Mary Russell's Ghost

New York Times bestselling, Edgar Award–winning author Laurie R. King returns to the 1920s of Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, but then sets off into fabulous new worlds in this dynamic collection of thirteen suspense, crime, and speculative fiction stories, some beloved and others brand-new.

Dive into the captivating world of Laurie R. King, from the mysteries of her beloved Mary Russell series to standalone tales that explore shifting cultures, moral ambiguity, and all the different forms crime can take.

Join the unforgettable cast of Mary Russell's world in five stories of intrigue. In “Ten Years On,” Russell spends her anniversary on an unexpected case that has her unearthing the fate of an Indian soldier, but the truth is more complicated than just discerning his cause of death. In the previously unpublished “Dr Watson and the Resident Ghost,” Watson approaches Russell with a case he can’t take to Holmes . . . that of an apparition in his own home. “The Art of the Scam” follows Russell’s charming and roguish Uncle Jake as he may have bitten off more than he can chew in planning a sting against a powerful man.

In eight standalone stories, travel beyond the world of Mary Russell to early ‘80s Papua New Guinea in “The Salt Pond,” a small town holding big secrets in the Edgar Award–shortlisted “Paleta Man,” and even to an alternate world in “Hellbender,” where genetic engineering produces a new kind of detective altogether.

These thrilling and ingenious tales are must-have for fans and a perfect introduction for new readers, thirteen stories that showcase King’s prowess across eras and genres, proving her to be one of the most talented voices in suspense fiction.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs