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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
I mostly like this installment, though the motives of the antagonist seem a little weak. It’s structured more like a conventional mystery than others in the series, which tend to be more suspense and adventure than whodunit. After The setting of San Francisco is fun allowing for some Mary and Holmes to interact with local literary figures of the era. It was satisfying to finally learn more about Mary’s tragic past and the events that led to the death of her family. Half the book is told from Holmes’ perspective, while he usually spends significant time flitting mysteriously in and out of the story in this series.
I am adoring the Mary Russell - Sherlock Holmes books! Already added Laurie R. King to my list of all-time favorite mystery authors! https://gpgottlieb.com/mary-russell-books-laurie-r-king/
None of the Mary Russell books will measure up to the first, in my mind, but this came the closest. It lacks some of the flaws of the other books, namely overly complicated plots and too many interchangeable characters.
I continue to really enjoy this series. This time Mary and Sherlock are in San Francisco looking at Mary’s family property and stirring up old memories of Mary’s family. This is notable for having sections from Sherlock’s point of view and I really enjoyed that. Very good.
Every time I read a book in this series I think it is the best one - but rally, this may be the best yet. Russell and Holmes find themselves in San Francisco, and meet up with Dashiell Hammett to solve mysteries from Russell's past. Great detail, as usual, and a well-paced, complex plot. Plus, I love these characters, and the ones they meet along the way.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Cultural appropriation
Minor: Gun violence
I really enjoyed this one, although I felt that Mary Russell took WAY too long to figure out what was perfectly obvious to the reader. Still, a good mystery. Mary and Sherlock head to San Francisco to wrap up some family business, but find some ghosts from the past waiting to be cleared up.
Will there ever come a time that I don’t enjoy these books more this read than last read? I very much doubt it. 6/5 stars again to LRK.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes