The words "smart" and "thoughtful" crop up a lot when reading reviews of Laurie R. King's mystery novels. King, the author of ten books in two separate series plus a stand-alone thriller, has captured a legion of faithful readers of all ages and genders--especially YAs--with her sassy and intellectual Mary Russell who won the head and heart of that crustiest of detectives, Sherlock Holmes. Russell, a historical invention, first encounters the great detective as a fifteen-year-old with her nose stuck in a book; Holmes himself is in retirement, raising bees and his consciousness in Sussex. Over the course of five books, their relationship has grown from mentor-student to equals in crime detection and in the home, for by the end of book two they marry.

King's other main female protagonist is Kate Martinelli, a strong and dedicated cop. No history here; Martinelli's tales take place in the here...