A Lovely and Deadly Dance

by Claire M. Andrews

Something is stalking the queen of England, and Irene Adler is ready to find whatever monster may lurk behind this new gruesome string of murders—with or without the help of Sherlock Holmes.

Irene Adler and Sherlock Holmes were both sent away from Oxford’s All Souls class after uncovering a murderous plot on campus. But now Irene’s deductive skills have called her back to England. Someone is killing off the queen’s closest allies and leaving mysterious messages at every crime scene.

The people of London are frightened—and growing angry. Could the murders be Queen Victoria’s fault, or is she the one in the most danger? With Sherlock’s help once more, Irene will follow leads that bring her deep into the secrets held by England’s richest families. The spark between the pair ignites and burns ever hotter all the while.

But the closer Irene gets to finding the killer’s identity, it becomes clear that it’s not a truth she wants to face. To prove herself an Adler, not a Moriarty, Irene will need to overcome the worst betrayal of her life. Can she endure true heartbreak if it’s for the greater good?

Claire M. Andrews pens a riveting sequel to A Beautiful and Terrible Murder that will keep every mystery fan guessing until the end.

Genres: Mystery, Historical, Young Adult, Historical Fiction

580 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 11, 2026

About the author

Claire was raised in both Alaska and Scotland, but currently lives in Vermont; when not writing, she can usually be found outside swimming, skiing or hiking across the state’s famous green mountains.

If you want to learn more about Claire, you can find her here -
https://www.instagram.com/cmandrewslit/
https://www.twitter.com/cmandrewslit
https://www.pinterest.com/cmandrewslit/
https://www.clairemandrewsbooks.wordp...

Feel free to ask her questions! She would love to hear from you!

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely took me on an emotional rollercoaster. Irene Adler definitely experiences the highs and lows of life. Once it found its groove, the story had me hooked, and I can’t wait for more. Thanks to Little, Brown Books for the arc.

[Saloni Porwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the second in a series, and unfortunately, I didn't know this going in. Despite going in without the first book, I was still able to piece things well enough to find the story engaging, but I'd recommend going in the right order to avoid spoilers from the previous book.

Primarily, I found the characters highly riveting and very relatable, but the plot lacking in suspense and a satisfying ending. I thoroughly enjoyed the various dynamics between all the characters and the vivid descriptions that bought the settings to life. The story is packed with intense family drama and compelling relationship dynamics that have a long history. I haven't read the original Sherlock Holmes mysteries, and I was still able to connect with and like Claire Andrews' interpretation of some of the original iconic characters in a different context. Can't speak for accuracies in their portrayal, but I think there is still a lot to appreciate in this book as its own independent work.

If you particularly love seeing independent and strong-minded women from historical fiction or historical romance, this may be the right pick for you. Same goes for young detective stories, or YA packed with emotion. Of course, I have to mention the popular series Enola Holmes which also features some original characters from Doyle's works. Enola's series features Sherlock's much younger sister and her investigative expeditions, and all of the books in my experience were a lot of fun to read. This book is set apart from that in the sense that there is romance and some more challenging themes that don't make it suitable for younger readers. However, if you liked the general vibe of the Enola Holmes books and/or movies, you may find the Irene Adler series is very entertaining. Looking forward to reading more in the series!

Thanks to NetGalley, Claire Andrews, and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the complimentary eARC in exchange for honest feedback. All opinions in this review are mine.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a well-written, well-paced Victorian mystery novel.

If that had been all my expectation of it, I would have enjoyed it a lot more. Instead, the whole time I was reading it, I was expecting it to be a Sherlock Holmes pastiche and enjoyable for that -- I'd picked it for that -- and... it wasn't. It was obvious at points that the author was either really unknowledgable about "canon" Holmes or else was deliberately nodding to the modern TV show and a section of fandom that isn't consistent with the books. The addition of "William Sherlock Scott Holmes" made me want to throw the book across the room. 🤣 Neither Irene nor Sherlock had much resemblance to Conan Doyle's.

HOWEVER, while I was very disappointed in the characters (much worsened by the fact that this is a sequel, and reading the first book is clearly almost a necessity, but I didn't know it even WAS a sequel until I was well into it), I was also aware at the same time that it was written really well. If the characters had different names I might have really enjoyed it quite a bit. In an age where so many books are boring or AI-written, this one was neither. It was well-paced and well-crafted.

Someone who is less of a real Sherlock fanatic would probably enjoy it even with the Sherlock references. It just was a constant bother and distraction to me!

[✨⚡ Kelcey (felinebooktrovert) ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown Books for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

4.25 stars

Super engaging read with some beloved characters.

This was another great mystery (although the mystery wasn't SO MUCH a mystery). But the investigation and the dynamics between all of the characters was great. It's so great to see Irene with a mind that rivals Holmes and Moriarty. Although Moriarty in this series so far is just a big baby instead of brilliant.

Irene and Sherlock are a great combo; I just wish Sherlock was in this one a little more. He wasn't helping so much with the mystery as he was being brooding from afar. Also great but I want more of his genius here.

So overall very entertaining, but the mystery in this one wasn't so surprising and I want more Sherlock ❤️

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to dive back in to this world and this book, and they did not disappoint!

I love the characters in this book; Irene, Sherlock, Watson, Lasho. I love their dynamics. I especially love the tension between Irene and Sherlock.

The action scenes are always great and I love all the drama. The mystery for this one was very good in my opinion as I had literally no guesses as to who did it so the reveal was unexpected.

Also, crying at the ending because I need more! Hope there will be a book three and we will get to see more of Irene and Sherlock together.

Thank you to Little, Brown Books & NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah Brake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd in the series, it takes roughly a year (I believe) after the first book, and it was enjoyable to read! There were a few spots in the middle that seemed to drag a little bit, but overall it was worth the read, I especially liked the twist, even though I knew what it was going to be early on. The action in it was great, as were the relationships!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing adaptation for any lover of Sherlock Holmes. I was going to add something about 'especially for those who love Irene Adler,' but I don't know anyone who is a fan of the series and isn't. Although, I suppose there must be.

Having read the first book in this series, I was anxiously awaiting the second book and was thrilled to get an advanced copy. It was just as amazing as the first. My only comment to readers is that you need to read them in order. Not that you will be lost, but because the author has decided to put spoilers in the book. Ugh. I hate when mystery authors do that. However, the books are absolutely amazing and would definitely recommend them!

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars