Rating: 
Summary: Good, but not as good...
Review: This book was good, but not as good as the Beekeper's Apprentice. Being the hopelessly wistful romantice that I am, the only thing that really kept me reading late into the night, last night, was the hope that Holmes and Russell would end up together. And although it did not have as much ingenious deduction as I had hoped for it was still a better than average book. Overall a good, enjoyable read. Definently worth the trip to the library. Check it out.
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful, a worthy sequal to "The Beekeeper's Apprentice"
Review: I loved the story, but I have to admitt that Holmes and Russell's facinating interaction is the main selling point, the mystery (who is killing members of a feminist chruch) is only a side light. King did a better job with Watson this time, He gets to remind Russell, in the hospital scene that he is a competent individual, just not a detective. For those who object to the 40 year age difference between Holmes and Russell, yeah it's a lot but these two are ecentric enough that they aren't likely to meet anyone else that would suit them better. Also they both are awared of the age difference and accept it. By the way the cab scene wasn't the first time King foreshadowed they're eventual marriage, the intro to Beekeeper is signed M.R.H. and in the first chapter of Beekeeper Holmes comments "20 or even 10 years ago... but here and now?" This is the best type of foreshadowing, the kind that is most ovious in retrospect. Too heavy-handed foreshadow can wreck a story, a lighter touch prepares the reader for furture delevolpment. In this series the ground-work for Holmes and Russell's marriage is strong enough to allow me at least to accept the age gap.
Rating: 
Summary: Better then What I thought it Would Be.
Review: Mary Russell reminds me of a women I used to be engaged to which means that no matter how rude or disagreeable she acts, I still have a soft spot for her... I assume that if I did not relate to Mrs. Russell the way I do, I wouldnt enjoy the book as much. Going in, I was preparing myself with what one reviewer said "Womens lib run amok". However I was pleasently suprised that there wasn't really the case. There were women that stood up for womens rights and offered some questionable interpretations of scripture, but this is nothing new and the women in the book did, in no way, seek to dismiss what they believed to be the Word of God. This wasn't a feminist, religion bashing session; only some feminist tinged philosophizing on the meaning of some passage in Scripture. Nothing offensive, only human nature. Anyway, I thought the book was good to read, not as good as the BeeKeepers Apprentice (which I think everyone agrees), but worth the time if you'd read the first book in the series.
Rating:
Summary: An enjoyable and exciting heroine equal to Holmes.
Review: In a genre dominated by heros it is nice to find a heroine who is equal to her male counterparts. Laurie R. King's Mary Russell, in "A Monsterous Regiment of Women", is one such heroine. This novel is both very enjoyable and exciting.This novel is enjoyable because it's main character Mary Russell is portrayed as an intelligent, head strong, human individual who just happens to be a female. The excitment is generated on two levels. On one level there is Mary Russell herself and the situations with which she is confronted. Her handling of the various situations she finds herself in, in this novel, demonstrates her intelligence, independence and human nature. The other level of excitement comes from Laurie King's pairing of Mary Russell with Sherlock Holmes. This pairing is true to the expected character of Sherlock Holmes while not detracting from the character of Mary Russell. The pairing of Russell and Holmes also offers the reader the comforting thought that it is probable Holmes did exist beyond the imagination of Conan Doyle. It is nice when one finds a novel which is able to engross the reader to the point of feeling a part of the world of Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes. I hope there will be more in the series beyong "The Moor".
Rating:
Summary: MREG is an LRK value-vehicle, but a good read
Review: This mystery isn't as fast-paced as many, and it's rather obvious Margery Childe's sermons are a vehicle for some of Laurie King's own beliefs. However, King writes beautifully and evokes the era with great skill. The tension between Holmes and Russell, caused by Russ's doubts about their relationship, threads throughout the book and effectively links the first, shocking hansom-cab scene to the eventual dock scene. I did approve of the eventual turn R&H's relationship took. A 40-year age difference is cause for an initial squirm or two, but it really isn't as though Holmes was eighty-five. And, hopeless romantic sap that I am, Holmes and Russ make me melt. ;) Not really a purist book, but the purists can stay in the nineteenth century. Thank you.
Rating:
Summary: Not up to the Beekeeper's Apprentice
Review: I thought the Beekeeper's Apprentice was extraordinary but was very disappointed with this one. Let me say that I am a voracious reader of historical mysteries as well as a huge fan of historical romances. I love a good romantic ending. But I simply cannot get over the 40 year age difference between Holmes and Mary. The last scene made me squirm. Am I the only one who is uncomfortable with this relationship?
Rating:
Summary: Awesome!!
Review: This is a great sequel to the Russell and Holmes partnership begun in The Beekeepers Apprentice! Heaven forbid that Holmes should actully be displayed as human! Offering scant clues about another relationship, Regiment is a must read!
Rating:
Summary: A great mystery!!!!
Review: I have been a fan of Holmes most of my life, though I have found certain aspects of his personality disappointing.(ie: misogynist, drug addict) But finally! A counterpart worthy of Holme's heart as well as his mind. King portrays Holmes as Doyle never did: human. One of the comments made in another review was that Holmes could only love a woman he'd created. Thing is: he _didn't_ create her! Russell already had the intelligence, the intellect, and the talent before she ever met Holmes. He merely taught her how to use it for detective work. I also don't really understand why readers were so shocked at the ending. It is quite obviously- and a little disapointingly foreshadowed in the beginning when Holmes demands to know if Mary has decided to propose to him yet. Frankly, I cheered at the sight of the greatest misogynist of all time falling hard for his best friend! A great read, and I highly recommend the whole series!!!
Rating:
Summary: Deeper than "Beekeeper's Apprentice" and more satisfying
Review: I couldn't put this book down! "Monstrous Regiemnt" is a wonderful sequel to "Beekeeper's Apprentice", because the characters keep developing and surprising the reader. Most satisfying is that the mystery is truly Mary's own case--we get to see her intellect and strength in full flourish, as well as glimpse some vulnerabilities. I must say that the mystery in itself isn't too complicated. But what propelled me through the story were the issues concerning the case: feminism, mysticism, even drug addiction. Ms. King captures the setting of 1921 London in great detail, yet I found that her story pertains to our time, too. Yes, I was surprised by the ending, and I'm still trying to work my mind around it. However, I'd like to point out that Pygmalion was humbled before being united with Galatea, who although was his own creation, later emerged as her own woman.
Rating: 
Summary: "Monstrous Regiment of Women" is monstrous disappointment
Review: I really enjoyed "The Beekeeper's Apprentice" and eagerly bought "A Monstrous Regiment of Women". It is a self-indulgent diatribe, surprisingly boring, and a bad case of women's lib run amok. I called my sister to warn her off, but she had already started it and could not imagine why she kept falling asleep. I read 3 to 5 books a week (the downside of being a really fast reader) and usually 2 or 3 of them are mysteries of the manners variety. This book has no humor, less plot, pages of nothing but musings. Total waste of time and money. If you liked "Beekeeper", chances are you'll be less than impressed by "Regiment".
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