REVIEW: Mary Russell’s War by Laurie R. King (Mary Russell #14. 5)

REVIEW: Mary Russell’s War by Laurie R. King (Mary Russell #14. 5)

Series: Mary Russell

Book Number: Short Story Collection; Not Chronological

Read this book for: more back story on Mary Russell, Sherlock Holmes pastiche, period mysteries, WWI historical fiction

Quick Review: A lovely collection for Russell fans, including some previously released and some brand new stories.

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Laurie R. King illuminates the hidden corners of her beloved Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes series in this dynamic short story collection.

In nine previously published short stories and one brand new, never-before-seen Sherlock Holmes mystery—available together for the first time—Laurie R. King blends her long-running brand of crime fiction with historical treats and narrative sleight of hand. At the heart of the collection is a prequel novella that begins with England’s declaration of war in 1914. As told in Mary Russell’s teenage diaries, the whip-smart girl investigates familial mysteries, tracks German spies through San Francisco, and generally delights with her extraordinary mind—until an unimaginable tragedy strikes.

Here too is the case of a professor killed by a swarm of bees; Mrs. Hudson’s investigation of a string of disappearing household items—and a lifelong secret; a revealing anecdote about a character integral to The God of the Hive; the story of Mary’s beloved Uncle Jake and a monumental hand of cards; and a series of postcards in which Mary searches for her missing husband, Sherlock Holmes.

Last but not least, fans will be especially thrilled by Mary’s account of her decision, at age ninety-two, to publish her memoirs—and how she concluded that Ms. King should be the one to introduce her voice to the world. Continue reading “REVIEW: Mary Russell’s War by Laurie R. King (Mary Russell #14. 5)”

REVIEW: The Murder of Mary Russell by Laurie R. King (Mary Russell #14)

REVIEW: The Murder of Mary Russell by Laurie R. King (Mary Russell #14)

Series: Mary Russell

Book Number: 14

Read this book for: Sherlock Holmes pastiche, period piece, Sherlock Holmes backstory/origin stories, references to original Holmes material, driving plot

Quick Review: Another brilliant novel in the series, and a must-read for anyone who wonders about Mrs. Hudson, even if you’ve never read any of the other Russell novels!

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Mary Russell had never thought much about Mrs. Hudson and her reasons for following Sherlock Holmes to Sussex to act as his housekeeper in his retirement… until a man claiming to be her son walks into her life and points a gun at her. Why is Mrs. Hudson so faithful to Holmes? And what secrets does her past hide that have now returned to put her in danger?

Continue reading “REVIEW: The Murder of Mary Russell by Laurie R. King (Mary Russell #14)”

REVIEW: The Marriage of Mary Russell by Laurie R King (Mary Russell #13.5)

REVIEW: The Marriage of Mary Russell by Laurie R King (Mary Russell #13.5)

Series: Mary Russell

Book Number: 13.5

Read this book for: quick read, Sherlock Holmes pastiche, perfect characterizations, intelligent writing, a quick smile

Quick Review: If Sherlock Holmes was to ever get married, this is precisely how it would happen. Even if you aren’t yet a fan of the series, you should read this novella.

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Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes embark on an undertaking that proves to be far more adventurous than Russell was expecting – particularly as it is their wedding!

Continue reading “REVIEW: The Marriage of Mary Russell by Laurie R King (Mary Russell #13.5)”