Reviews

A Letter of Mary by Laurie R. King

macyashby's review against another edition

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3.0

This book isn't as good as the first two, but is still fun. The concept of the "letter of Mary" is very intriguing and brings up a lot of questions about how such a letter would be received, were one to come to light.

heatherems's review against another edition

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4.0

This excellent series has really hooked me! Laurie R. King hits another home-run with A Letter of Mary. This time Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes (now married!) have to work together to solve the mystery of who killed an intelligent, independent, well-liked and respected older archeologist the day after she visits the Holmes home and leaves them with a beautiful and mysterious gift. The plot is all a mystery lover could want, with lots of twists and turns, red-herrings, multiple suspects and intriguing detection. Again, religion and the theme of women in society plays takes center stage. I suggest starting with book one. Recommended for those who love smartly written, intelligent mysteries.

debrabrinckley's review against another edition

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3.0

I didn't feel this one was as good as the first two. I enjoyed the evolution of Russell and Holmes' relationship, but felt they were separated too much. Also the mystery itself wasn't as cohesive. Still a good read and I look forward to more in the series.

juniperd's review against another edition

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3.0

this series by laurie king is enjoyably escapist. so far, the first three books in the series have provided nice, diversionary reading time. i am hoping that, in future books, king further explores the nature of the relationship between russell and holmes, because in this third book their relationship has become quite a 'yeah... but!?!' for me. sherlock holmes and mary russell have gone from a tutor-guardian/apprentice relationship to now one of husband and wife. with mary russell's sad past and loss of her own family, it's hard to not think about holmes being more of a father-figure for russell. while the affections and respect holmes and russell have for each other, are evident there are moments when i feel a bit creeped out by the idea of a romantic partnership between the 23yo russell and 50+yo holmes. (even keeping in mind the times these stories are set.) but i like that king has given us a strong female character in mary, and supportive and progressive attitudes from holmes concerning what is or is not appropriate for women. i was bummed watson had only the briefest of appearances in this third book. mrs. hudson was fairly absent too. i find king's portrayal of each of these characters very entertaining.

booksand's review against another edition

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mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Not the strongest of the series, nor my favorite. But definitely not a bad book. 

monicamjw's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No

3.75

liakeller's review against another edition

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4.0

I do love this series - I almost want to not read anymore so I have the lovely anticipation of another one waiting in the wings! Nah, I will press on to see how Russell develops. I thought I wasn't going to enjoy it with the opening related to religion, but it proved another fun read.

kdouglass7's review against another edition

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adventurous 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

crialpaca's review against another edition

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reflective slow-paced

3.0

I found this installment to be rather... blah, compared to the first two. Hoping for more interesting cases in the future. 

leasummer's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars - it has been a few years since I last read this series and I think that was a disadvantage as I recall loving it but I had forgotten so much about their relationship ship and past adventures. So this rating is much more MY feelings than the merits of the book.

They both seem out of sorts in this one, for different reasons. The age difference felt much more stark this time. The story felt long and drawn out, altho I found the subject to be interesting and the story entertaining.