The God of the Hive

A Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes

By: Laurie R. King

Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin

Length: 11 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Laurie R. King enjoys immense popularity and a resounding chorus of critical acclaim for her exquisite mysteries. The God of the Hive continues the thread King began in The Language of Bees, in which Mary Russell and her famous husband, Sherlock Holmes, face trouble with Scotland Yard and the deadliest of adversaries.

Listen to another Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes.

©2010 Laurie R. King (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Using short chapters and wielding her virtual pen like a burnished sword, King allows readers to race through this gloriously complex second half of last year’s Language of Bees. Sherlock Holmes is trying to get his gravely wounded son, the artist Damien Adler, out of England. Holmes’ wife, Mary Russell, is trying to protect Estelle, Damien’s small daughter. Mycroft Holmes, recovering from a heart attack, suddenly goes missing....all of it makes for utterly absorbing reading." ( Booklist)

“The great marvel of King’s series is that she’s managed to preserve the integrity of Holmes’s character and yet somehow conjure up a woman astute, edgy, and compelling enough to be the partner of his mind as well as his heart.” ( Washington Post Book World)

The Enchanted One

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, but only AFTER reading the Language of Bees (Book 9 of the series)
I listened to God of the Hive before The Language of Bees and then found that God of the Hive is a continuation of The Language of Bees, so I listened to God of the Hive again and enjoyed it even more.

What other book might you compare The God of the Hive to and why?

Language of Bees. Read it BEFORE God of the Hive.

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

Perfect like all her others.

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

I was enchanted by the character of Robert Goodman when he meets Mary and Estelle and assists them throughout the story.

Any additional comments?

This is my FAVORITE Sherlock Holms and Mary Russell story of the series (12 Books). All the characters seem so real, and the story has tension and surprises, including Microft Holms. Don't miss it if you are a fan.

Interesting title

Never understood the title until the end. Author got a little too detailed in places but still a relatively good pace. One section told the events from perspective of a bird in a tree, interesting. Book focused on Russell character with not much on Sherlock. All in all if you like Sherlock Holmes, this has the same flavor

Great book

Lots of twists and turns in this story. Enjoyed all the different characters. Plenty of room to follow with another thread in this story.

Holmes needs his wife more than ever, meets son

Would you consider the audio edition of The God of the Hive to be better than the print version?

I enjoyed the print, but audio version brings the characters to life like no page can

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

This is a typical Holmesian plot, but the additioanl of Holmes' family members gives us somewhere lese tyo look for more adventures

Which character – as performed by Jenny Sterlin – was your favorite?

I enjoyed the characted of Russell so much, not just a flimsy support around which Holmes can pivot, but the key to the ageing detectives ability

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Never listen in one sitting, a good soap opera with small snippetts over a prolonged period makes it more enjoyable

Any additional comments?

More Holmes and Russell, more family intrigues!

Extraordinary!

None better than this one, yet I was surprised when I began it to realize it was a continuation of the previous mystery. (And so happy to have more of this story!!!) I do believe what I’ve heard about Mary Russell taking over Laurie Kings’ writing. (Hope she’ll come to Austin Tx and do an authors presentation!) Unlike a previous reviewer- I’m Not disappointed when Mary’s character dominates the series. Never enjoyed Sherlock Holmes mysteries at all but found Elizabeth George’s series fascinating! I also love John Sandford’s excellent development of characters who repeat through most of his Lucas Davenport and Virgil series. They’re also well presented. Newest (to me) author I’ve enjoyed is Lee Child - each of these authors create stories from people who are more interesting and capable, bizarrely engaged by entertaining mysteries that I find more fun than myself, friends or family. I go to them to get lost in other worlds (though I love my meaningful life.) “Escapist” fiction still keeps me aware of a world genuinely filled with horrors and courageous acts, heartrending and bizarre stories of very human people. I’m loving reading all her books in order though I admit I was frustrated to go back to her journey in Israel when she’d already gone forward in time… I got over it. I’m in awe. Truly Laurie King listens to her characters and SHE MUST BE BRILLIANT to be able to express the thoughts as well as actions of this British couple and their international encounters!

GREAT!!!!!

As with the other titles in this series, the writing is top notch. and the smooth glide into the continuation of the story makes it easy to keep up with it.
I look forward forward to seeing these characters in future titles

A “Must Read” for any Sherlock Jolmes fan

Captivating story, interesting and well-developed characters, much suspense to keep me wanting to read on.

Perhaps my favorite of the series!

This started off exciting and never stopped. I have read all of the Russell books and find that the series just keeps getting better. If you have read the rest of the series, you won't be disappointed in this one. If you have not read them, be sure to start with the first book and take them in order. It will greatly enhance your enjoyment as the characters tend to reappear in subsequent stories and the complex relationship between Holmes and Mary unfolds slowly as the series progresses.

Rebirth of a classic

I loved the first book and am relieved to feel the second didn't disappoint! The story line was truly entertaining. Narration was phenomenal. Really fun read...err rather listen.

Sherlock and Mary Holmes

Laurie R King is an awesome writer. I love almost all of her books, but I particularly like this series, set after Sherlock 'retired'. Great characters, but even better is the travelogue you get when you read these books, from Jerusalem to India, to parts of England (as in this book) that you would really not hear about. Fascinating listening!