Mary Russell's War And Other Stories of Suspense

Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes #0.5

by Laurie R. King

Laurie R. King illuminates the hidden corners of her beloved Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes series in this dynamic short story collection.

In nine short stories, seven of which have never previously been available in print, and one brand-new, never-before-seen Sherlock Holmes mystery available together for the first time Laurie R. King blends her long-running brand of crime fiction with historical treats and narrative sleight of hand. At the heart of the collection is a prequel novella that begins with England’s declaration of war in 1914. As told in Mary Russell’s teenage diaries, the whip-smart girl investigates familial mysteries, tracks German spies through San Francisco, and generally delights with her extraordinary mind until an unimaginable tragedy strikes.

Here too is the case of a professor killed by a swarm of bees; Mrs Hudson’s investigation of a string of disappearing household items and a lifelong secret; a revealing anecdote about a character integral to The God of the Hive; the story of Mary’s beloved Uncle Jake and a monumental hand of cards; and a series of postcards in which Mary searches for her missing husband, Sherlock Holmes.
Last but not least, fans will be especially thrilled by Mary's account of her decision, at age ninety-two, to publish her memoirs and how she concluded that Ms. King should be the one to introduce her voice to the world.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Short Stories, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical, Audiobook

319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 4, 2015

About the author

Edgar-winning mystery writer Laurie R. King writes series and standalone novels. Her official forum is
THE LRK VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB here on Goodreads--please join us for book-discussing fun.

King's 2018 novel, Island of the Mad, sees Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes travel from London's Bedlam to the glitter of Venice's Lido,where Young Things and the friends of Cole Porter pass Mussolini's Blackshirts in the streets. The Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series follows a brilliant young woman who becomes the student, then partner, of the great detective. [click here for an excerpt of the first in the series, The Beekeeper's Apprentice] The Stuyvesant and Grey series (Touchstone; The Bones of Paris) takes place in Europe between the Wars. The Kate Martinelli series follows an SFPD detective's cases on a female Rembrandt, a holy fool, and more. [Click for an excerpt of A Grave Talent]

King lives in northern California, which serves as backdrop for some of her books.

Please note that Laurie checks her Goodreads inbox intermittently, so it may take some time to receive a reply. A quicker response may be possible via email to info@laurierking.com.

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the stories were better than others. The one really stretched belief though. It was set in 1992 with Sherlock still alive, which would have put him around 125 years old! And he was running away from persistent fans! I can image Sherlock was a fit man, but to be 125 years old and running around like he was 55?! It was too much,

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Magdalena aka A Bookaholic Swede · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fab! It was great fun to read (and listen) through this collection of short stories.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I have a confession to make - I have a love/hate relationship with anthologies. You see I think short stories are the hardest to write, at least a good one. After all you have a limited number of works and yet you have to deliver the same depth and interest as a book enjoying potentially multiple times more space. So much so that many short stories are written for a purpose more often than not which is to find a certain space set aside for them. So as you can imagine they really compound the writing challenge.

However for that very reason many short stories and the anthologies they inhabit tend to jump around and so when you are in he mood to invest some serious time and really connect with a story you suddenly finding yourself at the ending and having to varying degrees starting all over again.

So now you see the challange which this book faces even before I read the first page. So why the high praise - well for me who I will admit still have many more Mary Russell stories to explore feel that this book fills in some of the gaps (indeed some of the gaps I didnt even know where there) and so even in those few pages (and some of the stories are literally only a few pages) you still get to learn more than I was expecting.

Now I know that there are a plethora of Sherlock Holmes stories and true this is rather different approach but still this book manages to present stories that are both familiar and still original. I am no Holmes expert but from what I have seen that is still rather an achievement.

[Kathe]

When I started to read this slight volume, it seemed to be simply a schoolgirl's diary that I thought would provide a few details about the character's background. Well, I was clearly underestimating the inestimable Mary Russell.

Let's just say that the back story provided here is a very useful and interesting prequel to King's series about Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, starting with The Beekeeper's Apprentice.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were several excellent pieces in this collection, and several that I'm not sure needed to exist. The good: My War Journal (this one inspired me to again speed read through Locked Rooms right in the middle of MWJ, which I thoroughly enjoyed), Beekeeping for Beginners (previously read, enjoyed again this time) and the same with The Marriage of Mary Russell, and Stately Holmes. Worth reading were My Story, or The Case of the Ravening Sherlockians. Mary's Christmas, and a Case in Correspondence. A lot of reviewers seem to have a problem with the magical realism of the Ravening Sherlockians. To me it is Laurie King's nod to the real Sherlockians who like to pretend to believe that Sherlock is a real historical person. I don't have a problem with it. Besides, I love the way she incorporates fictional characters as if they are real in her novels which is kind of the same thing except kicked up a notch. Her whole series is written as if it were true, when we know it's not. So why have a problem with Sherlock Holmes still alive in 1992? I actually kind of loved it!

https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....

