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Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes #9
The Language of Bees
In a case that will push their relationship to the breaking point, Mary Russell must help reverse the greatest failure of her legendary husband's storied past--a painful and personal defeat that still has the power to sting...this time fatally.
For Mary Russell and her husband, Sherlock Holmes, returning to the Sussex coast after seven months abroad was especially sweet. There was even a mystery to solve--the unexplained disappearance of an entire colony of bees from one of Holmes's beloved hives.
But the anticipated sweetness of their homecoming is quickly tempered by a galling memory from her husband's past. Mary had met Damian Adler only once before, when the promising surrealist painter had been charged with--and exonerated from--murder. Now the talented and troubled young man was enlisting their help again, this time in a desperate search for his missing wife and child.
When it comes to communal behavior, Russell has often observed that there are many kinds of madness. And before this case yields its shattering solution, she'll come into dangerous contact with a fair number of them. From suicides at Stonehenge to a bizarre religious cult, from the demimonde of the Cafe Royal at the heart of Bohemian London to the dark secrets of a young woman's past on the streets of Shanghai, Russell will find herself on the trail of a killer more dangerous than any she's ever faced--a killer Sherlock Holmes himself may be protecting for reasons near and dear to his heart.
For Mary Russell and her husband, Sherlock Holmes, returning to the Sussex coast after seven months abroad was especially sweet. There was even a mystery to solve--the unexplained disappearance of an entire colony of bees from one of Holmes's beloved hives.
But the anticipated sweetness of their homecoming is quickly tempered by a galling memory from her husband's past. Mary had met Damian Adler only once before, when the promising surrealist painter had been charged with--and exonerated from--murder. Now the talented and troubled young man was enlisting their help again, this time in a desperate search for his missing wife and child.
When it comes to communal behavior, Russell has often observed that there are many kinds of madness. And before this case yields its shattering solution, she'll come into dangerous contact with a fair number of them. From suicides at Stonehenge to a bizarre religious cult, from the demimonde of the Cafe Royal at the heart of Bohemian London to the dark secrets of a young woman's past on the streets of Shanghai, Russell will find herself on the trail of a killer more dangerous than any she's ever faced--a killer Sherlock Holmes himself may be protecting for reasons near and dear to his heart.
435 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2009
747 people are currently reading
5240 people want to read
About the author
Laurie R. King
136 books6,863 followersEdgar-winning mystery writer Laurie R. King writes series and standalone novels. Her official forum is
THE LRK VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB here on Goodreads--please join us for book-discussing fun.
King's 2018 novel, Island of the Mad, sees Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes travel from London's Bedlam to the glitter of Venice's Lido,where Young Things and the friends of Cole Porter pass Mussolini's Blackshirts in the streets. The Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series follows a brilliant young woman who becomes the student, then partner, of the great detective. [click here for an excerpt of the first in the series, The Beekeeper's Apprentice] The Stuyvesant and Grey series (Touchstone; The Bones of Paris) takes place in Europe between the Wars. The Kate Martinelli series follows an SFPD detective's cases on a female Rembrandt, a holy fool, and more. [Click for an excerpt of A Grave Talent]
King lives in northern California, which serves as backdrop for some of her books.
Please note that Laurie checks her Goodreads inbox intermittently, so it may take some time to receive a reply. A quicker response may be possible via email to info@laurierking.com.
THE LRK VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB here on Goodreads--please join us for book-discussing fun.
King's 2018 novel, Island of the Mad, sees Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes travel from London's Bedlam to the glitter of Venice's Lido,where Young Things and the friends of Cole Porter pass Mussolini's Blackshirts in the streets. The Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series follows a brilliant young woman who becomes the student, then partner, of the great detective. [click here for an excerpt of the first in the series, The Beekeeper's Apprentice] The Stuyvesant and Grey series (Touchstone; The Bones of Paris) takes place in Europe between the Wars. The Kate Martinelli series follows an SFPD detective's cases on a female Rembrandt, a holy fool, and more. [Click for an excerpt of A Grave Talent]
King lives in northern California, which serves as backdrop for some of her books.
Please note that Laurie checks her Goodreads inbox intermittently, so it may take some time to receive a reply. A quicker response may be possible via email to info@laurierking.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,171 reviews
October 21, 2009
This will not make me popular with the rabid Russell fans of which I can count myself. It almost feels sacreligious to say I was disappointed with the newest novel by Laurie King "The Language of Bees" but there it is, what a let down. I was anticipating a rousing period mystery with Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell collaborating like old times but what transpires is a complete absence of Holmes right from his abrupt departure in the first chapter. I thought the plot was clever, especially the appearance of Damien Adler, Holmes' son, who must come to terms with his emotions about Holmes so that he can ask for help in finding his wife and daughter. It would have been a grand opportunity for King to explore more deeply the ties that bind Russell and Holmes and how a couple can deal with past sins and loves in a marital relationship. In this latest novel their relationship is almost sterile and the love and tenderness that has marked their past interactions is completely missing. They are just two independent detectives working on the same case and not a husband and wife dealing with personal crisis for one of them with the intensity of a case as the backdrop. I think that King missed the boat on this one. A disappointment.
January 31, 2016
3.5
For me, my favorite part of this series is the interplay between Holmes and Russell. With that said, it was somewhat of a disappointment to me that this was another book in the series where the two spent more time apart than together. Especially considering that the case is so personal, and could have ramifications of their relationship - and that there is mention of other relationship stuff from prior events as well - but none of these are really addressed or dealt with at all.
It could've been a great opportunity, I think, to develop the relationship more, and instead it was constantly pushed to the side, even though it would've made supreme sense for it to have been part of the story.
That said -
I did enjoy the case, and the developing relationship between Holmes and Damian. At least that relationship was dealt with.
