But after a twist of fate forces the couple to part ways, Russell learns that in this faraway place it's often impossible to tell friend from foeâand that some games must be played out until their deadly end. Once in India, Russell and Holmes must travel incognitoâno small task for the English lady and her lanky companion. But even before they arrive, danger will show its face in everything from a suspicious passenger on board their steamer to an âaccidentâ that very nearly claims their lives. When Russell learns of Holmes's own secret friendship with Kim some thirty years before, she knows the die is cast: she will accompany her husband to India to search for the missing operative. But after inexplicably withdrawing from the âGreat Gameâ of border espionage, he's gone missing and is feared taken hostageâor even killed. An orphaned English boy turned loose in India, Kim long used his cunning to spy for the Crown. The oilskin-wrapped packet contains the papers of a missing English spy named Kimball O'Haraâindeed, the same Kimball who served as the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's famed Kim. Mycroft, who has ties to the highest levels of the government, has just received a strange package. But the fragile peace will be fleetingâfor a visit with Holmes's gravely ill brother, Mycroft, brings news of an intrigue that is sure to halt their respite. It's the second day of the new year, 1924, and Mary Russell is settling in for a much-needed rest with her husband, Sherlock Holmes. Now the illustrious duo returns for their most dangerous exploit yet, in a rich and atmospheric tale that takes them to India to save the life of one of literature's most fabled heroes. King's bestselling mystery series featuring Mary Russell and her husband and partner, Sherlock Holmes, is beloved by readers and acclaimed by critics the world over. Signed by author without inscription on bookplate mounted on page opposite title page.

The Game by Laurie R. King