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Laurie R. King

Award-winning, bestselling, thought-provoking mysteries

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Trumpets & Confetti; Russell & Holmes

March 13, 2017 by Laurie King 99 Comments

Got your trumpets polished?

Champagne on ice? Confetti on hand?

 

 

 

 

Good—because it’s time to announce that….

coming to a screen near you…

will be (all fingers crossed)…

The MARY RUSSELL SERIES

featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes

!

Well, no, it’s not real yet. Don’t get our your popcorn quite this early. But I’m headed off for Left Coast Crime tomorrow morning and we just just JUST signed the papers and so I wanted to tell you before I go that we’ve sold the rights to an English production company, one that is just bursting with excitement and ideas and that seems to get the whole idea of Russell & Holmes!!

Here’s the official take on it:

New York Times bestselling author Laurie R. King’s “Mary Russell Series” is now under option to be developed as a television series with King as an active consultant.  This beloved series is now comprised of 16 books and counting—King will begin writing a new novel in the series later this summer. More information about the production company optioning the series and their plans will be announced in an updated release later this spring.

More (YES!) to come.

But, do I have your permission to have a glass of champagne at LCC? Or maybe (it being in Honolulu) a MaiTai?

Filed Under: Mary Russell, Sherlock Holmes

Comments

  1. Karen Bock-Losee says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:01 pm

    Oh thank god it’s the Brits! Our folks would just fudge it up.

    Reply
    • Lori says

      March 13, 2017 at 8:39 pm

      I so agree!!

      Reply
    • Widdershins says

      March 13, 2017 at 10:28 pm

      Seconded!

      Reply
    • Lynn says

      March 14, 2017 at 10:01 am

      Haha I said the same!

      Reply
    • Pamela Cobb says

      March 15, 2017 at 10:35 am

      I agree too!

      Reply
    • Robin says

      March 21, 2017 at 12:23 pm

      Ditto. I find myself ONLY watching British TV. There are so many great British shows. I’m so glad that it will be done in Britain and also that Laurie will be an active consultant. I can’t wait.

      Congratulations, Laurie!

      Reply
  2. Peggy Ann says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:06 pm

    Congratulations!!! Yes! We are so happy for you, Mary & Sherlock! We will wait impatiently for the fruition of this wonderful news.

    Reply
  3. Gillian says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:09 pm

    Congratulations!

    Please, guard its integrity with your life.

    Reply
  4. Kathryn Gallant says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:09 pm

    Yay! I’ve been waiting for this…

    Reply
  5. Kathryn Gallant says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:10 pm

    And yes: champagne is most definitely itself in order.

    Reply
  6. Becky says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:10 pm

    Ahhh! This makes me so happy. Congratulations, Laurie!

    Reply
  7. Sherrie Mevis says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:10 pm

    Please, keep as much creative control as you can! If you do, we know it will be a high quality program we can all be proud of!!!

    For example, currently there is a TV series based on Lev Goodman’s book series “The Magicians” that handles the book-to-TV transition in a non-literal fashion – and this has purist fans in an uproar. However, the author has been directly involved in the TV series, and so far the series has kept the basic framework, the major plot points, and most importantly the SPIRIT of the books intact.

    You well know that you can’t please everyone, but as long as you can keep the TV series true to the characters, it will be a success!!!

    Reply
  8. Julie says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:12 pm

    How very wonderful! Congratulations

    Reply
  9. Judee mcmurdo says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:18 pm

    Congratulations on a job well done with your Russell &. Holmes books. I have no doubt that the TV series will be a great success.

    You deserve the trumpets & confetti.

    Reply
  10. Theresa Wiebe says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:23 pm

    Fantastic! I’m so thrilled for you and for us! Congratulations!

    Reply
  11. Susan Sutton says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:23 pm

    This is great news!

    Reply
  12. Betsy Hansbrough says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:26 pm

    I have wanted this to happen for so long. Now can we fantasy cast this thing?

    Reply
    • Janine Harris-Wheatley says

      March 15, 2017 at 12:38 am

      This would make a great contest. Who should play Russell and Holmes. David Tennant if he wasn’t busy with Broadchurch.. i can almost see Keira Knightly. If Honeysuckle Weeks was younger.

      Reply
    • Sherrie Mevis says

      April 16, 2017 at 12:32 am

      No idea for Mary, but maybe…
      Peter Capaldi for Holmes
      and I know it would be from the second book, but…
      Gillian Anderson for Margery Childe. I just finished re-re-re-reading it 🙂 and the description fits her so well!