I also found the sort of occult aspects of the story to be interesting.
My favorite part, I think, was watching Mary working so closely with Mycroft. We don't often get to see much of him in the Sherlock stories, and it was quite fun to see those two, and sometimes all three, work together so closely.
There were times when I found myself frustrated with Russell, as she seemed to make some basic investigatory mistakes. I understand it's all for dramatic tension or whatnot, but for every step forward Russell takes, she often takes a step or two back at any given time.
That said, overall, I did enjoy this story. It had better pacing than some of the other books in the series, and was entertaining all-in-all - though I was disappointed that the bee-case that Mary works on in the beginning didn't seem to be tied into the overall story (unless I missed it).
For me, my favorite part of this series is the interplay between Holmes and Russell. With that said, it was somewhat of a disappointment to me that this was another book in the series where the two spent more time apart than together. Especially considering that the case is so personal, and could have ramifications of their relationship - and that there is mention of other relationship stuff from prior events as well - but none of these are really addressed or dealt with at all.
It could've been a great opportunity, I think, to develop the relationship more, and instead it was constantly pushed to the side, even though it would've made supreme sense for it to have been part of the story.
That said -
I did enjoy the case, and the developing relationship between Holmes and Damian. At least that relationship was dealt with.
I also found the sort of occult aspects of the story to be interesting.
My favorite part, I think, was watching Mary working so closely with Mycroft. We don't often get to see much of him in the Sherlock stories, and it was quite fun to see those two, and sometimes all three, work together so closely.
There were times when I found myself frustrated with Russell, as she seemed to make some basic investigatory mistakes. I understand it's all for dramatic tension or whatnot, but for every step forward Russell takes, she often takes a step or two back at any given time.
That said, overall, I did enjoy this story. It had better pacing than some of the other books in the series, and was entertaining all-in-all - though I was disappointed that the bee-case that Mary works on in the beginning didn't seem to be tied into the overall story (unless I missed it).
April 26, 2009
The latest (ninth) adventure for Sherlock Holmes and his wife, Mary Russell, begins as they arrive at their home in Sussex after an absence of almost a year. The immediate problem of the missing bees from their farthest beehive means that they don't even get into the house before going to check on the hive.
When they get back to the house and even bigger surprise awaits. Sherlock's son Damian (his mother is Irene Adler!) is waiting on the doorstep with a problem. A big one. It seems his Chinese wife, Yolanda, and four year old daughter have gone missing from their London home.
Now, Holmes never knew he had a son until the boy was grown and his mother had died. And the one and only time that they met, Damian was hateful toward his father. They haven't spoken since. Of course, what can his father do but go and help? He is his father and the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, after all.
Mary is left home and tries to busy herself investigating the bee mystery. Eventually she is sucked into Damian's case and doing sleuthing on her own. With a mind nearly as fine as her husband's, Mary is the perfect partner for the logical Holmes.
I can't recommend this series highly enough, it has been a favorite of mine for many years. Writing does not get any better than the smart, snappy prose of Laurie R. King.
When they get back to the house and even bigger surprise awaits. Sherlock's son Damian (his mother is Irene Adler!) is waiting on the doorstep with a problem. A big one. It seems his Chinese wife, Yolanda, and four year old daughter have gone missing from their London home.
Now, Holmes never knew he had a son until the boy was grown and his mother had died. And the one and only time that they met, Damian was hateful toward his father. They haven't spoken since. Of course, what can his father do but go and help? He is his father and the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, after all.
Mary is left home and tries to busy herself investigating the bee mystery. Eventually she is sucked into Damian's case and doing sleuthing on her own. With a mind nearly as fine as her husband's, Mary is the perfect partner for the logical Holmes.
I can't recommend this series highly enough, it has been a favorite of mine for many years. Writing does not get any better than the smart, snappy prose of Laurie R. King.
November 28, 2022
A really enjoyable read. The tension mounts as Russell and Holmes face personal and professional problems on the track of one of their most vicious adversaries.
This one ends on a thrilling note.
If you love Sherlock Holmes then you need to read this series.
This one ends on a thrilling note.
If you love Sherlock Holmes then you need to read this series.
October 11, 2012
This installment in the adventures of Russell and Holmes finds the pair back in England after an extended absence, dealing with the unexpected appearance of Damian Adler, an artist with a very close connection to Holmes who needs his help.
Against all my expectations, I've very much enjoyed reading this series. King is an excellent writer. Her prose is great, her characters interesting and she can weave a plot with the best of them. It was disappointing, therefore, to find myself underwhelmed by this particular work. I'm not sure what made me feel that way. The novel started out strongly and while the excursion into beekeeping technicalities was possibly less than compelling, the appearance of Damian set the scene for an interesting mystery. However, somewhere around the middle of the narrative I started to lose interest. Not enough to put down the book and not enough not to want to read the next one, but enough to make me feel I don't have to rush to find out what happens on the other side of the cliffhanger ending.
Still, even when King's not at her very best, what she writes is well worth reading. This offering falls into the 3-1/2 star range.
July 7, 2023
2 stars. I disapprove heartily, Watson.
For those who don't know, Laurie R. King's Mary Russell series is about a young woman named Mary Russell who marries Sherlock Holmes. This is already enough to set off alarm bells for many Holmes fans who see the great detective as one of the few canonically aro/ace characters in classic literature. It gets worse, though--Mary Russell is 39 years younger than Holmes, and marries him when she's 21 and he's 60. Holmes is her mentor and has been training her and giving her a home since she was 15. IT'S THE GROOMING FOR ME.
