Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
If I had to pick a favorite, I think this would be my favorite out of the whole series next to The Game -it combines upper class nobility with two of the most versatile characters from O, Jerusalem, and their whole backstory?? Also, I'm a sucker for stories about family and this one pulled on all the heartstrings in exactly the right way!
I really liked this one. King does an excellent job of making one feel and understand the depth and history of the setting, and I found the plot curiously affecting. Probably my favorite of the series so far.
I do love these books.
This the sixth in the series returns our heroes to their present after the flashback that was O Jerusalem. That sentence doesn’t really make much sense, but figure it out, think of it as a challenge :) Holmes & Russell have just returned from The Moor and are settling back in at home when their comes a disturbance at their door. Ali Hazr has shown up, with a head wound and wanting their assistance. He needs their help with Mahmoud, his “brother”. Of course Holmes had already pointed out that neither of the two arabs they were travelling with were actually from that region, but it is, nevertheless, a surprise to learn where they come from and just what an aristocratic name both bear.
Full review: http://www.susanhatedliterature.net/2010/03/23/justice-hall/
This the sixth in the series returns our heroes to their present after the flashback that was O Jerusalem. That sentence doesn’t really make much sense, but figure it out, think of it as a challenge :) Holmes & Russell have just returned from The Moor and are settling back in at home when their comes a disturbance at their door. Ali Hazr has shown up, with a head wound and wanting their assistance. He needs their help with Mahmoud, his “brother”. Of course Holmes had already pointed out that neither of the two arabs they were travelling with were actually from that region, but it is, nevertheless, a surprise to learn where they come from and just what an aristocratic name both bear.
Full review: http://www.susanhatedliterature.net/2010/03/23/justice-hall/
4.5/5
My favorite Mary Russell book thus far! I loved how we got to revisit old friends, but in a very different way than expected. I knew basically nothing about this book going into it. Mary and Sherlock just got home from their adventure on the moors, only to have someone show up injured on their doorstep. And then things start coming out about the truth of who they are and their family, leading them on an adventure to find out what happened in WWI to a family member. I found this book to be so much fun to read. It was an excellent mystery and I loved the side characters! I hope that we get to see a few of them again in future books.
My favorite Mary Russell book thus far! I loved how we got to revisit old friends, but in a very different way than expected. I knew basically nothing about this book going into it. Mary and Sherlock just got home from their adventure on the moors, only to have someone show up injured on their doorstep. And then things start coming out about the truth of who they are and their family, leading them on an adventure to find out what happened in WWI to a family member. I found this book to be so much fun to read. It was an excellent mystery and I loved the side characters! I hope that we get to see a few of them again in future books.
I really enjoyed this installment of the Mary Russell mysteries. At the outset, I found the deliberate accretion of detail slightly irksome, but quickly settled into the book's pacing, and its rich evocations of atmosphere. In pacing and plot, setting and denouement, the novel (I think consciously) is much closer to the mood and preoccupations of the Conan Doyle canon than the detective novel as we know it after the reshaping of Christie et al. And I thoroughly enjoyed this: family secrets, social guilt, a country house that resembles Castle Howard/Brideshead, but is (unlike its less perfect prototype) a consummate example of Palladian perfection... this is the kind of book that I will happily consume at any time, and the length is just about perfect for a lazy weekend.
Reread January 8-10, 2010. One of my favourite Russell/Holmes books; I love the English country house setting and the mystery is a good one.
Reread May 2018.
Reread May 2018.
It's always a pleasure when a book series one favors might start out weak, but then proceeds to go from strength to strength. Of course, it could be that the reader simply gets used to the characters, and perhaps grows fond enough of them that weaknesses in other aspects of the series seem less obvious in the face of comforting familiarity, but I've always been more attached to plots than to characters themselves. It's why I can say Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is superior (in my eyes anyway) to all the other books before and after it. While I had already loved the characters (the first three books saw to that quite handily), the storyline of Goblet of Fire was simply far, far more enjoyable to read than the first three, and even the latter three (especially Order of the Phoenix - I found that one far too tedious for its length).
