A Monstrous Regiment of Women - (Mary Russell Mystery) by Laurie R King (Paperback)

About the Book

This eagerly awaited sequel to The Beekeeper's Apprentice finds Mary Russell, Sherlock Holmes' young apprentice, is about to come into a considerable inheritance, but she still enjoys nighttime prowls through London's grimy streets. There, she encounters an old friend, who introduces Mary to a temple led by an enigmatic woman. Suddenly, Mary's friend suffers a near-fatal accident, or so it seems. Russell and Holmes launch a quiet investigation--one that may bring the newly rich Russell closer to heaven than she would like. Martin's Press.

Book Synopsis

Winner of the Nero Wolfe Award

Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes return in a series the Chicago Tribune calls "as audacious as it is entertaining and moving."

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.

From the Back Cover

The dawn of 1921 finds Mary Russell, Sherlock Holmes's brilliant young apprentice, about to come into a considerable inheritance. Nevertheless, she still enjoys her nighttime prowls in disguise through London's grimy streets, where one night she encounters an old friend, now a charity worker among the poor. Veronica Beaconsfield introduces Russell to the New Temple of God, a curious amalgam of church and feminist movement, led by the enigmatic, electrifying Margery Childe. Part suffragette, part mystic, she lives quite well for a woman of God from supposedly humble origins. Despite herself, Russell is drawn ever deeper into Childe's circle. When Veronica has a near-fatal accident -- and turns out to be the fourth bluestocking in the group to meet with misadventure after changing her will -- Russell and Holmes launch a quiet investigation. But the Temple may bring the newly rich Russell far closer to heaven than she would like....

Review Quotes

"The great marvel of King's series is that she's managed to preserve the integrity of Holmes's character and yet somehow conjure up a woman astute, edgy, and compelling enough to be the partner of his mind and as well as his heart. . . . Superb." --The Washington Post Book World

"As audacious as it is entertaining and moving . . . What gives Laurie R. King's books such a rich and original texture is the character of Mary--totally believable in her own right, a tall and gangling orphan with a restless intellect and a great store of moral and physical courage." --Chicago Tribune

"Mary Russell makes a triumphant return. . . . Thoroughly enjoyable." --Booklist

"Extraordinary . . . A delight." --The Washington Times

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.