Hooked on Books

I'm a huge fan of the Mary Russell series so I've been not so patiently waiting for this next book, especially considering the title is "The Murder of Mary Russell." My imagination was running wild, wondering what happens to Mary so I was a little disappointed when the book started off as a recitation of Mrs. Hudson's past. It was quite a bit different from King's usual format of jumping right into the story. I really wanted to just hurry up and get to the present heart of the matter so it seemed like the past recital took forever to get through. I can't believe I'm saying this because I thoroughly enjoyed every other book in the series and I do like Mrs. Hudson and she deserves a little time in the limelight but the beginning of this one just dragged on way too long. However, once I got about midway through and the story moved into the present and back to King's tried and true style, the book started redeeming itself. The past and present story lines started aligning and I just enjoyed the second half a lot more then the first. I really hope though that in the next book, King doesn't take another departure from her usual style. I would much rather prefer to read about Mary & Sherlock and whatever trouble they get mixed up in, especially when that trouble takes them to some foreign locale. 

*I received this ARC from NetGalley & Random House Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!