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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
Probably my favorite of the Russell/Holmes series so far. Continuing with wonderful characters we met in Book 5, this book puts us back into the chronology of Book 4. This book had an intricate plot, a wonderful new character (Iris! Please more of Iris!) and alter egos for many of our friends.
I also want to mention how much I enjoy the audio books, read by Jenny Sterlin. She does a marvelous job (with the minor exception of her interpretation of a Toronto accent which resembled something out of North Dakota.)
I also want to mention how much I enjoy the audio books, read by Jenny Sterlin. She does a marvelous job (with the minor exception of her interpretation of a Toronto accent which resembled something out of North Dakota.)
I have really enjoyed the Mary Russell series so far but this one just fell flat for me and I did not finish it.
Possibly the issue was the setting for me. I really don't get into the English peerage and all their boo-hooing dramas which is what the plot of this one felt like to me. I found by page 75 that I was forcing myself to keep picking up this book, and that is a sure sign that a book just isn't for me.
I will check out other books in this series because I love the interaction between Mary and Holmes, and usually I find their adventures fun and engrossing. This one, unfortunately, not so much.
Possibly the issue was the setting for me. I really don't get into the English peerage and all their boo-hooing dramas which is what the plot of this one felt like to me. I found by page 75 that I was forcing myself to keep picking up this book, and that is a sure sign that a book just isn't for me.
I will check out other books in this series because I love the interaction between Mary and Holmes, and usually I find their adventures fun and engrossing. This one, unfortunately, not so much.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Another excellent story in the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series, this time set in uppercrust England. A close friend's nephew was killed in WWI and the intrepid duo must find out why and by whom. Fascinating descriptions of the degredation of the war and the self-superiority of the upperclass.
Whenever I think of the Holmes and Russel series that started with The Beekeeper's Apprentice, I think of trains. I read the first five of the series on Amtrak going up and down from Los Angeles to San Diego to visit my parents. When we were making the big move up to the Bay Area from South Pasadena, my mother gave me her copy of Justice Hall (in the pre-BookCrossing days) and I've only just now taken it off my shelf in the interest of reading for fun.
Justice Hall stands well on its own but does refer back to two previous books: The Moor and O Jerusalem. Russel and Holmes are invited to Justice Hall by friends met in O Jerusalem to help investigate the death of the young man who should have been the next duke.
The book takes a little too long separating out the personas of the brothers when they live abroad (Bedouins Ali and Mahmoud Hazr) versus their more genteel personas (Alistair and Marsh) when at home in Justice Hall. Once Russel starts to investigate the history behind Justice Hall and the death of the youngest heir, the story comes alive. King captures the brutality of WWI and how it swept across all facets of British life.
Justice Hall stands well on its own but does refer back to two previous books: The Moor and O Jerusalem. Russel and Holmes are invited to Justice Hall by friends met in O Jerusalem to help investigate the death of the young man who should have been the next duke.
The book takes a little too long separating out the personas of the brothers when they live abroad (Bedouins Ali and Mahmoud Hazr) versus their more genteel personas (Alistair and Marsh) when at home in Justice Hall. Once Russel starts to investigate the history behind Justice Hall and the death of the youngest heir, the story comes alive. King captures the brutality of WWI and how it swept across all facets of British life.
3.5 stars
From the beginning, the purpose of Russel and Holmes' journey was blurry, at least for me. They finally spoke about it clearly in Chapter 11 and even the didn't have "the faintest idea" ("... But neither Holmes nor I have the faintest idea where to begin with Marsh. The threads that tie Marsh with Justice Hall are so numerous. ...") and Chapter 16 ("We were asked to come here and assist Marsh in the decisions he has to make. ..."). So for at least 10 Chapters I was confused why they (and I, as a reader) were dragged to the countryside with no real case, no clear purpose. It felt verrry slow. And now that I've read 5 books of Mary Russel series, I guess that is to be expected from this series. Don't expect destination. At least for the first half of the book.
Also for the first couple of chapters Russel just couldn't stop comparing Marsh to Mahmoud and Alistair to Ali in sad tone. It was too often it became annoying. Is this annoying for me because I didn't finish O Jerusalem? I didn't finish O Jerusalem (the previous book) for the reason I only want to read Russel in English setting and that's exactly what I got in this book. One of the most English setting I could get. Not to mention the royal theme. I couldn't care less about fictional royalties in general, though.
Things really got started in Chapter 18. At least one part of the "case" was clearly explained and we get some fun sleuthing. The final "battle", which supposed to be the climax, didn't work for me because it just showed us how incompetent they are at taking care of a child. But Justice Hall is one of the best of the series so far. I quite enjoyed it.
From the beginning, the purpose of Russel and Holmes' journey was blurry, at least for me. They finally spoke about it clearly in Chapter 11 and even the didn't have "the faintest idea" ("... But neither Holmes nor I have the faintest idea where to begin with Marsh. The threads that tie Marsh with Justice Hall are so numerous. ...") and Chapter 16 ("We were asked to come here and assist Marsh in the decisions he has to make. ..."). So for at least 10 Chapters I was confused why they (and I, as a reader) were dragged to the countryside with no real case, no clear purpose. It felt verrry slow. And now that I've read 5 books of Mary Russel series, I guess that is to be expected from this series. Don't expect destination. At least for the first half of the book.
Also for the first couple of chapters Russel just couldn't stop comparing Marsh to Mahmoud and Alistair to Ali in sad tone. It was too often it became annoying. Is this annoying for me because I didn't finish O Jerusalem? I didn't finish O Jerusalem (the previous book) for the reason I only want to read Russel in English setting and that's exactly what I got in this book. One of the most English setting I could get. Not to mention the royal theme. I couldn't care less about fictional royalties in general, though.
Things really got started in Chapter 18. At least one part of the "case" was clearly explained and we get some fun sleuthing. The final "battle", which supposed to be the climax, didn't work for me because it just showed us how incompetent they are at taking care of a child. But Justice Hall is one of the best of the series so far. I quite enjoyed it.
This might be my favorite Mary Russell book so far. It was a little slow going at first, but I really like how it increased in suspense & intensity. I do feel that Mary was a liiiittle too oblivious to one of the final clues, but overall, it had a solid plot. I enjoyed getting to revisit the characters of Mahmoud and Ali in a very different setting.
I also found it hilarious that the edition I read had a quote from a review printed on the cover which stated that "Conan Doyle would *probably* approve" (emphasis mine). Only "probably" ??
I also found it hilarious that the edition I read had a quote from a review printed on the cover which stated that "Conan Doyle would *probably* approve" (emphasis mine). Only "probably" ??
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
This was my favorite book since the Beekeeper's Apprentice in this series! Lots of twists, sad but impactful war stories, complex relationships, and the beautiful landscape and home of Justice Hall. Really enjoyable.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Minor: Gun violence, Violence, Murder