      I’ll have to keep searching for a *really* good “Mary”!

      Reply
      • Sherrie Mevis says

        February 2, 2018 at 9:43 pm

        I was looking at Dakota Fanning, but she’s only 5’4″ – then I saw that Elle Fanning is 5′ 9″, is near-sighted, is currently 20 years old, and has a multi-national family heritage. Not to mention that she is an accomplished actress with tons of experience, an established name (which helps sell a series), and she’s even blond! I can definitely see her as Mary!

        Reply
  13. GraceAnne says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:36 pm

    Oh rapture! Oh bliss!

    Reply
  14. Sandy Kozinn says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    How wonderful, Laurie! I can’t wait for this.

    Reply
  15. Elyn Walker says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:38 pm

    Oooooo – Yippeeeeee – Something really lovely to look forward to. I would say you have most certainly earned a glass or two of champagne.

    Now – as Betsy suggested – Fantasy casting – hmmmmmm – my choices would be-

    Emma Watson as Mary?
    Liam Neeson as Sherlock?
    Emma Thompson as Mrs. Hudson?
    don’t know for Dr. Watson

    Yes, yes, I know, terrible premature, but still fun to play. Who would you choose?

    Reply
    • GraceAnne says

      March 13, 2017 at 5:09 pm

      I do love your choices.

      Reply
    • Kim Lewis says

      March 14, 2017 at 12:25 am

      Excellent choices!!!!!!

      Reply
    • Lenore says

      March 14, 2017 at 1:16 am

      I really would like Jeremy Irons as Holmes. As much as I like Liam Neeson — and I do — he has the wrong physiognomy and physique, lacks that bird-of-prey aura.

      Reply
      • Marnie says

        March 15, 2017 at 12:09 am

        Hooray, congratulations and fingers crossed for this good news, and a *yes* to Jeremy Irons!

        Reply
      • Sylvia 4 says

        March 28, 2017 at 10:52 pm

        Yes, Jeremy Irons has that bird of prey look that I associate with Holmes too!

        Reply
      • Celeste says

        October 5, 2018 at 3:41 pm

        Yes, Yes, Yes, I’ve seen Jeremy Irons as Sherlock since I started the series. Not so sure about Mary, though. A young Cate Blanchet would have been ideal. Really should be someone from Britian – can’t imagine anyone with enough stature and gravitas from this side of the pond…

        Reply
  16. Frances Hall says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:39 pm

    I am so excited!!!

    Reply
  17. Ramona Tarkington-Deal says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:43 pm

    Absolutely you must celebrate (although I believe a Mai Tai would be too sweet for Mary’s tastes) and we all will join in the merriment and glee! Let’s just ensure that we Americans will have ready access to the productions in a timely fashion.

    Reply
  18. Erin says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:43 pm

    Fantastic!

    Reply
  19. Mary Murphy says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:50 pm

    Congratulations! I cannot think of a movie series I would enjoy more than Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes. A couple friends and I will toast you with a glass of bubbly as well. Looking forward to the developments….

    Reply
  20. Skip Collinge says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:50 pm

    I asked the question about the possibility of a Mary Russell movie series to Laurie when she was promoted the “Bones of Parks”. In Pasadena, CA on a rainy Sunday morning a couple of years ago. She handled the question as deftly as any polished politician, saying a couple of lines about it being hard to cast before “the pivot” onto a completely different subject!

    Reply
  21. Storyteller Mary says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:53 pm

    Wonderful news! This will be so good! Have an extra mai tai for me. Hugs <3

    Reply
  22. Carol E Friesen says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:56 pm

    Can’t wait!!

    Reply
  23. Tracy says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:59 pm

    I’ve been waiting! Gosh, I hope its a cross between Foyals War and the Jeremy Brett Series -true to the stories, great atmosphere and amazing acting. Congratulations!

    Reply
  24. Steve Seebach says

    March 13, 2017 at 4:05 pm

    Am filled with joy!

    Reply
  25. sharon says

    March 13, 2017 at 4:13 pm

    Wonderful! Fantastic! Oh HooRah!

    Reply
  26. Erica says

    March 13, 2017 at 4:18 pm

    Yes, enjoy a celebratory Mai Tai and know that you’ve made a lot of people very happy with this wonderful news! Thank you and have a great time at LCC.