I vaguely knew the Mary Russell books were about Sherlock Holmes marrying a former student of his, which I already thought was pretty ick, but I didn't realize the age gap/power dynamic was quite so extreme. Besides, I figured the later books in the series might be okay because they would allow the couple's questionable history stay in the background and just focus on the present-day mysteries. But no, The Language of Bees continually returns to the past to remind us of the Special Circumstances TM of their courtship and marriage; and it just gets too gross for me.
Furthermore, The Language of Bees reveals the "real" reason Holmes gave up his detective career and retired to Sussex was that he was in love with Irene Adler, had an affair with her, got her pregnant, and then she rejected him and he couldn't take the disappointment. In other words, Sherlock Holmes, the greatest detective the world has ever known... gave it all up... just to sulk over a woman whom the original canon makes it clear he was NEVER IN LOVE WITH.
For those who don't know, Laurie R. King's Mary Russell series is about a young woman named Mary Russell who marries Sherlock Holmes. This is already enough to set off alarm bells for many Holmes fans who see the great detective as one of the few canonically aro/ace characters in classic literature. It gets worse, though--Mary Russell is 39 years younger than Holmes, and marries him when she's 21 and he's 60. Holmes is her mentor and has been training her and giving her a home since she was 15. IT'S THE GROOMING FOR ME.
I vaguely knew the Mary Russell books were about Sherlock Holmes marrying a former student of his, which I already thought was pretty ick, but I didn't realize the age gap/power dynamic was quite so extreme. Besides, I figured the later books in the series might be okay because they would allow the couple's questionable history stay in the background and just focus on the present-day mysteries. But no, The Language of Bees continually returns to the past to remind us of the Special Circumstances TM of their courtship and marriage; and it just gets too gross for me.
Furthermore, The Language of Bees reveals the "real" reason Holmes gave up his detective career and retired to Sussex was that he was in love with Irene Adler, had an affair with her, got her pregnant, and then she rejected him and he couldn't take the disappointment. In other words, Sherlock Holmes, the greatest detective the world has ever known... gave it all up... just to sulk over a woman whom the original canon makes it clear he was NEVER IN LOVE WITH.
December 15, 2023
This. Was. So. Long. And yet, in general I find the writing compelling enough to stick with it. In spite of the fact that I’m never convinced by the Holmes-Russell relationship. It always feels off to me. But the scene-setting and sense of drama and peril are quite good. In this one, I was particularly caught by the section involving Mary’s travel by aeroplane (those new-fangled machines of death!) spanning the entire length of Great Britain.
I can’t say these are really mysteries. More like adventures.
The end is a bit of a cliffhanger, so I have the next one ready to go.
I can’t say these are really mysteries. More like adventures.
The end is a bit of a cliffhanger, so I have the next one ready to go.
June 4, 2025
4.5/5.
I have spent much time, when reviewing all the previous books in the series, lamenting the lack of action and tension. But this story was actually engaging, which I did not expect. In fact, I’d almost given up on reading any more of this series. Here we have a real mystery, one that Sherlock Holmes has a significant personal stake in. His son gets in touch and asks Sherlock to find his missing wife and child. There are whispers of a possible cult and it makes a nice change that the setting is England. We spend too long with Mary shuffling around the house and attending to Sherlock’s bees, but even that is a change as they are both normally overseas embroiled in something. It just went on for a bit too long before kicking into gear. That’s why I’ve docked it half a star. There is an exciting finale which sets up the following book nicely, as both Mary and Sherlock are on the run, separately. Hopefully the following books will remain at this standard.
I have spent much time, when reviewing all the previous books in the series, lamenting the lack of action and tension. But this story was actually engaging, which I did not expect. In fact, I’d almost given up on reading any more of this series. Here we have a real mystery, one that Sherlock Holmes has a significant personal stake in. His son gets in touch and asks Sherlock to find his missing wife and child. There are whispers of a possible cult and it makes a nice change that the setting is England. We spend too long with Mary shuffling around the house and attending to Sherlock’s bees, but even that is a change as they are both normally overseas embroiled in something. It just went on for a bit too long before kicking into gear. That’s why I’ve docked it half a star. There is an exciting finale which sets up the following book nicely, as both Mary and Sherlock are on the run, separately. Hopefully the following books will remain at this standard.
October 8, 2014
A load of utter rubbish. That I managed to trawl though to the "end" of this pile of interminable toss still bewilders me. I mean it is really bad. There are no situations in this book that can be remotely seen as thrilling. all problems are solved for the characters before hand so they just waltz through seemingly "tense" situations, need to get into a house, oh just as well I brought my bolt cutters along with me, "Oh I'm sneaking about in a house and the occupant has just opened the door. I know I'll hide in a cupboard and hope she doesn't see me. Oh look she's gone to the loo. I hope she's the type who shuts the door regardless of being on her own in the house. Oh, how fortunate, she does. Well lucky old me I'll just stroll out of then shall I?" etc that kind of thing. It's really a load of drivel. And not only that, it doesn't bloody end. There's a hideous "to be continued" bit at the end. I may be being unfair to this series, this is the first one I've read but I really don't get the relationship between the Mary Russell character and Sherlock Holmes. They're supposedly married. Really? You mean they've actually had time to develop some sort of you know feelings for each other, I'd be suprised if they knew how much sugar they had in their tea. Awful. She seems like an incredibly skilled (for someone who is 25(ish) she has all the skills of a highly trained James Bond style character, how did she find the time? Even Trinity in the Matrix had to get help ,I know I'm crossing genres here but FFS this book is BAD) I've got no intention of reading any more of this series so I'm more than happy in my ignorance about their relationship etc. And Holmes seems to be vaguely aware of her being around, doesn't ever mention Watson and is on the whole incredibly annoying . Not only that Holmes has a son (If you haven't read this book I'm giving the plot details away as a means of saving you, go read something else. Flatpack instructions from Ikea perhaps, there's more tension and drama in those) that somehow has obviously not been worth mentioning in the previous 8 frikking books in the series.
