Book Review: Mary Russell's War by Laurie R. King

Mary Russell's War 
Author: Laurie R. King
Series: Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes
Publication: Alibi (September 13, 2016)

Description: Laurie R. King illuminates the hidden corners of her beloved Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes series in this dynamic short story collection.

In nine previously published short stories and one brand-new, never-before-seen Sherlock Holmes mystery—available together for the first time—Laurie R. King blends her long-running brand of crime fiction with historical treats and narrative sleight of hand. At the heart of the collection is a prequel novella that begins with England’s declaration of war in 1914. As told in Mary Russell’s teenage diaries, the whip-smart girl investigates familial mysteries, tracks German spies through San Francisco, and generally delights with her extraordinary mind—until an unimaginable tragedy strikes.

Here too is the case of a professor killed by a swarm of bees; Mrs. Hudson’s investigation of a string of disappearing household items—and a lifelong secret; a revealing anecdote about a character integral to >The God of the Hive; the story of Mary’s beloved Uncle Jake and a monumental hand of cards; and a series of postcards in which Mary searches for her missing husband, Sherlock Holmes.

Last but not least, fans will be especially thrilled by Mary’s account of her decision, at age ninety-two, to publish her memoirs—and how she concluded that Ms. King should be the one to introduce her voice to the world.

My Thoughts: This is a collection of short stories centered around Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes. In the first, we are introduced to Mary's disreputable Uncle Jake. In the second, we learn Mary's reactions when war is declared in 1914 and what happens when she suffers an unthinkable tragedy.

We see Mary's first meeting with Sherlock Holmes from his point of view. We see the story about the events surrounding their marriage. Mrs. Hudson even has a case of her own in this anthology.

We read how Mary comes to decide that Laurie King should be her biographer and why the stories were framed as fiction. That story is the only one I had trouble with in this books because, while I can believe that Mary lives to a healthy 92, I can't quite get around the idea of an active Holmes at 132.

This was a wonderful collection. I liked hearing Mary's voice and Sherlock's too. I liked the illustrations using period postcards. This anthology makes me want to reread the series.

Favorite Quote:

Although we had addressed the primary negotiations of the marriage contract then and there (Holmes: I promise not to knock you unconscious again, unless it's absolutely necessary. Me: I promise to obey you, if it's something I'd planned on doing anyway.), the next stages were somewhat less straightforward.

I bought this one in October 2016. You can buy your copy here.