Last year, Picador published new, trade paperback editions of the first four books of the Mary Russell series. These are some of my all-time favourite books. My paperback editions of the early novels have seen better days–I’ve re-read The Beekeeper’s Apprentice so many times in the last few years that it’s dog-eared, its spine creased, its cover and pages worn (and I’m the kind of reader who, after reading a book two or three times, could probably still return it to the bookstore without raising any eyebrows.)

I have managed to acquire all but the first two books in hardcover, but those are the two that are most in need of replacement. Luckily, the Picador editions are absolutely gorgeous, inside and out, with vibrant covers and elegant, readable type on the inside. Even more luckily, these books, which retail for $16.25 in Canada, became available at BookCloseouts.com, an online bargain book site, for $4.99 apiece. Best deal ever, because I couldn’t justify to myself spending $65+tax on four books I already own in other editions. And believe me–I tried.

I wish Picador would release the later books in the series in the same edition, but I think I read somewhere that they don’t own the rights to publish them which, if true, is a pity. Anyway, enjoy the beautiful cover art and a couple of (slighly blurry) shots of the inside. I’ll be over here, cackling over my loot.

Cover of The Beekeeper's Apprentice

Cover of A Monstrous Regiment of Women

Cover of A Letter of Mary

Cover of The Moor

Interior of A Letter of Mary

Interior of The Beekeeper's Apprentice

Tags: Laurie R. King, Mary Russell