Posted to The Literary Lawyer.ca A Thinker's Mystery - 4.5 Stars I was not disappointed with the second novel in this (so far) intelligent series by Laurie R. King. In this novel, the author does an absolutely superb job of using the mystery to move the issues that the book contemplates. I would not go so far as to say that this is "message fiction" but the author certainly uses this to deal with issues that, while historical, nevertheless persist. Plot summary Our feisty protagonist, Mary Russell, is on the verge of moving into legal adulthood and obtaining access to the fortune of her deceased parents and at the same time, is nearing the end of her Oxford studies. While visiting a friend, Mary comes to meet Margery Childe, the charismatic leader of a local Christian Temple and suffragette and feminist. Mary is intrigued by Margery's charisma and, as a Jewish scholar herself, Mary is interested in Margery's interpretation of the Old Testament. Her interest quickly turns to suspicion as four of the women who attend at the temple are found dead under mysterious circumstances. Is Margery a mystic with a true connection to God or is she a charlatan using the rich women of the city to accomplish her personal goals. My Take This book dealt with a topic that I find to be of particular interest. While there is mystery to be unraveled, it at times serves as a subtext to the exploration of feminism and religion. Mary Russell is herself a woman and scholar of Judaism and she finds a companion in Margery Childe, an untrained and self taught scholar. The author uses the text of scripture to show how women and men should be treated equally within Christianity. She also refers to some interpretation that is intriguing. I do not know if the author created this as a device for the book or it is based on real, scholarly research. I am quite interested to find out.On a personal note, as a Christian and father of two daughters, I am interested and invested in how religion treats women. I have always believed in the equal treatment of men and women and within religious circles and outside of them. I have often been called, usually with derision, a feminist. Insofar as a feminist is any person that believes and stands for equal treatment of sexes, I can be identified as such. This attitude has always puzzled me. It just so happens I attend a church that was founded by and is run by a woman. It seems to me that this would not have been possible or accepted but for, at least in part, the efforts of feminists through the ages. This book in my opinion make a convincing argument on how a some forms of feminism benefited the church and as a result, society. Anyone who reads this review and can recommend some books that deal with the convergence of feminism and religion, please do so!I think that some readers of the first book will find this one to be a disappointment. The story is essentially about Mary Russell and features Sherlock Holmes very little. The story was really meant to allow Mary to come into her own. I was not at all disappointed with the story focus but I can appreciate how some may dislike it.In the end, I could not give this 5 stars. The author has taken the overall plot in a direction that I think is rather absurd. It is a mild spoiler so I will mark it as such. (view spoiler)[ In the end, Sherlock and Mary decided to get married. Mary is no longer a minor but barely so and Sherlock is somewhere around 60. While I appreciate that Mary is a female foil of Sherlock, this arrangement stretches the bounds of believability. As I see it, he could have been a friend and father figure to the orphaned Mary but instead she chooses to marry the father figure. Kinda creepy... (hide spoiler)]
I liked the first book but put off following it up because of the very mixed reviews. Having reread BA, I decided to go on and try this myself. What I most liked about the first book was: Mary, seeing a Sherlock who was more realistic than in Doyle's books, and the historical setting. So far Monstrous Regiment reminds me very much of the first book. We're seeing a lot of Mary and not much Sherlock. Also, there's no actual plot in the beginning, just following Mary around in her life and her mind. But I like Mary and enjoy seeing into her thoughts, so I'm good with that. I really respect how King has researched the effects of WWI on the women and society of England. I've always wondered about those single women in Agatha Christie's books - what kind of lives they wanted as opposed to what they ended up with because of the war. King explores these issues more overtly than most who write about that time period.Finally, I find myself reading two historical novels with strong strains of women's suffrage and Christianity. (The other book is Tiffany Girl. Terrible cover. lol) Though it's not why I started them, I'm interested to see how both of these authors deal with this issue without vilifying the church, which to me is the easy way out. The cellar scenes were chilling and I almost felt I was reading a horror novel. Perhaps they just hit a soft spot in me, but the definitely chilled my blood. However, in the end the digressions and philosophy were more interesting than the mystery, which had a quite disappointing solution and resolution. When the story ended I thought, "That's it? That's all?" Not a good reaction. I almost gave it 2 stars, but gave it three because I did enjoy quite a lot of it.
Do You like book A Monstrous Regiment Of Women (2015)?
This is my favorite of the Holmes/Russell series, and one of my favorite books, period. I've read it innumerable times, and keep coming back to it. A beautiful blend of coming-of-age, detection, romance, and gritty drama, it gets at the heart of the series. Mary Russell's friend draws her into what seems like an odd religious cult, with disturbing overtones. At the same time, she has to settle a growing discomfort with her relationship with Holmes, and her future with him. Read it -- this book is awesome. But probably read The Beekeeper's Apprentice first, so you know what's going on.
—Rachel
The title "Monstrous Regiment of Women" is the vast pool of females deprived of men by WW1 and of importance by peace. Hero Mary Russell gains her full inheritance, feels uncomfortable with Holmes' former comrade-mentor relationship, and investigates charismatic suffragette sect Temple leader Margery. Research was extensive, on feminism lost in biblical translations, and desperate conditions of 1920s British females. I admire author King's talent for conveying ambience of Doyle's era - astonished, absolutely amazed, and avaricious for more.Rant:I was suspicious after one death of wealthy volunteer, let alone three, and attempted fourth. I did not like the miracle healing, added nothing positive, hinted at Doyle's fascination with supernatural after son's death, detracted from tangible troubles. I'm always skeptical of plot devices such as twins and disguises. Having twin siblings, I know identical twins look and sound unique. A few glimpses of an actor, and I recognize, despite changes - hair, face, costume, age, accent, context, even mother-daughter Annette Crosbie - Selina Griffiths. In heavy alien guise, I hear Christopher Heyerdahl grunt as Sanctuary taciturn Biggie, rasp as Stargate Atlantis wraith Todd, be humanoid as respective John Druitt and Halling. Add 3D and full senses - height, walk, voice, scent - in person, deception is difficult. An author who can convince us otherwise? Special.(view spoiler)[ Holmes as deus ex machina was disappointing, but in keeping, as was the natural progression into each others' arms, surprisingly. I'm glad clues are not with-held, but sometimes they seem too up-front. We have no other choice for the villain than the first shady man in the group. The outlandish thought of marriage is gradually made fact. (hide spoiler)]
—An Odd1
This is a solid, entertaining follow up book in a stand out series. I can’t say enough good things about this book and the series as a whole. King isn’t afraid of putting her characters into unique situations and is willing to touch on sensitive subjects such as religion. She clearly spends time researching the historic period, religious, political, and social issues of the day. Her attention to detail is effortless and will keep readers salivating for more Russell and Holmes!See my full review here
—The Lit Bitch
