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sodreads's review against another edition
4.0
Again, great fun.
When I first read O Jerusalem (#5), I wondered why it had not been published as second in the series, given that it was set within the timeline of novel #1. But King knew what she was doing; the characters from #5 make a surprising and engaging reappearance in this story. I read most of it in a single weekend.
As always, the characters had depth and the setting was vivid. The only part of the story where this was lacking, I thought, was Russell's trip to a small town not far from Toronto. Having spent her life in California and then in England, Russell would have noticed more about this new place. Seeing that country by train would, I think, have left more of an impression. This part of the book felt like it could have happened just about anywhere. King's writing didn't bring that place to life, nor was the place crucial to the story -- anyplace in Canada would have sufficed. In my mind, that piece of the story paled in comparison to the rest of the novel.
Apart from that weak point, however, it was great. The concept of home, explored throughout the book, offered plenty of grist for thought. And, as mentioned earlier, it was a pleasure to read.
When I first read O Jerusalem (#5), I wondered why it had not been published as second in the series, given that it was set within the timeline of novel #1. But King knew what she was doing; the characters from #5 make a surprising and engaging reappearance in this story. I read most of it in a single weekend.
As always, the characters had depth and the setting was vivid. The only part of the story where this was lacking, I thought, was Russell's trip to a small town not far from Toronto. Having spent her life in California and then in England, Russell would have noticed more about this new place. Seeing that country by train would, I think, have left more of an impression. This part of the book felt like it could have happened just about anywhere. King's writing didn't bring that place to life, nor was the place crucial to the story -- anyplace in Canada would have sufficed. In my mind, that piece of the story paled in comparison to the rest of the novel.
Apart from that weak point, however, it was great. The concept of home, explored throughout the book, offered plenty of grist for thought. And, as mentioned earlier, it was a pleasure to read.
aussiegirlinuk's review against another edition
4.0
I “read” this via audiobook. And can I just say I was firmly (FIRMLY) in the camp of audiobooks aren’t “real” reading. I was such a book snob. But for some reason I finally decided to move from podcasts to audiobooks on the commute to work and I am a huge convert!
So the unsung hero of the 6th in the series of Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes is audiobook narrator Jenny Sterling. She takes this book and the tale to the next level. She takes each character and really brings them to life. I can’t praise her enough.
I’m loving this series and am already on book 7 (and the 5th audiobook having read the first two).
So the unsung hero of the 6th in the series of Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes is audiobook narrator Jenny Sterling. She takes this book and the tale to the next level. She takes each character and really brings them to life. I can’t praise her enough.
I’m loving this series and am already on book 7 (and the 5th audiobook having read the first two).
arfog's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
I've been reading through this series, and this has been my second favorite so far. I loved the first one, but the next few have been too slow for my liking. This one was a great read.
I enjoyed seeing Ali and Marsh again, in a different environment than O Jerusalem.
I enjoyed seeing Ali and Marsh again, in a different environment than O Jerusalem.
ladybatherine's review against another edition
4.0
I was engrossed from start to finish by the characters, both old & new, and by the beauty of Justice Hall and the story of Gabriel Hughenfort.
jdybs's review against another edition
4.0
Another fine story in the Mary Russell & Sherlock Holmes series by Laurie King. I enjoy this series for the period mysteries, yes, but even more for the author’s skillful writing that captures the tone of the era.
zandra_lea's review against another edition
4.0
This one hit me hard this time - the WW1 chaplain especially, because my own great-grandfather, a minister, was a stretcher-bearer in France.
mikolee's review against another edition
3.0
Mary goes undercover with Holmes to assist their “brother” macmood from Palestine. Discovering his true identity as a wealthy British Lord. He seeks to discover if there is another heir so he can return to nomadic life. In this book Mary travels to Canada (sans Holmes) and gets to revel in a great friendship with Macmoods paper wife and uncover brilliant lesbian.
themarchbird's review against another edition
I cannot for the life of me handle this narrator. I own and love a physical copy in paperback form--the Mary Russell books in general are clever, substantial and full of historical depth and a realism that feels very alive (some thorough research!)--but I find this narrator hard going. Her voice is--strident. Which is a massive shame, really, since it's a series I enjoy and it's pretty extensive now, so I'd love an audiobook reread (they're all narrated by her, more's the pity).
scdoshen's review against another edition
5.0
Well plotted (excepting the final trap) with capable female characters in a Holmes universe (huzzah!) and a tragic central story that brought me to tears. The best in the series.