Reviews tagging 'War'

The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King

4 reviews

aestass's review

adventurous challenging dark lighthearted tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

The story of Sherlock Holmes' apprentice Mary Russel after WWI. This story will appeal to adult readers of Enola Holmes. This book is engaging and sharp. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Kidnapping, War, Child death, Death of parent, and Death

Minor: Xenophobia

runilareads's review

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Title: The Beekeeper's Apprentice
Author: Laurie R. King
Series: Mary Russell & Sherlock Holmes, 1
Release Date: January 1994
Publisher: Bantam
Rating: 4 stars

Favourite character: Sherlock Holmes
Least favourite character: N/A (spoiler reasons)

Mini-Review: I enjoyed this, although I'd say it's definitely on the medium to slow side with pacing. The writing was beautiful and I loved the characters, but I did find certain parts to almost be reminiscent of grooming. Different times, but this was still written in the 90s so just be aware of that if you plan on reading it.

Fan Cast: 
Mary Russell - Florence Pugh
Sherlock Holmes - Paul McGann
Dr. John Watson - Bradley Walsh
Mycroft Holmes - Joe McGann
Mrs. Hudson - Phoebe Nicholls
Inspector Lestrade - Ed Speleers
Patricia Donleavy - Tuppence Middleton

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Kidnapping

Minor: Drug abuse and War

There's a few instances where the relationship between Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell could come off as grooming

brandilovesbooks's review against another edition

adventurous informative mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Mary Russel spends much of her time with her nose in a book.  She often reads while walking.  This is how she literally stumbles upon Sherlock Holmes.  He is taken in by her keen observation skills and her witty comebacks.  They soon become friends.  He mentors her and teaches her all the tricks of his trade.  Before he knows it, she is solving mysteries at his side.  Has he taught her enough to track down his most worthy opponent yet?

I am a HUGE fan of Sherlock and books based on his character and problem solving abilities.  I LOVE that Laurie R. King continues Sherlock's stories but changes the narrator.  Mary Russel is a fabulous new character.  

The book is slow paced.  There is a great deal of relationship building and getting to know the characters.  The mysteries are complex .  It was an excellent audio book.  The narrator had distinct voices for each of the characters.

I would recommend The Beekeeper's Apprentice to anyone who loves Sherlock Holmes, loves mysteries, or loves strong female MCs.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Car accident, Death, Kidnapping, Classism, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Addiction, Alcohol, War, Murder, Racial slurs, and Racism

eamily's review

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Kidnapping, Car accident, Gun violence, Blood, Cultural appropriation, Panic attacks/disorders, Child death, Grief, Murder, Death of parent, Medical content, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Addiction, Racial slurs, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Eating disorder, Fire/Fire injury, Physical abuse, and Racism

Minor: Police brutality, War, Dementia, Drug abuse, Drug use, Antisemitism, Medical trauma, Terminal illness, Child abuse, Confinement, Cancer, Torture, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Forced institutionalization, and Genocide