Dreaming Spies minus 4; The Illustrated R&H now!
[This giveaway is now closed, sorry, but stay tuned for more of the same!]
Four months from today, Dreaming Spies appears on shelves!
And so not all of you are forced to wait, I have two copies of the bound galleys (the book’s ARC) to give away here on Mutterings. All you need to do is post a comment on this post between now and Sunday night, and I’ll announce the winners on Monday.
* * *
In the meantime, while all but two of you are waiting, there’s a new project out from LRK publishing:
The Illustrated Russell & Holmes
Ten beautifully illustrated works of art celebrating the world of Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, collected together for the first time, each 8½ x 11”, suitable for framing. The packet includes one-page fiction, maps, poems, and artwork, to celebrate the community that has sprung up around Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes. Some of them you’ve seen before, others have not appeared elsewhere before this. All of them are really lovely.
For details of the ten pieces—or, twelve, with the limited-time bonus of two more items—and how to order them, click here.
I am looking forward to the new book!
A new Laurie King book is always a highlight of the year!
A new Russell adventure is always a thrill!
Ooh, I’d love a bound galley! But of course I’ll still get the book.
Very excited about the release of Dreaming Spies! One of my sons is currently studying in Japan. Between his conversations of the land and culture and Laurie King’s wonderful descriptive writing, I’m planning on being immersed in Japan and the world of Russell and Holmes!
Love to see a lacemaker in the Mary Russell stories someday!
Really looking forward to Dreaming Spies – I’ve recently re-read a number of the earlier stories and I need a new one!
I’m looking forward to the new Russell novel, you’re one of my favorite writers.
As always, looking forward to the new Russell and Holmes book
Can’t wait for the book to come out! My copy of the Bee keepers Apprentice is getting worn from the many times i’ve read it.
I am definitely in. I have been wondering about the gap in Japan ever since Locked Rooms.
I can’t wait until the new release of Dreaming of Spies! I am currently rereading A Garment of Shadows to tide me over, but four months is a long time to wait. . .
What a gift to give myself! I didn’t want you to think I wouldn’t want and treasure a bound gallery. That is why I’m replying. BUT, as I’ve only been introduced to L.R.King in the past year, (retired recently) and have read all the books this past year, I think it would only be fair for a long-time follower of Russel to be given the honor. Looking forward to the new release.
Beautiful! A wonderful gift for Russell & Holmes fans… including myself!
This will be a fun way to anticipate a new week!
I’m currently a student at University, and Mary Russell has become a character very near and dear to me. The Russell and Holmes novels are ones that I love to sit outside and read in the mornings, thank you for writing such a wonderful series. I’d very much enjoy a bound galley of Dreaming Spies, thank you for the opportunity!
I’ll be buying it, and probably hounding you for a signature, whether I win the galley or not, but, oh! the secret, gleeful joy of reading a book before the vast hordes of your fans do! I know, terribly selfish, and I hang my head in shame, but will remain hopeful nevertheless.
I’m sorry to be missing you at Bouchercon this year, with my daughter’s first year in college, it just couldn’t quite happen. Best wishes to Zoe!
Very exciting! I am a huge fan and now my son is reading the Russell and Holmes books too. 🙂
The world of Russell and Holmes is constantly expanding, and it’s such a painless way to learn history. I resisted the subject all through school, but with each new book I find myself researching, voluntarily, their regions and times, My knowledge of Japanese history is such that I have nothing to unlearn, and I look forward to the book. Or the galley. Is there a ‘further reading’ topic on this website?
I have every one of your books–and have read all of them at least five times….My daughter and I were discussing what will happen one of these days when I’m old and feeble–and she said: “I’ll read to you!” and I told her to bring all your books. I never get tired of them. Thank you for all these treasures!
This would be a fantastic gift for my mama for Christmas! Along with the special pkg being sold right now, that is!
Yay! I’d love an ARC!!!!!!!!
My older sibs lived in Japan before I came along, leaving me intensely jealous as I grew up in the States. Looking forward to seeing Russell and Holmes there!
OOOOOh what a treat the ARC would be. A new Russell and Holmes is like coming in out of the wind and cold to a pot of my favorite tea and a plate of warm scones.
