A Monstrous Regiment of Women: A Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes

Laurie R. King

Jul 1995 · A Mary Russell Mystery Book 2 · Sold by Minotaur Books

About this ebook

Winner of the Nero Wolfe Award

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.

Ratings and reviews

I enjoyed this book very much, I tried to be very careful while reading it to keep it looking new. The author did not re-visit the 1st book as most authors do in a series. In this mystery, Mary Russell comes into her money and almost re-invents herself. She graduates from Oxford with a degree in theology and chemistry. Russell meets up with an old friend who involves her in a "Christian" woman's group. The mystery is everywhere. We also learn that Holmes lost a son to drugs, but no information is given to explain how this happened. The ending again as in the 1st in the series is a bit unbelievable, almost as if it was an afterthought. 18-1998

I wish Ms King would give Mary her head - she writes exquisitely, building up perfect scenarios for Mary and Holmes to use their brains and talents, only to have them both be hoodwinked by a second-rate villain, leaving one with the feeling that the plot is an afterthought. I feel that the sporadic lack of competence shown by Mary and Holmes reveals that the author's agenda for the character is more important than the plot.

This sophomore effort gives Russell her wings both in academia and criminology, and firmly sets her alongside Holmes. No longer his apprentice nor assistant, but fully his partner, she shows herself every bit the equal of her one-time master, now simply her Mr. Holmes

About the author

Laurie R. King is the Edgar Award–winning author of the Kate Martinelli novels, the acclaimed Mary Russell mysteries, and several stand-alone novels, including the highly praised A Darker Place. She lives in northern California.