My brother-in-law included this book on a lengthy list of suggestions for what to read, when queried by my husband. As a Sherlock Holmes fan, I couldn't help but be interested in reading Laurie R. King's book.

At first I was put off by Mary Russell's story telling; her style seemed laborious. But slowly I warmed to her story of how she met Sherlock and developed a relationship with him. I believed her, because her description of Sherlock in his 60s (my my, not far from my age now ;-) ) meshed with how I imagined he would be. And then the pace of the tale picked up. Russell, with the guidance of Sherlock (and the editing of King) became an adept sleuth and teller of tales.

I enjoyed the descriptiveness of locations, events and psyches. I appreciated the barring of souls. And I truly delighted in the unveiling of the mastermind responsible. Confession (not a spoiler): I had a tiny inkling of who this would be, but banished it to the back of my mind until further proof could be obtained.

Thus I have put on reserve at my local library Mary Russell's next grand adventure with Holmes, A Monstrous Regiment of Women.