The Beekeeper's Apprentice, or On the Segregation of the Queen: Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Book 1 Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Laurie R. King (Author), Jenny Sterlin (Narrator), Macmillan Audio (Publisher)

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This program includes a preface read by the author.

From New York Times best-selling author Laurie R. King comes the book that introduced us to the ingenious Mary Russell - Sherlock Holmes mysteries.

In 1915, Sherlock Holmes is retired and quietly engaged in the study of honeybees when a young woman literally stumbles into him on the Sussex Downs. Fifteen years old, gawky, egotistical, and recently orphaned, the young Mary Russell displays an intellect to impress even Sherlock Holmes - and match him wit for wit. Under his reluctant tutelage, this very modern 20th-century woman proves a deft protégée and a fitting partner for the Victorian detective.

In their first case together, they must track down a kidnapped American senator's daughter and confront a truly cunning adversary: a bomber who has set trip wires for the sleuths and who will stop at nothing to end their partnership.

Full of brilliant deductions, disguises, and dangers, this first book of the Mary Russell - Sherlock Holmes mysteries is "wonderfully original and entertaining...absorbing from beginning to end." (Booklist). Named "One of the Century's Best 100 Mysteries" by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association.

Listening Length

13 hours and 26 minutes
Author

Laurie R. King
Narrator

Jenny Sterlin
Audible release date

January 10, 2014
Language

English
Publisher

Macmillan Audio
ASIN

B00HSTIT4K
Version

Unabridged
Program Type

Audiobook
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Product details

Listening Length	13 hours and 26 minutes
Author	Laurie R. King
Narrator	Jenny Sterlin
Whispersync for Voice	Ready
Audible.com Release Date	January 10, 2014
Publisher	Macmillan Audio
Program Type	Audiobook
Version	Unabridged
Language	English
ASIN	B00HSTIT4K
Best Sellers Rank	#10,222 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals) #56 in Traditional Detective Mysteries (Audible Books & Originals) #113 in Historical Mysteries (Audible Books & Originals) #263 in Women Sleuth Mysteries

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5

5,683 global ratings

5 star		62%
4 star		27%
3 star		8%
2 star		2%
1 star		2%

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Bonnie J. Clark

Kudos to Laurie R King

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 15, 2023

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This book is the first in a historical mystery centering around Sherlock Holmes and his now acquaintance Mary Russell. Holmes has retired from detective work, or so everyone thinks, an is now enjoying beekeeping. This story is sent in England in 1915. Mary literally trips over Sherlock as he lay face down on the beach watching bees. She has gone for a walk, and is daydreaming and almost falls herself.
Holmes is now in his 50s, and has moved to Sussex Downs to peruse new hobbies and enjoy (or so we think) the rest of his life.
He and Mary hits it off right away, and Sherlock invites her to start dabbling in solving some simple cases. Their relationship continues to develop and ultimately the begin working other cases together.
While Mary is at University, an attempt is made on Sherlock’s live. He has become aware that someone very dangerous has started following his every move and may even endanger his life.
To get away for their trouble, and to try to outs are their new nemesis, they take a trip together and are gone well over a month, But, upon their return they are still being shadowed.
What a great read. Looking forward to discussing this at book club this month.

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Christa

Good book

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 28, 2023

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On it's own, this book is pretty good. The first half was fun and entertaining. The second half got a bit choppy.

Mary Russell is a teenager during WWI when she stumbles (literally) upon Sherlock Holmes. Seeing her brilliance and sharp wit, Holmes takes Mary under his wing. Friendship grows and adventures ensue.

Mary is a fun character. She's smart and sharp with heart, though has a bit of a tongue. If Holmes had a daughter, it'd be hilarious! But I don't think that's what the author was warming to and it kind of killed off any curiosity to read the rest of the series.

Also, it's really sweet that Mary takes to calling Watson Uncle John...however the good doctor is practically reduced to the classical dullard from the days of Basil Rathbone and dismissed from the story.

While there are more stories starring Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell, I'm good with just this one, which stands fairly well on its own.

Christa

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Cmwilson

Excellent

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 2, 2023

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Dignified life & mystery. Horror is implied, but not in your face, intelligence & humor grace the page, as good wins.

