Castle Shade: Mary Russell Mysteries, Book 17 Audiobook
Mysteries: Castle Shade is Laurie R. King’s 17th Mary Russell mystery, pairing Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes in a case involving Queen Marie of Roumania, Bran Castle and suspected vampire lore. This unabridged English audiobook is narrated by Jenny Sterlin and runs 13 hours and 40 minutes.
At a glance
- The story centres on Queen Marie of Roumania and Bran Castle, where unsettling reports draw Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes into an investigation.
- The premise blends historical settings with a mystery involving possible strigoi, or vampires.
- Book 17 in the Mary Russell Mysteries series.
Reference price: $26.04
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- A full-length, unabridged narration offers the complete story in audio.
- The historical setting and supernatural mystery premise may appeal to listeners who enjoy Sherlock Holmes stories and vampire lore.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Author | Laurie R. King |
|---|---|
| Narrator | Jenny Sterlin |
| Listening length | 13 hours and 40 minutes |
| Version | Unabridged |
| Program type | Audiobook |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Recorded Books |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 8 June 2021 |
What to know before buying
- This is the 17th book in the series, so new listeners may prefer to check whether earlier character and plot context matters to them.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Listeners following the Mary Russell Mysteries series.
- Fans of historical detective stories, Sherlock Holmes and vampire-themed mysteries.
Less suited to
- Listeners who prefer a fast-paced story throughout. Customer feedback is divided on the pacing, with some describing it as bogged down.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
63% 63% - 4 stars
28% 28% - 3 stars
8% 8% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
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Customer feedback is broadly positive about the novel’s blend of history and mystery, its twists, writing and place in the series. Some listeners also find it entertaining and engaging, while others call it boring or feel the story becomes bogged down. Opinions on character development are mixed. For a 13-hour-40-minute unabridged audiobook, those differences in pacing and engagement may matter to listeners choosing a long-form mystery.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the mix of mystery and history, the twists, the writing and the novel’s place in the series.
Negative themes
- Some customers describe the story as boring or say the pacing becomes bogged down.
Mixed feedback
- Feedback on character development and how engaging the story is varies.
Frequently asked questions
Is Castle Shade a standalone story?
It is identified as Book 17 in the Mary Russell Mysteries. The listing does not say whether it can be read independently, so series newcomers may want to check earlier-book context.
Who narrates the audiobook, and how long is it?
The listed narrator is Jenny Sterlin, and the listening length is 13 hours and 40 minutes.
What is the story about?
Queen Marie summons Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes to investigate troubling events around Bran Castle, including rumours that suggest a vampire threat.
