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liakeller's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, I loved this book so much! The characters were amazing and the story wonderful. I didn't want it to end. The rest of these books will surely be on my list to read.
rebelmouse's review against another edition
3.0
Initially I was really loving this book - but as it dragged on I got more and more bored with it.
I did not like how Watson was treated - again as some bumbling idiot. I do wonder if those Basil Rathbone & Nigel Bruce films have had an irreparable impact on how people perceive Watson's character. I don't remember him being quite so daft in the books. After all he is a qualified medical doctor and was an officer in the army so I feel that it is inappropriate to treat someone with such qualifications as though he is stupid. As far as I can tell Holmes isn't qualified in anything and only has personal learning concerning those things that obsess him. It is hard to believe that a teenage girl such as Russell's character could have the experience, learning, interest, etc that would be required for her to have such an extensive knowledge of very disparate subjects - so unfortunately I found her to be a rather unconvincing character. There were several times in the book when I thought this was going to flip over into a romance - as repellent as that idea might be.
I did skip two or three chapters near the end just so I could move onto something a bit more interesting. By the end of the book I didn't really care who was behind the crimes I just wanted to end.
I do have several of the follow up books, but will be taking a break from this series just now, because I can't face jumping straight back in after taking so long to get out.
However, on a plus note, I did really enjoy the style of writing and the amount of detail.
I did not like how Watson was treated - again as some bumbling idiot. I do wonder if those Basil Rathbone & Nigel Bruce films have had an irreparable impact on how people perceive Watson's character. I don't remember him being quite so daft in the books. After all he is a qualified medical doctor and was an officer in the army so I feel that it is inappropriate to treat someone with such qualifications as though he is stupid. As far as I can tell Holmes isn't qualified in anything and only has personal learning concerning those things that obsess him. It is hard to believe that a teenage girl such as Russell's character could have the experience, learning, interest, etc that would be required for her to have such an extensive knowledge of very disparate subjects - so unfortunately I found her to be a rather unconvincing character. There were several times in the book when I thought this was going to flip over into a romance - as repellent as that idea might be.
I did skip two or three chapters near the end just so I could move onto something a bit more interesting. By the end of the book I didn't really care who was behind the crimes I just wanted to end.
I do have several of the follow up books, but will be taking a break from this series just now, because I can't face jumping straight back in after taking so long to get out.
However, on a plus note, I did really enjoy the style of writing and the amount of detail.
roshnimc's review against another edition
Background to the story supplied in Chapters 1 and 2. The rest will be fan fiction of Sherlock and Russell. I heard the first story and found did not find it very plausible
sandranir's review against another edition
4.0
An unexpected but very pleasant discovery. I was pretty skeptical at first, but I quickly got drawn into the story and had a hard time putting it down (only quit it out of sheer necessity such as work, eat, sleep)... It's a great find and I'm really glad it's a series so I can indulge. My heartfelt thanks to the author!
karenholmes's review against another edition
4.0
I was prepared to dislike the book, I was prepared to diminish it because Sherlock can't be in another's book and be good, but surprisingly, I liked it. At first I thought it to be too long, because Holmes was his best in short stories, but when I started I saw it was a series of shortish stories, at least the beginning. Then arrived the big case and it went on, and on, and on.... and I was hooked and couldn't think of stopping. So yes, it works.
kristin_thereader's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
canecat's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting take on the Sherlock Holmes stories. It is set well past most of his work, after he meets a rebellious and intelligent teen age girl named Mary Russell. It quickly becomes a partnership in solving mysteries and challenging each other.
museumeg's review against another edition
3.0
Fun mystery. Fun to have Sherlock Holmes back. Now I need to reread Conan Doyle to see how they compare.
booksand's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I first read this book as a teenager and I loved it!
Upon re-reading it as an adult, I can’t help but cringe at a few things that make this book hard to recommend. I can’t help but love Mary Russell regardless!
Upon re-reading it as an adult, I can’t help but cringe at a few things that make this book hard to recommend. I can’t help but love Mary Russell regardless!
janegonz's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0