It is the same, more or less, with the Mary Russell series. I loved the first book, hated the second, marginally enjoyed the third, was quite pleased with the fourth, and was very happy with the fifth. In Justice Hall, the sixth book of the series, I once more found myself caught up in a storyline that pleased me on quite a few levels - and with characters I had already come to love.
I have mentioned in my review of O Jerusalem that I love plots with exotic locales, thrilling chase scenes, and grave danger to the protagonist/s. The fifth novel of the Mary Russell series provided all that, and more: it gave me characters I could get deeply attached to. This was the case with Mahmoud and Ali Hazr, the strange Bedouins-who-are-not-really-Bedouins who accompany Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell in their adventure through Palestine.
Chronologically speaking, O Jerusalem occurs within the same timeline as the first book, The Beekeeper's Apprentice, since the trip to Palestine was actually a means of escaping the mastermind of the main plot of the first book. However, Mahmoud and Ali Hazr, who are co-protagonists with Russell and Holmes, are among the crucial characters of Justice Hall, the events of which happen, chronologically speaking, almost immediately after the events of the fourth book, The Moor. As a matter of fact, it happens so soon immediately after The Moor that it seems as if there is barely enough time for Holmes and Russell to settle in before trouble comes knocking on their door - literally.
As it turns out, "trouble" is their old friend Ali Hazr, concussed and plenty angry - except it isn't quite Ali Hazr the Bedouin. It turns out that what Holmes mentioned about the Hazrs actually being Englishmen living as Bedouins is accurate enough - except there was one factor he hadn't quite factored in correctly: rank and status in society.As it turns out, Mahmoud and Ali Hazr aren't just any ordinary Englishmen: they are scions of the Hughenforts, a prestigious and very old (as old as the Norman Conquest, as a matter of fact) noble family. Ali is, in fact, Alistair Hughenfort, cousin to Maurice Hughenfort, heir to the Hughenfort properties and titles - and who also used to go by the name Mahmoud Hazr. When Ali asks for their help, Russell and Holmes can hardly say no, and so accompany him to Justice Hall, seat of the Hughenfort family, whereupon they get tangled up in an attempt to find another rightful heir to the Hughenfort titles and properties, as well as solve the mystery behind the exceedingly hasty execution of a young man during the last war.
While the search for a rightful heir is interesting enough, it is really a plotline I didn't find all that interesting because I had seen it enough times in soap operas and dramas, as well as read it in enough romance novels to make my eyes roll slightly at it. No, it was the other half of the plot, about the young soldier who was executed, that I find of greater interest. It is historical fact that young men were executed for a variety of reasons during the First World War, but what is disturbing is that quite a few of them were sentenced to death without the benefit of a proper trial. Many, many young men died this way, and while their numbers were far, far fewer than those who died in the trenches, their deaths are no less tragic, and no less an outrage of justice, than the massacre of thousands on the frontlines.
Another interesting subplot in the novel involves Iris Sutherland.She is the estranged wife of Maurice/Mahmoud (something which rather shocks Russell and Holmes, and for good reason, as Mahmoud never gave any indication of being married during their adventures in Palestine), and is a lesbian, living in Paris with her partner. Her position in Maurice/Mahmoud's life, as well as in Ali/Alistair's, is interesting, and the dynamic between the three of them is positively electric. Too, her friendship with Russell might imply something else to some readers, especially when Russell is present for one of Iris's more vulnerable moments, but I hardly think there are any romantic undercurrents to be read between them. Russell is distinctly faithful to Holmes, and Iris to her own lover in Paris. Other readers might like to see something else in their interactions, but I for one do not see it at all.
