A Monstrous Regiment of Women
by Laurie R. King (St. Martin’s Press, 1995)
audiobook read by Jenny Sterlin (Clipper, 1996)
King presents an earnest and edifying depiction of women’s struggle for recognition, rights and self-governance after the First World War. This backdrop, however, comes rather at the expense of Mary, who exchanges precocious Sherlockian competence for a dubious arc of emotional growth.
In the Company of Sherlock Holmes: Stories Inspired by the Holmes Canon
ed. Laurie R. King & Leslie S. Klinger (Pegasus, 2014); audiobook read by various narrators (Blackstone, 2014)
A decidedly mixed bag, ranging from enjoyable pastiche through tenuously related meh efforts down to faux-clever, rather failed experimental narratives. John Lescroart’s “Dunkirk” is the pick of the bunch, albeit more a war story (plus elderly Sherlock) than a traditionally Holmesian piece.
The Beekeeper’s Apprentice
by Laurie R. King (St Martin’s Press, 1994; reprinted Allison & Busby, 2010)
Mary Russell proves both a worthy viewpoint protagonist and a match for her mentor, albeit her intellect is kept largely unflaunted. King presents a respectful and convincing characterising of Holmes in his older years (likewise depictions of Mycroft, Watson and Mrs Hudson).
Echoes of Sherlock Holmes: Stories Inspired by the Holmes Canon
ed. Laurie R. King & Leslie S. Klinger (Pegasus, 2016); audiobook read by various narrators (Blackstone, 2016)
A solid selection of stories either set in Conan Doyle’s world or featuring his much-loved characters (or spiritual successors based thereon). Some imaginative takes, with few duds but also few standouts. Jonathan Maberry’s ‘The Adventure of the Empty Grave’ has canonical appeal.