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

Length: 13 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©1994 Laurie R. King (P)2007 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

• Agatha Award, Best Novel Nominee

“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

“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

Buzzing With Excitement over Keeper and Apprentice

I think it must be about fifteen years since I read this for the first time and grew enchanted with Laurie R. King's original character, Mary Russell, and her version of Sherlock Holmes and other principle Doyle characters. It was a delicious pleasure to settle back in and listen to the talented Jenny Sterlin voice these beloved characters and help me cast my mind back into this WWI and post-war era world.

The Beekeeper's Apprentice begins when an amazing pair of individuals meet. Mary is but fifteen and impresses the retired Holmes who comes alive again when tutoring this quirky female in his craft. In the course of time, they share a case and Mary proves herself. Meanwhile, she attends Oxford reading theology and chemistry while Holmes consults on secret cases. But, an enemy arises set on wiping the pair of them off the map and the partnership must use all their wit and cunning.

I love this slow build introduction to a clever pair of unusual friends and partners. The development is amazing and it rang true both toward the Holmes' world and to the times. Mary Russell is a shining delight and equal to Holmes in star power.

I've listened to Jenny Sterlin narrate before and felt she was a perfect fit for this story/series. She captures character and situation and nuances so well. I'm glad to see she does the whole series.

Because of course, I am pressing onward. This historical mystery series is one that I highly recommend.

Introduction is missing

I have read all of Ms. King's book and have now decided to listen to them all ... I love Jenny Sterlin! However ... there is part of the introduction missing in this audio version. In the book version Ms. King tells how she came across the papers of Mary Russell ... I think a chest might have been left on her front step (sorry, it has been too long ago to remember the details). But it was quite charming. And in her most recent book, Mary Russell's War, there is even a reference as to why Ms. Russell chose Ms. King. I am hoping if a new version is released I will be allowed to replace this one for the new version.

Having said all of that ... this first book sets the scene as it were so there is a lot going on. I like future books because the characters are already known to me and the stories are allowed to be the focus. However, I love the characters, their interactions, and the extensive research that helps me to 'picture' the setting. If I think too much about the age difference it can be unsettling but given the war, their intellects, and Mary's history/personality it is a perfect fit.

Well done!

Very cute premise for another Sherlock story

What made the experience of listening to The Beekeeper's Apprentice, or On the Segregation of the Queen the most enjoyable?

I loved the tough, sensitive, hurt, confident and therefore complex heroine. Her interactions worthily Sherlock Holmes were completely believable and sweet.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Definitely Sherlock.

What about Jenny Sterlin’s performance did you like?

When I am lost in the characters narratives I know the performance is good.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The touching moments when Sherlock forgets his austere self and acts kindly and compassionately.

Well worth your time if you like Sherlock.

Great and engaging story. My wife and I listened to this together and found it hard to leave. We missed our regular bedtime on several occasions, but the lack of sleep was a small sacrifice.

Delightful listen

I greatly enjoyed this audiobook. Breathing new life into the legend of Sherlock Holmes by giving him a young female apprentice! The narrator did an excellent job conveying the characters' personalities and emotions. I've listened twice and I am going to pursue the rest of the series!

Misophonia trigger!

The story is great. Lots of fun. It is Sherlock Holmes, after all. I also really loved the tone of the reader's voice, her British accent, and her cadence. She did the various characters voices well and I generally enjoyed listening to this book. But the sound of her tongue moving in her mouth or her lips moving or whatever it was drove me to the point of considering walking away from this recording a number of times. I could listen only in small chunks. I mean, how about some editing?! I blame the production, not the reader. If you have a problem with this kind of thing, just don't bother with this book. I felt like I had to because I paid for it.

One of the best fan fictions of the Holmes genre

I typically abhor stories that attempt to chronicle the lives of beloved fictional characters beyond their original author’s pages, but this is one book that succeeds in capturing not only a Sherlock that long-time fans would recognize and embrace, the author also does an admirable job of inventing new adventures that twist just enough, that we might feel we are back in the same old Conan-Doyle sitting rooms and carriages.

Great Listen

it took me awhile to get into the book, but once I did, I couldn't quit lustening!

Delightful and engrossing

This is the first novel I’ve ever read about Sherlock Holmes, so I cannot compare King to A. Conan Doyle. But I can wholeheartedly support all the other positive reviews out there. The caliber of story, style, and narrative voice were only made even more delightful by Dame Judy Dench!!

The beginning...

The first introduction the Holmes and Russell. Laurie R King begins an addicting series with this book. I enjoyed this first book enough to pick up the second this series and now have become addicted to these characters and the author. Be warned....