Overall, I think that Justice Hall isn't as strong as its predecessor, O Jerusalem. Despite the familiar characters and the interesting new ones (Iris Sutherland, in particular), the plot about tracking down the rightful heir just wasn't as pleasant to read about - not boring, but simply not one I enjoyed. And while the plot about the executed soldier was interesting, it just didn't seem quite as fun as the last one. Or it could simply be that the setting of the story itself, and some of the main characters - grand country estate, the amusements of the wealthy and affluent - remind me a little too much of similarly-set and similarly-plotted romance novels. This isn't to say that Justice Hall is made worse by this association (as I love reading romance novels too), but it's an association I wish I didn't have to make.
As always, Russell's voice and narrative keep the plot moving along just fine, and she and her husband are entertaining, as always. If the reader also happens to be a fan of Downton Abbey, this book will make one feel right at home.
It is the same, more or less, with the Mary Russell series. I loved the first book, hated the second, marginally enjoyed the third, was quite pleased with the fourth, and was very happy with the fifth. In Justice Hall, the sixth book of the series, I once more found myself caught up in a storyline that pleased me on quite a few levels - and with characters I had already come to love.
I have mentioned in my review of O Jerusalem that I love plots with exotic locales, thrilling chase scenes, and grave danger to the protagonist/s. The fifth novel of the Mary Russell series provided all that, and more: it gave me characters I could get deeply attached to. This was the case with Mahmoud and Ali Hazr, the strange Bedouins-who-are-not-really-Bedouins who accompany Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell in their adventure through Palestine.
Chronologically speaking, O Jerusalem occurs within the same timeline as the first book, The Beekeeper's Apprentice, since the trip to Palestine was actually a means of escaping the mastermind of the main plot of the first book. However, Mahmoud and Ali Hazr, who are co-protagonists with Russell and Holmes, are among the crucial characters of Justice Hall, the events of which happen, chronologically speaking, almost immediately after the events of the fourth book, The Moor. As a matter of fact, it happens so soon immediately after The Moor that it seems as if there is barely enough time for Holmes and Russell to settle in before trouble comes knocking on their door - literally.
As it turns out, "trouble" is their old friend Ali Hazr, concussed and plenty angry - except it isn't quite Ali Hazr the Bedouin. It turns out that what Holmes mentioned about the Hazrs actually being Englishmen living as Bedouins is accurate enough - except there was one factor he hadn't quite factored in correctly: rank and status in society.
While the search for a rightful heir is interesting enough, it is really a plotline I didn't find all that interesting because I had seen it enough times in soap operas and dramas, as well as read it in enough romance novels to make my eyes roll slightly at it. No, it was the other half of the plot, about the young soldier who was executed, that I find of greater interest. It is historical fact that young men were executed for a variety of reasons during the First World War, but what is disturbing is that quite a few of them were sentenced to death without the benefit of a proper trial. Many, many young men died this way, and while their numbers were far, far fewer than those who died in the trenches, their deaths are no less tragic, and no less an outrage of justice, than the massacre of thousands on the frontlines.
Another interesting subplot in the novel involves Iris Sutherland.
Overall, I think that Justice Hall isn't as strong as its predecessor, O Jerusalem. Despite the familiar characters and the interesting new ones (Iris Sutherland, in particular), the plot about tracking down the rightful heir just wasn't as pleasant to read about - not boring, but simply not one I enjoyed. And while the plot about the executed soldier was interesting, it just didn't seem quite as fun as the last one. Or it could simply be that the setting of the story itself, and some of the main characters - grand country estate, the amusements of the wealthy and affluent - remind me a little too much of similarly-set and similarly-plotted romance novels. This isn't to say that Justice Hall is made worse by this association (as I love reading romance novels too), but it's an association I wish I didn't have to make.
As always, Russell's voice and narrative keep the plot moving along just fine, and she and her husband are entertaining, as always. If the reader also happens to be a fan of Downton Abbey, this book will make one feel right at home.
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.