This book is bloody awful. It still doesn't rank as the worst book I've read though (step forward James Herbert and Dan Brown for that)
This book is bloody awful. It still doesn't rank as the worst book I've read though (step forward James Herbert and Dan Brown for that)
May 19, 2022
This remains a favorite cozy comfort reading series for me and this one did not disappoint. The first half is slow, but the last half is faster, and it leaves you instantly wanting to read the next book in the series.
June 23, 2025
From Holmes' monograph "Practical Handbook of Bee Culture: With some Observations upon the Segregation of the Queen":
"In the hive, there can be but one ruler. The queen...is permitted a sole outing in her long life, one brief foray into the blue heights. She chooses a day of singular warmth and clarity, and sings her anticipation, stirring the hive into a state of excitement before she finally launches herself into the sky, pulling the males after her like the tail of a comet. Only the fastest can catch the queen, with her long wings and great strength, which ensures the vigor of their future progeny.
Then she returns to her hive where, if the beekeeper has his way, she spends the remainder of her days, never to fly, never to use her wings, never to see the sky again." (p. 72)
This really has nothing to do with the main plot of "The Language of Bees," and I only include it because I got a little choked up reading it. King's series continues to not only hold my attention, but also continually exceeds my expectations.
"In the hive, there can be but one ruler. The queen...is permitted a sole outing in her long life, one brief foray into the blue heights. She chooses a day of singular warmth and clarity, and sings her anticipation, stirring the hive into a state of excitement before she finally launches herself into the sky, pulling the males after her like the tail of a comet. Only the fastest can catch the queen, with her long wings and great strength, which ensures the vigor of their future progeny.
Then she returns to her hive where, if the beekeeper has his way, she spends the remainder of her days, never to fly, never to use her wings, never to see the sky again." (p. 72)
This really has nothing to do with the main plot of "The Language of Bees," and I only include it because I got a little choked up reading it. King's series continues to not only hold my attention, but also continually exceeds my expectations.
August 1, 2011
Review from Badelynge
The 9th Mary Russell book, or alternatively, you could think of it as the first half of the 9th book as this one ends on a big TBC.
Laurie R King doesn't disappoint very often and this is a very solid addition to the long running series. The last few books have been part of a globe trotting arc as Sherlock Holmes and Russell travel through Asia and America. If you are new to the series and can't get hold of the first book - 1994's The Beekeeper's Apprentice - then you could do worse than dipping your toe in the water with The Language of Bees. It's been nearly a half decade wait since the last book - the superb Locked Rooms from 2005, so there is a subtle element of a reboot here with Russell and her famous other half arriving back in Sussex and those canonical retirement plan bees. The arrival of a long lost son sends Holmes in search of a missing daughter-in-law and granddaughter, leaving Russell alone to contemplate a mystery within one of Sherlock's beehives. The author cleverly weaves bee mythology, psychology, symbolism and science throughout the twisty mysteries that wind through the southern English countryside, creaking under the weight of our Pagan monoliths and ancient sites of druidism. Add a cultural mix of Norse mythology and it's only fitting that the lead up to the deadly climax is preceded by a 'Valkyrie ride' north from London to the Orkney Islands aboard a rickety 1924 Bristol Tourer, piloted by a seemingly unreliable drunken pilot. Great stuff.
The 9th Mary Russell book, or alternatively, you could think of it as the first half of the 9th book as this one ends on a big TBC.
Laurie R King doesn't disappoint very often and this is a very solid addition to the long running series. The last few books have been part of a globe trotting arc as Sherlock Holmes and Russell travel through Asia and America. If you are new to the series and can't get hold of the first book - 1994's The Beekeeper's Apprentice - then you could do worse than dipping your toe in the water with The Language of Bees. It's been nearly a half decade wait since the last book - the superb Locked Rooms from 2005, so there is a subtle element of a reboot here with Russell and her famous other half arriving back in Sussex and those canonical retirement plan bees. The arrival of a long lost son sends Holmes in search of a missing daughter-in-law and granddaughter, leaving Russell alone to contemplate a mystery within one of Sherlock's beehives. The author cleverly weaves bee mythology, psychology, symbolism and science throughout the twisty mysteries that wind through the southern English countryside, creaking under the weight of our Pagan monoliths and ancient sites of druidism. Add a cultural mix of Norse mythology and it's only fitting that the lead up to the deadly climax is preceded by a 'Valkyrie ride' north from London to the Orkney Islands aboard a rickety 1924 Bristol Tourer, piloted by a seemingly unreliable drunken pilot. Great stuff.
May 10, 2009
The Russell/Holmes books are some of my favorite books out there -- I absolutely love this series.
That being said, I have to say this one wasn't tops on my list. Others in the series, like 'O Jerusalem', 'Justice Hall', and the very first, 'The Beekeeper's Apprentice', were pretty much unputdownable. This started a bit slow, picked up around 100 pages in, with me mentally settling in and thinking, 'Ah, here we go!' but then it just never completely took off. I felt the mystery wasn't that mysterious -- not for me, at least -- and I wasn't crazy about the subject matter. Creepy human sacrificial pseudo-religious themes aren't my favorite when it comes to mysteries. I felt that Russell and Holmes were acting out of character as well. I guess in Holmes' defense, he could've been off his game because of the issue of it involving his son, but Mary seemed very un-Mary-like in parts. She floundered a bit, not showing the determined initiative that I love so much about her character. Could this be related to her experiences in San Francisco? Maybe.
