This promising series has been a little hit-and-miss lately, but Dreaming Spies is an excellent addition to the Russell/Holmes saga. The best part of the book isn't the mystery itself (no spoilers, but the villain stands out like a sore thumb), but the descriptions of (1) shipboard life on a liner bound from Bombay to Japan in 1924 and (2) Japan itself when Holmes and Russell disembark. At every turn the reader is introduced to a wonderful setting. King writes first-rate descriptions of Japanese inns, baths, food, clothing and above all, cultural attitudes. Russell and Holmes are peripheral in this story, despite being the central characters. As good with Japan as her previous Palestinian novels have been.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
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