Book Review: Garment of Shadows by Laurie R. King

Garment of Shadows
by Laurie R. King

Genre: Mystery / Historical Fiction / Sherlock Holmes Sequel

Ages: 14 and up

This is the 12th book in the Holmes/Russell series, sequel to The Beekeeper's Apprentice, A Monstrous Regiment of Women, A Letter of Mary, The Moor, O Jerusalem, Justice Hall, The Game, Locked Rooms, The Language of Bees, The God of the Hive and Pirate King.

I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Description:

 Russell and Holmes have travelled the world since their 1915 meeting on the Sussex Downs.  Now they find themselves in Morocco…

Although it takes some time before Russell knows quite where, since she wakes in a strange city with no memory, in unfamiliar clothes, and with blood on her hands–and to make matters more interesting, there seems to be a war on. Holmes, meanwhile, is swanning around in the Atlas Mountains, ducking bullets, happily oblivious to both the war and his missing amnesiac wife.

Just another day in the life of Russell & Holmes.

My Thoughts:

This series never disappoints. Russell and Holmes were just as entertaining a partnership as ever as they continue in their habit of sticking their noses into other people's hornet nests. In this case, Morocco on the edge of war.

I have a weakness for stories involving amnesia, so when Russell woke up in a strange bed with no memory of her own name or anything else, I was delighted. Using only her wits and some skills she is surprised to find herself possessing, she sets out to find out where she is, who she is, and why someone is after her. She gains an ally in the form of a mysterious, mute urchin who seems to know more about her than she does.

A substantial part of the story is told from Holmes' perspective. Seeing him worried over his missing wife and partner to such a degree that it neared true discomposure was oddly entertaining. He shows emotions so subtly that certain phrases and facial expressions are as close as he comes to hysteria. I rather wish that Russell's amnesia was drawn out more just to prolong Holmes' understated concern. Is that mean of me? My favorite moment of the entire novel is when amnesiac-Russell finds worried-Holmes whilst having no knowledge of who he is.

As is usual in Laurie King's books, the mystery is set against a fascinating historical background. In this case, mid-1920s Fez approaching the Rif Revolt. Starting out with very little previous knowledge of this time and place in history, I found it very interesting. A real-life historical figure, Hubert Lyautey, is introduced as Holmes' cousin, thus drawing our hero and heroine into the intrigues and troubles of the day.

I enjoyed the new characters introduced, particularly Lyautey and Idir, the mute boy who helps them along the way. I also loved the appearance of a some old friends (whose names you will have to discover for yourselves).

This is a wonderful addition to one of my favorite series. It is neither my favorite nor my least favorite of Holmes' and Russell's adventures, but rather falls somewhere in the middle and perhaps leaning toward the favorites end. I would definitely recommend it to fans of the series; it should not be read out of order as it references multiple previous novels, though the mystery itself is stand-alone. 

Rating System: Profanity, Sexuality and Violence
1 (mild) through 10 (extreme).

Profanity:
I rate it a 2.10 for some mild swearing.

Sexuality:
 I give it a 1.10 for the tiniest of hints.

Violence:
I rate it a 5.10 for murder, attempted murder and some skirmishing.

                            Lieder Madchen 

Book Review #86: The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie King

The Beekeeper's Apprentice
by Laurie King

Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction

Ages: 13 and up, though an older reader would understand it better and not all of the later books in the series are appropriate for that age.

Description:

Long retired, Sherlock Holmes quietly pursues his study of honeybee behavior on the Sussex Downs. He never imagines he would encounter anyone whose intellect matched his own, much less an audacious teenage girl with a penchant for detection. Miss Mary Russell becomes Holmes' pupil and quickly hones her talent for deduction, disguises and danger. But when an elusive villain enters the picture, their partnership is put to a real test.

My Review:

This is my favorite mystery ever. I have loved Sherlock Holmes ever since I watched the old black-and-white Basil Rathbone movies when I was a kid (well, more of a kid anyway), and from there I read the books. I thought it was the coolest thing that when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle tried to kill Holmes, there was such a protest from fans that he was forced to bring him back. I think Laurie King would have been one of those fans.

In The Beekeeper's Apprentice, the author respects the original story and characters while making them all her own. What if Holmes' adventures were recorded by someone who could act as a full partner to him? Someone who understood his plans as he made them, rather than when they fell into place? That partner is Miss Mary Russell. Clever, young and neglected, she is the one to draw Holmes out of his dull retirement and bring his mind back to life. There are not enough words to describe how much I love the character Mary Russell. She is brilliantly logical with an impressive breadth of knowledge and insatiable curiosity as well as just a touch of youthful naivete. I found her to be realistic and easy to relate to.

Holmes...well, everybody knows the great Sherlock Holmes, but in this book you see a different side of him. Along with the famous detective, you see the man, who is more complicated and intense than ever before. The conversations he has with Russell on a variety of subjects are well thought out and fascinating. His words and actions reveal a tightly controlled passion. You also see his protectiveness of those he loves and his deep fear of making mistakes. This Holmes is more human than the original in the best sense of the word.

I loved the writing and the dialogue, both of which have a wry sense of humor winding through them. Drama and danger walk side by side with domesticity and ordinary life. The plot and mystery are almost secondary to the beautiful writing and intelligent conversations, but not quite. The plot was designed perfectly to fit Holmes and Russell as they evolve from teacher and student to equal partners. The difficulties they face test them on every level, giving the reader an opportunity to truly get to know them. The ending is far less important than how they get there.

This is a must-read for lovers of mystery, Sherlock Holmes and wonderful writing. I have probably read this book 5 times since I first discovered it 4 years ago.

Content Ratings: Profanity, Sexuality and Violence

1 (mild) through 10 (extreme).

Profanity:

I rate it a 3.10 for mostly mild swearing.

Sexuality:

I give it a 1.10 for the briefest of hints.

Violence:

This book gets a 5.10 for murder and attempted murder.

                                     Lieder Madchen