    Reply
  27. Linda Mathews says

    March 13, 2017 at 4:36 pm

    Congratulations! I’ll be looking forward to watching. I’d go for the MaiTai. On the beach. Add some pupus and enjoy the whole experience!

    Reply
  28. Debbie Brewin-Wilson says

    March 13, 2017 at 4:43 pm

    Congratulations! This is wonderful news!

    Reply
  29. Terry Odell says

    March 13, 2017 at 5:13 pm

    Maybe we can get together for that Mai Tai. Looking forward to seeing you at LCC.

    Reply
  30. Robin Sommo says

    March 13, 2017 at 5:16 pm

    This is wonderful news! Thank you!

    Reply
  31. Romona says

    March 13, 2017 at 5:23 pm

    Hallelujah and congratulations Laurie! It is long overdue! Crossing fingers and toes it comes to fruition.

    Dream cast??? My vote would be on Keira Knightley as Russell (blue contacts firmly in place) and Jeremy Irons (if he were a tad younger) or the lovely Rufus Sewell as Holmes.

    Cheers to that Mai Tai!

    Reply
  32. Joyce says

    March 13, 2017 at 5:32 pm

    Congratulations! I will watch for sure!

    Reply
  33. Les Jones says

    March 13, 2017 at 5:45 pm

    I’m glad it’s a Nritish company! Hallelujah. Bery excited for all of us…

    Reply
    • Les Jones says

      March 13, 2017 at 5:45 pm

      BRITISH!! I was too excited!

      Reply
  34. Pamela Ossorio says

    March 13, 2017 at 5:47 pm

    Waa-Hoo! Finally, it’s about time! So excited!

    Reply
  35. janet says

    March 13, 2017 at 6:06 pm

    Great congratulations and have two glasses of bubbly! I am, however, always a bit uncertain as to whether or not I want to see my favorite books, of which yours certainly are, on film/TV, as I hate to have my images of what the characters look like changed. 🙂 That being said, I shall wait to see the outcome and once again, congratulations!

    janet

    Reply
  36. barbara walls says

    March 13, 2017 at 6:22 pm

    Joy, joy, joy!

    Reply
  37. Janet W says

    March 13, 2017 at 6:28 pm

    I’m not one to watch TV show but I will definitely watch Russell and Holmes when the time comes.

    Reply
  38. Ann P says

    March 13, 2017 at 6:40 pm

    EXCELLENT!! Can’t wait for this to hit my livdad my room screen!! 😀 Congratulations, Laurie!!

    Reply
    • Ann P says

      March 13, 2017 at 6:42 pm

      that’s what I get for posting a comment from my iPhone: “living room” screen. Egads.

      Reply
  39. Katy Korkos says

    March 13, 2017 at 6:48 pm

    Mazeltov!

    Reply
  40. Leslie Blatt says

    March 13, 2017 at 6:49 pm

    Mazel Tov! We will toast the great news at Left Coast Crime later this week!

    Reply
  41. Mary B says

    March 13, 2017 at 6:53 pm

    Drink whatever your little heart desires! With the possible demise of the Sherlock/Freeman/Cumberbatch’s/Gatiss series, a new series would be more than welcome. Many, many congratulations! And now, we wait. 😀

    Reply
  42. Charlie Shene says

    March 13, 2017 at 7:35 pm

    Yes, Well done you. I was thinking of this and hoping for a long time. Now I wonder, if like the Harry Potter series will the players be as I have imagined them, aside from the characters that have already portrayed Sherlock anyway. Will you have a contest and let your readers make suggestions? For Sherlock, of course English, of design tall and refined, but maybe as we have found out, a little bit of a romantic, nurturer with maybe just maybe a little (under the covers Casanovaish secret weapon?? (or whomever the English Equivalent was/is) no was. And Mary should hopefully be an unknown, someone more cunning then “Anne of Green Gables” but as beautiful as Megan Fellow or Jenny Seagrove (?? ) or better.

    Reply
  43. Barbara Crim says

    March 13, 2017 at 7:47 pm

    This is terrific news.congratulations, Laurie! Even though it will be a British series, I believe that one way or another, we Americans will see this series. We just CAN’T be shut out! I am brimming over with excitement!

    Reply
  44. Karen McPhee says

    March 13, 2017 at 7:49 pm

    This is brilliant news, let’s hope the production keeps close enough to the books to translate the wonderful stories.

    Bit out of left field, but how about Peter Capaldi as Holmes…..?