The cliffhanger ending frustrated me! I was ready to see a neat little conclusion with the icky Brothers, but not so. I'm assuming the next book will just pick right up and continue on with the story, but I'm not feeling very anticipatory at this point.
I always love Russell and Holmes; it's just that I didn't love this one like I've loved others in the past.
That being said, I have to say this one wasn't tops on my list. Others in the series, like 'O Jerusalem', 'Justice Hall', and the very first, 'The Beekeeper's Apprentice', were pretty much unputdownable. This started a bit slow, picked up around 100 pages in, with me mentally settling in and thinking, 'Ah, here we go!' but then it just never completely took off. I felt the mystery wasn't that mysterious -- not for me, at least -- and I wasn't crazy about the subject matter. Creepy human sacrificial pseudo-religious themes aren't my favorite when it comes to mysteries. I felt that Russell and Holmes were acting out of character as well. I guess in Holmes' defense, he could've been off his game because of the issue of it involving his son, but Mary seemed very un-Mary-like in parts. She floundered a bit, not showing the determined initiative that I love so much about her character. Could this be related to her experiences in San Francisco? Maybe.
The cliffhanger ending frustrated me! I was ready to see a neat little conclusion with the icky Brothers, but not so. I'm assuming the next book will just pick right up and continue on with the story, but I'm not feeling very anticipatory at this point.
I always love Russell and Holmes; it's just that I didn't love this one like I've loved others in the past.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2009
actually i only read the first two chapters online, since the book only comes out by the end of april!
it promises to be fantastic according to these chapters!
this is a real pageturner! just right, not too bloody, not too cozy, like i said, just right! and so british i simply love it, even made me have toast and orangemarmelade for breakfast!
i loved it, but there are some loose ends, thank god there will be a sequel!
it promises to be fantastic according to these chapters!
this is a real pageturner! just right, not too bloody, not too cozy, like i said, just right! and so british i simply love it, even made me have toast and orangemarmelade for breakfast!
i loved it, but there are some loose ends, thank god there will be a sequel!
November 8, 2024
I’m usually all in on the Russell/Holmes collaborations but found this one lacking.
I was immediately intrigued to find out that Holmes had a son who is a talented artist. Father and son fail to connect on a personal level until Damian is forced to seek his father’s assistance when his wife disappears. Curiously, Mary seems ambivalent about the existence of her husband’s newly discovered son, especially as he’s the product of Holmes’ affair with Irene Adler, the woman he loved and lost. There’s a decided lack of emotion between Mary and Sherlock for the first time in their relationship that distanced me from two of my favorite characters.
While Holmes was off with Damian for most of the book, Mary spent more time with Mycroft than in previous stories. I enjoyed watching the two pore over clues and work together for the first time without Sherlock as a buffer. They made a great team and I hope to see more interactions like this in future episodes.
I found the clues themselves to be confusing and obscure. The constant references to various deaths, both human and animal, made my head spin and I often lost sight of the mystery at the root of the story. And what happened to the bees? They were completely dropped from the tale the moment Mary left Suffolk. Was the lost hive just a diversion?
Finally, what was up with that ending? Everything was left completely up in the air. I felt like the author got tired of the story and decided to just close it down with no resolution. Not the best book in this series.
I was immediately intrigued to find out that Holmes had a son who is a talented artist. Father and son fail to connect on a personal level until Damian is forced to seek his father’s assistance when his wife disappears. Curiously, Mary seems ambivalent about the existence of her husband’s newly discovered son, especially as he’s the product of Holmes’ affair with Irene Adler, the woman he loved and lost. There’s a decided lack of emotion between Mary and Sherlock for the first time in their relationship that distanced me from two of my favorite characters.
While Holmes was off with Damian for most of the book, Mary spent more time with Mycroft than in previous stories. I enjoyed watching the two pore over clues and work together for the first time without Sherlock as a buffer. They made a great team and I hope to see more interactions like this in future episodes.
I found the clues themselves to be confusing and obscure. The constant references to various deaths, both human and animal, made my head spin and I often lost sight of the mystery at the root of the story. And what happened to the bees? They were completely dropped from the tale the moment Mary left Suffolk. Was the lost hive just a diversion?
Finally, what was up with that ending? Everything was left completely up in the air. I felt like the author got tired of the story and decided to just close it down with no resolution. Not the best book in this series.
March 31, 2021
4.5 stars
This was a very solid book, but it was more of a standard mystery than some of the previous books. And compared to Locked Rooms which was so emotional, this was somewhat less intense, even though the topic was Sherlock Holmes' son by Irene Adler. They refer to a former case when they first met him, but I don't know if this was supposed to be the first reference in this series or if I somehow missed something in earlier books. I don't think so and they give quite a bit of information about it, so it wasn't like I was lost. I love the weaving of art and religion into the story and the tension that occurs between Mary (who is knowledgeable and considerate of the religious aspects) and the Holmes brothers who have a tendency to want to dismiss the religious aspects. Still, I'm glad Mary Russell gets to lend her expertise in this way. There were definitely moments in this one where I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen. The ending is somewhat abrupt, and I know there is more to come, so I have the next book queued up and ready to go!
This was a very solid book, but it was more of a standard mystery than some of the previous books. And compared to Locked Rooms which was so emotional, this was somewhat less intense, even though the topic was Sherlock Holmes' son by Irene Adler. They refer to a former case when they first met him, but I don't know if this was supposed to be the first reference in this series or if I somehow missed something in earlier books. I don't think so and they give quite a bit of information about it, so it wasn't like I was lost. I love the weaving of art and religion into the story and the tension that occurs between Mary (who is knowledgeable and considerate of the religious aspects) and the Holmes brothers who have a tendency to want to dismiss the religious aspects. Still, I'm glad Mary Russell gets to lend her expertise in this way. There were definitely moments in this one where I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen. The ending is somewhat abrupt, and I know there is more to come, so I have the next book queued up and ready to go!