February 24th – got that down already looking forward to a cup of tea, some chocolate chip cookies (biscuits?) and sliiping *anonymously into yet another Russell and Holmes adventure. * After finishing books 2-12 in two weeks – I can’t let the kids know about #13 they’ll hound me and ration the book page by page
I may just swoon if I win. Can’t wait to read Dreaming Spies!
Such a TERRIFIC prize! Thank you for this contest. I’d LOVE to be a winner here!
I can’t wait for the new book! Beekeeper’s Apprentice is one of my all time favorite books! Thank you for continuing this awesome series!
Not sure if my previous post went through or not. I’d love to win this. I know it will be TERRIFIC!
I am a newcomer to the world of R&H, and don’t see myself departing anytime soon!
Looking forward to another all-nighter, as I cannot put down a Laurie King book!!
Can’t wait to read the next offering. I devour these books, and then go back for seconds at a more leisurely pace.
I’m currently re-reading ‘The Moor’ as I stayed at Lewtrenchard Manor last weekend with my husband to celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary.
I’ve just treated myself to an early Christmas present by ordering the Iluustartions in your other post today and I would love to have an early copy of ‘Dreaming Spies’
Can’t wait to disappear into Dreaming Spies; reality is so overrated.
I am delighted that Dreaming Spies is coming soon. I have been eagerly awaiting Mary & Sherlock’s adventures in Japan before Locked Rooms.
Oh, so excited to have a chance to win an ARC of the long anticipated Dreaming of Spies! I would be delighted to it.
One of my words disappeared! I would be delighted to WIN it.
I am so hooked on the Mary Russell series that it’s almost embarrassing. I have all of them and have read the entire series several times. I love Mary’s independence and the way she ‘handles’ Holmes. An ARC would would be wonderful!
I recommended Beekeeper’s Apprentice for my next book club meeting and they seem to love it- we already have talks of themed food for our lunch with what Holmes and Russell would eat. I think I’ve gotten them hooked on Russell and Holmes!
Can’t wait for the next book! Would be wonderful to read in advance!
How wonderful to be able to anticipate twice! I post the date for the newest book on the calendar in the kitchen, but this date goes on my phone’s calendar!
I stumbled across Russell when I was fifteen myself, and I’ve been an avid fan ever since. Thank you for this wonderful serious. I’m crossing my fingers…but if I must wait until February, at least I’ll have a lovely birthday present to myself!
Best,
Lanie
Series! Aargh!
So looking forward to this book.
I am SO looking forward to this new R & H novel! Can’t wait! And am so hoping to win this marvelous prize!
Dreaming Spies is my dream come true. Can’t wait to read it and dream about it.
I can’t wait to read Dreaming Spys. The Russell/Holmes books are my favorite series. I love that Mary Russell is a fabulous role model for teen girls. I would cherish an ARC of Dreaming Spies and promise not to reveal any book secrets to the rest of the world.
Laurie, you are always finding new ways to reward and please your readers. The Illustrated Russell and Holmes is going to be snatched up by all who love this series, including me. Beautiful illustrations and your text equal amazing production. And a chance to read Dreaming Spies early? Wow! I am so looking forward to Dreaming Spies and now this illustration treasure.
Can’t wait to read the next book! I’ve loved them all!
Love the new cover. Can’t wait to read more about Mary and Holmes’ adventures
I just got the email on the bound galleys. I think I’m too far down the list to win, but I’d love to! February is so far away.
Ooooh…would love this.
Am actually surprised that there only 44 comments ahead of me at the time of this writing.
It’s always such a treat to see how Laurie’s words and others’ drawings/photos/various creativity combine to make something wonderful!
Oh how I am dreaming of spies!!! I would so love to read this book early! But if I am not one of the lucky two then February will just have to hurry!
So excited to read this book!
This is now at the top of my birthday list! Thank you for continuing to bring such enjoyment!
Rereading the entire Russell series by listening to the stories as recordings. Even better this time.
With winter soon upon us a cup of tea, a box of chocolates and a new Mary Russell book would be a delightful way to spend a snowy afternoon. I love to escape into your books.
