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The Beekeeper's Apprentice

Or, On the Segregation of the Queen

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About this listen

What happens when Sherlock Holmes—a pompous, proper Victorian gentleman—takes an outspoken American woman as his apprentice? Edgar Award-winning author Laurie R. King reveals the answer in The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, an absorbing novel steeped in exquisite understanding and charming intelligence.

In 1914, a bold young American named Mary Russell meets a retired beekeeper in the English countryside. His name is Sherlock Holmes. And although many years have passed since he astonished Watson by solving Scotland Yard’s most baffling crimes, the Great Detective is no fool. He instantly spots a fellow intellect in Mary.

When his greatest enemy returns with a fiendishly resourceful plan for revenge, Holmes knows he faces the case of his lifetime—and that he needs Mary’s help to solve it.

Few writers dare to touch the classic canon of Sherlock Holmes mysteries, and even fewer match the legendary style of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. But in this richly entertaining, enchanting novel, Laurie R. King succeeds with astonishing brilliance and originality.

©1994 Laurie R. King (P)1995 Recorded Books Detective Historical Mystery Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Fiction Feel-Good Sherlock Holmes Crime
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Although this book started out well, I found her interpretation of Sherlock's speech becoming more and more irritating and unbelievable. Indeed all male "voices" seemed badly interpreted. It has come to the point where this detracts from the whole story and I don't think I can complete the book.

Good storyline, poor narration.

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Have a new slant on Sherlock Homes. I listened to the originals recently and the stories are just as interesting but with added layers emotional and psychological depth.

A very enjoyable audio book

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I have had a great affection for Jenny Sterlin ever, since I was given a CD of her reading Howl’s moving castle many years ago, I think she was the perfect choice for this unusual addition to the Sherlock Holmes stories. It wasn’t quite the Sherlock Holmes of Arthur Conan Doyle, but it was such a very enjoyable book and a really interesting way of bringing all our favourite characters into a brand-new story and setting. I can’t wait to listen to the second book.

I loved it

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