The Moor

by Laurie R. King

Book Overview

In the eerie wasteland of Dartmoor, Sherlock Holmes summons his devoted wife and partner, Mary Russell, from her studies at Oxford to aid the investigation of a death and some disturbing phenomena of a decidedly supernatural origin. Through the mists of the moor there have been sightings of a spectral coach made of bones carrying a woman long-ago accused of murdering her husband--and of a hound with a single glowing eye. Returning to the scene of...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312427395
• ISBN13: 9780312427399
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: Picador USA
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Holmes returns to the moor with his wife to solve another mystery

In The Moor by Laurie R. King, her fourth pairing of Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, the author has the husband and wife team return to the moors made famous in Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles. This time they are summoned by the eccentric scholar Sabine Baring-Gould to explore some mysterious occurrences which includes two deaths and the appearance of a ghostly coach which is accompanied by a hellish hound with one glowing eye. Laurie King claims in her Editor's Preface that these stories were found in a trunk that was mysteriously left at her front door. Purportedly the notes of the real Mary Russell, this story is set in 1924. Each chapter is introduced with a quote from one of Baring-Gould's many works. Russell has her hands full with the aging and sexist Baring-Gould who has a close relationship with Holmes. The problems of a woman in male society are well portrayed, and she eventually wins the respect of the elderly scholar. It is a long story that is rich in local characters and legends. By the time of this novel Holmes and Russell have settled into a comfortable relationship based on mutual respect and the main dynamics are between them and the people of the moor. A well-written tale with lots of atmosphere that will appeal to the historic mystery buff.

No sinking feeling here

The fourth in Laurie King's series featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, this one returns to Dartmoor, the setting of the classic Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel, 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'. And, like in its predecessor there are tales of a ghostly hound out on the moors, this time accompanying an equally ghostly carriage.This series are always well worth a read. Laurie King brings carries off three significant tricks, each alone being worth the price of admission: characterisation of her leads, local and contemporary colour, and a great plot.In terms of the first, both Holmes and Russell are depicted as somewhat prickly characters, unwilling to suffer fools gladly, and each with their own areas of interest and expertise. Russell works well by herself, but sparks of all kinds fly when her husband is around (being narrated by Russell, we never see Holmes by himself). In this book, the Reverend Sabine Baring-Gould also features strongly, and occasionally view with the leads for our attention. Given he is virtually bedridden, this is no small feat.The depiction of different kinds of characters and their environments helps bring the story to life. Between those who live on the moor and those who live in the village, lords of the manor and their servants and so forth, we have no opportunity to mistake where and when the book is set. Two scenes which didn't really advance the plot but were wonderful are Russell's meeting with the local witch (as the moor dwellers call her), Elizabeth Chase, and a scene set in the pub where the locals spend the evening singing to entertain themselves - with its attendant rivalry between those who live in the village and those who live on the moor.Russell's growing understanding of the moor as a place and a presence in the life of its inhabitants also works very well.And lastly the plot: it's a cracker! I'm not going to give anything more away, but the final outcome was not what I had expected at the beginning of the book.In summary: what are you waiting for?

Laurie King is back in style.

Not only has Laurie King achieved what seemed unattainable- a believable recreation of Sherlock Holmes- she has given him an eloquent personality to match his sharp brilliance. This personality is rendered with hilarious and poignant wit through the eyes of his wife, Mary Russell. Forgive me if I give the impression that Holmes is the main character- Mary Russell's struggles with life, and life with Holmes, are by far the central theme. The Moor is no exception, and a more beautiful, amusing, and suspenseful mystery I have not seen for a long time.

Liked Hound of the Baskervilles Try this!

Want to know moor about the Moor where Hound of the Baskervilles is set? Taking place a number of years later in the same setting Holmes calls partner Mary Russell to help him solve another mystery on the moor. A man is found dying near by are the tracks of a large dog. He claims he has been for a ride on LAdy Howard's coach. While Holmes is in London following a lead another body turns up leaving Russell to handle the situation. Surprise ending. Strangely enough includes one real person as character that helps them learn more about the area and its history. Better description than Doyle or should I say Watson's novel. Get caught up in the mist and meet strange characters. Map included to help readers.

Newest Russell/Holmes adventure a mystery lover's delight

For those who worried that Laurie King was losing her touch, and that the once-sparkling partnership of Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes was in danger of becoming dull, worry no more. THE MOOR, despite its superficially derivative premise, is a fresh, original, and thoroughly engaging mystery featuring Russell and Holmes at their intellectual and investigative best. King has done her homework here and it shows -- she not only shows the reader the brooding vistas of Dartmoor, she transports them there. Also not to be missed is the eccentric, prickly, but always fascinating character of the Rev. Sabine Baring-Gould, a real individual in more ways than one. Again King's scrupulous research comes into play here, as she weaves fact and fiction into a seamless whole. Many of King's former weaknesses in crafting a mystery -- such as failing to introduce us to the villain until the very end of the story -- have been diligently amended here; and, as always, there are enough tips of the hat to (and, occasionally, sly but affectionate pokes at) the Conan-Doyle "canon" to tickle the fancy of Sherlockians. Holmes is at his ascerbic, brilliant best, and Russell shows a human, fallible side that makes her all the more likeable in the end. This is, in my opinion, the best Russell book since THE BEEKEEPER'S APPRENTICE, and more than worth the price of admission.