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Elemental Masters #11
A Study in Sable
Psychic Nan Killian and Medium Sarah Lyon-White—along with their clever birds, the raven Neville and the parrot Grey—have been agents of Lord Alderscroft, the Elemental Fire Master known as the Wizard of London, since leaving school. Now, Lord Alderscroft assigns them another commission: to work with the famous man living at 221 Baker Street—but not the one in flat B. They are to assist the man living in flat C. Dr. John Watson and his wife Mary, themselves Elemental Masters of Water and Air, take the occult cases John’s more famous friend disdains, and they will need every skill the girls and their birds can muster!
Nan and Sarah’s first task: to confront and eliminate the mysterious and deadly entity that nearly killed them as children: the infamous Haunt of Number 10 Berkeley Square. But the next task divides the girls for the first time since they were children. A German opera star begs Sarah for help, seeking a Medium’s aid against not just a single spirit, but a multitude. As Sarah becomes more deeply entwined with the Prima Donna, Nan continues to assist John and Mary Watson alone, only to discover that Sarah’s case is far more sinister than it seems. It threatens to destroy not only a lifelong friendship, but much, much more.
Nan and Sarah’s first task: to confront and eliminate the mysterious and deadly entity that nearly killed them as children: the infamous Haunt of Number 10 Berkeley Square. But the next task divides the girls for the first time since they were children. A German opera star begs Sarah for help, seeking a Medium’s aid against not just a single spirit, but a multitude. As Sarah becomes more deeply entwined with the Prima Donna, Nan continues to assist John and Mary Watson alone, only to discover that Sarah’s case is far more sinister than it seems. It threatens to destroy not only a lifelong friendship, but much, much more.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2016
248 people are currently reading
2023 people want to read
About the author
Mercedes Lackey
441 books9,480 followersMercedes entered this world on June 24, 1950, in Chicago, had a normal childhood and graduated from Purdue University in 1972. During the late 70's she worked as an artist's model and then went into the computer programming field, ending up with American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition to her fantasy writing, she has written lyrics for and recorded nearly fifty songs for Firebird Arts & Music, a small recording company specializing in science fiction folk music.
"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.
"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.
"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:
"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."
Also writes as Misty Lackey
Author's website
"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.
"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.
"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:
"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."
Also writes as Misty Lackey
Author's website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
September 20, 2023
As a Sherlock Holmes fan, I enjoyed this book very much. I highly recommend it.
June 21, 2016
Although overall I found the book interesting enough to keep me reading, I can't help but feel that Lackey has lost her grip on this series. She's expanded from the original Elemental Masters world to add ghosts, psychics, reincarnated warriors (and let's not even mention the vampires and shifters of the books that feature the hunting lodges). I think it's hard to develop a world and stay consistent when you keep adding in new things that don't play well with the rules of the world you've already laid out.
*warning, some spoilers ahead*
Sherlock Holmes and the Watsons make an interesting addition to the world of Nan and Sarah, but Holmes didn't have much of a role to play - he seemed to be there mostly to drop in the famous name. I also seriously have trouble believing the silly explanation they gave about protecting Holmes' loved ones from his enemies by pretending that the Watsons live elsewhere. Uh...it doesn't matter if John pretends to be coming out of another house every day (which didn't seem to be the case anyway) if all day long he's going around as himself in plain sight and going back to Baker Street. Any criminal would just have to follow him to figure out where he actually lives, or ask questions of anyone in the area. There were a lot of threads in this plot, which made it pretty disjointed as a whole. While I found it interesting when they helped the widow find her inheritance, it really did not advance the story in any way. Same with clearing out #10 Baker Street of that random VERY BAD THING that lived there, and the episode with the "blood mage" that only seemed to serve the purpose of showing that the Watsons could be narrow minded and Nan can't control her Celtic warrior spirit. I found the bit of mythology around the bad thing very odd also, as it seemed to just be some being of complete evil, brought here by some long ago invaders with no real good explanation of why. The concept was not well developed.
And then my real beef with the book. There was no evidence that Sarah was falling under the spell of Magdalena when her POV was being told. All of it sounded like complete sour grapes from Nan being left out of fancy dinners and events (continually mentioning that Sarah was being spoiled by all her princess treatment), then abruptly Sarah DID seem to be completely besotted with Magdalena. Then came an attitude of "Sarah, you're a bad person for falling under a spell that you had no way to guard against. You LET YOURSELF be completely enchanted by that manipulative diva, and we're going to make you feel like crap for it even though none of us have ever heard of this, and had no idea it was going on either." It was a bit jarring, to say the least. I didn't get any real sense of Magdalena's motives or character until she was revealed to be a murderous woman with siren blood. And then let's just add the 5th element, SPIRIT to the series now. Spirit Master, if your goal was Magdalena, what was the point of having all the ghosts harassing Sarah all night? That was clearly not going anywhere, just leaving her more vulnerable to enchantment since she had to spend extra time with the woman and was constantly exhausted.
Sorry for the long ramble. As I said, I was entertained enough to finish, I just wish Lackey would really focus on tighter world building and not expand her worlds past sustainability.