April 4, 2020
I enjoy these mysteries so much! Can't wait to start the next one.
November 23, 2020
Another really interesting and fast paced adventure with references to the infamous Irene Adler and Holmes’ past life. I like having Mary centre stage and there were clever glimpses of aspects of her character unlocked in the last book . I particularly liked the aeroplane journeys and the references to Damian Adler’s paintings. The occult plot line traversing the length of Britain ending at the Stenness Stones, alluding to Crowley , and secret organisations is fascinating. The only draw back is that I need the next book straight away...
January 15, 2025
3.5 stars
April 1, 2017
This book has been on my shelf for years and is from one of my favorite series but I've been dragging my feet on picking it up for quite some time. I think the main reason was because I was afraid I wouldn't remember what had happened in the previous books and I felt like I should reread them but there was no way I was going to have time for that as much as I'd like too. So I decided to bite the bullet and just go for it and I'm so glad I did. While I don't remember the specifics of their adventures in India and America I found that I didn't really need too. I remember Mary and Holmes just fine and was glad to jump back into adventures with them and I was very pleased to see more of Mycroft.
After some a few rough adventures Mary and Sherlock are glad to be home in Sussex and not have to worry about anything other than why the bees have abandoned one of the hives. They're both sore and exhausted and Mary's confidence in herself has been severely shaken. But as soon as they put down their suitcases adventure finds them with the appearance of Holmes' recently discovered son and the disappearance of the son's wife and child who Holmes and Mary didn't even know existed.
From here on out we spend the most time in Mary's head. First as she tries to keep herself busy and then becomes involved in the mystery and is still dealing with her crisis of confidence after mistakes that occurred before the book takes place. To be honest, I didn't remember the details of what had happened but it didn't keep me from understanding what she was feeling and enjoying the story.
The mystery itself was solid, well paced, and interesting which is what I expect from the series. I enjoyed seeing more of Mycroft but did miss Holmes and Mary together as they spend the bulk of the book apart. The book does end on a dreaded To Be Continued BUT in this case it didn't bother me. While I am looking forward to starting the next book and learning what happens next I was satisfied with the resolution of the original mystery.
If you're looking for a smart mystery series with wit and brain this is definitely one to pick up. I think you could jump in at this book without too much trouble but the earlier books are really fantastic. It does feature Sherlock Holmes and while I do enjoy both the BBC and American television adaptations and have read an enjoyed several of the stories I am by no means a Holmes expert and cannot vouch for how closely it stays to the original character.
Full Review: http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot...
After some a few rough adventures Mary and Sherlock are glad to be home in Sussex and not have to worry about anything other than why the bees have abandoned one of the hives. They're both sore and exhausted and Mary's confidence in herself has been severely shaken. But as soon as they put down their suitcases adventure finds them with the appearance of Holmes' recently discovered son and the disappearance of the son's wife and child who Holmes and Mary didn't even know existed.
From here on out we spend the most time in Mary's head. First as she tries to keep herself busy and then becomes involved in the mystery and is still dealing with her crisis of confidence after mistakes that occurred before the book takes place. To be honest, I didn't remember the details of what had happened but it didn't keep me from understanding what she was feeling and enjoying the story.
The mystery itself was solid, well paced, and interesting which is what I expect from the series. I enjoyed seeing more of Mycroft but did miss Holmes and Mary together as they spend the bulk of the book apart. The book does end on a dreaded To Be Continued BUT in this case it didn't bother me. While I am looking forward to starting the next book and learning what happens next I was satisfied with the resolution of the original mystery.
If you're looking for a smart mystery series with wit and brain this is definitely one to pick up. I think you could jump in at this book without too much trouble but the earlier books are really fantastic. It does feature Sherlock Holmes and while I do enjoy both the BBC and American television adaptations and have read an enjoyed several of the stories I am by no means a Holmes expert and cannot vouch for how closely it stays to the original character.
Full Review: http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot...
May 19, 2021
Mary and Sherlock are just home from months abroad when Sherlock's son Damian Adler comes to ask for their help finding his missing wife and child. Sherlock wasn't aware of Damian's existence until 1919 when he and Mary worked to clear him of a murder charge.
Damian was a war hero, a drug addict, and a Bohemian painter. He greatly resented Holmes for his neglect and for his mother's unhappiness. He felt that Holmes should have know of his existence. As soon as he was cleared of the murder charge, he disappeared.
Now it is 1924 and Damian is back with his attitude toward Holmes pretty much unchanged. Adler and Holmes disappear to London to look for his family leaving Mary behind to work on the mystery of the hive of bees that had been abandoned. After a few days of working on that mystery, Mary decides to head to London to begin her own investigation.
Mary learns that Damian's wife Yolanda was fascinated by a wide variety of religions and belief systems. Mary discovers her relationship with the Children of Lights whose theology is a mash-up of many other beliefs including Norse mythology. She becomes convinced that their holy book is the work of a madman and she fears that Damian might be the author.
When Yolanda is found dead - murdered - at an ancient historical site, Mary and Sherlock begin looking at other odd events at historical sites to try to find out if her death was one in a pattern. Meanwhile, Holmes is looking for Damian who left him during their investigation.
This story was filled with great detail about the Bohemian movement and the art scene in London for those who were called Surrealists. I loved the descriptions of Damian's art work though I wouldn't want them in my living room any more than Mary did.
The tension builds as the story progresses until Mary is forced to fly from London to the Orkneys with a military pilot and through massively difficult weather to try to beat the villain to his final sacrificial site and save Damian and his daughter's lives. The descriptions made me feel that I was there along with Mary during that harrowing flight.
