"Engaging twist on Holmes"
Four years ago in 1919, Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell
were in Palestine working a case. Their paths crossed that
of two Arabs, Ali and Mahmoud Hazr, two agents of Mycroft
who reported on German movement. These four people worked
so closely together, breaking bread watching, each other's
back and taking care of business that a bond was formed,
closer than that of family. In the present (1923) a knock on the door of Holmes and
Russell's home reveals a wounded and desperate Ali who says
he needs their help. It seems that the Hazr's are
descendants from one of England's oldest families, one who
came over with the Conqueror. Mahmoud is now the Seventh
Duke of Belleville and he is on the family estate of
Justice Hall. Duty forces him to come to England though his
heart and soul yearn to be with Ali in Palestine. Mary and
Sherlock must find out if there is anyone of the blood to
take Marsh's place, a job that is fraught with danger and
peril. It's hard to imagine any author writing about Sherlock
Holmes in a manner that is significantly different than his
creator and having it come out fabulous but Laurie R. King
makes the impossible possible. JUSTICE HALL is a rich
multi-textured tale that is as much a historical mystery as
it is a parable of the human condition. This book as well
as the series is a must read for Holmes fans as well as
anyone who wants to read something unusually good. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted March 2, 2002
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