Another of my favorite authors is Laurie R. King. Her Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russel stories are set just after the Great War and I love all the historical and geographical details she drops into the books.

In these stories, Holmes has met his match in his young protege Miss Russell, whose mind rivals his own. The two team up for several mysteries before … well, I won’t spoil the surprise. Suffice to say it’s a logical decision.

I’m rereading the stories because Ms. King has a new book coming out very soon, wherein Holmes and Russell travel to Transylvania. Should be a fun read! I love the lyrical language in the books. Ms. King really knows how to turn a phrase. I’d love to learn how to do that — my characters tend to be wisecrackers who’d rather let go with a snarky comment than a poignant line.

If you like historical mystery novels, especially if they feature Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, Mycroft — and of course Mrs. Hudson! — you should read these books. I’m off to reread my favorite sections again…