DREAMING SPIES is book thirteen in the Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes series by beloved Laurie R. King, one of my all-time very favorite authors. Meticulously researched, DREAMING SPIES marvelously places one in the fantastical world of early 20th century Japan. The sounds, tastes, and textures of post-World War I Japan are fluidly evoked in a masterful exposition.

Russell and Holmes are on an ocean voyage from Bombay to Japan in 1924. On their ship, Holmes is disgusted to find a blackmailer he dealt with ten years ago, whom he believes may be up to his old tricks. Holmes and Russell meet a charming young Japanese acrobat who agrees to tutor them in Japanese language and customs. Little do they realize the purpose of their education! The two sleuths ultimately undertake a case for the Japanese royal family, with intertwining threads of intrigue reaching back to England.

Every chapter opens with a haiku, which I find to be a charming and evocative touch. Told with Mary's wonderfully dry wit, the royal conundrum spools out in a stately manner in this book, with a measured progression of clues and knowledge. Mary Russell and her husband Sherlock Holmes continue to vie to outdo each other in their detective prowess, and that constant competition gives the mystery a sprightliness to boot.

I have to admit, when this series first started, I was highly dubious of a married Sherlock Holmes, and to a blond American Jew so much younger than he?! However, King's fantastic prose and the wonderful period mysteries reeled me in instantly, and I remain just as enamored of the series today as I was in the beginning. I thought the last two books weren't as strong as her usual offerings, but I'm happy to say that DREAMING SPIES is back to her usual fabulous level.

King's mysteries are written with great intelligence and a marvelous vocabulary, and seamlessly blend in adventure and the romance of early 20th century history, both of Europe and farther-flung corners of the earth. DREAMING SPIES is a lush story to be savored, with a vibrant Japanese setting that draws the reader into Holmes' and Russell's exotic and imaginative world. The game is afoot once again!