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 … 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.
Praise for Laurie R. King’s Mary Russell mysteries
“The most sustained feat of imagination in mystery fiction today.”—Lee Child
“The great marvel of King’s series is that she’s managed to preserve the integrity of Holmes’s character and yet somehow conjure up a woman astute, edgy, and compelling enough to be the partner of his mind as well as his heart.”—The Washington Post Book World
“A lively adventure in the very best of intellectual company.”—The New York Times
“Erudite, fascinating . . . by all odds the most successful re-creation of the famous inhabitant of 221B Baker Street ever attempted.”—Houston Chronicle
“An engaging romp guaranteed to please . . . perfectly written in the style of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.”—USA Today, on Pirate King
“Mesmerizing—another wonderful novel etched by the hand of a master storyteller. No reader who opens this one will be disappointed.”—Michael Connelly, on The God of the Hive
“Historical fiction doesn’t get any better than this.”—The Denver Post, on The Game
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I love the Mary Russell series and was ecstatic to discover that the author had pulled together all the shorts and novellas into this volume and included a never before published story at the end. The author’s Sherlock Holmes, other familiar characters, and her own original characters come to life once more in these short pieces that give the reader more details about off-scene events from the series or even heretofore unmentioned accounts.
The first two bring in childhood stories for Mary Russell, then there is the meeting of Russell and Holmes from his perspective, the details of the wedding, a case for Russell and Mrs. Hudson, a few short vignette mysteries, a couple stories explaining how Russell’s memoirs ended up with Laurie R. King, and then yes, a Holmes and Russell Christmas mystery.
I was tickled to find that two of these stories- Mary Russell’s War and A Case in Correspondence included fun picture memorabilia inserted into the story.
I do think this is best read after The God of the Hive to get the full benefit of all the stories and to avoid spoilers and it most definitely isn’t a good place for newbies to the series to begin. There wasn’t a dud in the batch and it made me want to go back and re-read all the books in the series.
Definitely a great collection for series fans.
Love this set of short stories about Sherlock Holmes, and his British-American wife, Mary Russell. A perfect read when you don’t have time for a full sized novel. Intelligent, frequently amusing, Laurie R King really knows how to spin a tale.
Such a great partner for Sherlock
terrific idea to pair such an intelligent woman with Sherlock. I have enjoyed all the books in series.
Big fan of Laurie King’s Mary Russell series. This was short stories intended to fill in some gaps in character backgrounds. Did wonder how when Mary Russell was 92 she and Holmes were still scampering about London when he was at least 35 years older than her when they married??? Extraordinary life span.
Fills in some of the blanks about Mary Russell’s pre-Sherlock life and her early years with Holmes.
I’ve read Mary Russell since the beekeepers Apprentice. I enjoy all of Laurie R Kings books
Different from the other Mary Russell books — more piecemeal because it is a couple of novellas and some short stories. But great background on Mary’s youth, and her meeting with Sherlock Homes from her younger self’s perspective.
Brilliant
Every thing King writes is worth readig
Not as good as some of her other books.
I have read all of the Mary Russell books and find that her character is so well developed. This fills in the blanks.
Interesting in giving some of the back story behind Mary Russell. This is good background to a good series.
Everything Laurie R. King writes is wonderfully readable and often informative. Her Mary Russell novels each set forth a different and fascinating aspect of English involvement in world politics as well as internal English struggles of various sorts. Her characters are superbly drawn, her backgrounds well-informed.
I just love all the King books. I’m a big Sherlock fan so these were icing on the cake. I was so skeptical at first but ended up enjoying this one very much. Just keep an open mind when reading. It’s entertaining unless you’re too rigid to have a little fun.
One of my favorite series.
I’m reading this now and find it entertaining and original.
Love the Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes characters. This is a bridge story. Good addition to the Canon. Always Like More backstory.
I enjoyed the specific word choices and beautiful sentences!
Defy story telling that blends humor and farce, with a shadow of tragedy and deeper purpose. Recommended!