So I'm way behind on this but considering 8 of these books is a series re-read, it's all good.
Books 4-11 were a reread of Laurie R. King's Mary Russell series. I can't quite recall how I wandered across this series for the first time but when I read the cover blurb, "A Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes" it intrigued me. I am a Sherlock Holmes fan, I read the Holmes canon about once a year. I've tried many Holmes stories but very few have lived up to the original and I wondered if this one would.
How was she going to keep Holmes his sharp, acerbic self and include a young woman into the mix without having the story fall down flat?
Mrs. King gave Holmes a true partner. Ms. Russell definitely has her own interests, like Theology, that Holmes has no interest in and Holmes has interests, like beekeeping, that Russell doesn't share. But Holmes trains her genius into becoming a detective. And not just any detective, but one that can work on the same level as himself. They are both brilliant minds and challenge each other's stereotypes and preconceptions of men and women. Russell doesn't outshine Holmes but neither does Holmes leave her behind in the investigation business.
I think that is what makes these books work. Mrs. King treats Sherlock Holmes as he was shown in his own canon, not changing his previous actions/emotions but brings someone in who can live on the same intellectual level as the Great Detective.
I really enjoyed this series and like to recommend it to friends who enjoy mysteries and/or Sherlock Holmes. My personal favorites are O Jerusalem and the next one in line, Justice Hall. Ali and Mahmoud Hazr are my favorite new characters that Laurie R. King has introduced me to.
Go! Get to the bookstore! Buy!
This reread brought to you because the newest in the series "The Language of Bees" is out in hardcover right now and I had to refresh my Mary Russell history to read the new one.
Enjoy!