*warning, some spoilers ahead*
Sherlock Holmes and the Watsons make an interesting addition to the world of Nan and Sarah, but Holmes didn't have much of a role to play - he seemed to be there mostly to drop in the famous name. I also seriously have trouble believing the silly explanation they gave about protecting Holmes' loved ones from his enemies by pretending that the Watsons live elsewhere. Uh...it doesn't matter if John pretends to be coming out of another house every day (which didn't seem to be the case anyway) if all day long he's going around as himself in plain sight and going back to Baker Street. Any criminal would just have to follow him to figure out where he actually lives, or ask questions of anyone in the area. There were a lot of threads in this plot, which made it pretty disjointed as a whole. While I found it interesting when they helped the widow find her inheritance, it really did not advance the story in any way. Same with clearing out #10 Baker Street of that random VERY BAD THING that lived there, and the episode with the "blood mage" that only seemed to serve the purpose of showing that the Watsons could be narrow minded and Nan can't control her Celtic warrior spirit. I found the bit of mythology around the bad thing very odd also, as it seemed to just be some being of complete evil, brought here by some long ago invaders with no real good explanation of why. The concept was not well developed.
And then my real beef with the book. There was no evidence that Sarah was falling under the spell of Magdalena when her POV was being told. All of it sounded like complete sour grapes from Nan being left out of fancy dinners and events (continually mentioning that Sarah was being spoiled by all her princess treatment), then abruptly Sarah DID seem to be completely besotted with Magdalena. Then came an attitude of "Sarah, you're a bad person for falling under a spell that you had no way to guard against. You LET YOURSELF be completely enchanted by that manipulative diva, and we're going to make you feel like crap for it even though none of us have ever heard of this, and had no idea it was going on either." It was a bit jarring, to say the least. I didn't get any real sense of Magdalena's motives or character until she was revealed to be a murderous woman with siren blood. And then let's just add the 5th element, SPIRIT to the series now. Spirit Master, if your goal was Magdalena, what was the point of having all the ghosts harassing Sarah all night? That was clearly not going anywhere, just leaving her more vulnerable to enchantment since she had to spend extra time with the woman and was constantly exhausted.
Sorry for the long ramble. As I said, I was entertained enough to finish, I just wish Lackey would really focus on tighter world building and not expand her worlds past sustainability.
July 15, 2019
***2019 The Summer of Sherlock***
This is one of the weirder tributes to Sherlock Holmes that I have read. I really enjoyed Lackey’s The Last Herald Mage series and was hoping that I could jump into this Elemental Masters series at book number 11 without any problems. It is easy enough to get the hang of this world, but I couldn’t help but think that Mr. Holmes and John & Mary Watson could have been swapped out for other characters without hurting the narrative one bit. I am not sure why the author used them, but she must be a fan.
This is mostly a paranormal adventure story, not something that one would expect to find Sherlock Holmes at all interested in. (In fairness, he isn’t interested at first and only gets drawn in close to the end). It’s not a particularly complex story and is mostly about the ghost-contacting and psychical skills of the two main characters, Sarah and Nan. They each have what I would call a familiar, an African Grey Parrot and a Raven. The birds were an interesting touch, and made more sense than the horse-shaped Companions of The Last Herald Mage series.
I already have the next book, A Scandal in Battersea, signed out of the library, so I will probably read it, but I wouldn’t have been ready to search for it if it wasn’t readily available. Not the greatest Holmes pastiche, but unlikely to the worst either. Sherlock Holmes aficionados should stay well away, this is for paranormal fantasy readers!
This is one of the weirder tributes to Sherlock Holmes that I have read. I really enjoyed Lackey’s The Last Herald Mage series and was hoping that I could jump into this Elemental Masters series at book number 11 without any problems. It is easy enough to get the hang of this world, but I couldn’t help but think that Mr. Holmes and John & Mary Watson could have been swapped out for other characters without hurting the narrative one bit. I am not sure why the author used them, but she must be a fan.
This is mostly a paranormal adventure story, not something that one would expect to find Sherlock Holmes at all interested in. (In fairness, he isn’t interested at first and only gets drawn in close to the end). It’s not a particularly complex story and is mostly about the ghost-contacting and psychical skills of the two main characters, Sarah and Nan. They each have what I would call a familiar, an African Grey Parrot and a Raven. The birds were an interesting touch, and made more sense than the horse-shaped Companions of The Last Herald Mage series.
I already have the next book, A Scandal in Battersea, signed out of the library, so I will probably read it, but I wouldn’t have been ready to search for it if it wasn’t readily available. Not the greatest Holmes pastiche, but unlikely to the worst either. Sherlock Holmes aficionados should stay well away, this is for paranormal fantasy readers!
September 1, 2019
The latest Elemental Masters book returns to Sarah Lyon-White and Nan Killian, now young women sharing rooms. After being introduced to a consulting detective residing in Baker St., they begin assisting his doctor friend and the doctor's wife with various magical goings-on. Yes, Sherlock Holmes is suddenly real in this universe (despite being called out as fictional in an earlier book) and the Watsons are Elemental Mages. Sarah is employed as a medium by a German opera singer who is being beset by ghosts after the disappearance of her sister; Nan is first jealous of being pushed aside, then increasingly alarmed about the changes in Sarah. And then there's that violinist with a bow made of human bone and hair.
This is somewhat episodic at first, although the through line does eventually become more apparent. The typical fairy tale element is rather subdued, based on a ballad rather than a tale. Overall, it's an enjoyable entry in the series, but not quite up to the usual standards.
