Though she's living in the 1920's, Mary Russell is a thoroughly modern woman. She's married to Sherlock Holmes, now retired, and she's his match in every way. When Garment of Shadows opens, however, she has no idea who or where she is, the fallout from a violent encounter of some sort. As the pieces fall one by one into place, Mary recovers her memory, and once reunited with her husband, becomes embroiled in the Moroccan war for independence from Spain. Assassination attempts, dark underground prisons, and abductions make life very complicated indeed, and Mary's ingenuity and tenacity are stretched to their limits.

Garment of Shadows is a lively novel imbued with history, mystery, danger, and a touch of humor. Some readers have objected to the political material around which the plot is based, but I found it a pleasant way to learn a little something about Moroccan history. Throughout this series, author King has done a creditable job making the iconic Sherlock Holmes into a genuine human being, which is refreshing and fun.