Beekeeping for Beginners

By: Laurie R. King

Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie

Best-selling, award-winning author Laurie R. King’s tales featuring Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell are among the most popular mysteries being published. Here, King explores the great detective’s initial meeting with Russell. Holmes is in a decidedly dark temper as he searches the countryside for wild bees, until he meets the headstrong young woman who will become his apprentice and eventual bride.

©2011 Laurie R. King (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

The Backstory

Another excellent piece of writing. If by chance you find this review before starting the series this should be read simultaneously with book 1

enjoyable

wonderful to hear another side to the same story. engaging and curious. what a twist!

Great short story

A great addition to "The Beekeeper's Apprentice." A good short story and good narration.

Loved!

Had to get used to a different narrator... Success! Went for a long walk and thoroughly enjoyed it:) Aleta Thomas

Short and Sweet, from Holmes’ Perspective

I enjoyed hearing Holmes point of view for a change, and hope there will be more like them. I enjoy the whole series.

Delightful!

Laurie R King's restrained yet engaging writing dovetails so beautifully with the original Sherlock Holmes books. This short story retells part of the first book in the Mary Russell series in which Holmes meets Mary. The narrator, Robert Ian MacKenzie, is as skillful as the wonderful Jenny Sterlin in capturing the essence of the characters and story, and is an excellent choice since the entire story is from Holmes point of view. Additional details are included which provide a fresh slant and insight into the Holmes character and his relationship with Mary Russell. My only complaint is that it is only a short story - - how I wished for more!!

Charming novella

If one has read The Beekeeper’s Apprentice this is a charming “mirror image” to the saga begun in that book and continued through the Mary Russell series.

Great Addition to Russell/Holmes Series

I really loved the short story and to tell you the truth I wish it had got on. So many times when I'm reading the Mary Russell series I think what is Sherlock Holmes thinking. Maybe it's because I've listened for so many years to the series, but I found this narrator lacking. I was glad it was a short story because I don't think I could have made it through with his take on Sherlock Holmes for a whole novel. I found him way to matter of fact and American. And I especially found the women's voices lacking. But the story itself well become a favorite of mine for sure

Not Jenny Sterlin but really goid

Lovely pov switch from the original in Beekeeper’s Apprentice. Would be happy to listen to more.

Another outstanding twist to Sherlock Holmes

What did you love best about Beekeeping for Beginners?

This book begins by taking the meeting of Holmes and Russell from The Beekeepers Apprentice and tells it from Holmes' perspective, then goes on to events that cemented their relationship and why the Holmes we thought we knew would take this young protege under his wing.

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

The relationship is cleverly handled without being suspicious or unrealistic. The writing is clever and intelligent, and well-placed in locale and history.

Did Robert Ian Mackenzie do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

No. I was very disappointed in his narration. I frequently felt his attitude did not match the intention of the story, his women's voices are terrible and all of his men sound alike and the mood static. I also have Laurie King's other Holmes/Russell books on Audible, and her narration is nearly perfect, her voices differentiate, even for each of the male characters. I wish they would stop using RIM for some Holmes narration and simply use Jenny Sterlin for everything.

Any additional comments?

I recommend any of the books in the series to anyone who is a Holmes fan and looking for a good, clever, imaginative work.