In 1889 American Irene Adler Norton resides in Paris with her beloved British husband Godfrey. At first the social swirl provides Irene with much distraction, but that quickly turns boring for the only known female to outwit and out-deduce the great Sherlock Holmes.
Thus, when the police, acting at the direction of a higher up, ask her to assist with the inquiries into the murders of prostitutes, Irene jumps at the opportunity. Upon seeing the brutalized corpse of the latest victim, a horrified Irene immediately thinks of London and Ripper. Unable to resist full involvement, Irene begins to investigate the grisly homicides only to find that once again she competes with the internationally renowned Holmes.
Anyone who enjoys the full Holmes pantheon (not just Doyle's prime piece of heaven) will want to read the first Irene Adler novel released in several years. The story line is exciting as Victorian Paris comes to life through the eyes of Irene and her shocked companion Nell. Holmes also plays a secondary but important role. The who-done-it is cleverly designed so that it is elementary to Dr. Watson that this novel is quite appealing. Fans of Holmes will want to read CHAPEL NOIR, Carole Nelson Douglas previous Adler novels and demand a shorter gap for her next appearance.
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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot
Composition of Book descript. of violence and chases - 20% Planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 50% Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 10% How society works & physical descript. (people, objects, places) - 20%
How difficult to spot villain?
- Difficult, but some clues given
Time/era of story:
- 19th century
What % of story relates directly
to the mystery, not the subplot?
- 50%
Murder of certain profession?
- prostitutes/stripper/porn
Kind of investigator
- amateur citizen investigator
Kid or adult book?
- Adult or Young Adult Book
Crime Thriller
Yes
Murder Mystery (killer unknown)
Yes
Main Character
Gender
- Female
Profession/status:
- homemaker
How much violence does he/she use?
- a little
How sensitive is this character?
- middling sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Smarter than most other characters
Physique
- average physique
Main Adversary
Identity:
- Male
Age:
- 40's-50's
Profession/status:
- mastermind
Motive of antagonist
- power
How sensitive is this character?
- hard edged
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Smarter than most other characters
Physique
- average physique
Setting
Europe
Yes
European country:
- France
Style
Person
- mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death?
- generic/vague references to death/punishment
How many deaths?
- 3-4
Amount of dialog
- significantly more descript than dialog
