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!