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

Length: 13 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

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

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!

Amazing Continuation

What made the experience of listening to The Murder of Mary Russell the most enjoyable?

I always enjoy the narrators, but I think that I derived the most enjoyment on this particular story by knowing the "pre-story" as written by Doyle.

What other book might you compare The Murder of Mary Russell to and why?

Other than the original Holmes stories I don't think there is one that can compare. I have read multiple books said to be "just like Doyle" or some such comparison. Ms. King is the only person who can write Holmes other than Doyle himself!

What about Jenny Sterlin and Susan Lyons ’s performance did you like?

I feel that they bring the story to life. The inflections, accent, etc are a grand performance for the ears.

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.

Another great Russell story

Great back story to the characters in the Russell books. Enjoyed it thoroughly and look forward to the next one!

Wow

This was a saga and totally unexpected. Mrs Hudson’s story and what a story it is!!! Emotional…. Sad and stressful and heartbreaking.

I am actually crying

very best of this wonderful Mary Russell series

i absolutely hated that it ended. Ms King, please create more interesting and complex plots.

Mts. Hudson's story

I won't give away anything about the title of this book and what happens to Mary. But most of the book is the story of the life of Mrs. Hudson, who turns out to be much more than a housekeeper. It's actually quite clever that Laurie R. King tied her together a character from an early Holmes story with the same last name, and with a young Sherlock, But the parts of the story without Sherlock or Mary just aren't the same. Jenny Sterlin is great as usual but gets a smaller part of the book. Susan Lyons, who does the Hudson section is also very good.