I wonder if I can get my husband to get this for me. Christmas is not that far away. Time to leave signs everywhere and change the background on his computer. I’m so good at “subtle” hints. 🙂
Can’t wait to read this book!
I love Russell and Holmes. Keep up the great work!
I need this book in my life, like now, please!
Looking forward to brand new Mary Russell!
I so look forward to each Mary Russel book – it’s like getting a letter from a dear old friend. I would love the bound galley!
the book is seriously 4 months away???? i cant wait that long.. i am running out of books to read and am starting to relent to trashy smut novels!!!
Looking forward to your new book.
4 months is too long! Do not make me wait!
Very much looking forward to a new Russell/Holmes novel.
Four whole months? Can’t wait!
I love me some Mary Russell. Your fans enjoy the complex and dare I say, super human intellect of your characters.
so exciting! Wish you were coming to Sherlock Seattle again… 🙂
Dying for a new MRH and SH book!
My friend was lucky enough to win a galley copy of your last book, lets hope it is my turn.
I’ve just bought The Bones of Paris (which I’m really looking forward to) and thought I was waiting patiently until the next Russell and Holmes book appeared. Now I’ve caught a glimpse of it and can’t wait!
I’m so looking forward to meeting up with Mary and Holmes again. The best part of any book series is getting to know the characters over time and being able to “catch up” with each new book like you would with a long-lost friend.
If I don’t win, I’ll be waiting 4 more months before I can purchase the book. Cruel and unusual punishment!
Love these characters.
I am glad it is almost time to take another adventure with my favorite detectives. I hope I win, cause 4 more months seems like forever.
I’d be delighted to get a four-month head start!
Oh, I hope I win! I know one should be generous and wish the best to others, but this time, I confess that I am absolutely 100% all about me! If this were Vegas, I’d call out “Mama needs a new pair of shoes,” but that doesn’t seem “very Mary Russell” of me.
Look forward to this book so much!
This would be the best Christmas present for my sister. I got her hooked on Mary Russel last Christmas I believe.
Please, please, please pick me. My husband just got his ACL replaced yesterday and will be home recuperating with me for 6 weeks, parenting from the couch like a backseat driver. I NEED a new book to lose myself in.
My spirit is sad
Tears come from my eyes
I don’t want to wait four months
To read Dreaming Spies!
I have never ever ever read an ARC, and it would be amazing to get one from a favorite series! Keeping my fingers crossed…
I’ve been a fan for so long that the characters feel like family to me!
always willing to read of Mary and her life early.
I cannot wait!
I just ordered Illustrated this morning, squee! I have a few ARCs, and in fact one of yours, already. There is something magical about the early galleys of a book. You see it in all its vulnerability, before the copy editors and proofreaders have made it perfect. I love to see the rawness of it. Oooh, she likes that adjective a lot! See how many times she used it on that page! I love that sort of thing. I have a friend who is a fantasy writer and I love hearing about his writing process. With ARCs, I get a glimpse into that and I feel so blessed!
So excited for this book!!! Can’t wait to read it!!! Pick me! Pick me!
Oh, this would be a lovely book to read as I continue on my recovery!
I’m just so excited to have another Mary Russell book to read! Now or February…either way, I’m happy!
Four months away! Even the thought of getting my hot, little hands on a copy of Dreaming Spies makes me shriek with delight!
Just finished re-reading Pirate King and Garment of Shadows! Unless I get the ARC I will definitely have to reread them again before Dreaming Spies. I don’t know what it is about Laurie’s books, but somehow the Mary Russell adventures are the only books I have ever read I have no problem reading over and over!
Hi Laurie,
Since I love way over here in Australia, I have no plans to win this competition. Just want to tell you, yet again, how much I and my daughters enjoy your ripping yarns. We wait anxiously for the copies and hand it round according to who can read it fastest. The secondary school teacher wins every time, then it’s me then lastly my daughter who has dyslexia. We have lately taken to getting two copies, so my youngest stars when we do, though it still takes her a few more weeks than us, to finish it . Then we have a happy afternoon sitting talking about all the amazing characters we have met, or been reunited with.
