event. ( )

Another wonderful outing for Charlotte Holmes. I had a hard time getting into the heist aspect of it but once again, the last third of the book had many unseen twists and turns that are utterly thrilling. I also loved the time we spent with Liv and Stephen. Plus all the fallout with Charlotte and Ash. And what an ending! When is the next book again??? ( )

If Sherlock Holmes planned a heist, how would that go? Danny Ocean could never!

We get a glimpse into the past of Mrs. John Watson as she is forced to face her past choices and regrets. Livia gets a tantalizing glimpse of her possible future. And as per usual, Charlotte and Ash have a past, present and future to wrestle.

I will note, I cannot hear one more word about Charlotte's silences.... ( )