This is somewhat episodic at first, although the through line does eventually become more apparent. The typical fairy tale element is rather subdued, based on a ballad rather than a tale. Overall, it's an enjoyable entry in the series, but not quite up to the usual standards.
October 19, 2018
John Watson and his wife Mary are Elemental Masters? Huh??
I was so pleased to read that a new book was out, featuring Sarah and Nan and their amazing birds. The last two books in this series were such disappointments; I quit reading early in both stories. But Sherlock Holmes? Excuse the eye-rolls.
The story is fairly interesting, though the thread about Sarah and her work with Magdalena goes on rather too long. It does offer time for Nan to shine on her own.
I was so pleased to read that a new book was out, featuring Sarah and Nan and their amazing birds. The last two books in this series were such disappointments; I quit reading early in both stories. But Sherlock Holmes? Excuse the eye-rolls.
The story is fairly interesting, though the thread about Sarah and her work with Magdalena goes on rather too long. It does offer time for Nan to shine on her own.
August 13, 2018
Interesting, though not one I think I would ever claim as a favourite. While I can't say that I disliked any of the characters, I don't find myself particularly fond of any of them, including Nan and Sarah. While it's nice that they're portrayed as educated, strong willed women in the Victorian era, that's not exactly unusual among Lackeys' heroines. And the way this was shown felt more than a bit condescending to me - it's fine to prefer to wear sensible clothing when working, and out and about and such, but I got a definite impression that the girls - particularly Nan - looked down on those who didn't share their preferences. God forbid someone like pretty clothes!
The story itself is interesting, and I want to check into the Holmes stories - I think, though I'm not certain, that I remember hearing of one involving a similar storyline (an opera singer, sisters, a death). If it is based upon one of the Holmes stories, it's interesting to see how Lackey intertwined it with the "Binnorie" legend.
In a way, the story feels a little bit disconnected - there are two smaller, separate storylines taking place underneath the main. It feels like perhaps these could have originally be intended as short stories, part of an interconnected collection, that Lackey perhaps edited to pad out the storyline. They're interesting, but don't feel all that relevant, where most stories would have us given information that will aid in figuring out the mystery going on.
The story itself is interesting, and I want to check into the Holmes stories - I think, though I'm not certain, that I remember hearing of one involving a similar storyline (an opera singer, sisters, a death). If it is based upon one of the Holmes stories, it's interesting to see how Lackey intertwined it with the "Binnorie" legend.
In a way, the story feels a little bit disconnected - there are two smaller, separate storylines taking place underneath the main. It feels like perhaps these could have originally be intended as short stories, part of an interconnected collection, that Lackey perhaps edited to pad out the storyline. They're interesting, but don't feel all that relevant, where most stories would have us given information that will aid in figuring out the mystery going on.
February 3, 2025
Why is it that people who know something expect you to somehow pick it out of their mi—oh. Well, I could do that, I suppose, but it would be terribly rude.
Lackey delivers. Superb riff on her pair of gifted female protagonists collaborating with the famous sleuth of Baker Street (and friends). Victorian mystery novel norms plus urban fantasy of magic and the supernatural.
“If Mycroft had not given me his assurance that you are as brave as a lioness and just as capable of defending yourself, I would not put you at hazard in this venture, at all.”
Commendable inner voice of protagonists. Threads of mystery and atmosphere from Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous, and terminally rational, detective, with a nod to Doyle’s personal fascination with the occult. Misdirection increases threat and surprise of dénouement.
“You saw that, Holmes? And you actually admit to seeing it?” “Do not press me. I am open-minded enough to accept the evidence of my own eyes. I still think your magic is mostly imagination, air, and shadow.”
Not five stars on any absolute scale, but so much better than much of contemporary fantasy/speculative fiction. Respects her readers. May need to start at the beginning of the series.
She thought she would never be able to apologize enough, until [redacted] finally told her, in the kindliest voice possible, to “Shut up, you’re starting to babble.”
Lackey delivers. Superb riff on her pair of gifted female protagonists collaborating with the famous sleuth of Baker Street (and friends). Victorian mystery novel norms plus urban fantasy of magic and the supernatural.
“If Mycroft had not given me his assurance that you are as brave as a lioness and just as capable of defending yourself, I would not put you at hazard in this venture, at all.”
Commendable inner voice of protagonists. Threads of mystery and atmosphere from Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous, and terminally rational, detective, with a nod to Doyle’s personal fascination with the occult. Misdirection increases threat and surprise of dénouement.
“You saw that, Holmes? And you actually admit to seeing it?” “Do not press me. I am open-minded enough to accept the evidence of my own eyes. I still think your magic is mostly imagination, air, and shadow.”
Not five stars on any absolute scale, but so much better than much of contemporary fantasy/speculative fiction. Respects her readers. May need to start at the beginning of the series.
She thought she would never be able to apologize enough, until [redacted] finally told her, in the kindliest voice possible, to “Shut up, you’re starting to babble.”
July 8, 2017
Nan and Sarah, from earlier books, are all grown up and taking their own cases. Sarah gets hired to take care of this swarm of ghosts haunting this opera singer. Nan gets worried about how distant Sarah has gotten and consults with friends Mary and John Watson and Sherlock Holmes to figure out what is going on. With the help of Neville and Grey, the birds, they do try to bring justice out of the mess that is going on.
