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If you haven't read Laurie R King before, don't start with this novel.

It is not as well paced, not as interesting, nor as well plotted as her others in the BRILLIANT Mary Russel/Holmes series. Let me be frank... I ADORE her books. Adore this series: am reading them and gushing over how breathtaking her grasp of theological and philosophical concepts, calling friends to tell them they MUST read these books, explaining to people how Ms. King's series has renewed my faith in the genre of Mystery as Not being just "popcorn" books (mildly tasty, filling, but no substence).

This particular book, however, I not only figured out within a chapter or two, but the continual droning on and on about the moor-- while vaguely interesting to begin with-- became as monotonous as walking continually around in it must have been to the characters. Maybe that was the point (Man, the moor is big and flat and rocky and boooring. Yawn....) or maybe it was an homage to Baskerville and we were supposed to love it only for that. Whatever the reason, this book didn't work for me like the others did.

HOWEVER.... I pressed onward, and began O Jerusalem. TALK ABOUT REDEMPTION!!!! Beautiful, descriptive, breathtaking, filled with action and intrigue, markedly hard to figure out and deliciously filling out the characters' lives, as well as foreshadowing the next book.... well, it was everything that The Moor was NOT.

SO.... I know, you're probably in love with this series the same way I am. I know, you're probably trying to read the series in order, because they are so lovely that way. I know, you're probably starting this book and thinking- but Heather _said_ this series was great, why am I only liking this book, not adOring it. Press forward. It's not a waste of reading, it's just not revelatory like the previous books in the series. Read it, finish it, pick up O Jerusalem, and get back into the adventure.

That said, there are some interesting characters and scenes in Moor. Baring-gould is an interesting character, and reading the inital description of the moor itself will make you want to travel there. I loved the singing scene nearing the end, but I have a passion for singing and folksong in particular.
So finish it for the good bits, of which it has lees than King's usual, but still more than general Mysteries, and then move onto her other magnificent books..... (O Jerusalem is worth it, I promise)