The Beekeeper's Apprentice

Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Book 1

By: Laurie R. King

Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin

Length: 13 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's Summary

It's 1914, and a bold, young American called Mary Russell is about to experience a rather dynamic change of life. Deep in the rural English countryside, she meets a retired beekeeper by the name of Sherlock Holmes. Although many years have passed since he astonished Watson by solving Scotland Yard's most baffling crimes, The Great Detective is still very much in possession of his excellent faculties.

Surprisingly for both of them, he sees Mary's untapped potential for his old line of work. When Holmes' greatest enemy returns with a diabolically resourceful plan of revenge, Holmes realises he's facing the case of his lifetime - and that he needs Mary's help to solve it.

©1994 Laurie R. King (P)2002 W F Howes Ltd

Amazing book really well read

I love this block of work by Laurie King and having read them all I was worried that hearing it read by someone couldn’t possibly match that, but apart from the first chapter (which is disconcertingly read in the authors American voice) the book has been completely enthralling, delivered at a perfect pace and with great characterisation. Looking forward to listening to more.

Love the story but can’t stand the narrator

I’ve read these books and enjoyed everyone but I just can’t continue the series with this dreary monotone voice with not a hint of humour . All of Mary’s character and the wit and banter between her and Holmes is reduced to a tedious recitation with no tension. It really is awful and very disappointing as I would have gradually worked my way happily through the entire series but I have given up half way through book two.

Mary Russell is marvelous.

I very much enjoyed this book. However I do find that the readers voice is too harsh for the voice of Mary that I have developed in my head and Holmes sounds utterly sanctimonious, which I think he must be at times, but surely not 247!

Ruined by the narrator

The narrator's voice is just awful. She's so pedantic about her pronunciation that it's ridiculous - nobody talks like this! Her patronising tone sounds like she isn't enjoying the book she's reading - which is a total turn-off for listeners! A good book ruined.

I wanted to like this book

Droning narration - exceedingly flat. The narrator must have a three pack a day habit.
Absolutely pointless story off shoots. Why send the characters to Palestine if the author isn’t going to describe 1920s Palestine?
Absolutely horrified by the budding romance that is so atypical of the character of Sherlock Holmes. This really was too much!
Why insert the wicked aunt and then leave the character completely one dimensional. Same with Mycroft and Dr Watson.
I found this book frustrating and yelled at my iPad, “Oh for the love of all that is holy, do get on with it”!

Holmes' later years.

Note: The characters have English accents. Only the introduction is in an American one, which you hear in the clip.

This first in a series introduces a new character Mary Russell who is to become the retired Holmes new partner in the adventures ahead. The first part of the book covers the building of this partnership which needs doing when you're introducing a new character into the very established world of Sherlock Holmes. I found Mary an interesting character in her own right which is a credit to the author. Mrs Hudson is involved as is Watson which was a nice touch. It's different to the Conan Doyle original in that there is a lot more about the characters and the plot develops at a slower pace. I really enjoyed it, I was very impressed by the writing and Jenny Sterlin's Holmes voice was okay.

A must for all home's fan's

Absolutely brilliant, I ended every minute. Just imaging Home's taking on an apprentice and a woman at that.

What a brilliant book

Laurie King is a wonderful writer. To take such an iconic literary figure in a completely new direction is one thing, but then to create a completely new partner who is at least the equal of him, words fail me. Fortunately Ms King is not so affected. I loved these books in print, to have them read to you is a delicious delight.