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

The Mary Russell Series, Book 2

By: Laurie R. King

Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin

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.

Critic reviews

“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

Wonderful offering of Holmes and Russell!

This is the third of this series which I have listened to on Audible, and I have enjoyed them all. The Holmes in this series is not Conan Doyle's Holmes--in fact, this Holmes despises Doyle--but he is completely delightful. The characters, the plot, and the narration are superb!

Wonderful

As good as The Beekeeper's Apprentice, and that's saying something! I was swept away by the romance and very caught up in the feminist storyline.

Great

Thoroughly enjoyed Great story to listen to while doing my most tediously hard housework Thank you

Love it

this is my favorite Mary Russell book so far. I have to actually read the later ones. :-)

Fabulous Series Set In Holmes' World

For my re-read through the series, I've chosen to experience the Mary Russell stories in audio. Jenny Sterlin impressed me in the first book and deepened my appreciation for her rendering of book and characters.

A Monstrous Regiment of Women is the second book in the Mary Russell series. It has a standalone mystery element, but the characters, the relationship, and the worldbuilding carry over from the first book, The Beekeeper's Apprentice.

Mary is coming of age and into her inheritance. This has her looking up from her Oxford studies and she takes an uncomfortable notice of her close friend and detecting partner, Sherlock Holmes, in a new light. To shake off those weird feelings that have crept in, she is glad to bump into her old university rooms chum, Veronica. Ronnie asks her to help with her fiance's drug addiction and also introduces Mary to the Temple ran by charismatic women's movement leader, Margery Childs. At first, there is no mystery only an interesting set up and the intriguing Margery. But, then after Iris Fitzwarren's death and Ronnie's accident, Mary clues into a fatal series of deaths associated with the Temple. Holmes ably assists her and his brains are needed when a harrowing turn takes place during her investigation.

I love how the spirit of Ms. King's Holmes is true to the original as is the tone and setting of the books. Mary Russell fits into Holmes' world like a well cut leather glove. She's got her own agency and brilliance and this is her case and moment to triumph. Good twists and taunt suspenseful moments like in the first book. Can't wait to press forward with the series.