The only thing I didn't like about the story was the cliffhanger ending. I am very grateful that the next book is available for me and that I didn't have to wait a year for it.
Damian was a war hero, a drug addict, and a Bohemian painter. He greatly resented Holmes for his neglect and for his mother's unhappiness. He felt that Holmes should have know of his existence. As soon as he was cleared of the murder charge, he disappeared.
Now it is 1924 and Damian is back with his attitude toward Holmes pretty much unchanged. Adler and Holmes disappear to London to look for his family leaving Mary behind to work on the mystery of the hive of bees that had been abandoned. After a few days of working on that mystery, Mary decides to head to London to begin her own investigation.
Mary learns that Damian's wife Yolanda was fascinated by a wide variety of religions and belief systems. Mary discovers her relationship with the Children of Lights whose theology is a mash-up of many other beliefs including Norse mythology. She becomes convinced that their holy book is the work of a madman and she fears that Damian might be the author.
When Yolanda is found dead - murdered - at an ancient historical site, Mary and Sherlock begin looking at other odd events at historical sites to try to find out if her death was one in a pattern. Meanwhile, Holmes is looking for Damian who left him during their investigation.
This story was filled with great detail about the Bohemian movement and the art scene in London for those who were called Surrealists. I loved the descriptions of Damian's art work though I wouldn't want them in my living room any more than Mary did.
The tension builds as the story progresses until Mary is forced to fly from London to the Orkneys with a military pilot and through massively difficult weather to try to beat the villain to his final sacrificial site and save Damian and his daughter's lives. The descriptions made me feel that I was there along with Mary during that harrowing flight.
The only thing I didn't like about the story was the cliffhanger ending. I am very grateful that the next book is available for me and that I didn't have to wait a year for it.
February 4, 2010
I'm on a thorough Sherlock Holmes kick. Particularly, one about the women in his life.
In canon, Mr. Doyle really didn't have much to say about women. But between the movie (full of the worst Irene Adler in history), the Enola Holmes books (must read), and now The Language of Bees (about Sherlock's wife and Irene Adler and his granddaughter), Sherlock's is very much a woman's world right now.
I quite enjoyed this book, just as much as I did the movie, and for many of the same reasons. It's high pulp, exquisite and galloping. We've got human sacrifice, Neolithic stone circles, cults and ceremonial daggers, a wild aeroplane flight in a hurricane, spontaneous disguises and long-lost sons dropping out of the woodwork. It's awesome.
The Man Himself isn't in the book, much. It's mostly Mary in this one, which suits me just fine. Mary is wrestling with a lot of issues and doing it in fine style. She's shaken from the past year, but finding her feet again and I like spending time in her mind.
Mycroft continues to be the Edwardian equivalent of a "geek in the box," someone to whom you can throw random queries and expect an answer except as suits the plot. I rather enjoy him in this role.
My only complaint about the book is the ending. Ms. King had been knitting the story up into a nice knot, all unraveled ends neatly tucked in, when suddenly, and without cause (seeming), she snaps the whole damned mess loose, Mary and the little girl make a mad dash through the night, and the slaps a "to be continued..." on the end.
My friend had warned me about this but I'd forgotten and it came as a nasty shock. I'm put out. I'm also, as I imagine she wanted me to be, champing at the bit for the next book. If it doesn't go haring off to Shanhai, I will be sorely wroth.
I'm also hoping that she takes some time to talk about what happened in Japan.
In canon, Mr. Doyle really didn't have much to say about women. But between the movie (full of the worst Irene Adler in history), the Enola Holmes books (must read), and now The Language of Bees (about Sherlock's wife and Irene Adler and his granddaughter), Sherlock's is very much a woman's world right now.
I quite enjoyed this book, just as much as I did the movie, and for many of the same reasons. It's high pulp, exquisite and galloping. We've got human sacrifice, Neolithic stone circles, cults and ceremonial daggers, a wild aeroplane flight in a hurricane, spontaneous disguises and long-lost sons dropping out of the woodwork. It's awesome.
The Man Himself isn't in the book, much. It's mostly Mary in this one, which suits me just fine. Mary is wrestling with a lot of issues and doing it in fine style. She's shaken from the past year, but finding her feet again and I like spending time in her mind.
Mycroft continues to be the Edwardian equivalent of a "geek in the box," someone to whom you can throw random queries and expect an answer except as suits the plot. I rather enjoy him in this role.
My only complaint about the book is the ending. Ms. King had been knitting the story up into a nice knot, all unraveled ends neatly tucked in, when suddenly, and without cause (seeming), she snaps the whole damned mess loose, Mary and the little girl make a mad dash through the night, and the slaps a "to be continued..." on the end.
My friend had warned me about this but I'd forgotten and it came as a nasty shock. I'm put out. I'm also, as I imagine she wanted me to be, champing at the bit for the next book. If it doesn't go haring off to Shanhai, I will be sorely wroth.
I'm also hoping that she takes some time to talk about what happened in Japan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2009
This isn't my favorite of the Mary Russell books, but it does add to our knowledge of Sherlock Holmes (was in love with an actress, Irene Adler as a young man; he has a son, Damian, unknown to him until 1919 and whose whereabouts have been unknown since then). When Damian Adler, shows up in Sussex at the Holmes/Russell home on the day that they have returned from a long time away, both Holmes and Russell are surprised that he is there, but relieved that he is alive and apparently well. He has come to them for help locating his wife, Yolanda, and daughter, Estelle. Holmes agrees and sets of with his son to begin the search, but within a few days, Damian, himself goes missing, and Yolanda is discovered dead, with her throat slit at the site of some ancient religious stones. Damian's lack of complete openness about his wife, together with the fact that he has been twice charged with murder in the past, he has struggled with drug addiction since he was a teen, and he is a painter of disturbing surrealist art make him a strong suspect in his wife's murder. The mystery itself does not have many surprises, and the action is a bit slow, but it is interesting to see how Russell and Holmes with the help of Holmes's brother Mycroft put together the evidence they need to determine who the murderer is and to find him before he can do more damage. This book does not have a strong conclusion, but rather raises questions and some suspense that will have to wait for the next installment for resolution.