I really enjoyed the historical parts and the parts with the the little adopted girl, Suki. The birds are also wonderful characters. However, I would not start reading this series with this title. There is too much backstory that isn't explained to make a lot of sense to people new to this series. However, series readers will greatly enjoy this title!
I really enjoyed the historical parts and the parts with the the little adopted girl, Suki. The birds are also wonderful characters. However, I would not start reading this series with this title. There is too much backstory that isn't explained to make a lot of sense to people new to this series. However, series readers will greatly enjoy this title!
June 14, 2016
Sherlock Holmes and the Watsons are amongst the other familiar characters joining Sarah Lyon-White and Nan Killian, now adults and fully trained in their own right, ready to deal with ghosts, enchantments, masters and other magical workings. Murder and mayhem, however, might tax them farther than they think. At least their avian companions, Neville the raven and Grey the African parrot, are there for support and occasional scoldings! (Coincidentally I've also been reading a book by an animal/avian behavioral psychologist, so for those who are interested, the characters of Grey and Neville aren't necessarily as fictional as you might think! I do enjoy their increased characterizations though.)
As always, there's more sympathy with the regular people than the upper class, especially the plight of those in the lower working classes, and despite the "theme" there was less music than I might have expected. Parts of the narration felt a bit disjointed, especially the interludes, and some of the prose was a little stilted.
Not one of the strongest in the Elemental Masters series, but definitely not one of the weaker, and still an enjoyable read.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As always, there's more sympathy with the regular people than the upper class, especially the plight of those in the lower working classes, and despite the "theme" there was less music than I might have expected. Parts of the narration felt a bit disjointed, especially the interludes, and some of the prose was a little stilted.
Not one of the strongest in the Elemental Masters series, but definitely not one of the weaker, and still an enjoyable read.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2016
I had to force myself to finish this book. It just didn't grab me.
The two main characters spend most of the book sniping at each other because 1 of them is under a spell and "forgetting" about her adopted daughter and friend.
The other main character runs around with Sherlock Holmes and Watson and Watson's wife (both elemental masters) and trying to control her alter ego, some sort of Celtic warrior priestess.
It felt like a bunch of pieces were thrown together (sirens, Puck, a murdered/missing girl) and none of them really meshed well.
Also, there was no romance in this book.
I enjoyed the earlier Elemental Masters books more, like A Serpent in Shadow.
The two main characters spend most of the book sniping at each other because 1 of them is under a spell and "forgetting" about her adopted daughter and friend.
The other main character runs around with Sherlock Holmes and Watson and Watson's wife (both elemental masters) and trying to control her alter ego, some sort of Celtic warrior priestess.
It felt like a bunch of pieces were thrown together (sirens, Puck, a murdered/missing girl) and none of them really meshed well.
Also, there was no romance in this book.
I enjoyed the earlier Elemental Masters books more, like A Serpent in Shadow.
October 17, 2016
Sarah Lyon-White and Nan Killian, a medium and a mind reader attached to the White Lodge are assigned by Lord Ashcroft to assist a gentleman who resides at 221 Baker Street. Not Sherlock Holmes, but John Watson, Water Elemental Master, and his wife, Mary, an Air Elemental Master. They handle the magical cases that Holmes refuses to touch.
But when one of John and the ladies cases intersects with one of Sherlock's cases, then the great Sherlock Holmes gets a lesson in improbable versus impossible, and finds out that, really, very little is truly impossible.
Wonderfully written. Holmes and Watson are not out of character. Even as an Elemental Master, Watson is still Watson. Solid and down to earth.
The story fairly bounces along. You don't need to be familiar with Mercede's 'Elemental Masters' series, as she makes enough references for the general reader to grasp how the world works and who the characters are. I had read a couple of the series years ago, but am now enthused to go and read them all.
I got "A Study in Sable" from my library, but I will now be sourcing a copy for my Sherlock Holmes collection.
Highly recommended to all lovers of urban fantasy, Victoriana, and Sherlock Holmes.
But when one of John and the ladies cases intersects with one of Sherlock's cases, then the great Sherlock Holmes gets a lesson in improbable versus impossible, and finds out that, really, very little is truly impossible.
Wonderfully written. Holmes and Watson are not out of character. Even as an Elemental Master, Watson is still Watson. Solid and down to earth.
The story fairly bounces along. You don't need to be familiar with Mercede's 'Elemental Masters' series, as she makes enough references for the general reader to grasp how the world works and who the characters are. I had read a couple of the series years ago, but am now enthused to go and read them all.
I got "A Study in Sable" from my library, but I will now be sourcing a copy for my Sherlock Holmes collection.
Highly recommended to all lovers of urban fantasy, Victoriana, and Sherlock Holmes.
June 15, 2016
I was three books behind in the Elemental Masters series, but jumped ahead when I saw that Sherlock Holmes makes an appearance in this latest one.
It was a fun read, though John Watson and his wife, Mary, are stronger characters than Holmes. The Watsons are occult detectives, an Elemental Water Master and Air Master respectively, who live upstairs from Holmes at 221C Baker Street. Holmes refuses to believe in Elemental magic, though it seems to me that since it is real in this alternate universe, he would admit its existence if there were convincing evidence.
