I'm a huge fan of the Mary Russell series so I've been not so patiently waiting for this next book, especially considering the title is "The Murder of Mary Russell." My imagination was running wild, wondering what happens to Mary so I was a little disappointed when the book started off as a recitation of Mrs. Hudson's past. It was quite a bit different from King's usual format of jumping right into the story. I really wanted to just hurry up and get to the present heart of the matter so it seemed like the past recital took forever to get through. I can't believe I'm saying this because I thoroughly enjoyed every other book in the series and I do like Mrs. Hudson and she deserves a little time in the limelight but the beginning of this one just dragged on way too long. However, once I got about midway through and the story moved into the present and back to King's tried and true style, the book started redeeming itself. The past and present story lines started aligning and I just enjoyed the second half a lot more then the first. I really hope though that in the next book, King doesn't take another departure from her usual style. I would much rather prefer to read about Mary & Sherlock and whatever trouble they get mixed up in, especially when that trouble takes them to some foreign locale. 

 

*I received this ARC from NetGalley & Random House Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

 

 

Full review on my blog.

Dreaming Spies is the first book from author Laurie R King that I read. I’d been meaning to read Mary Russell’s adventures for a while, so when I saw this book and its praise as a novel of suspense, blackmail, fraud, conspiracy and espionage that included the wonderful Sherlock Holmes, I knew I had to read it. I also knew this wasn’t going to be a full Homes mystery, but I was excited to read how this dynamic duo behaved together.

Dreaming Spies is divided into 3 parts. It starts in Sussex and Oxford, then we take a trip from India to Japan where we stay for part 2 of the book and then we’re back to Oxford where it all ties up. In all honesty I think Book 1 could’ve been edited because nothing exciting happened. Book 2 was better than the first, more action and drama, but my favorite part was book 3, which is when we finally see the mystery unfold.

My problems with this book:
1.I had a hard time getting into the story.
2.It moved to lowly for my taste.
3.Too many redundant and endless descriptions that make you feel blasé.
4.The book focuses too much on the description and leaves the mystery to be solved and the interaction between Russell and Holmes in a second place.
(more about this on the full review on my blog.)

What I take from this book:
1. The Haikus at the beginning of each chapter.
2. The Holmes-Russell duo action.
3. Everything tied up well in the end.
(more about this on the full review on my blog.)

Having read Dreaming Spies, I don’t feel motivated to check out the other books in this series. So in terms of recommending it, I guess I can say that if you’re looking for an action packed, fast-paced, exciting mystery featuring Holmes and Russell, this is not the book for you. If you want to earn extensive knowledge of what it was like to travel by sea from India to Japan in the 1920’s, this is the book for you. If you want to learn about Japan, the Japanese culture, and ninjas, this is the book for you. And of course, if you are a fan of Laurie R King and her Mary Russell series, this is the book for you.

 

 

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DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

I received an Electronic copy of this book but was not financially compensated in any way nor obliged to review. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my personal experience while reading it. This post contains affiliate links.

 

 

I thorougly enjoyed all of the books in the Mary Russell series. King really brings Sherlock Holmes and Mary to life. I cant wait for the next book to come out. They are definitely must reads if you enjoy Sherlock Holmes!

Perhaps a little weaker in imagination and general themes than the previous three books, but it held a certain charm for me - including those interminable ramblings across the moor.

I could have wished for a little more Holmes, once again, because I do like the moments of him and Russell working together, as partners, very much indeed (and I cherish the rare moments in which we are assured that as much as he can sometimes try her patience, their bond is as strong as ever and the affection still mutual, still there), but the book worked well for me as it was and the plot kept me intrigued (I must be the only person in existence who has no familiarity with The Hound of the Baskervilles other than the title!).

I enjoyed this one as well, quite a bit, but somehow I find myself at an utter lack of things to say about it. :-/