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The Murder of Mary Russell

The Murder of Mary Russell

A novel of suspense featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes
CrimeHistorical Fiction
Pages
416
Published
2016
Language
English

Synopsis

Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes have spent a decade building a life of mutual trust, but a sudden visitor threatens to destroy their domestic peace. A man claiming to be Mrs. Hudson's son arrives at their door with a gun and a story that challenges everything Mary knows about their loyal housekeeper. This mystery explores the hidden past of the woman who has kept the secrets of 221B Baker Street for years.

Prose complexity
7/10

Vibe

TenseAtmosphericComplex
Dual TimelineFound FamilyBetrayal

Genres

Crime Historical Fiction Mystery Psychological Thriller Suspense Amateur Sleuth Literary Fiction Thriller

About the author

L
Laurie R. King

Laurie R. King is the New York Times bestselling author of 30 novels and other works, including the Mary Russell-Sherlock Holmes stories (The Beekeeper’s Apprentice was chosen as one of the “20th Century’s Best Crime Novels” by the IMBA.) She has won the Agatha, Anthony, Creasey, Edgar, Lambda, Macavity, Wolfe, and Romantic Times Career Achievement awards, has an honorary doctorate in theology, and is a Baker Street Irregular. In 2022, she was named Grand Master by Mystery Writers of Ame...

Characters

Mary RussellProtagonist
Sherlock HolmesProtagonist
Samuel HudsonAntagonist
Mrs. HudsonSupporting
All characters in The Murder of Mary Russell

Frequently asked questions

  • Does this book require knowledge of the previous entries in the series?

    While this is the fourteenth volume in the series, the narrative focuses heavily on the backstory of a long-standing supporting character, which allows it to function as a standalone experience for new readers.

  • How does the structure of this novel differ from other books in the series?

    A significant portion of the book shifts away from the primary protagonists to provide a detailed exploration of the housekeeper's life, including her upbringing and early experiences before she arrived at Baker Street.