[Andrea]

Short stories ranging from just before Beekeeper's Apprentice to well after the current book in the series. It was sad to read the lead-up to Beekeeper's Apprentice, to meet people lost and know them.

I could, on the other hand, do without the conceit of King being sent manuscripts, etc.

[Hanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cleaning up my review of this book by writing an overall review: I’ve written reviews for some of the short stories that are in this anthology of Mary Russell short stories, but there are some that are too short for me to justify, and I’ll aggregate all my thoughts for this book at large here.

I really liked the collection of short stories that filled in the gaps between the full-length novels. They were just short little stories, a la The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, and provided background for Mary Russell.

Overall it was fun for fans of the series, but not as a particular work of literature in particular. If you’re reading through the series, I would highly recommend reading this anthology to get some behind-the scenes details about the partnership between Mary and Holmes.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of my favorites in the series. I think I understand why she wrote it, but I was content to leave young Mary in the past with fuzzy details. And her constant references to Holmes before she knew Holmes didn't land for me. She didn't seem star-struck when they met in the Beekeeper's Apprentice, so I didn't feel it was necessary here. In fact, that's how I feel about this book. Not necessary.

I still adore the series - it's one of my favorites. Alas, I'm giving this one 2 stars.

[GraceAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this first as blog posts and again as an eBook. Wonderful insight into Mary as a teen, Mary before the accident that took her family, Mary responding to the daily unfolding of the horrors of WWI. What a terrific character - more than that, she is utterly real.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had already read many of the stories, so not all were new. A nice selection though.

[Teri-K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with the reviewers who felt this is a very mixed collection of stories. I also felt the absurdity of expecting the reader to believe that Holmes lived to be 130 or more, but I did my best to suspend disbelief and take the stories on their own merit.

I really enjoyed Mary Russell's War, The Marriage of Mary Russell and A Case for Correspondence. I think using the postcards was a good way to make a tiny event into an entertaining story. Stately Holmes, the Christmas story, was also a fun read, especially as Christmas is barely finished as I read it.

I really didn't care for Mrs. Hudson's Case, not being that interested in Mrs. H. anyway, and My Story bored me. They get chased around England by some over-eager American Holmes fans. yawn There are other stories here that I enjoyed but didn't love.

I will add that you shouldn't read this book until you've started the series. You could read the first few after A Monstrous Regiment, but save the rest to follow The God of the Hive. Otherwise you'll probably be lost and confused.

I appreciate that the publishers released all of these in one volume. I'd already read several of the entries in here but it gets frustrating as a reader to try and track down related short stories from online, magazines, anthologies and sometimes who-knows-where. Having one brand new piece in the mix just adds to the fun, I think.

For fans of the series this is worth tracking down. I got the Kindle book for 1.99, and it's worth that to have the stories I liked handy as the library doesn't have this.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent collection of Holmes/Russell short stories that fills in a number of gaps in canon. I always felt cheated that we didn't get to attend the wedding; now I feel very satisfied. The collection is bookended, appropriately enough, by a brief look at fourteen-year-old Mary Russell before her parents and brother are killed, and a glimpse of Christmas Yet To Come with Grandpa Sherlock and a particularly smart dark-haired little one.

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a collection of various shorter pieces, some of which I had already read before. The new pieces were trying to be meta, but didn't really work for me. Reading the Mary Russell series does require a suspension of disbelief regarding one's concept of the Sherlock Holmes character, but to imagine that Holmes would live to be 135 and still able to dash into boltholes around London....hmmm.

[Jeanne Adamek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not a person that enjoys short stories much. In this collection I enjoyed a number of the stories, others not so much. Personally, I have to admit, I much more enjoy the novels about Mary Russell & Sherlock Holmes.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have all of the Mary Russell books and this fills in some questions that have been drifting around in the back of this reader's mind. Some of the parts of Mary Russell's War I read in Laurie King's blog and it is good to have a permanent copy. Reading this collection I get the feeling that King would like to bring the series to an end, although there appears to be the same kind of pressure Doyle experienced when he tried to jettison Holmes.
The only part that raised my eyebrows was when she wrote about Mary at age 92. That is alright as long as you don't work out how old Holmes is, but how could she write about Mary as a widow? As time passes the feeling increases and I still don't work out Holmes' age.
There is nothing more I can say, except that this is a very much appreciated addition to the Russell/Holmes body of work. I read it after Monstrous Regiment because the marriage is mentioned at the end of that book so I read the Wedding story then and the rest because they're there.

