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

Loved the book & the audio was great!

I don't think I'd of read past the first couple chapters of it hadn't been a Book Club book. So glad I did bc I loved it! The audio version was great!

Enjoyable

I was concerned at first that it was slow but it proved to be very enjoyale!

Buzzed Over Appreciate<br />

wonderful rendering of Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series. The new author gives a woman's point of view to the stories she writes with a softer natured Sherlock. Good stuff.

A lovely presentation.

Simply enjoyed the perspective of Holmes through the female apprentice's eyes. Look forward to the other stories about Holmes.

Not Sir Arthur Conan Doyle- but fun.

I've read and reread all of Sherlock Holmes. Reading this is like visiting with a distant cousin. It was fun but not deeply engaging.

Good story; narration is uneven

Where does The Beekeeper's Apprentice, or On the Segregation of the Queen rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book is an interesting take on the famous detective.

What other book might you compare The Beekeeper's Apprentice, or On the Segregation of the Queen to and why?

It's a good detective story, much like other detective stories. I like the use of Holmes in this manner.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

It matches the pace of the story, but the voice the narrator uses for Holmes is irritating.

Spellbinding----I'm hooked!

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

I love the character of Mary Russell, and the fresh perspective the author brings to the beloved characters of Sherlock Holmes, Doctor Watson, and Mrs. Hudson. The analogy with the Queen Bee in the hive developed beautifully through the story, as we wonder who on earth this powerful adversary could be. I found Jenny Sterlin's voice and swift transition from character to character, male and female, educated and not, compelling.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked a story with female protagonists, and a detective story so complex I had no idea how it would resolve to the end----hence stayed up listening very late two nights in a row!

Have you listened to any of Jenny Sterlin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't listened to her performances before, but would definitely be drawn to anything else she reads based on her skillful work with this book.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Sherlock meets his match

Any additional comments?

As I said, I'm hooked, and intend to listen to all the Mary Russell series that's available, and will explore the rest of Laurie King's prolific work.

Poor quality audio

Great story and well performed, however the audio is poor. You can hear an echo of the reader in the background, plus it sounds like you can hear her mouth clicking. You get used to and can enjoy the story.

Pure Enjoyment!

I didn't want to leave their world..... The reading was perfect. The characterization was simply delightful. Would certainly recommend this book.

Odd sounding Sherlock

Any additional comments?

I liked the book and would have given the performance 4 stars instead of 3; but I just couldn't get past the whiny voicing for Sherlock. It sounded too forced. However, it didn't destroy the listening for me and I plan to continue the series.