Thanks Laurie. You have given us a rare treat.
Kath
How lovely, a new kind of book group! I’m glad you’re enjoying the stories and the discussions, and I hope you win!
Here in Iceland there is a space in my book shelves waiting for the new Mary Russell book. Would love to be able to read it in advance.
Can’t wait for the book. Thank you for thinking of us!
I’d love a copy of this!
Hi, this is maybe an odd place to ask this, but I’ve been wondering for years now. In O Jerusalem, did Holmes have an Arabic name? I mean, they couldn’t go around introducing him as Sherlock Holmes. Thanks!
Hmm, I can’t remember anyone ever addressed him in Arabic. Wonder what his name would have been?
I don’t think I have ever seen an early galley print of a book. Much less one from my favorite author. It would be a prized addition to my bookcase.
I recently had a birthday and this would be the best present ever!
I am excited for the new book. 🙂 There is already a spot on my Holmes shelf for it, when it comes out.
Absolutely can’t wait to read Dreaming Spies! Already on my to read list and would love to get an early copy of it!
Would SO love to win this!
This is the best news I’ve had all week – can’t wait!
It would be wonderful if my comment could Russell up a galley print from one of my favorite series; I would Sher feel locky!
The cover for this book is exquisite 🙂
Both of my teenage daughters have started reading about Miss Mary Russell, which makes me very happy.
I have read all Miss Russell’s adventures, and I like the muted blues on this cover
Those 4 months are going to drag. I can hardly wait.
I can’t wait for the new book to come out! We’re going on a road trip in a few weeks, and my husband has requested that I download O Jerusalem for the trip. I made him listen to Justice Hall on the last one and he got hooked!
I was lucky enough to discover these books with the publication of the very first one. Having read them all, in order, I can’t wait for this next installment! Hooray!
Read Mila’s Tale today. Really enjoy all your writing.
Mary Russell has been my hero for many years! Thank you for all your wonderful work.
I would love to win a copy. The Mary Russell series is what got me hooked on Sherlock Holmes as a character (I now read as many books as I can find that feature him) and really started my love of reading mystery books. I know I will eventually be able to check the newest book out of the library when it comes out but I would love to own my own copy.
I can’t wait for this book to come out! I got all of the women in my extended family hooked on the series, and we use it as an excuse to write to each other. My husband and I just finished a 15-day trip to England, by the way, and we spent several days in Dartmoor, where my husband finally started reading The Moor. (He didn’t understand why I wanted to go to Dartmoor at all, and I told him he had to read this book. And he did!) (The place was magical, of course. Now I’m going to have to re-read The Moor while I wait for Dreaming Spies!) All of this reminds me that one thing I like about all of the Mary Russell books is how they bring different places alive. And we learn as we read. Thanks for sharing the ARCs of your book and if I get one, I promise I’ll share it with the book club at the library where I work and ask them to read it when it comes out! Thanks and best wishes! KM
Oh, the long-suffering husbands of committed readers!
It would be SO cool if I could break my ‘never win anything’ luck and get an advanced copy!
I am religiously following all of the postings of Mary Russel’s War. They are adding good background to the series. I hope that some time in the future all of these get published in a standalone e-book format.
Catherine
Waiting for the next book!!!
I am eagerly and impatiently waiting for dreaming spies, four months seems both close and far away!
I am 88 years old, and cannot understand WHY I have only just now found out about the Beekeeper’s Apprentice, and the rest of this endearing, erudite series of wonderful books!
My gardening helper told me about the books! ( she has a Ph. D in Botany, but loves to get her hands dirty!)
Russell has an interesting conversation in Dreaming Spies with a professor of botany, about Dionesian rites and poisonous plants of course…
It’s going to be hard to wait another 4 months – if I could get a copy of Dreaming Spies earlier, that would be wonderful!
It’s too bad you can’t write them as fast as I can read them!
Anticipation is hard . . . but exciting! Thanks for writing books well worth the wait. (whisper: pick me 😉
I will cherish my copy always!
I would so love this! My daughter is a huge fan, and her birthday is coming up.
