The Murder of Mary Russell

A Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes

By: Laurie R. King

Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin, Susan Lyons

Laurie R. King's best-selling Mary Russell-Sherlock Holmes series weaves rich historical detail and provocative themes with intriguing characters and enthralling suspense.

Russell and Holmes have become one of modern literature's most beloved teams. But does this adventure end it all?

Mary Russell is used to dark secrets - her own and those of her famous partner and husband, Sherlock Holmes. Trust is a thing slowly given, but over the course of a decade together, the two have forged an indissoluble bond. And what of the other person to whom Mary Russell has opened her heart: the couple's longtime housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson?

Russell's faith and affection are suddenly shattered when a man arrives on the doorstep claiming to be Mrs. Hudson's son. What Samuel Hudson tells Russell cannot possibly be true, yet she believes him - as surely as she believes the threat of the gun in his hand. In a devastating instant, everything changes. And when the scene is discovered - a pool of blood on the floor, the smell of gunpowder in the air - the most shocking revelation of all is that the grim clues point directly to Clara Hudson. Or rather to Clarissa, the woman she was before Baker Street.

The key to Russell's sacrifice lies in Mrs. Hudson's past. To uncover the truth, a frantic Sherlock Holmes must put aside his anguish and push deep into his housekeeper's secrets - to a time before her disguise was assumed, before her crimes were buried away. There is death here, and murder, and trust betrayed. And nothing will ever be the same.

©2016 Laurie R. King (P)2016 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Be forewarned - Jenny Sterlin and Susan Lyons's amazing joint narration of King's newest Sherlock Holmes/Mary Russell mystery will keep you absolutely hooked." (AudioFile)

The Murder of Mary Russell

Highly creative, exceptionally entertaining, and downright brilliant! Laurie R. King’s “Mary Russell” series is one of my top five favorite literary series of all time, and #14, “The Murder of Mary Russell,” is the best volume thus far! King exhibits an uncanny ability to take the deep and subtle insights she's gained into the psyches of the characters she creates, and then weaves credible, yet extraordinary circumstances and motivations into her story that couldn't possibly be anticipated, but which always fit tight. In addition, King never fails to draw out intense emotional responses from me, which I find most gratifying! Usually, once a novel is finished, I pick up another without pause, but “The Murder of Mary Russell" has left me wanting instead to just sit for awhile and marinate in the profound satisfaction I'm feeling from my reading experience. Thank you so much, Laurie R. King! You are an extraordinarily talented artist and visionary! I look forward with great anticipation to your future offerings.

An engrossing take on Ms. Hudson's backstory

I took a long break from the Mary Russell books, because she & Holmes were never together in the books anymore which took away most of the charm. This one wasn't really better in that respect, but Ms. Hudson was the real star. If you like movies like The Lady Eve, this is the book for you! AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From the opening sequence to the end of the book, I was riveted to this story. Now I am re-reading the series with my better understanding of what exactly the players all bring to the table.
Though this is titled about Mary Russell, the story is almost all Mrs. Hudson. I don't want to spoil any plot lines but this is a great read.

King’s Imagination at its best.

Laurie King has given Mrs. Hudson an amazing story making her an a fully developed person. No other Sherlock Holmes author has made her to be more than a housekeeper and Sherlock tinder. We are left imagining what her next incarnation will bring. The ethical and philosophical questions that are raised give the reader a lot to ponder.
King’s creative imagination seems to know no bounds! Each novel is yet one more adventure into a world of possibilities.

Her most interesting one yet!

excellent story and narrators. I could not stop listening to this book. It was better than many of those she has written recently. the character of mrs. Hudson was fascinating!