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

A Trip to Exotic West Africa to Brighten Your Life

Any additional comments?

I love Laurie R. King and the wonderful stories she weaves. I actually got to MEET Laurie R. King a couple weeks ago at a bookstore event. She told many stories, including how she was inspired to set this stage of their story in west Africa. She actually was vacationing in Spain or thereabouts with her family, and they took a short trip to Fez (or one of the neighboring cities mentioned in the book, I can't remember which one now). She happily discovered a wonderful backdrop for the continuing saga of Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes. She also was pleased to discover that there had actually been a civil war in the area at the same time the book was to take place!

Laurie is such an educated, scholarly, and funny woman...just as I have always imagined Mary Russell to be....they are both tall, have degrees in religion and philosphy, are married to much older men, and are always up for the next adventure. I love knowing that the characters in a book are based on real people...but then that's why her books have been so successful, I think. "Write what you know" they always say....and she did, does, and hopefully will for many years to come.

Side Note: If it's been awhile since you finished the last book, The Pirate King, I would recommend re-reading the end of the book. Garment of Shadows starts exactly where Pirate King left off. I made the mistake of not refreshing my memory on the end of the previous book and I was so confused for the first several pages until I remembered what had happened. Enjoy!

Stay alert & sharp! A complex, convoluted tale

More of a spy story this, than a detective story. The alleys, byways, and desert of early 20th century Fez and Morocco come alive in fascinating and deadly ways, in what often seems more cat-and-mouse than detection, until stalwart Mary finally solves the riddle within the riddle in the nick of time. (Besting even Sherlock!)

Great until the ending

I really enjoyed 95% of this book. It was fun two have sections for each POV, of Holmes and Russell. The ending felt contrived and the plots within plots within plots explaining the actions of the Hazr brothers were confusing and hard to follow. But otherwise it was another good entry in the series.

Still don’t understand the ending

I admit to having trouble following this story from the beginning. It never got better. And having read or listened to the last two chapters 3 times now, I’m still confused. Others found the dual narrators disconcerting, and while I didn’t love it, that was the least of this books problems. Pirate King was an odd deviation for LRK, but this one went too far in the other direction. Hoping whatever comes next is better than this or its predecessor, Irate King, otherwise I may have to abandon this series.

A few serious lapses

I generally love Laurie R. Kong’s writing but she got a few things completely wrong in this one. Just for starters, no one who has been without food and water for six days is going to have his voice back after a half cup of water and be standing on his own after eating a crust of bread and a dried fig. He’s going to be dead. Secondly, even if it had been a shorter period of time or the prisoner had at least been provided with water, anyone who has been shackled in one place for any extended period is going to be covered in feces and urine. Not to mention so painfully stiff that he would not be moving on his own. It wouldn’t have taken much research to get that right.

I did very much like the historical detail in this book.

She's still a master

Russell and Holmes have been through the wringer at the hands of Ms. King, always walking a fine line between affection and restraint. As usual though, I am left wanting a little more affection between them. Still interesting characters, it just seems that they're starting to dry up.

Great listen

This story of the continuing tales of Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell takes place in the wilds of Morocco. It is full of action from start to finish.

Laurie King has written a thought provoking story about Morocco in the days of colonial empires. Both narrators provide riveting vocals that enhance the story.

I offer my thanks to all three of you.

Entertaining Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Laurie King doesn't disappoint with this story. Once again there are some good characters and a convoluted story line to keep you entertained.

What other book might you compare Garment of Shadows to and why?

I think this book is as good as most of her books.

What about Jenny Sterlin and Robert Ian Mackenzie ’s performance did you like?

I liked having the 2 voices for the two main characters. It made the story a bit more "real.

Can't wait for the next installment.

If you could sum up Garment of Shadows in three words, what would they be?

Spellbinding, intriguing, captivating.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Garment of Shadows?

When Russell lost her memory, what happens when Holmes finds her, and whether or not they get away from thier kidnappers.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene takes place in the medival underground prison. As long as you are not claustrophobic, the scenes that take place underground are memorable and intense.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, i couldn't put this book down. I finished it in two days.

Any additional comments?

The Russell / Holmes books are some of my favorite. Being a Sherlock Holmes fanantic, I find these books fun and refreshing. I can't wait for the next one to come out.

Best Sherlock Holmes series since original

I'm a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes and this is the first series that I have continued to listen to based on the original. Mary Russell is a nice addition to the storyline.