So looking forward to Dreaming Spies!
As a longtime fan of all your novels, winning Dreaming Spies would be rather marvelous! Keeping my fingers crossed…
I can wait four more months if I have to but it would literally make my year to get a copy early! I have been a voracious reader since I was 7 and while there are many authors and characters that I love I didn’t have a favorite until I encountered you and Mary Russell.
I discovered Russel and Holmes this summer and devoured everyone. I am now re-reading them slowly, so I can savor every but of them. I would love to have the next book in the series.
That would be the ultimate late birthday present… Can’t wait to read this book!
Can’t wait for Dreaming Spies. LOVE stories about Japan!!
The perfect gift for my daughter who’s favorite book is “A Monstrous Regiment of Women”. We could always talk books even through the teen years.
You are one of the few writers that I can honestly say I read everything you put out. I just love your updated venue for Sherlock Holmes. Suddenly there seems to be a more 3D character than the original series. I also think Mary Russell gives him, not only a run for his money in the brains department, but is his counterpart in every way. And there is an understated happiness and joy to their relationship that comes through the pages.
I would love, love to get an ARC of “Dreaming Spies” I just finished “Garment of Shadows” and am jonesing for more Russell and Holmes.
I need Mary and “Dreaming Spies” to help get me through a cold snowy Minnnesota winter. She is my favorite companion. Besides that I have a birthday coming up next month too.
You are one on my biggest literary idols. Fingers crossed.
I’ve been reading these since the first came out. It’s always a highlight of my year when a new one arrives.
While four months seem a short span of time in casual thought, life changing experiences may happen in less: falling in love one fall 37 years ago; a semester studying archaeology and geography of the Bible 32 years ago; 100 days of winter’s unrelenting gray in Seattle 18 years ago leading to an absolutely unimagined choice to relocate to sunshine in the 50th state. While I will wait four months to read Dreaming Spies if I must, I cannot know what these next four months will bring. Since “life is so uncertain”, not only should dessert be eaten first, but such stories as this should be read without waiting for its fullness of time! [If you please, that is.]
Oh my! I cannot express my excitement about Dreaming Spies! I listen to all of the Whispersync editions od all of my Kindle editions all the time.
Waiting four months for the next Mary Russell story seems like an eternity… just like when you’re raising 4 girls who were born 18 months apart. And then, when the book is read, you wonder where the time went…again, just like watching girls at their high school graduations. But in both cases, after the book is read and the graduations are over, there is a strong sense of anticipation concerning the next exciting chapter of all five ladies’ lives.
I realize that four months until release is quite short in the life of a book; it is almost unbearably long from the view of a reader with a great series in their life. Thanks for both the countdown and the fun opportunity!
Well. There certainly a lot of us who would LOVE a galley. Myself among them. And I promise I wouldn’t let Russell eat it. Love, me.
Congrats on the new book! I can’t wait to read it!
I’d love to win – really enjoy this series!!
The Holmes and Russell stories are easily my favorite pastiches. Can’t wait for the next one to come out!
I miss Russell and Holmes so much. Not sure I can wait much longer. But on the other hand, If I read it sooner, I have even longer to wait until the next book. Sigh.
Your cannon is wonderful and this one shall only add to the outstanding quality thus far.
Only four months! I wish it was only 4 days, but I suppose the anticipation will only make it sweeter. Also, Mary’s journal entries from 1914 have definitely made the last few months more exciting and will surely continue to feed my need for Russell/Holmes in my life
canon
I don’t know, I have a pirate flag on my house, why not a cannon?
EEEEE! More Russell!
Perfect for Halloween book since Russell and Holmes spend so much time in costumes. Maybe someone should come up with a series of costumes based on the books.
I’ve been waiting for years to learn about what happened in Japan! Feb. doesn’t seem that far away …
I can’t wait for the new book! I love the Illustrated Russell and Holmes artwork as well!
Really looking forward to this book!
I’m definitely wanting to get the Illustrated Russell & Holmes for a Christmas gift.
How wonderful! Definitely framable!
Looking forward to this book
Wo love to win this book!
