Garment of Shadows

A Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Book 12

By: Laurie R. King

Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin, Robert Ian Mackenzie

Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

In a strange room in Morocco, Mary Russell is trying to solve a pressing mystery: Who am I? She has awakened with shadows in her mind, blood on her hands, and soldiers pounding on the door. Out in the hivelike streets, she discovers herself strangely adept in the skills of the underworld, escaping through alleys and rooftops, picking pockets and locks. She is clothed like a man, and armed only with her wits and a scrap of paper containing a mysterious Arabic phrase. Overhead, warplanes pass ominously north.

Meanwhile, Holmes is pulled by two old friends and a distant relation into the growing war between France, Spain, and the Rif Revolt led by Emir Abd el-Krim—who may be a Robin Hood or a power mad tribesman. The shadows of war are drawing over the ancient city of Fez, and Holmes badly wants the wisdom and courage of his wife, whom he’s learned, to his horror, has gone missing. As Holmes searches for her, and Russell searches for herself, each tries to crack deadly parallel puzzles before it’s too late for them, for Africa, and for the peace of Europe.

©2012 Laurie R. King (P)2012 Recorded Books

new performer

I didn't enjoy the performance by Robert Ian MacKenzie. I prefer the books in this series performed by Jenny Sterlin.

for this series fan, a disappointment

If The Moor and The Game are your favourites in the Russell-Holmes series, you're more likely to enjoy this tale set in Morocco. This was the first book in this seres I found unengaging. In several spots, especially in first half, the writing was uneven, with pedantic (though interesting) backstory/history and some VERY clunky dialogue.

I was at first ecstatic to see Robert Ian Davies as co-narrator, but this turned out to be one of my favourite narrators at his worst. Sterlin was, as usual, very good

We already know Mary is inventive when escaping from dungeons, so can we get back to some clever sleuthing and Russell-Holmes banter? And preferably in England, please? I think the desert heat is getting to Sherlock and Russell because they are not as sharp as usual. I love Global Gumshoe series, and perhaps King is trying to do her part to help us better understand Islam, but that is not what King does best.

Not so bad. . . .

Other reviews seemed less than enamored with this Mary and Sherlock mystery. I must say it was distinctly better than the Pirates story, although I'm not all that crazy about the history of Morocco. The second voice, for Sherlock, didn't bother me as much as some other listeners. I won't give King up just yet.

as with all in the series, a great book!

as usually, the narrator kills it and turns in another outstanding performance. the male counterpart was quite good as well. the Story is great. I've been hooked on this series since I stumbled onto it. I am only sorry I'm reaching the end.

Treason

Surprising twists and turns finds the duo still in Morocco. Mary wakes up not remembering anything and eventually meets back up with Holmes. I really did not care for the two narrators. They are both excellent but prefer one.

such Excellent writing

I love all your books they're just marvelous. O Jerusalem got me going and I'm hooked forever. Thank you so much.

One of the best stories in the Russell and Holmes library of adventures by Laurie King. (IMHO)

Out of the huge world that is the genre known as Holmesian literature, Laurie King , in my opinion, has to be one of the best. In some ways I feel she creates a "better" Sherlock Holmes then even Conan Doyle. Using the two narrators in this novel was a nice touch. It really helps draw The listener into the story even more. Great performance!

Boring. Snore. Snore. Snore.

The story is overly convoluted and filled with more historical information than necessary. I usually love this series but this one was not worth the time. The performance of the actor playing Holmes was dull as dishwater and it seems more like a reading than a performance.

Disappointed.

Another Great Story

As usual I was thrilled with Laurie King's writing abilities. I was not impressed with having a male reader . I have nothing against male readers but I could catch bits of a Scottish accent in the reading. If you have a good thing, why change the readers?

Mary Russel and Jenny Sterling - a superior combin

Some Mary Russell books are just ok, one I can remember was magnificent and this one brings back my favorite characters for another round of delight. I felt like the plot was a bit convoluted, but I understand that some of that is by design. I always enjoy Mary & Sherlock together.