A Monstrous Regiment of Women

Rating:
Summary: Biggest disappointment I've ever encountered
Review: The Beekeeper's Apprentice was one of my favorite books ever, and when I saw there was a sequel, I couldn't wait to read it. In her first book, Laurie R. King perfectly encapsulated the Sherlock Holmes of literary fame -- in this one, she utterly destroys him. I don't want to give away plot twists, but the character is decimated and the mystery dull. I imagined that Holmes would someday adopt Russell; it would have been much more palatable than the plot twist tossed into this mess! I had to go back and tell everyone I recommended The Beekeeper's Apprentice to NOT to read the sequel -- very depressing.

Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Read
Review: Laurie R. King has written another masterpiece. This book advances the relationship between the brilliant Mary Russell and her mentor, the legendary Sherlock Holmes. Full of fascinating secondary characters and subplots, this book will hold you from start to finish. I myself could not put it down once, and ended up reading deep into the night. An extremely satisfying read.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful read! Highly recommended.
Review: I loved this book. I found it hard to put down. I love the Holmes/Russell sleuthing pair, and the strong character of Mary Russell. I thought that this was much better than the first Mary Russell book, The Beekeeper's Apprentice, which took a while in the build-up. This book was interesting from the start. I can't wait to read the next one!

Rating:
Summary: Ghastly
Review: This the second book in the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series. Personally disliked it. From the start I felt like there were a heard of bible bashers at the door and I couldn't get rid of them. Skimmed through the book, skipping all the excessive religious drival. The best bit was the end when SH proposes to Mary. Had weed through a lot of junk to get there.

Rating:
Summary: Satisfying on several levels
Review: I was impressed again with the talent of Laurie R. King. There are several levels of review in this book. First the coming of age of an intelligent and brave young women. Someone who is not afraid to be honest with herself. Second, a love story between equals . Two people that respect each other and themselves. Third, a mystery surrounding a women that could be incredibly evil or a saint. Fourth, the relationship between God and women and the relationship between God, man and woman. Fifth, what is the truth about the Bible's interpretation. All these work together to enliven the mind and romance the heart.

Rating:
Summary: Buzzing with joy!
Review: This book is an incredibly well-written, beautiful demonstration of character development and insight into two great minds! Though Holmesian purists might cringe, the relationship is entirely believable and excellently done! Love and friendship know no age! This book is one you'll never forget and will treasure forever!

Rating:
Summary: It was a smashing book, wonderfully written
Review: The book was her best! Mary an exciting person, and the book shows all her different sides. I LOVED IT!

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Summary: I really AM from Sussex Downs
Review: Mary becomes involved in a womens' suffrage/church group led by Marjery (Iknow I'm spelling this wrong) Childe; a very strong-willed and effective speaker.(her interpretations of the Bible I found very intresting, though some readers were disturbed by them.)After an attempt on Ronnie Beconsfield's (remember her?) life, Mary finds out about several more deaths of women invovled with Marjery Childe. She investigates, is kidnapped, forced to use heroin(they hold her down and inject her. Needless to say, it takes several strong men.)Eventually, she is rescued by Holmes. You'll have to read it yourself to find out what else happens. Very good, though somewhat predictable and confusing. I'm sorry, but I simply do not understand why some readers are so disturbed by Holmes and Russell's marriage.(Sorry if I'm spoiling the ending!)It seems to me a perfect match. Try as I might to understand, I remain unbothered by the obvious age difference. If they are in love, (and it was quite obvious they are!)I see no reason to be shocked or to object. I recommend you read the Beekeeper's Apprentice before this and definetly A Letter of Mary and The Moor. The fifth book is called O, Jeruselum and is not out yet.

Rating:
Summary: A worthy sequel to Beekeeper's
Review: I enjoyed a Monstrous Regiment of Women enormously. The relationship between Russell and Holmes is perfectly understandable, especially when considering each of their temperaments. The plot itself is fascinating and seamless. Also, Mary Russell, as a young, well-educated, and also absolutely fearless woman, is a decent role model for me.

Rating:
Summary: It's Only THIRTY-NINE Years!
Review: It is my opinion that A Monstrous Regiment of Women was a beautifully written book, and I have lost count of the number of times that I have read it. The clarity of Russell's thoughts are remarkable, providing a glance into the mind of a genius much as Pascal's Pensees does. Certainly Holmes is different--he must be when interacting with "his full and unequivical equal". The minor characters are intensely real as well, portrayed with historical accuracy. Especially Ronnie Beaconsfield "of that family". Regarding the marriage of Holmes and Russell, I don't believe that the age difference mattered to them, since they are well suited to each other. As Margery Childe said, "It's the love that really matters.