Irene's Last Waltz

Review: This, is the fourth installment in the Carole Nelson Douglas’s Irene Adler series. The Adler’s are living in Neuilly, a small suburb in the vicinity of Paris. The Adler lifestyle can only be described as regal. Irene is being fitted for a new dress at the House of Worth, dressmaker to the royal houses of Europe. Ironically at her fitting Irene met Clotilde Lothman von Saxe Menigen, now the wife of Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond Von Ormstein, King of Bohemia (Willie). The queen is totally unaware of the past history of Irene and her husband. Clotilde is a frustrated and humiliated young woman. Not only has Willie never consummated their marriage but also he has taken on a mysterious Russian ex ballerina as his mistress. Irene is sympathetic and promises to help the young lady. Irene’s promises are not to be taken lightly.

Irene’s promise to Clotilde and her husband’s career are destined to act in concert. Godfrey has been given an offer he simply cannot refuse. Godfrey has been called to the estate of Baron Alphonse Rothschild and enlisted as an agent of the Rothschild banking and investment concerns. His first assignment is to investigate the legitimacy of loans requested by the King and government of Bohemia. Fully aware of Irene’s past involvement with Willie, he is very much against her accompanying him. Poor Godfrey will soon learn that attempting to control Irene is slightly less rewarding than trying to control the phases of the moon. Baron Rothschild has bribed Godfrey with a box of matched dueling pistols and has bribed Irene with a huge diamond necklace. The die is now cast. Their actions are now irrevocable.

Unsettling rumors coming from Prague allege that the Golem an ancient apparition has reappeared and is now walking the streets. After long periods of injustice the Golem is alleged to reappear. Rabbi Lowi Bezalel allegedly created the Golem a giant man like figure made of clay before the time of Christ. It’s purpose to protect the Jewish people during periodic pogroms.

Upon arriving in Prague Godfrey and Nell are invited to a soiree at Prague castle where they meet both Willie and Clotilde. Nell, introduced, as Godfrey’s secretary is not recognized by either the King or Queen. Entering the soiree in her new Worth gown Irene is announced using the name Lady Sherlock. Allegra Stanhope, also present is presented as Irene’s sister. Is it a mark of royal indifference or the first intimation that something is terribly wrong when neither Willie nor Clotilde recognize them?

A great international power play is occurring between Western Europe lead by England and Russia. The front, as in war and weather is Bohemia.

Willie’s mistress is an ex Russian Ballerina named Tatyana. Is Tatyana who she claims to be or is she a former Russian operative from the Afgan war named Sable? Suspicions begin to arise when Tatyana tries to seduce Godfrey in a private meeting. Godfrey begins to suspect Tatyana is the force behind the King.

Whatta mess. I will now leave this tale with a formerly omnipotent king with an unconsummated marriage, and a beautiful and lusty ex Russian ballerina mistress. The Golem is walking the streets of Prague. Bohemia is a country pressed between two giants (England and Russia) and has a royal family too involved in it’s own problems to intervene in the fate of their country.

Carole Nelson Douglas does not let us off the hook with any predictable ending. The action continues to build to a climax with Godfrey fighting a duel with an experienced and deadly opponent, and a change of national rulers. We also get a glimpse of Holmes & Watson acting for the ever subtle Mycroft. Read it. It’s a whopping good story!

Reviewed by: Roger F Kellogg F.I.A., Originally appeared in The Gaslight Gazette