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itabar's review against another edition
5.0
I can't put my finger on it, but something in this book spoke to me. I think it's seeing the relationship between Holmes and Russel deepening. I also really liked the relationship between the two ancillary characters as well as their interactions with Holmes and Russell.
This is my favorite book in the series.
This is my favorite book in the series.
rhiannoncs's review against another edition
3.0
Funny enough, I thought I had already read this book. But once I got into it, I discovered that I hadn't. For the record, I'm glad I finally got around to it. Russell and Holmes are fun and charming, as usual, and I love King's portrait of Palestine.
teadrinking_bibliophile's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
hvtardiswltrvl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
readbooks_eatapples's review against another edition
5.0
What a comeback!! I'm so glad I didn't give up on this series after the awful book 4. I'm usually not a prequel fan, but this was so good and satisfying. I learned a lot, as always, one thing I really appreciate and enjoy about King's work. These are not light reads, but they're still escapes. So well done.
govmarley's review against another edition
3.0
More adventures with Holmes and Russell, but in this installment we jump back in time to events in the first book that were not shared with us. We know they spent time in Jerusalem but we don't get to see what happens there. This book takes to the events they shared while they were hiding out.
It's a pretty good story. I like their companions, especially Mahmoud. Something was missing for me, however, and I just can't put my finger on it. I think it was because Holmes and Russell didn't really seem to be partners on this one. There was a distance between them and you just couldn't see that spark. But overall still an enjoyable read.
It's a pretty good story. I like their companions, especially Mahmoud. Something was missing for me, however, and I just can't put my finger on it. I think it was because Holmes and Russell didn't really seem to be partners on this one. There was a distance between them and you just couldn't see that spark. But overall still an enjoyable read.
taffy_sea's review against another edition
5.0
This is possibly my favorite book in the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series thus far. This adventure picks up the details left out of "The Beekeeper's Apprentice," bringing us back to the months Russell and Holmes spent fleeing threats England. King brings 1919 Palestine to vivid life, from the dusty streets of Jerusalem to the hilly countryside, and notes places along the way where obscure events occurred hundreds or thousands of years before. The historical detail is exquisite and well-researched. Russell must prove herself, again and again, to their two mysterious Arab guides, who are reluctant to accept a woman into their adventures. Of course, Russell proves more than up for the challenge, succeeding because she is a woman rather than in spite of being a woman, with the same wit, sarcasm, determination and grit that keeps me reading. Russell remains a remarkable character, intelligent and stubborn, feminist and independent. Two thumbs up!
tawallah's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
The weakest installment to date despite being set in a fascinating city.
This lacked in charisma - no great interactions between Mary and Holmes (except at a dinner), it was meant to be a type of espionage plot but lacked the cat and mouse tension. Even the history and town felt flat. It did dispel some of the romantic notions surrounding Jerusalem.
This seems to be more of set up for its sequel Justice Hall.
This lacked in charisma - no great interactions between Mary and Holmes (except at a dinner), it was meant to be a type of espionage plot but lacked the cat and mouse tension. Even the history and town felt flat. It did dispel some of the romantic notions surrounding Jerusalem.
This seems to be more of set up for its sequel Justice Hall.