    Reply
    • Katherine Bolger Hyde says

      March 13, 2017 at 9:14 pm

      I can definitely see Capaldi as Holmes. This is wonderful news!

      She’s too old, but the person who first sprang to mind for Mary was Tilda Swinton. Is that too far out in left field? You need someone who looks strong and determined, not just pretty-pretty.

      Reply
  45. Susanne Ward says

    March 13, 2017 at 8:08 pm

    I was just wondering why the Mary Russell/Holmes stories have never been picked up. This is marvelous news. Congratulations! Now we can speculate on who will play Mary.

    Reply
  46. becky s peterson says

    March 13, 2017 at 8:16 pm

    My husband and I used to cast this series many years ago! These were fun and serious discussions! I couldn’t be happier for you.

    Reply
  47. Diane Kazan says

    March 13, 2017 at 8:20 pm

    Yay- Can’t wait…. Hope they do a good job ! They have wonderful material to work with!

    Reply
  48. Lori says

    March 13, 2017 at 8:41 pm

    Honey, You may have a whole bottle of Champagne! Congratulations!

    Reply
  49. Joan Nash says

    March 13, 2017 at 8:51 pm

    Yahoo! It’s about time. I see Emma Watson as Russell and Holmes to be decided later. Whomever they choose, it will be terrific because the stories are so rich and varied. Congratulations, Laurie!

    Reply
    • Shelley says

      April 1, 2018 at 6:23 pm

      Brilliant news, congratulations! Can’t wait!
      Yes! Emma Watson and Allan Cummings might work very nicely.

      Reply
  50. Christina says

    March 13, 2017 at 9:20 pm

    Congratulations! Thanks for sharing this wonderful news. I’m so excited!

    Reply
  51. Suzanne Boucher says

    March 13, 2017 at 9:41 pm

    That is terrific news! Hopefully we in Canada will not be left out for viewing…can’t wait!

    Reply
  52. Kathleen says

    March 13, 2017 at 9:48 pm

    Yay! I have imagined Eleanor Tomlinson as Mary — young, tough and intelligent!

    Reply
  53. Sue says

    March 13, 2017 at 11:17 pm

    Congratulations and God bless you. It will be an exciting experience with, I hope, more ups than downs. I am so looking forward to watching Russell and Watson on the screen. I’m sure it will be well done. You deserve a toast of champagne or mai tai to celebrate this new venture. I am so happy for you.

    Reply
  54. Roy Hilbinger says

    March 13, 2017 at 11:28 pm

    Congratulations! And I agree with some of the others; please make sure you retain creative control. I notice some people have been assuming a British production will be more faithful than an American one. But I saw what the BBC did to Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley series (i.e. turned the plots and even some of the characters topsy-turvy) and know that a British production doesn’t always guarantee respect for the author’s creation. Make sure they don’t do that to you!

    Reply
  55. Nancy Cardwel says

    March 13, 2017 at 11:53 pm

    This is the best news I’ve heard all year. Cheers to you and Mary!

    -Nancy in Nashville

    Reply
  56. Celeste Yost says

    March 14, 2017 at 12:13 am

    I LOVE these books and can’t wait to be able to watch a production of them. This is wonderful news. The British series on PBS and BBC are great!

    Reply
  57. Judy D says

    March 14, 2017 at 1:13 am

    I will so BEE watching.

    Reply
  58. Gail Malane says

    March 14, 2017 at 3:42 am

    This is great news Laurie. I need to get reading ! I’m only on book 4—the Moor. By all means have a glass of champagne.

    Reply
  59. Vicki Goldie says

    March 14, 2017 at 7:19 am

    Wow what fantastic news congratulation!

    Reply
  60. Joan Farrell says

    March 14, 2017 at 7:29 am

    That will be something to look forward to indeed

    Reply
  61. Chris Aldrich says

    March 14, 2017 at 8:24 am

    Laurie, how perfectly marvelous! Enjoy your Hawaiian celebration, whatever is in your glass.

    Reply
  62. Denise says

    March 14, 2017 at 11:54 am

    Congrats to the British!! Can’t wait to see the actors!!!

    Reply
  63. Deborah says

    March 14, 2017 at 12:10 pm

    Oh, Laurie, have an extra glass of Champagne for me! I only hope it airs on broadcast t.v. since we don’t have cable. My popcorn sets ready to be popped.

