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Mary Russell / Sherlock Holmes Series
#12
Laurie R. King
Bantam
September 4, 2012 / ISBN: 9780553807998
Mystery
Amazon
Reviewed
by Linda Morelli
I have loved
Laurie R. King's "Mary Russell" series since the first
1993 release, "The Beekeeper's Apprentice." I was fascinated
when the older Sherlock Holmes met Mary Russell, a woman several
generations younger than him, but whose talents and intelligence
often mirrored Holmes’ genius. From the first page, Ms. King’s
unique style held me entranced. Her characterization is outstanding
and her exciting, realistic plots and vibrant locations have kept
me a fan ever since.
Although Ms. King’s books are primarily mysteries, they are
also a story of growing love between two unusually talented loners
who find strength in a caring relationship that allows them each
the freedom to be themselves, yet together make a capable investigative
team.
This novel, the 12th in the series, opens with Mary Russell suffering
a memory loss due to an injury. She doesn’t know who or where
she is, though she knows how to adeptly escape from a two-story
bedroom window when soldiers arrive. Though confused, Mary’s
innate abilities surface and allow her to survive. The novel’s
pacing is at first slow, allowing Ms. King to reveal the confused
emotions and thoughts of an amnesiac, but as Mary’s memory
returns, the pace quickens. She realizes she is in 1924 Fez, Morocco,
a country with conflicting leaders; a country eyed by Britain, Spain,
France and Germany, who each desire to control the country’s
leaders and natural resources.
I totally enjoyed the plot and realistic settings. Mary Russell
is a match for Holmes, but Ms. King doesn’t allow such a strong
character to dominate the scenes in which he appears. I suppose
that’s what I admire most about Ms. King. She allows Mary
to be a strong woman in a male-dominated world.
Garment of Shadows is loaded with political intrigue, fascinating
settings and an exciting plot. A definite must read.
Reviews
of other titles in this series
The
Beekeepers Apprentice #1
Island
of the Mad #11
Garment
of Shadows #12
Dreaming
Spies #13
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