Audiobook Review: A Monstrous Regiment of Women by Laurie R. King

A Monstrous Regiment of Women
Author: Laurie R. King
Narrator: Jenny Sterlin
Series: Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes (Book 2)
Publication: Macmillan Audio (February 11, 2014)
Length: 11 hours and 43 minutes

Description: It is 1921 and Mary Russell—Sherlock Holmes's brilliant apprentice, now an Oxford graduate with a degree in theology—is on the verge of acquiring a sizable inheritance. Independent at last, with a passion for divinity and detective work, her most baffling mystery may now involve Holmes and the burgeoning of a deeper affection between herself and the retired detective. Russell's attentions turn to the New Temple of God and its leader, Margery Childe, a charismatic suffragette and a mystic, whose draw on the young theology scholar is irresistible. But when four bluestockings from the Temple turn up dead shortly after changing their wills, could sins of a capital nature be afoot? Holmes and Russell investigate, as their partnership takes a surprising turn in A Monstrous Regiment of Women by Laurie R. King.

My Thoughts: This is the second book in the Sherlock Holmes/Mary Russell series. It is 1921. Mary has graduated from Oxford with theology and chemistry degrees. She has also attained her majority and gained control of her fortune. She has kicked out her aunt and is remodeling her farmhouse. She is also in a quandary about her relationship with Holmes.

While wandering about London, she encounters Lady Veronica Beaconsfield who was a lodging mate at Oxford. They lost touch when Mary had to disappear as a result of a previous case. Ronnie is working at Good Works in London. She introduces Mary to Margery Childe and her New Temple of God. Mary is intrigued by Margery's theology.

But questions arise when she learns that three well-to-do young women has died in suspicious circumstances after leaving substantial sums of money to the New Temple of God. Mary investigates with a bit of assistance from Holmes who is busy helping Mary with another problem. Ronnie's fiancé has come back from World War I greatly changed and addicted to heroin. Mary asks Sherlock for help.

Then Ronnie is almost killed in what looks at first like an accident and Mary is also almost killed when she's walking with Margery. Mary manages to take down the villain and save herself and Margery. But then Mary is kidnapped. She's held for a number of days by criminals who attempt to addict her to heroin before Sherlock manages to find and rescue her. 

This was excellent historical fiction filled with all sorts of period details. I love the relationship between Mary and Holmes.

I bought this one April 11, 2021. You can buy your copy here.