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DesertSongbyrd

Brilliantly Executed & Highly Riveting

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 26, 2023

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This book was recommended to me as part of a reading challenge and I am so glad it was! I purposely did not read the blurb, and so was pleasantly surprised to find the plot-line as it was. I love a good mystery and once I got started, I had a hard time putting it down! I won't give spoilers, but the character of Mary was refreshing and relatable, and her interactions with Holmes, partnered with her development throughout the first half was remarkably executed. I highly recommend this read for anyone looking for a good mystery, especially if you enjoy pieces set in the early twentieth century.

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Overseas Mom

The Female Sherlock Holmes!

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 23, 2011

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Overall Review: Meet Mary Russell. Brilliant, lonely, and orphaned, she just happens to stumble onto someone while walking and reading a book. That person is none other than the imitable Sherlock Holmes! From that point on, these two are almost inseparable as Russell begins to learn at the feet of a master. They pass through case after case where I admit to feeling bewildered at times by the things they can `see' and wondering `whodunnit'--and we even hear those famous and enshrined words: "Elementary, my dear!" What fun! It has been many years since I've read a mystery novel, and even more since I read one as well written and clean as `The Beekeeper's Apprentice'! Ms. King has a thoughtful, profound and insightful writing style. The story is inspiring as we see the inner workings of the mind, and fast paced enough to keep you turning the pages. I loved the banter between Holmes and Mary Russell. I enjoyed seeing many well-known characters again such as Watson, Inspector Lestrade, Mycroft, Mrs. Hudson, and even Moriarty makes a bit of a cameo. This is written much in the same style and language as the original Sherlock Holmes series, so if you are a fan of those, it's possible you will like this as well. And if you've never read one, this is a fun place to start! I'm looking forward to reading more of the Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes mysteries! Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Content Review:

PROFANITY: few mild instances

VIOLENCE: few mild instances and one strong instance

SEXUAL CONTENT: None

MATURE THEMES: Moderate

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 16+

There was some profanity scattered throughout. It was never concentrated anywhere, but one mild word here and there every now and then. There is absolutely no sexual content. Since this is a mystery/thriller, there is some violence, but it is reasonable (can you say violence is reasonable?) and not overwhelming. Nothing is written out in gory detail for shock value. Some characters are shot. Bombs are laid and characters are hurt or die. There is a kidnapping. Some characters die. Some characters are held at gunpoint and that is pretty intense. I put the mature theme at moderate just because of the nature of the novel itself. It is, after all, a mystery with a lot of action. Much of it is purely psychological as the facts are revealed and we wonder who it could be and why. I would consider this to be a clean read, and appropriate for ages 16+.

This review was written by Emily
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer

To see more fantastic books reviewed with content in mind, visit us at squeakycleanreads!

8 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

New look at Sherlock

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 13, 2023

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Wonderful new take on the legend

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Okiri

Loved it!

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 2, 2023

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This is one more book inspired by the eternal creation of Sherlock Holmes. Still this one is a little different. I really enjoyed reading it, loved the typical Sherlock Holmes mystery and solution. Would love to read another.

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Mrs L J

Mixed feelings

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on March 14, 2019

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This book has left me uncertain as to whether I liked it or not. The idea of Sherlock Holmes in his later years having a new apprentice and a very young female one at that, sounded like a clever idea. The author has tried to use language suitable for the era and succeeds most of the time. There are some slips into a more modern vernacular now and again. I skimmed through several pages of boring repetition and over lengthy descriptions. The relationship between an elderly Holmes and the teenage Mary Russell started reasonably well but developed into something uncomfortable at times. Their travels abroad in primitive conditions were not convincing. There was much emphasis on Holmes age and gradually developing infirmity, yet he often behaves like a young action hero, ignoring severe injuries and scaling walls. On a positive note, the book held my interest enough for me to finish reading it and there was enough intrigue to keep me guessing to a certain extent. I just didn't find these characters convincing. I doubt if I will read any more in the series.

