Justice Hall: A puzzling mystery for Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes (Mary Russell & Sherlock Holmes)

Series of Sherlock Holmes stories, from the point of view of Mary Russel, his protege, and later his wife. Brillianyptly written. Clever, using time and place in history, actual events, places. You would never know the Author is American, her writing is of the period, her English exactly as Holmes would speak, her characterisations amazing, with tongue in cheek humour, the premise very clever, though sensibly, “far fetched”! I am convinced, because Mary Russell is genuinely herself, responding to situations as a human being not completely convinced that her circumstances are at all desirable at that moment. The plots are gradual, giving time for the reader to learn, along with a Mary Russell herself. The inspiration of hard graft, intelligent learning, cultures, languages by Mary Russell and the age difference and life experience of Holmes and she, takes the reader along. And at the same time the Author writes wth humour and respect for the “ fictitious” Holmes, whilst writing from Mary Russell’s scripts and memoirs about the real Holmes. Brilliant. I can hear Jeremy Brett speaking the lines Laurie King writes!

A cracking good read intelligently written with keenly researched historically accurate settings. This book carries forward the Holmes story and is wholly believable, Mary Russell is a brilliant foil for Sherlock and the two characters spark off each other. By the end of the first chapter you can settle down with the knowledge that once more ' the game's afoot and it will be impossible to put the book down until the end and Justice has been served . You will probably want to read all the other books in the series too. I did, that was six years ago and I am 're reading them with as much pleasure as I did the first time.

I love the Russell and Holmes books. Love the way they are written and this is a sequel allowing us to meet again two characters who were interesting the first time around and doubly so this time. The story of how a person is locked into family tradition, honour and obligation is extremely interesting and although not totally believable, no less entertaining for that. Her descriptions are slightly romantic but as a native of Britain and a lover of old houses, I found it quite acceptable. A book I read with a smile on my face - as I do most of hers. Interesting plot good conclusion although I suppose inevitable given the style of the book. But I loved it.

An interesting book for anyone curious about new adventures of Mary. She is clever and a good companion for the detective. However, not everyone might like this take on Holmes. He would be over 70 in the 1920's, yet he is younger. Those who like Mary will be pleased with her skills in this story.

I bought the first book of this series - The Beekeeper's Apprentice - on spec. I did not know anything about Mary Russell and I had not heard of the book or the author. I read the first page and I was hooked! Since then I have ordered each book as I finished the previous one.Justice Hall is a very good read. The characterization is excellent, the writing is superb. It's the sort of writing that you re-read because it's so good and expresses so well. The story is part of the continuing saga of events that take place within the months of 1924 and hangs together well.

I love the Mary Russell series, and this is my absolute favourite. It was also the only one that has made me cry (though the book is in no way sentimental). I was so gripped by the various puzzles that I stayed in bed all day so I could finish it! I loved the transformation of the characters we first met in O Jerusalem and the different threads of mystery, all coming together in the grand finale. I don't think it would be as enjoyable if you hadn't read O Jerusalem, though (you wouldn't really understand the impetus for the plot) - so if you haven't already done so, go and read that first.

Another in the Sherlock and Russell books and feel Laurie King has added an enjoyable new layer to Conan Doyle's body of work, not least by including real people from the period in the stories. I would recommend reading the series in order of their writing to get the most from them.

Have enjoyed many Mary and Sherlock books, this one has been a particular favourite. Some of the characters appeared in a previous book ( O JERUSALEM ) and it was particularly pleasing to meet up with them again in a different setting. More genteel perhaps but just as intriguing.