O Jerusalem: A novel of suspense featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes

Laurie King has swiftly become one of my favorite authors -- the sort who make you grab any book with their name on the cover, without even reading what it's "about." She's an extremely powerful writer who puts you into the middle of the story/world she's writing about, and your "real life" goes away. If you've found your way to this page, it's likely that you've read at least one of the books in the Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes series. If not, I strongly urge you to start with the first book, the Beekeeper's Apprentice. This story takes place chronologically in the middle of that book (with an arm wave to "after our adventures in Palestine" in the first novel), and I believe you really do need to have that foundation to get the most out of O Jerusalem. You don't, however, need to have read the other books in the series; in fact, I've found myself wondering if I'd have liked this one even better if I'd read it second. What King does very well, here, is present a mystery story against a backdrop of history which most of us (including me) know only vaguely. During the action of O Jerusalem, the British have recently gotten control over the area, and we see the tensions and cultural clashes between Arab, Jew, Turk, British, and anybody else passing through. By the end, and without the pain of a history lesson, I'd learned a lot more about early 20th century problems and gotten a clue about how they affect us today. Other reviewers have criticized King for creating a pre-feminist Mary Russell who magically raises the consciousness of the Arab men around her. P'shaw. She is drawn to be an exceptional woman (otherwise she'd never have attracted Sherlock Holmes' attention), and I find it completely believeable that a logical and caring person can earn the respect of other people from another culture. This is a book that I dove into, and didn't emerge until I'd turned the last page. Only a few days later I went to the bookstore and picked up the next one in the series. Yeah, I like this book. I like it a lot. If you like your historical mystery to teach you history while it also entertains, it'll be high on your list as well.

I had the luxury of reading this book second, where it naturally fits timewise in the series, and I could not find the lack of plot and cold narration that other readers noticed. In fact, to me, this book is as good or BETTER than Beekeeper's Apprentice, simply due to the very details that some said would better fit in a travel guide. The way to snare a reader is to make them feel they are really there. I could almost feel the sand between my teeth and smell the smoke from the campfires. I'm sorry, but I love that kind of detail. Why read if all you want is taut dialogue? Might as well listen to the radio or something . . . Give me the descriptions anytime. All in all, I have found King to be a lovely read, and all too often, I find that I have over-stayed my time on lunch breaks because I've detoured through the Holy Land with Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes.

I have been a fan of Sherlock Holmes since I was in grade school, and I feel very comfortable with King's insightful handling of the Holmes character. I have read all the Mary Russell series and look forward to each of the new ones that are published. In O Jersusalem, I was not sure why King had backtracked to an earlier time in Mary's and Holmes' relationship. However, after reading the book, I was very pleased because she added more depth to Mary's character and kept Holmes' character true to the Conan Doyle model. The Palestinean history that she weaves into the story adds great authenticity to the read. I especially enjoyed watching Mary's character (liberated as she is)deal with the midEastern culture and their treatment of women. King does a great job making her characters realistic. The book is well worth the readers time.( I have friends who are not Holmes fans who love the stories.)

Laurie R. King's fifth book in her Mary Russell series continues the saga she began with "The Beekeeper's Apprentice". My personal feelings for this book, this series, and this author are of best report.King's writings are not for the juvinile reader. She often uses words that are at times archaic, and the complexity of her sentances do require a certain level of concentration. This is not a book to be read while watching television or rooting for your daughter's softball game. This is a book for curling up by the fireplace with a solid hour-- and an hour is a conservative estimate. This is truly one of the books that you may lose track of time with. It is enveloping and intoxicating.I do not recommend starting with this book if you are new to King's works. In order to understand her characters and writing style, I suggest you start with either the first Russell novel "The Beekeepers Apprentice", or her non-Russell "A Darker Place". It doesn't truly matter where you start, for with either beginning, you will always end in the same place - by the fireplace with a stack of all of King's books.

When I first discovered that the latest adventure of Holmes and Russell wasn't in chronological order with Kings' previous novels in the series, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy it. That thought didn't last long. Kings' latest is, in my opinion, her best. . She always writes well, but she out did herself with this latest edition to this very enjoyable series. This is a story rich with history, imagery and wonderful characters you really care about. Set in the Holy Land, the historical references meld neatly with Holmes' and Russell's present. Ancient history and post-WWI history is anything but dull as King paints a picture both realistic and captivating.Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell are, as always, strong characters, but the other central characters are well rounded and real as well. I came to care about them and hated to come to the end of this novel. I hope that we'll meet up with Ali and Mahmoud, the odd detecting duos reluctant cohorts, again soon. If you're uncertain about whether or not to buy this novel, don't be. Buy it now and feel the heat of the ancient desert between your toes. :o)