It was good to see Nan and Sarah all grown up, and as usual their birds, Grey, the African parrot, and Neville, the raven, are delightful supporting characters.
Unlike the other books in this series, this one is based not on a fairy tale, but on a legend. I won't say which one, as that might be a spoiler.
On the whole, this is a fast-paced, light read that combines a historical setting with a fun, satisfying fantasy-mystery.
It was a fun read, though John Watson and his wife, Mary, are stronger characters than Holmes. The Watsons are occult detectives, an Elemental Water Master and Air Master respectively, who live upstairs from Holmes at 221C Baker Street. Holmes refuses to believe in Elemental magic, though it seems to me that since it is real in this alternate universe, he would admit its existence if there were convincing evidence.
It was good to see Nan and Sarah all grown up, and as usual their birds, Grey, the African parrot, and Neville, the raven, are delightful supporting characters.
Unlike the other books in this series, this one is based not on a fairy tale, but on a legend. I won't say which one, as that might be a spoiler.
On the whole, this is a fast-paced, light read that combines a historical setting with a fun, satisfying fantasy-mystery.
July 15, 2016
I like Nan and Sarah and was content to read about new exploits from them. The story was a bit thin, but the character conflicts were nicely written. I didn't love the intrusion of Sherlock Holmes and Watson into the story - it just seemed unnecessary and didn't add anything of interest. Lackey's Holmes was entirely tame and not terribly interesting.
I did appreciate a side plot that seemed like a direct answer to some criticisms of her other elemental masters books and their use of exoticism.
Lackey sometimes leans a little much on telling not showing, and I definitely felt that was the case here, particularly with the danger that the characters were in. She is capable of writing particularly blood thirsty villains, and while I appreciated a bit more subtly, I also felt like there was never any sense that any character was actually at risk. I also find Puck a little tiresome at this point. Scenes with him are repetitive and don't always add anything. Like Holmes, his presence in this story wasn't necessary.
I did appreciate a side plot that seemed like a direct answer to some criticisms of her other elemental masters books and their use of exoticism.
Lackey sometimes leans a little much on telling not showing, and I definitely felt that was the case here, particularly with the danger that the characters were in. She is capable of writing particularly blood thirsty villains, and while I appreciated a bit more subtly, I also felt like there was never any sense that any character was actually at risk. I also find Puck a little tiresome at this point. Scenes with him are repetitive and don't always add anything. Like Holmes, his presence in this story wasn't necessary.
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May 5, 2017The problem with M. Lackey's novels recently are this: there is no tension. That's all. It's like we never wonder if everything is going to turn out ok. We know it will.
Phoenix and Ashes is my favorite book in this series (one of my all-time favorite books) and there is PAIN and SUFFERING and TENSION. Will she make it? Will she defeat her stepmother? Etc. It's tense to read. That's what's so fun.
THis is more like an afternoon sitting by the fire listening to your grandma tell you of that one time in her youth. It's a story we've heard before. Nothing new or interesting. We're just getting reacquainted with old friends. We know nothing bad will happen or if it does they will just use their elemental magic to make it all go away, since they never go up against anything bigger or stronger than them.
Phoenix and Ashes is my favorite book in this series (one of my all-time favorite books) and there is PAIN and SUFFERING and TENSION. Will she make it? Will she defeat her stepmother? Etc. It's tense to read. That's what's so fun.
THis is more like an afternoon sitting by the fire listening to your grandma tell you of that one time in her youth. It's a story we've heard before. Nothing new or interesting. We're just getting reacquainted with old friends. We know nothing bad will happen or if it does they will just use their elemental magic to make it all go away, since they never go up against anything bigger or stronger than them.
August 17, 2016
Much better than Nan and Sarah's previous outing (which was pretty awful), as long as you can take the "Sherlock Holmes is real" shtick. I generally like it just fine, myself. It also seems a bit episodic until the various plot threads come together.
Readers will be either disappointed or pleased at the continuing total lack of a romance subplot for either of these characters, who seem quite content with their joint spinsterhood. (In fact, they never worry about that at all.) It also continues with the fairy-tale creature theme for these particular main characters, rather than the fairy-tale story base of the other Elemental Masters books.
As usual with Lackey there is a certain amount of over-explaining at various points, as well as repetition of key factual points already mentioned, but it's nowhere as bad as it's been in some of her other books.
In sum, then, a solid, enjoyable read for me.
Readers will be either disappointed or pleased at the continuing total lack of a romance subplot for either of these characters, who seem quite content with their joint spinsterhood. (In fact, they never worry about that at all.) It also continues with the fairy-tale creature theme for these particular main characters, rather than the fairy-tale story base of the other Elemental Masters books.
As usual with Lackey there is a certain amount of over-explaining at various points, as well as repetition of key factual points already mentioned, but it's nowhere as bad as it's been in some of her other books.
In sum, then, a solid, enjoyable read for me.
February 17, 2019
While the Elemental Masters series is not my favorite Lackey series, this was still an entertaining read. It combines fantasy and mystery in a Victorian setting. One of the main characters (Nan) showed growth and depth since we last saw her in this series. The plot had some twists and turns, but the story dragged in a couple of places. However, the pacing was good in most of the novel. Overall, I enjoyed it and look forward to more adventures in this series.
