• The Language of Bees

  • A Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes
  • By: Laurie R. King
  • Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin
  • Length: 15 hrs and 51 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (2,057 ratings)

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The Language of Bees

By: Laurie R. King
Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin
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Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Laurie R. King has won or been nominated for every major award in mystery writing. King's beloved sleuth Mary Russell here attempts to reverse her legendary husband, Sherlock Holmes', greatest failure.
©2009 Laurie R. King (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"A one-woman case for the defense of unauthorized literary sequels...intelligent, witty, complex and atmospheric." ( Washington Post Book World)
"Along the way, we are treated to a great deal about ancient sites in England; a major supporting role from Holmes' brother, Mycroft; information on an occult set of beliefs possibly related to Aleister Crowley; a terrifying set piece on the horrors of early air travel; and discourse on the queasy pleasures of surrealist art - all in Mary Russell's wry, brilliant, and occasionally utterly deluded voice." ( Booklist)
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What listeners say about The Language of Bees

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    1,337
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  • 2 Stars
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Performance
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Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing as Usual

I am hooked but as I get close to reading all of them I am trying to space out my enjoyment.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good listen!

Great narrator and an interesting storyline. I enjoyed this and will probably read the series. I will recommend this author.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

My favorite so far!

I have seen other reviewers not liking this book. Saying the series was declining. I am definitely in the other camp. The daughter, the mother & Damien. Holmes’ granddaughter and son. A dangerous
religion...... but really a cult with all the horrors that define a cult. The Holmes
family coming together ...... led by
Mycroft. They said at the end that this was going to be continued. I am going now to find it!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

enjoyed

a little slower in story development, great interactions, observations from Mary and Sherlock. looking forward to part 2.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic Read

The narration, the descriptions, the story lines. All amazing. On to the next in the series!!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable Book, great narrator

I have read or listened to all the Mary Russell books and have enjoyed them all. I knew from other reviewers that this book was 'to be continued' so that didn't worry me. I fully enjoyed the story and the details. I find the pace very calming and didn't feel that there was too much padding. I think the narrator did a great job with the voices and accents of the characters. I find her voice quite melodic and a pleasure to listen to. Enjoy the details for what they reveal about life at the time. If you want a face paced action adventure story this is not for you but if you fancy a well reasoned mystery with a lot of insight into life in Britain in the 1920s then give it a go. I will certainly listen to part 2 when it becomes available.

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24 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Know it's to be continued

Listening to the first 9 novels in this series was my summer 2009 backyard treat. Lang. of Bees is not the strongest in the series --I agree with comments in previous reviews-- so I almost rated it lower, but it's still great listening compared to other light fiction. HOWEVER, had I known the novel was a "part 1," I would have waited for part 2 before starting it. By 2010, I will have lost interest.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Ms King continues to be an amazing storyteller. My favorite series next to Pendergast. And I love the narrator; extremely talented.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it

Can't wait to read more about Estelle and Grandmama Mary! :) Love these books so much!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Good story

Where does The Language of Bees rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

one of my favorite books

Who was your favorite character and why?

Classic Sherlock, because he's clever, but has some bad habits

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Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Any additional comments?

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