The Beekeeper's Apprentice, or On the Segregation of the Queen

Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Book 1

By: Laurie R. King

Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin

The Twentieth-Anniversary Edition of the First Novel of the Acclaimed Mary Russell Series by Edgar Award–Winning Author Laurie R. King.

An Agatha Award Best Novel Nominee • Named One of the Century's Best 100 Mysteries by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association

In 1915, Sherlock Holmes is retired and quietly engaged in the study of honeybees in Sussex when a young woman literally stumbles onto him on the Sussex Downs. Fifteen years old, gawky, egotistical, and recently orphaned, the young Mary Russell displays an intellect to impress even Sherlock Holmes. Under his reluctant tutelage, this very modern, twentieth-century woman proves a deft protégée and a fitting partner for the Victorian detective. They are soon called to Wales to help Scotland Yard find the kidnapped daughter of an American senator, a case of international significance with clues that dip deep into Holmes's past. Full of brilliant deduction, disguises, and danger, The Beekeeper's Apprentice, the first book of the Mary Russell–Sherlock Holmes mysteries, is "remarkably beguiling" (The Boston Globe).

This program includes a preface read by the author.

Critic reviews

“Wonderfully original and entertaining . . . absorbing from beginning to end.” —Booklist

“King has stepped onto the sacred literary preserve of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, poached Holmes, and brilliantly brought him to life again.” —The Washington Post Book World

“Remarkably beguiling.” —The Boston Globe

“A fascinating and often moving account of a friendship so unusual and so compelling that one almost accepts it as being historically real.” —The Denver Post

“Enchanting . . . The Beekeeper's Apprentice is real Laurie R. King, not faux Conan Doyle, and for my money, it's better than the original.” —San Jose Mercury News

“Rousing . . . Riveting . . . Suspenseful.” —Chicago Sun-Times

fun clean read for Holmes' fans

What did you love best about The Beekeeper's Apprentice, or On the Segregation of the Queen?

A glimpse of Holmes as a person with a heart in addition to wit and intelligence.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mary Russell, the young orphaned heroine of the story who displays courage and heart.

What does Jenny Sterlin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She did a great job of reading it using different voices for different characters which is a treat if you are driving and want to be entertained.

Good but drawn out

This went a bit too detailed and long for my tastes, but for a dedicated Sherlock Holmes fan you might feel otherwise. I enjoyed the story of a “retired” Holmes and what would happen to him as he “mellowed.” If you can really say he ever slowed down.

Ok. The start was very interesting.

In the beginning of the book it was very interesting. By the end it is very very boring. The narrator has a annoying voice.

Good Stuff!

This was very good. This is the first time I have listened to a writing from Laurie King or narration from Jenny Sterlin. I enjoyed them both. This is a good example of a well written and read story that did not need tons of profanity. I think there was only one or two spots. I intend to listen to more from this writer.

Wonderful book.

Splendid imagery, delightful storyline. The readers different voices were exceptional. My wife and I are now hooked on the author — and we'll need to find more Audibles done by the gifted reader! Five star.