September 30, 2025
Slow Start, But Exciting End
I usually can tell what the Fairy Tale is when I read these books, but this one swept by my. Maybe someone else will know.
It started out with a quick bit of excitement, then slowed down to give you the background. In that middle I thought it pleaded a bit, but it gave quite the exciting ending, like always. I just wonder why Ms. Lackey decided to include Sherlock Holmes.
I usually can tell what the Fairy Tale is when I read these books, but this one swept by my. Maybe someone else will know.
It started out with a quick bit of excitement, then slowed down to give you the background. In that middle I thought it pleaded a bit, but it gave quite the exciting ending, like always. I just wonder why Ms. Lackey decided to include Sherlock Holmes.
Read
March 11, 2025Just what I needed!
As a fan of both Mercedes Lackey's books AND the Holmes and Watson stories, I thoroughly enjoyed the further adventures of Sarah and Nan and their birds! And it was lovely having Watson and his Mary - and Holmes too! - joining the girls in this adventure. The cherry on top was a brilliant surprise guest. It was hard to put this one down.
As a fan of both Mercedes Lackey's books AND the Holmes and Watson stories, I thoroughly enjoyed the further adventures of Sarah and Nan and their birds! And it was lovely having Watson and his Mary - and Holmes too! - joining the girls in this adventure. The cherry on top was a brilliant surprise guest. It was hard to put this one down.
August 2, 2018
look I KNOW, but just GO WITH IT, okay?
October 21, 2019
Sherlock Homes and magic, a great combination. I also love Nan and Sarah from previous books.
November 5, 2019
3.7
This is definitely my favourite of the Nan and Sarah books so far. I do think, though, that the was taking us out of the rules of the world she created.
This is definitely my favourite of the Nan and Sarah books so far. I do think, though, that the was taking us out of the rules of the world she created.
October 4, 2019
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
A Study in Sable unabashedly appropriates Sherlock Holmes, and more importantly, John and Mary Watson, into the late Victorian world of Mercedes Lackey’s Elemental Magic. While the super-rational Holmes refuses to believe in magic or take cases involving it, the Watsons of Lackey’s imagination are Masters of Water and Air, respectively. The book also reintroduces Nan Killian and Sarah Lyon-White, last seen in Home from the Sea, who possess not magic but psychic talents. I’m fond of Nan and Sarah, and even fonder of their avian sidekicks, Neville and Grey, and enjoyed the chance to see them again as young women making their way in the world. They’ve taken on a young apprentice or fosterling, who is really delightful.
Holmes is not the central character or even the main investigator in this book, magic being both beyond his abilities and something his scientific mind rejects. But he plays an important subsidiary role, and I enjoyed his reactions to the realms of magic and psychic phenomena, and his involvement in the mystery. Lackey also introduces at least one historical character; I can’t tell you who without giving too much away, since their real-life identity is only revealed in the last fifth of the book.
The books in this series are usually retellings of (or at least inspired by) fairy tales. In A Study in Sable, it’s a ballad or folk tale that serves as the major inspiration. “The Twa Sisters” exists in a number of variants (“Binoorie”, “The Cruel Sister”) in both English and Scandinavian folk culture. I’m not going to tell the story here, in part because spoilers and in part because, as usual, Lackey introduces her own twists, the involvement of the Baker Street residents being only one of them.
The plot is somewhat episodic, with three more-or-less separate problems for Nan, Sarah, and the Watsons to tackle, but it flows pretty well from one to another; one investigation actually takes place during the course of the major, ballad-based plot.
All in all, A Study in Sable was an entertaining read, and better than some of its immediate predecessors.
Read for the Clean Sweep ARC Challenge
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are entirely my own.
A Study in Sable unabashedly appropriates Sherlock Holmes, and more importantly, John and Mary Watson, into the late Victorian world of Mercedes Lackey’s Elemental Magic. While the super-rational Holmes refuses to believe in magic or take cases involving it, the Watsons of Lackey’s imagination are Masters of Water and Air, respectively. The book also reintroduces Nan Killian and Sarah Lyon-White, last seen in Home from the Sea, who possess not magic but psychic talents. I’m fond of Nan and Sarah, and even fonder of their avian sidekicks, Neville and Grey, and enjoyed the chance to see them again as young women making their way in the world. They’ve taken on a young apprentice or fosterling, who is really delightful.
Holmes is not the central character or even the main investigator in this book, magic being both beyond his abilities and something his scientific mind rejects. But he plays an important subsidiary role, and I enjoyed his reactions to the realms of magic and psychic phenomena, and his involvement in the mystery. Lackey also introduces at least one historical character; I can’t tell you who without giving too much away, since their real-life identity is only revealed in the last fifth of the book.
The books in this series are usually retellings of (or at least inspired by) fairy tales. In A Study in Sable, it’s a ballad or folk tale that serves as the major inspiration. “The Twa Sisters” exists in a number of variants (“Binoorie”, “The Cruel Sister”) in both English and Scandinavian folk culture. I’m not going to tell the story here, in part because spoilers and in part because, as usual, Lackey introduces her own twists, the involvement of the Baker Street residents being only one of them.
The plot is somewhat episodic, with three more-or-less separate problems for Nan, Sarah, and the Watsons to tackle, but it flows pretty well from one to another; one investigation actually takes place during the course of the major, ballad-based plot.
