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

Mary Russell's War
Author: Laurie R. King
Narrator: Jenny Sterlin
Series: Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes
Publication: Recorded Books (October 13, 2016)
Length: 9 hours and 57 minutes

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

In nine short stories, seven of which have never previously been available in print, 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 92, to publish her memoirs - and how she concluded that Ms. King should be the one to introduce her voice to the world.

My Thoughts: MARY RUSSELL'S WAR was a collection of short stories adding depth and exploring various events that complement the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes stories by the author. 

All of the stories were entertaining. I particularly liked Mary's diary written when she was a child of fourteen living in San Francisco with her family. It includes her searching for German spies with mixed results. It definitely paints Mary as a very intelligent and determined characters. 

I enjoyed the story of Mary and Sherlock's wedding as they sneak into a chapel at Sherlock's family home. 

I also really enjoyed the last two pieces detailing how Laurie R. King was chosen to be the one who presented Mary's journals to the world. The first is told in Mary's voice about how she and her husband Sherlock outwitted Sherlockians who were trying to break their piece. The 92-year-old Mary and her even older husband Sherlock led them on a chase from Sussex to Oxford and back again. The final story is told in a series of letters and postcards as Mary hunts for the missing Sherlock after they managed to get away from the Sherlockians. 

The variety of narrators all brought the characters to vivid life. Listening to it has made me eager to listen to all the novels again. 

I bought this one June 22, 2021. You can buy your copy here.