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kayteeem's review against another edition
I wanted more Bodleian library, I think.
I enjoyed the read, though the surprise ninja were a little over-the-top. And the contents of the bedside table drawers seemed a bit of too-obvious shortcut for explication of character; you'd think that the adultery and the blackmail would be quite sufficient.
I enjoyed the read, though the surprise ninja were a little over-the-top. And the contents of the bedside table drawers seemed a bit of too-obvious shortcut for explication of character; you'd think that the adultery and the blackmail would be quite sufficient.
rebroxannape's review against another edition
3.0
Had some very interesting aspects, Particularly the insights into Japanese culture. My main problem with this book, is that although Mary and Holmes spend the entire book together, there is no hint of affection and closeness that one glimpses occasionally with her other books. (Mary Russell keeps her private life private, even from her readers, in all but her first 3 or 4 books.) Holmes is virtually a nonentity in this one. I correctly suspected many parts of the mystery beforehand as it progressed.
3 1/2 stars.
3 1/2 stars.
soniapage's review against another edition
3.0
Holmes seems to be taking the back-seat more in this thirteenth book of the series. I know it's supposed to be about Mary Russell but I hope she doesn't start to overshadow him in the detecting business.
smallafterall's review against another edition
4.0
After the last two disappointing entries in the series, I was worried that there were no more satisfying adventures left for Russell and Holmes, two of my most beloved characters. However, this title restored my faith in King's abilities. I believe this one skips back in time chronologically in the series, though she does not make mention of this, so perhaps I'm mistaken? Anyhow, this is much more a self contained mystery/adventure for the duo, this time mostly in Japan. It is light hearted in tone, with enough twists and diversions to keep a reader involved. I love how much this couple seems to enjoy spending time together. I really can't get enough reinventions of the Holmes genre, but this is one of the better ones.
beastreader's review against another edition
3.0
I grew up reading Sherlock Holmes stories. He was one of the people that influenced me into my love of mystery novels. The way that he and Watson would go about solving a crime was great. I would try to pick up the clues and solve the mystery before Sherlock did but I never quite could do it. I remember once finding a whole collection of stories that my mom had and I read that book for days. IT has been a long, long time since I have read a Sherlock book. I did not even know about this series until I had the chance to read this book.
Because I have not read the other books in this series, I have not built up a close relationship to Mary and Sherlock together. Although I do think that tehy do make a good couple and are a good working pair. Just trying to get used to them together as I do Holmes and Watson. The first part of this book. It is broken into sections was dull. I almost wanted to give up on the book but because of my love to Sherlock I decided to stick with it a bit longer. Howver I have to say that 96 pages of nothingness is really hard to get through.
I am happy to say that the book did get better as I got futher into it. Yet it was a lot of talkng and just middle of teh road for me. The author did do good though with trying to keept true to Sherlock with the way he spoke and processed a case. Yet I just could not fully immerse myself into the book. I found at times due to the slow pacing of the story that I would skimm parts but not miss anything doing this.
Because I have not read the other books in this series, I have not built up a close relationship to Mary and Sherlock together. Although I do think that tehy do make a good couple and are a good working pair. Just trying to get used to them together as I do Holmes and Watson. The first part of this book. It is broken into sections was dull. I almost wanted to give up on the book but because of my love to Sherlock I decided to stick with it a bit longer. Howver I have to say that 96 pages of nothingness is really hard to get through.
I am happy to say that the book did get better as I got futher into it. Yet it was a lot of talkng and just middle of teh road for me. The author did do good though with trying to keept true to Sherlock with the way he spoke and processed a case. Yet I just could not fully immerse myself into the book. I found at times due to the slow pacing of the story that I would skimm parts but not miss anything doing this.
michellehenriereads's review against another edition
4.0
As with most series, I like some installments better than others. Dreaming Spies would fall in the category of not my favorite, but still far better than much of what is written. I think the main reason I didn’t love Dreaming Spies was because it jumps around. I would have liked to feel a more continuous flow.
I was quite surprised by...
To read the full review go to www.talesuntangled.wordpress.com
I was quite surprised by...
To read the full review go to www.talesuntangled.wordpress.com
aoosterwyk's review against another edition
4.0
I loved being back with Mary Russell at Oxford. It made me feel all scholarly. The truly wonderful thing about King's Russell books is that I learn so much: period travel, manners and customs, Japanese culture, art history and forgery. The fun never ends. The only bad thing about receiving an advance copy of this book (thank you NetGalley) is that I have to wait that much longer for the next one.
dynila's review against another edition
4.0
so, so, so much better than the last two entries in this series.
carbolicious's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the premise well enough, but for some reason the story didn't pull me in like they usually do. Maybe I just had enough of them being bored on a ship while trying to avoid the other passengers. I didn't really start to get into it until they got off the ship.