February will get here,eventually… The contents of Dreaming Spies will only remain a mystery for a few wonderful hours after the book falls into my anxious hands.
Cannot wait! I miss Russell and Holmes. BIG TIME!
My son and I are so looking forward to this book coming out — he’s been speculating for years about the Japan interlude!
I can’t wait!
Even if I don’t win, I’ll buy them. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your books. Before I retired from teaching, I used to recommend your books to students and friends as a wonderful example of an intelligent, strong female protagonist.
Thank you, Cheryl, I’m honored! (Or rather, Russell is….)
A new Russell is alway welcome!
I missed getting a new H&R for my birthday (in September). I’m ready for it!
I too have been looking forward to the Japan part of the journey, especially because I do not know that much about the culture of Japan in the ’20’s and I trust Laurie to explain it all in her finely crafted way!
I’m beyond thrilled to have a new Russell novel coming out soon! She inspired me to study abroad in England, which was a brilliant and life-changing adventure. Can’t wait to read what Russell and Holmes have been up to–I’ve missed them!
Looks fantastic! Cannot WAIT for the new book- it’s always fun filling in the gaps of their stories. 🙂 Thank you so much for letting us have a chance for a new Russell even SOONER!!!
Oh my goodness I cannot wait for this book. Japan has been like a splinter in my brain for years! Mary Russell probably contributed to my being a feminist today– and ever since I met her, I’ve been more interested in Mary Russell’s Husband rather than The Great Detective.
It would be great to get a chance to read and see these lovely additions to the R&H story sooner, rather than later.
Trotted off to a Sherlockian Halloween as Miss Russell. (And apologies to her!) I’m sadly aware that I am too short, too plump, and chronologically challenged for an accurate portrayal.
However, I did have a lovely fake throwing knife and real spectacles.
It would be grand to have an ARC. Thank you, indeed!
Trotted off to a Sherlockian Halloween party as Miss Russell (and apologies to her!) Aware that sadly I am too short, too plump, and chronologically challenged for an accurate portrayal. However, I did have a nice fake throwing knife and real spectacles.
An ARC would be wonderful, indeed.
This would be an awesom prize to win!! LRK IS THE BEST!
I haven’t had a set of galleys to read in years. Love to read them.
Can’t wait! Thanks for the giveaway, I sure hope that I win.
I love that Mary Russell is an independent woman in a time when women were expected to be very dependent.
Thank you for all of your books. They have made a difference in my life.
Looking forward to this book and would love to win a copy. Thanks for the chance!
I can’t wait to read this one. Well, actually I can’t wait to read any Russell/Holmes story. but I really want to know what happened in Japan.
I am really looking forward to this new book. I just re-read Locked Rooms as I ordered my Kindle version . I knew I would be on an airplane for about 14 hours flying to Baltimore MD and back to Southern California.the beginning of October. Locked Rooms alludes to the Japan trip, although the plot is so good in Locked Rooms I always get carried away and speed read the last 4 or 5 chapters. However, your mutterings about what Mary Russel had done as a younger child has been great leading up to Dreaming Spies debut in the stores. I can hardly wait!
Nice cover
Ohh, I can’t wait to read about the adventure in Japan!! I’ve been re-reading some of my favorite bits from the series again 🙂
The artwork is beautiful; I need to order some ASAP!
Thank you for offering this giveaway and for writing another Russel/Holmes story.
pant, pant – waiting so impatiently, would not make a good operative, I know!!!!
I too have been as prong the anticipation of discovering just what happened in Japan.
4 MONTHS!!!!! I think a preorder will be a great Christmas present to myself!
Oh honey bee, what did I buy? Ah, never mind, it is certainly money well spent. But this illustrated version seems to be a smorgasbord of loveliness! My comment is leaping in the air calling ‘pick me! Oh, pick me!’ I hope you can see it. ^v^
Just finished Bones of Paris and your essay collection on Sherlock. I particularly enjoyed “Dr. Watson’s War Wound” and — yes! — “Textual … Criticism.” I’m really looking forward to the new Russell.
Can’t wait for the new book, I couldn’t put the last one down!
Looking forward to this book.
That looks fabulous, can’t wait to get my hands on it!