The Island of the Mad

When an old friend asks Mary Russell to find her aunt who disappeared from Bethlem Royal Hospital, know Bedlam, Mary knows this will not be an easy task. In Island of the Mad by Laurie R. King, Mary gets herself voluntarily committed to Bedlam so she can investigate the disappearance.

Hoping not to be in Bedlam any longer than a few days, she tells her husband Sherlock Holmes to also let Mycroft know where she is. Fortunately she is able to escape with some new information. Lady Vivian Beaconsfield had been in and out of Bedlam , voluntarily committed several times. She always said she felt "safe" there. What was she afraid of outside?

Evidence points Mary to Lady Vivian in Venice with her nurse. Also missing is expensive jewelry inherited from her mother and some money from her account, partially controlled by her brother the Marquess of Selwick.

Italy is in the midst of a takeover by Il Duce, Benito Mussolini and his Black-shirted Fascists, making

it dangerous for the outspoken Mary. Sherlock, encouraged by his brother, decides to join Mary in Venice. Being the small town it is, Mary is positive she will have no trouble finding Vivian.

While Sherlock spends his time getting to know American composer Cole Porter and reaching Venice for Vivian, Mary drifts over to the more flamboyant Lido. On one of her trips across the Lagoon, she thinks she sees the Marquess of Selwick with the Black Shirts looking for Lady Vivian, too. Mary doesn't think his association with the Fascists is a good sign, and she doubles her efforts to find Vivian.

Another entertaining adventure for Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes.

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