Author Laurie R. King dedicates her 12th novel in the Sherlock Holmes/Mary Russell series to “those who reach across boundaries with a hand of welcome.”
Those new to the series are in for a treat. This is by no means the Sherlock Holmes who is well-renowned for his infamous cases involving his partner Dr. John Watson. King’s books feature an elderly Holmes, long retired from detecting and now living a life as a bee-keeper and married to the much younger Mary Russell. Mary fills the void once held by Watson as Holmes partner and sidekick. Their adventures have taken them around the world with Holmes’ still brilliant mind often working through his wife as they outwit evil and bring justice where needed.
"Through the eyes, ears and unsurpassable wit of the Holmes/Russell team, this dangerous battle creates constant tension and a crisis that even their mighty minds and courageous spirit may not be able to overcome."
Much has happened since the last novel, PIRATE KING. Having left the film crew that got mixed up with real life Barbary Pirates, Russell and Holmes become separated. Russell is last seen in the company of a young child --- and then suddenly disappears. When GARMENT OF SHADOWS opens, we find Mary Russell in an amnesiac state not knowing who she is. More startling is that she is dressed like a Middle Eastern woman living a solitary life in the shadows of Morocco. How did she get here and why is the question that initially goes unanswered.
In addition to trying to piece together clues that will lead him to his missing wife, Holmes is also driven by close friends and a distant cousin, who have enlisted his aid in t