cover image Dreaming Spies: A Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes

Dreaming Spies: A Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes

Laurie R. King. Bantam, $26 (352p) ISBN 978-0-345-53179-7

Snappy prose and a captivating plot distinguish King’s 14th novel featuring Mary Russell and her husband, Sherlock Holmes (after 2012’s Garment of Shadows). In April 1924, Russell hopes to enjoy an uneventful boat trip from India to Japan with Holmes, but the onboard presence of Lord Darley, whom Holmes believes to be a blackmailer’s accomplice, suggests that theirs will be a busman’s holiday. Sure enough, the couple soon learn of a missing passenger, possibly a victim of extortion, and reports of a poltergeist that made off with a tennis racquet. On arrival in Japan, they are asked to perform a delicate mission for the prince regent that is vital to the future of his country. While some may not like the idea of a married Holmes, many will find the character deepened by his partnership with the spirited and clever Russell. This book gives every indication that this series still has a long life ahead of it. [em]Agent: Linda Allen, Linda Allen Literary Agency. (Feb.) [/em]