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

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Loved the story, and Jenny Sterlin. I don't think a second narrator for Holmes is necessary. Jenny does such a good job of portraying Holmes, the other voice is off putting.

Laurie King does it again!!!!

Well done With King’s usual depth, intrigue and progressive political perspective true to real history.

Lots of twists and turns

Entertaining with POV from both Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes. I enjoyed the two narrators thoroughly. This was not my favorite of the Mary Russell series, but it was still very engaging and surprising.

this one's a little convoluted

I love the Mary Russell books. but this one brought a little too much complexity to the international intrigue. perhaps in writing it would have been easier to follow, but I found myself having to rewind a lot.

Politics-driven, amnesia-ridden disappointment

How many times will Mary suffer blackout concussions throughout this series?! A bit cliché...The dialogue is meandering and frustrating with attempt to showcase the author's historical fiction storytelling, I miss the Holmes-Russell banter and deduction. Sterling, however is amazing as ever- truly one of the best readers

PLEASE (ftlog) get out of the Desert!!!!!

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No... not really. The only way that you are going to enjoy this book is if you are a very dedicated Holmes and Russell fan... and even then, the book drags............................

Would you ever listen to anything by Laurie R. King again?

Absolutely

What three words best describe Jenny Sterlin and Robert Ian Mackenzie ’s performance?

Sterlin - Awesome, Mackenzie - okay, Holmes and Russell in the desert again - (blows raspberry)!

Do you think Garment of Shadows needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Yes.... if nothing more than to get Holmes and Russell back to either England or America

Any additional comments?

There is another review by a reviewer named "Connie".... I absolutely agree with everything Connie said. I am a die hard Holmes and Russell fan - but if there are any more stories of them in some Middle Eastern Country, in the desert, with Amnesia etc etc.... Then I am out!

Great, but not quite the best

Would you consider the audio edition of Garment of Shadows to be better than the print version?

I can't compare them, but Jenny STerlin's narration is as usual marvelous.

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

The Darker side of O Jerusalem from earlier in the series. Without spoilers, let's just say that Garment of Shadows represents a much darker world view than the earlier book.

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

Actually no, it got started rather slowly and only caught fire about half way through.

Any additional comments?

While I said this wasn't the best of the series in my headline, (see The Language of Bees and God of the Hive) it definitely holds together as one of the next tier of great books in the Mary Russell series.

Russell and Holmes are back on track on Garment of

What made the experience of listening to Garment of Shadows the most enjoyable?

A return to the more adventure based story that I like most in this series

What did you like best about this story?

The adventure and learning something about a part of history that I knew nothing about and Laurie King's descriptive prose.

Have you listened to any of Jenny Sterlin and Robert Ian McKenzie ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Have listened to all the audio books narrated by Jenny Sterlin in the Holmes- Russell novels. Robert Ian MacKenzie is new to me, and I didn't quite see the point of going to a dual voice production. That being said, I found his voice nicely nuanced and resonant. I don't usually care much for multi-voice but Garment of Shadows was well done.

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

Yes, and I almost did!

Why a male narrator?

What made the experience of listening to Garment of Shadows the most enjoyable?

The story was engaging.

What did you like best about this story?

The setting was my favorite part of the book.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Jenny Sterlin and Robert Ian McKenzie ?

Sterlin by herself.

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

No.

Any additional comments?

The male narrator, Robert Ian McKenzie, was dreadful. If he narrates any more Russell / Holmes books I won't be listening!

One of the best in the Series

Appreciated the male voice for Sherlock Great intrigue and inside look at a largely over looked portion of African history. Accurate indictment of white racism against people of color.
Provides a wonderful journey out of present turmoil. If only for a few hours of respite. The fact that white is not right is gently and persistently high lighted is refreshing. Thank you