Title: The Moor
Author: Laurie R. King
First published December 31, 1998
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Rating: 3.94
Overview
Mary Russell receives a summons from her husband and partner, Sherlock Holmes, to join him in the desolate moors of Dartmoor. A death has occurred, and the strange occurrences surrounding it are of a supernatural nature.
Reports of a ghostly coach made of bones carrying a woman who was once accused of killing her husband, and a hound with a piercing glowing eye have stirred up fear among the locals. As they delve deeper into the investigation, Holmes and Russell find themselves unraveling a mystery far more sinister than anything they have encountered before, with the unforgiving moors serving as a chilling backdrop to their quest for the truth.
Editoral Review
Laurie R. King’s “The Moor” takes readers on a thrilling journey, filled with mystery, danger, and a race against time.
The novel is a part of the author’s renowned Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes series, and serves as the fourth installment. Published on December 31st, 1998, King’s novel falls into the genres of mystery, detective fiction, and historical fiction.
Set in the early 20th century, the book explores themes of identity, social justice, and of course, the undeniable allure of Holmes and his investigative prowess. In “The Moor”, readers are transported to Dartmoor, England, where Mary Russell and her husband, Sherlock Holmes, are summoned by a longtime friend to investigate a series of haunting occurrences.
With impeccable attention to detail, King constructs a vivid and eerie setting, where the moor and its misty terrain set the stage for a dark and ominous tale. As the atrocities continue to pile up, the duo find themselves on a perilous journey, meeting fascinating and complicated characters that keep the reader engaged from cover to cover.
King’s writing in “The Moor” can be described as elegant and verbose, with a touch of wry humor thrown in for good measure. The characters are well-rounded, with backstories that are interesting and complex, making them feel wholly real.
One of the most impressive aspects of the novel is how the author portrays the burgeoning relationship between Holmes and Russell. Their interactions are a testament to King’s mastery of interpersonal dynamics, and provide a welcome respite from the tense and thrilling action.
While “The Moor” may not be a perfect novel (there are times when the pacing can feel uneven, and some plot developments feel a touch contrived), it’s easy to forgive its minor flaws, given the overall quality of the book. In terms of its historical accuracy, “The Moor” is spot-on, with King’s passion for research shining through in every page.
This is a book that will appeal to a wide variety of readers, from those who are avid fans of the Sherlock Holmes series, to those who simply enjoy a good mystery novel. In conclusion, Laurie R.
King’s “The Moor” is a beautifully written, meticulously crafted novel that is a true testament to the author’s skill as a writer. With its compelling characters, intriguing plot, and vivid setting, it’s a book that will keep readers enthralled from start to finish.
We highly recommend this book to those who enjoy mystery and historical fiction, and award it a well-deserved 4.5 out of 5 stars.