ISBN: 0-553-11113-2 Order from: Amazon.com
There is less personal development, and more emphasis on investigation in this solidly plotted mystery with well-described characters, and the post-WW1 England full of social turmoil and sad memories.
Reviewed by David on April 06, 2002
Genre: Mystery (Historical, Amateur Sleuth)
Synopsis: Mary Russell, a young woman who married Sherlock Holmes normally pursues her studies in theology. However, both she and her semi-retired husband who is increasingly believed to be a fictional invention of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, crave the challenge and the excitement of their investighation forays.
When an old friend shows up on their doorstep, asking for assistance for his cousin, Russell and Holmes agree to help out. Initially, there seems little they can do—the cousin's danger is not from criminals, but from family obligations. In fact, very few people would consider inheriting a title—with an old and honorable history and a beautiful mansion—to be a misfortune. But to Marsh, once known to Russell and Holmes as Mahmoud, the title is stifling.
To unravel the mystery and help their friend, Russell and Holmes will have to uncover the tragic and sometimes treacherous events that led to the inheritance, and uncover an intelligent and ruthless villain.
Full Review: The first-person protagonist is both admirable and attractive, with her strength, honor, intelligence and vulnerability. Holmes, portrayed with subtlety and affection also makes a very attractive protagonist, although rather differently from the original opus. Unlike the first books in the series, here Russell and Holmes have settled into a comfortable, affectionate and respectful relationship, and the team is impressively competent while not experiencing much development.
The life of the post-war England in the early twenties is well defined, with its mixture of hope and sadness, greed and ambition. The subtle sadness of this book is perhaps its most salient feature, with the country's memory of lost and crippled generation, the passing of social conventions, and the ominous developments in nearby Germany.
Despite that, there is plenty of color and hope in the book. There is the villainous plot itself, and the exciting investigation of events that may have been accidents. There is the foray into other languages and disguises for Holmes and Russell—with subtle and impressive skill, and sometimes satisfying results. There are several children, providing elements of hope and curiousity. And, at last, there is a satisfying conclusion—with deliberate ties to the name of the mansion, the book, and even biblical overtones.
A satisfying continuation of the series, this book is likely to appeal to anyone who enjoyed the start of this series in The Beekeper's Apprentice.
Universe: Sherlock Holmes
Overall: 6; Plot: 6; Characters: 7; Style: 7; World-building: 6; Originality: 6.5;
Copyright date 2002, Bantam Books (Bantam), April 2002, Cloth, 332 pages
ISBN: 0-553-11113-2 Order from: Amazon.com