    Reply
  64. Kelley says

    March 14, 2017 at 3:22 pm

    Congratulations! My first reaction was an intense longing – “Oh! I’m in England! I wonder if I could get involved!” This is truely something to look forward to. AND a new story in the series! 2017 is redeemed 🙂

    Reply
  65. susan says

    March 14, 2017 at 4:16 pm

    i have an actor suggestion: PETER CAPALDI!! he would be a great Holmes….

    Reply
  66. Janet Armentrout says

    March 14, 2017 at 4:43 pm

    An actress in the role of Mary Russell must be convincing when disguised as a young man. Thinking….

    Reply
  67. Guy says

    March 14, 2017 at 6:22 pm

    Excellent news. I’m in London and want to be an extra! So very pleased for you Laurie.

    Reply
  68. Patricia Walters says

    March 14, 2017 at 9:03 pm

    That’s excellent news. Congratulations from Australia.

    Reply
  69. Kathy says

    March 14, 2017 at 9:11 pm

    This calls for one of each! And I raise a glass to you and Mary. Thanks for many hours of enjoyment.

    Reply
  70. Janine Harris-Wheatley says

    March 15, 2017 at 12:48 am

    This would make a great contest. Who should play Russell and Holmes. David Tennant if he wasn’t busy with Broadchurch.. i can almost see Keira Knightly. If Honeysuckle Weeks was younger.

    Reply
  71. Anna B. Davis says

    March 30, 2017 at 12:15 pm

    so very pleased to hear of this magnificent event..I have loved reading the books and am rereading them..again and again.. and will be watching.. as others have said please try to capture the characters that we love in your well written books..I love that she is a very, very intelligent woman..

    Reply
  72. Carol G Williams says

    April 13, 2017 at 1:29 pm

    Hooray for Russell and Holmes but – please – NOT Keira Knightly! The actress needs to be someone who is YOUNG, (early 20s at the latest but still looks like she’s in her teens), TALL, and thin with a mass of blonde curly hair. Blue contacts aren’t enough to do it. And, hopefully, someone who can act with a modicum of gravitas. If only the series had been done years ago when Marta Dusseldorp were younger….

    Reply
  73. Meaghan says

    August 13, 2017 at 4:11 am

    I’m super-late to this party, but…

    Grace Gummer as Mary
    Peter Capaldi as Sherlock
    Toni Collette as Mrs. Hudson (though she’d have to be aged up)

    Reply
    • Meaghan says

      March 17, 2018 at 1:47 pm

      Thought of another one! Alan Cumming as Sherlock. He can do anything!

      Reply
  74. Linda JoAnn Nipper says

    February 21, 2018 at 11:19 am

    Can you give us any more news yet about the Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes television show. I am now listening to your books (again) as I try to get 10,000 steps in each day. What wonderful scenes your words create in my imagination!

    Reply
    • Laurie King says

      February 21, 2018 at 11:34 am

      Sorry, no news yet, the gremlins are still mulling things over. Glad you have something to walk to!
      Laurie

      Reply
      • Rachel Brice says

        May 12, 2018 at 7:38 am

        Thank you for the update, and the good work that you do 🙂 I’ve been reading the Russell/Holmes series since it came out in ’94 (when I was 14! the first book was a gift from my father), and have also enjoyed your other books. I’m very much looking forward to seeing Mary on the screen, and hope it happens sooner rather than later! Keep us posted!

        Reply
  75. Susan says

    March 29, 2018 at 10:00 am

    I have been out of the loop for awhile – family matters and such. While i’ve been gone you all have been busy! Very well excited to learn about a Russell and Holmes series in the future. A treat to look forward to. Please All aye Gods of television: cast it perfectly and let me he author be your guide!

    Reply
  76. Samantha says

    December 19, 2018 at 3:13 pm

    Love the series! It’s been a while since the news broke, can you give us any updates?
    So looking forward to it!

    Reply
    • Laurie King says

      December 22, 2018 at 6:22 pm

      Not really, though I understand things are still simmering along…
      Laurie

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. News & Notes – 3/25/2017 – The Bookwyrm’s Hoard says:
    March 25, 2017 at 12:01 am

    […] Laurie R. King’s Mary Russell & Sherlock Holmes series has been optioned by a British tele…, the author announced on Monday. She will be an active consultant. It’s not clear whether it’s for a series or miniseries, but YAY! (Please, please, please let them get it right!) Also, King plans to start the next book in the series this summer, so possibly a 2018 or 2019 release date for that. […]

    Reply

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