All in all, A Study in Sable was an entertaining read, and better than some of its immediate predecessors.
Read for the Clean Sweep ARC Challenge
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are entirely my own.
July 10, 2016
Nothing particularly memorable, but entertaining enough.
This time, Lackey presents a pastiche of Sherlock Holmes and John & Mary Watson, making the Watsons elemental masters who put up with their friend Holmes' amusing skepticism re. "illogical" magic -- I enjoy Holmes retellings, as long as the author is competent, which ML certainly is.
There is also a classic "fairy tale" retold, as usual for this series, this time the somewhat morbid "The Two Sisters". I don't think saying that is much of a spoiler, since it'd convey nothing to those unfamiliar with the tale, and those who are familiar will recognize the elements as soon as we see, for instance, the mysterious figure playing a mysteriously powerful instrument. ('Being deliberately vague, here.)
I will hide mention of the supernatural [race] involved, though:
There are also several episodic-type [early] sections where the girls (oops, I should say "young women" -- they've grown up) help the Watsons and/or Holmes with other problems.
It was a plus to see some White Lodge assumptions re. what kinds of magic are intrinsically evil given a second look, but a minus to have Sarah acting unlike herself for too much of the book, and a temporary wedge driven between her and Nan et al -- even Grey!
This time, Lackey presents a pastiche of Sherlock Holmes and John & Mary Watson, making the Watsons elemental masters who put up with their friend Holmes' amusing skepticism re. "illogical" magic -- I enjoy Holmes retellings, as long as the author is competent, which ML certainly is.
There is also a classic "fairy tale" retold, as usual for this series, this time the somewhat morbid "The Two Sisters". I don't think saying that is much of a spoiler, since it'd convey nothing to those unfamiliar with the tale, and those who are familiar will recognize the elements as soon as we see, for instance, the mysterious figure playing a mysteriously powerful instrument. ('Being deliberately vague, here.)
I will hide mention of the supernatural [race] involved, though:
There are also several episodic-type [early] sections where the girls (oops, I should say "young women" -- they've grown up) help the Watsons and/or Holmes with other problems.
It was a plus to see some White Lodge assumptions re. what kinds of magic are intrinsically evil given a second look, but a minus to have Sarah acting unlike herself for too much of the book, and a temporary wedge driven between her and Nan et al -- even Grey!
June 7, 2016
With "A Study In Sable", Lackey returns us to the Elemental Masters series with a slightly different flavor. This time we step away from the charm of the fairy-tale retellings and into the realm of the Sherlockian, taking up the world's favorite Consulting Detective.
Maybe it's my age. Maybe it's her age. Both perhaps, but I have to admit Lackey's light fantasy has really lost much of it's charm for me. I had been enjoying this series, but the formulaic nature of it begins to wear thin. Study is competent, but no more, and has lost the fun of watching a great craftsman twist an old story into a new shape and setting. The almost ethereal flavor of the earliest books has devolved into the realm of basic nuts-and-bolts storytelling.
Despite it all, Lackey is still a superb craftsman, and it's a fun, light read. Her blend of fantasy, mystery and period-piece settings still satisfies the sweet tooth of fantasy lovers and hardcore fans worldwide. So dont pass it by unless you really have a lot of other things to do.
This reviewer still hopes she'll find a new idea for her lighter works that will spark the kind of work that has kept me picking up her titles for all these years. But untill then, well, they're still a great palate cleanser between courses of meatier fare.
Maybe it's my age. Maybe it's her age. Both perhaps, but I have to admit Lackey's light fantasy has really lost much of it's charm for me. I had been enjoying this series, but the formulaic nature of it begins to wear thin. Study is competent, but no more, and has lost the fun of watching a great craftsman twist an old story into a new shape and setting. The almost ethereal flavor of the earliest books has devolved into the realm of basic nuts-and-bolts storytelling.
Despite it all, Lackey is still a superb craftsman, and it's a fun, light read. Her blend of fantasy, mystery and period-piece settings still satisfies the sweet tooth of fantasy lovers and hardcore fans worldwide. So dont pass it by unless you really have a lot of other things to do.
This reviewer still hopes she'll find a new idea for her lighter works that will spark the kind of work that has kept me picking up her titles for all these years. But untill then, well, they're still a great palate cleanser between courses of meatier fare.
August 23, 2016
I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
I am sorry to give this book such a poor rating. The premises were good, a Victorian fantasy with Sherlock Holmes in it was, or should have been, everything I wanted and enjoyed to be reading during Summer. I am new to the Elemental Masters cycle, so I did not have previous experience with the characters and the setting, but I did not feel there were many things I was missing or were not clear from the story itself. This book is pretty much self-standing, and this is actually quite a good thing. Unfortunately, there are so many not-so-good things about it as well. The plot is missing entirely, there is a collection of quite unremarkable events narrated with a dreary lack of color and drama, with the exception of the first few pages (the prologue), that actually seem to be the only part in which the author was inspired to write pretty decent fantasy. Here it is the regret. I feel the author had all the skills to write such a better story. Regretfully, the rest of the book proceeds on such a terrible pace and uninspired prose that I would not recommend the reading of this work to anyone. Do not waste your time with it please.
