Play Book Tag discussion

Island of the Mad - Laurie R. King
Audio performance by Jenny Sterlin
4 stars

The Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes series is a dependable favorite. This book allowed me to recover from the illusion shattering revelations of the last book. I thought the story had just the right blend of social commentary and humor; early 20th century mistreatment of lesbian and gay characters, and the rise if Italian fascism, balanced by interludes of with an inebriated Russell and a cross dressing Sherlock Holmes. The setting and historical context, London’s Bedlam hospital preceding a trip to Venice, were unusual and exotic. And really, who could resist Sherlock Holmes playing violin to Cole Porter’s piano?