Auguste Lupa is the alias that Sherlock Holmes’ son is known by (both in this book and it’s predecessor Son of Holmes) and like Sherlock, Auguste does not tell his own story but has a chronicler to reveal his exploits, in this case the role of Watson is filled by a Frenchman named Jules Giraud. The action in this story takes place in Russia during the first World War. The war against Germany has been going badly for the Czar and to add to his troubled state of mind, his friends and confidants are being murdered. Meanwhile the Czarina follows the guidance of Rasputin above all others and she makes most of the day to day domestic decisions as the Czar is away commanding his army at the front. The common people are starving and rebellion is in the air. Lupa and Giraud have been tasked with keeping the Czar committed to the war with Germany, this would force the Kaiser to continue fighting a war on two fronts and gain the Allies time to regroup with the hope of possible reinforcement by the United States. They operate surrounded by the political and social intrigues of the Imperial Court. Their first objective: discover who is behind the murders.RASPUTIN’S REVENGE is an interesting hybrid, a work of historical fiction combined with a mystery being investigated by the son of Sherlock Holmes. If you are a fan of either or especially both of these genres you will find this an enjoyable read.
