Mary Russell's War: And other stories of suspense (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes)

I love the Mary Russell series and was ecstatic to discover that the author had pulled together all the shorts and novellas into this volume and included a never before published story at the end. The author's Sherlock Holmes, other familiar characters, and her own original characters come to life once more in these short pieces that give the reader more details about off-scene events from the series or even heretofore unmentioned accounts.The first two bring in childhood stories for Mary Russell, then there is the meeting of Russell and Holmes from his perspective, the details of the wedding, a case for Russell and Mrs. Hudson, a few short vignette mysteries, a couple stories explaining how Russell's memoirs ended up with Laurie R. King, and then yes, a Holmes and Russell Christmas mystery.I was tickled to find that two of these stories- Mary Russell's War and A Case in Correspondence included fun picture memorabilia inserted into the story.I do think this is best read after The God of the Hive to get the full benefit of all the stories and to avoid spoilers and it most definitely isn't a good place for newbies to the series to begin. There wasn't a dud in the batch and it made me want to go back and re-read all the books in the series.Definitely a great collection for series fans.

I have only read one Mary Russell book that I didn't like. Her books of this series are entertaining, informative and even believable. If you want witty escapism, this is your cup of British tea.

If you are a Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes fan, you will enjoy these short stories. They are vignettes that give depth and some insight into some of the references in the series.

I found young Mary’s war journal fascinating and the short stories great fun, especially “Stately Holmes.” That said, I wish I had not read “My Story” and “A Case in Correspondence.” When Ms King first described the postcard showing the punt with the clothing neatly stacked in an earlier novel, it touched me deeply. The romance of Holmes and Russell was, in my imagination, bittersweet, since I knew she would outlive him by decades, and I surmised she knew that, too. I imagined her in her later years immersed in her studies, perhaps delving into a mystery now and then, a strong, intelligent woman ageing defiantly. To have Holmes so unrealistically be a hundred thirty-one years old turned two characters who have become very real to me into a parody, some sort of nonsensical mockery. There is, of course, what an old professor called “the willing suspension of disbelief,” but here, it seems merely incomprehensible.

A collection of short stories including one never before seen anywhere with a Christmas setting. I don't really enjoy short stories but will read them as they pertain to my favorite series to fill in the fun gaps. In that respect this did not disappoint. The WWII diary was my least favorite more given its duration and lack of meat. The Christmas tale though more than made up for it. The wedding of Russell and Holmes as well as the first meeting as told by Holmes was also great. Wouldn't recommend for non series fans, more gap filling than self sustaining. Fun treats await for long time readers

in deft strokes and memorabilia, the author highlights unseen moments in the multi-volumed saga of Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes.

I did not find all the stories in the collection to be equal. Like another reviewer the 92 year old Mary with Sherlock still around was a little hard to accept. There were a few places where I felt Mary was not quite the character I have come to so love over the years. And then I made it to Stately Holmes and all was well. There were the Sherlock and Mary and their relationship that I have come to love and that makes them so readable. If I rated the book only on this section I would give it 5 stars.

These enjoyable stories gracefully fill in some holes in the Mary Russell narrative. I really enjoyed all of these. Highly recommrnded.

An interesting book. It is amusing, but has less to do with Holmes than readers may assume. The heroine is brave, but historians may disagree with certain facts described in the text and the presentation of the lead character. It all depends on what the reader knows about women in 1915.

I love the Mary Russel series of adventures and have read every one avidly. Most are really well written and if you love Holmes then they are a delight. This collection is quite varied however and doesn’t appear to have been written with the same rigour. Such a shame.

Mary Russell's War arrived promptly and very well wrapped. As always it was a book that roamed over a huge diversity of interesting subjects and was presented in an interesting way. I am a firm fan of Laurie King's Mary Russell.

These books are for my Dad - 87 going strong - he reccomends them highly - he says tthey are a nice read - not full of nbad language and sex - I have brought 4 now and he is more than pleased

This volume plugs the gaps in the full-length novels, most significantly the marriage. You can jump chapters with a clear conscience and return to them when you read the main story.