8 people found this helpful

Teresa

Two chapters in and already a joy to read...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on June 9, 2017

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Well I have only just started to read The Beekeeper's Apprentice, but two chapters in I am already hooked! What an inspirational idea to resurrect the character of Sherlock Holmes and for him to meet and mate with a kindred spirit. As she matures (she is only 15 at this stage of events which considering that Sherlock is now in his 50s some might find at best curious at worse questionable) I can quite see that the spirited and intuitive Mary Russell will be more than a fitting companion for Sherlock as she is already showing signs of being his intellectual equal and with a sense of humor. Such an incomparable pairing promises to make for a formidable pair of detectives as Mary will undoubtedly remove Sherlock from his serene if dubious retirement and expand his horizons. She is even getting him to eat more of Mrs Hudson's cakes. It is already a joy to re acquaint with beloved characters from the world of Conan Doyle and I am all set for new disguises, deductions and not a little danger......As the narrator, I already love the narrative voice of the very talented Mary Russell.

5 people found this helpful

Jane Page

Ignore the 2-star reviews

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on July 19, 2015

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I always have a look at the 1-star reviews before even trying a book. This book doesn't have any 1-star reviews, and the three 2-star reviews didn't put me off: one is the predictable British tirade against Americans writing about anything British. One can almost imagine them crowing in joy when finally, on page 302 - or whatever - they come across a mis-spelling or discover than a 'gotten' has slipped onto the page. Admittedly too much of that sort of thing can seriously irritate but surely one or two lapses do not need dissecting out of the manuscript? A second 2-star review said the book was Wishy Washy Wodehousey. Nice alliteration, and since I am very fond of Wodehouse, the comment didn't perturb me - even though the book turned out to have absolutely no similarities to Wodehouse - except in the brilliance of both writers. This book is immensely clever, immensely readable and - as far as I am concerned and in opposition to the third 2-star review - far, far above Conan Doyle's Holmes, in that the characters are quite believable. The original Holmes was a great invention, but way over the top and about as real as a cardboard cutout. This Holmes is also on the edge of unbelievability (if purists will accept the word), but Laurie King manages to keep him poised splendidly on the edge and matches him with the excellent creation of Mary Russell. Of course Holmes aficionados are biassed against anyone writing new Holmes stories, and, as for the idea of giving him a female sidekick - what is the world coming to? I had severe doubts myself. But by Jove it works.

12 people found this helpful

John Hopper

entertaining, if not wholly convincing

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on November 25, 2013

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This full length novel is the first in the spin off series featuring an older Sherlock Holmes, emerging from his supposed retirement on the Sussex Downs, sleuthing just after the First World War with his new young apprentice, Mary Russell. These two main characters are explored very deeply, but for me the essential issue is that I am not sure I really think the relationship between Holmes and Russell is credible, as we see a side to the Great Detective we have never seen before. The early adventures told here seem disjointed and separate, though in the end most of them are tied together in the final revelation of the villain's identity and plans, providing in effect a narrative of the early years of Holmes's and Russell's association, pursued in a series of novels (around a dozen, I think). Not sure whether I feel strongly enough to pursue the whole series (especially those not easily accessible in e-book form), but this is mostly quite entertaining. Mrs Hudson and Watson make brief appearances, the former as a tough old lady-cum-caring housekeeper, but the latter relegated to being Mary's bumbling dear old Uncle John, which is a bit sad.

2 people found this helpful

jhanami

Great start, looking forward to the next ones

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on August 6, 2015

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I really enjoyed this and found Miss Mary Russell to be a highly likeable heroine, and a very believable teenage know-it-all with her occasional delusions of grandeur and superiority complex over Watson. If anything kept me from handing out the fifth star than it is that I kept wondering if it was really necessary to insert her into an existing fictional universe by pairing her with Sherlock Holmes, as in my opinion she would have done well all by herself. I would give another half if it was possible.
I'm also feeling, as any SH fan, slightly protective of him and the SH canon and I think I would have warmed more readily and easily to the chemistry between Mary and her tutor if he had been a new character - that could obviously be sheer jealousy. After all if 'the real' Sherlock had ever married anybody it would have been clearly me! :)

3 people found this helpful

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