I am sorry to give this book such a poor rating. The premises were good, a Victorian fantasy with Sherlock Holmes in it was, or should have been, everything I wanted and enjoyed to be reading during Summer. I am new to the Elemental Masters cycle, so I did not have previous experience with the characters and the setting, but I did not feel there were many things I was missing or were not clear from the story itself. This book is pretty much self-standing, and this is actually quite a good thing. Unfortunately, there are so many not-so-good things about it as well. The plot is missing entirely, there is a collection of quite unremarkable events narrated with a dreary lack of color and drama, with the exception of the first few pages (the prologue), that actually seem to be the only part in which the author was inspired to write pretty decent fantasy. Here it is the regret. I feel the author had all the skills to write such a better story. Regretfully, the rest of the book proceeds on such a terrible pace and uninspired prose that I would not recommend the reading of this work to anyone. Do not waste your time with it please.
May 19, 2017
I never know what to expect from an Elemental Masters book -- the last two have been fairy tale retellings (which were epically awesome!!) set around Germany/Hungary, while this one returns readers to the British "Lodge." Nan and Sarah were introduced in a previous book, but it's been so long since I read that one, when I started reading this one, my thoughts were vaguely "waaaaaiiiittt... what happened the last time with these two?" There's just enough of a recap that we know they were lured into a creepy house (which plays a minimal role in this novel) and some details about how they came to be involved with the Lodge, BUT the rest was left up to reader's memories. My brain is like a sieve where characters and plots swirl around for a bit then vanish. So, bad life plan.
The rest of the novel jumps a bit from potential problem to maybe potential problem to this is DEFINITELY (maybe?) a problem. While I love Lackey's writing enough to keep reading, this is not the type of book that makes one stay up all night reading or crying over characters.
The rest of the novel jumps a bit from potential problem to maybe potential problem to this is DEFINITELY (maybe?) a problem. While I love Lackey's writing enough to keep reading, this is not the type of book that makes one stay up all night reading or crying over characters.
June 30, 2016
My main problem with this volume of the Elemental Masters series is the way one of the characters is treated. Maybe it's because we have the same name, but I felt like Sarah was really mistreated by the characters. They all thought she was being enthralled by the opera singer because she was enjoying spending time at the opera and a fancy hotel and enjoying the perks of a nice lifestyle. Sure, it turned out that there was a spell, but there was this weird undercurrent to the disapproval as though enjoying nice things means you're a bad person.
I also found the book a bit disjointed. There was the overall opera singer story, but there were lots of random picaresque adventures that were interesting, but didn't really have anything to do with moving the plot of the novel forward. Add to that the whole Sherlock Holmes element, and I wasn't that impressed.
**I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.**
I also found the book a bit disjointed. There was the overall opera singer story, but there were lots of random picaresque adventures that were interesting, but didn't really have anything to do with moving the plot of the novel forward. Add to that the whole Sherlock Holmes element, and I wasn't that impressed.
**I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.**
May 26, 2025
The twist at the end was masterfully done.
The plot seemed to meander rather pointlessly for a great deal of the book, presumably as a series of red herrings.
In Lackey's later writing, I've noticed that all of the 'good' characters agree quickly and easily on virtually everything. They all share the same point of view. Anyone who disagrees turns out to be evil or brainwashed. I haven't read much of her early stuff lately, so I don't know if this has always been the case. I like her point of view, I just don't find it very realistic for everyone to share it.
ETA 2025: the plot is better than I initially gave it credit for. The side quests get a lot of focus while the main plot problem builds quietly and ominously in the background. Her portrayal of Sherlock Holmes is also better than I remember. His attitude towards magic makes sense, without compromising his intelligence.
The plot seemed to meander rather pointlessly for a great deal of the book, presumably as a series of red herrings.
In Lackey's later writing, I've noticed that all of the 'good' characters agree quickly and easily on virtually everything. They all share the same point of view. Anyone who disagrees turns out to be evil or brainwashed. I haven't read much of her early stuff lately, so I don't know if this has always been the case. I like her point of view, I just don't find it very realistic for everyone to share it.
ETA 2025: the plot is better than I initially gave it credit for. The side quests get a lot of focus while the main plot problem builds quietly and ominously in the background. Her portrayal of Sherlock Holmes is also better than I remember. His attitude towards magic makes sense, without compromising his intelligence.
July 19, 2016
Nan Killian and her best friend, Sarah Lyon-White, along with their talented birds, Neville and Gray, are called to consult with Sherlock Homes. John Watson is an Elemental Water Master and his wife, Mary, is an Elemental Air Master, but Holmes has a hard time believing in magical tarradiddle. But when Sherlock is investigating the death of a German woman, who is the sister of a renowned opera singer, it becomes clear something magical is happening. Sarah gets pulled into the orbit of Magdalena Von Dietersdorf and sinister connections begin to appear. As Sherlock once observed, when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?
December 23, 2016
I...just...couldn't....finish...it. Despite being a longtime dedicated fan of Lackey's, I just haven't felt that her more recent works hold up in comparison with her earlier novels. Lately it has been difficult for me to distinguish her protagonists book to book and I've been reading each new release out of a sense of obligation rather than excitement. I've been all for her rosy approach to plotting in the past, but books like this one feel as though the characters never truly face conflict. The characters sit around to make plans about how to tackle the conflict, and then EVERYTHING GOES ACCORDING TO THE PLAN, and the characters are victorious.
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