Pirate King

About the book

In the young silent-film industry of England, the egotistical Randolph Fflytte reigns supreme. However, at the behest of Scotland Yard, Mary Russell is tasked with delving into rumors of illicit activities swirling around Fflytte's renowned movie studio. Disguised, Russell accompanies the film crew to Portugal to film Pirate King, a cinematic spectacle based on The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan. This ambitious project has the potential to revolutionize filmmaking or ruin the careers involved.

Initially, everything appears normal until rehearsals commence in Lisbon, and Mary finds herself overseeing thirteen identically blonde, blue-eyed actresses while encountering a group of real pirates recruited by Fflytte for authenticity. As the crew moves to Morocco for filming, Russell senses impending trouble: a decrepit boat, concealed crew members, tensions among the pirates, budding romances, and the pirates defying Fflytte to follow an enigmatic outlaw leader. To complicate matters further, there is a spy amidst the crew, prompting the question of Sherlock Holmes's whereabouts. As make-believe melds with reality, Russell and Holmes might face their most dangerous challenge yet.

Pirate King by Laurie King is a literary jewel - combining thrills, intellect, romance, and suspense in a captivating narrative that unravels swiftly.