[Cora · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice little treat of a book. Mainly things I'd read before via her website or included within the covers of a full-length novel. I enjoyed the Marriage of Mary Russell a great deal, and Beekeeping for Beginners, where we see the first meeting of Russell and Holmes through Holmes' eyes. The weakest story, to me, is A Case in Correspondence: is this magical realism all of a sudden? Are we supposed to believe that Holmes is still living at the age of 130+? The final story, Stately Holmes, was new for this collection, and I enjoyed it very much - some old friends from previous novels I was happy to see again.

[Sabrina Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Stately Anthology

This book is a must for every Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes fan. It's a collection of all the short stories in one place (and in print!). The forward from the most notable Sherlockian Les Klinger is wonderful, and all the stories paint a wider picture of my favorite detective duo, filling in some gaps between the book series. I've read all the other stories over the years, but there was a new one at the end: Stately Holmes. I loved it! What fan hasn't wanted to read a story featuring the Great Detective and his granddaughter?

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of short stories about Mary Russell who was first introduced in The Beekeeper's Apprentice. I really enjoyed most of the stories, but I would not recommend this to someone who hadn't already read at least some of the novels.

The title story was my least favorite (and the longest).

[Frank Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This background story essentially leads right up to the very first time that Mary literally walked into Holmes. It's a good story showing Mary in that period between the naivety of youth and the maturity she would grow into. There's no case in this story although Mary does demonstrate much curiosity and persistence.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fills in some blanks in the canon - blanks that didn't exactly need to be filled, perhaps - but I enjoyed spending time with Russell and Holmes as usual. (It was about time to do some rereading in this series anyway, so this was a good nudge in that direction.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I long to re-read every one of the Mary Russell & Sherlock Holmes mysteries.

[Hermien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable especially if you've read other Mary Russell books.

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Marriage of Mary Russell and Stately Holmes were my favorite ones. However, some of the stories the author wrote at the request or insistence of others and it shows. Honestly, I think she took all of her frustration out in the form of Mary Russell. She comes across as being surly in a few of the shorter stories. For any newcomer to the series, don’t start with these because unless you have read the previous full length novels you will be completely lost.

This completes the Short Story Collection space for my Book Bingo Challenge.

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

2025-03: The Marriage of Mary Russell (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes #2.5): 4 stars.

Mary and Sherlock plan their wedding in this novella: location, who to invite, managing relatives, etc. The story is short, and delivered in Mary's no-nonsense manner. It's a nice example of how Mary and Sherlock actually get married, which I understand is not found in the novels.

[C-shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining, and a good introduction to the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series.

[Susan Pola Staples · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the short story collection. Especially the Return of March Huegueford and young Estelle Adler.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming stories to fill the interstices between Laurie R. King's novels. Best to have read the books first!

[Christine Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eclectic collection of all things Mary Russell: I enjoyed reading through them and perusing the photographs and documents. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is my own deficiency. Having read the "Beekeeper's Apprentice" series as each book has been released, I honestly couldn't remember some of the references and storylines that the short pieces tied to. It makes me want to spend the summer re-reading the series beginning to end!

Mary's life remains the central focus of this collection; some stories take place before the collision with Sherlock Holmes. It's also a chance for King to develop some of the back stories that she has hinted at during the novels.

I believe the the actual "Mary Russell's War" story in the text was my favorite of all. It placed the reader in pre- and during wartime with a young girl who seemingly had little at stake while living in San Francisco. It sets up the young Mary's determined character, her overcoming incredible loss, and her relocation to England.

All in all, a delightful collection, easily read in small bits, and tempting the reader to go back to prior books in the series and re-visit with the new back stories in mind.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun collection! Some better than others, of course. As other reviewers have pointed out, a 132-year-old Holmes running around Oxford is a bit of a stretch, but as King explains at the start, part of the Game played by the Friends of Russell is that since no obituary has appeared yet Holmes and Russell are still alive. If anything, it's nice to know that there are still decades of stories to tell (even if any life-threatening situation becomes less suspenseful knowing they'll survive anyway). I could do without the whole 'Ms King received these manuscripts'-thing, but once you've gone down that road there's no turning back after fifteen books, so I guess we'll just have to deal with that.
Anyway, this makes me want to re-read the whole series from the beginning and fall in love with these characters all over again. Looking forward to the next novel!