The Beekeeper's Apprentice cover art

The Beekeeper's Apprentice

Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Book 1

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The Beekeeper's Apprentice

By: Laurie R. King
Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin
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About this listen

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 Detective Historical Mystery Traditional Detectives Fiction Sherlock Holmes Suspense Crime

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All stars
Most relevant
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.

Amazing book really well read

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This is an excellent collection of books, weaving a wholly believable story. The characters are clear from the beginning and the storyline as good as Conan-Doyle would have produced. Highly recommended and I believe would make an excellent TV miniseries.

The clarity and annunciation of the reader

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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.

Love the story but can’t stand the narrator

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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.

Holmes' later years.

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The author has definitely produced a great story and shows her admiration for Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle’s work. Very clever plots, clues, puzzles and twists. I’m looking forward to starting the next one in the series. I hope the same narrator is used, she’s very easy to listen to and understand.

I really enjoyed this book, both written and audio.

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