October 2, 2009
The Mary Russell series of books is one of my favorites and this entry does not disappoint. In my opinion, few authors have been able to take a successful fictional character which another author has created and and make that character work for them. Laurie R. King has done so with Sherlock Holmes. I am not usually a fan of the May/December romance concept but this author makes one believe that here are two very unusual people who, had they not found each other, would probably each have lived out their lives without knowing the love and intimacy of marriage. They seem to be true partners in every sense of the word despite their forty year age difference.
In this novel, Holmes develops a relationship with the son he barely knows when he and Mary agree to help him discover what has happened to his missing wife and daughter. In the process, we glimpse the inner workings of a bizarre religious cult, the Bohemian culture of London in the 1920s and we get to travel to various historical sites of old Britain. We also must wonder along with Mary if Holmes is blind to the possibility of his son's possible involvement in any wrongdoing.
Here are adventure and intrigue of the highest order.
In this novel, Holmes develops a relationship with the son he barely knows when he and Mary agree to help him discover what has happened to his missing wife and daughter. In the process, we glimpse the inner workings of a bizarre religious cult, the Bohemian culture of London in the 1920s and we get to travel to various historical sites of old Britain. We also must wonder along with Mary if Holmes is blind to the possibility of his son's possible involvement in any wrongdoing.
Here are adventure and intrigue of the highest order.
August 5, 2009
I need to re-read the Mary Russell series - many of the references from this entry (#9) back to previous books went over my head. It's been awhile!
But it's still an excellent mystery on its own. Russell and Holmes investigate a man's missing family -- complicated by the identity of the man himself, someone closely related to Holmes. Holmes wants to protect him, so Mary and Mycroft (Sherlock's brother) find themselves leading major portions of the investigation to try and keep him from discovering any bad news himself.
One of the things I enjoy most about this series is the time period and setting of 1920s Great Britain. This particular novel delves into the religious movements of the time and, as usual, the role women played in the evolving post-war society and economy. Art and technology are major players, too, pulling together to help define the time and place.
As Library Journal would say, this one is Highly Recommended. If you're just getting to know Mary, though, I suggest starting at the beginning. This series is the sort where each book builds on the one before to create a full picture of the main characters and their relationship.
But it's still an excellent mystery on its own. Russell and Holmes investigate a man's missing family -- complicated by the identity of the man himself, someone closely related to Holmes. Holmes wants to protect him, so Mary and Mycroft (Sherlock's brother) find themselves leading major portions of the investigation to try and keep him from discovering any bad news himself.
One of the things I enjoy most about this series is the time period and setting of 1920s Great Britain. This particular novel delves into the religious movements of the time and, as usual, the role women played in the evolving post-war society and economy. Art and technology are major players, too, pulling together to help define the time and place.
As Library Journal would say, this one is Highly Recommended. If you're just getting to know Mary, though, I suggest starting at the beginning. This series is the sort where each book builds on the one before to create a full picture of the main characters and their relationship.
March 27, 2021
Initially I didn't realize going in that this book is a TBC, so that threw off the ending. In many ways this was a really good book, but the mystery revolves around some nasty people, so it wasn't always fun to read. And I felt I was never able to nail down the antagonist's personality like I wanted to, but that may happen more in the next book. There was enough of an ending to keep me from wanting to throw the book across the room, lol, but still the pace of a two-volume story is naturally different.
I enjoyed Sherlock, Mary, and Damien in this. I liked how D & S's relationship developed; trust/mistrust, like/dislike. It felt real. And I appreciated how Mary handled SH's situation. I also found it interesting reading about them moving around England, "visiting" a lot of places I've visited, and I appreciated how King immerses you in the feel of the times, without ever losing track of her story. I've been reading a lot about the Lindberghs recently, (same time frame), and Mary's flight at the end of the book was realistic and fun.
It's a good entry in the series, just be prepared for the fact that this story isn't over in this book. :)
I enjoyed Sherlock, Mary, and Damien in this. I liked how D & S's relationship developed; trust/mistrust, like/dislike. It felt real. And I appreciated how Mary handled SH's situation. I also found it interesting reading about them moving around England, "visiting" a lot of places I've visited, and I appreciated how King immerses you in the feel of the times, without ever losing track of her story. I've been reading a lot about the Lindberghs recently, (same time frame), and Mary's flight at the end of the book was realistic and fun.
It's a good entry in the series, just be prepared for the fact that this story isn't over in this book. :)
September 3, 2025
Religious fanaticism and family drama abound in this installment of the Mary Russell series. No sooner have Mary Russell and her husband, Sherlock Holmes, returned from an extended trip abroad when they are visited from a shocking visitor from Holmes' past, a person who will send the married detectives on a frantic race from one end of Britain to the other, one step behind a religious fanatic and one step ahead of the police - including their friend Lestrade.
The first time I read this installment, I remember perhaps not liking it quite as much as I did its predecessors, perhaps mostly because Russell and Holmes spent so much of the story apart - they're at their best when they're together, IMO - but this second read did much to rectify my issues as I was able to focus on the story and what it was, rather than what it was not. And I very much enjoyed it, much as I did its predecessors. It is every bit as intriguing as the others, and the tinge of the personal that hangs over Russell and Holmes' investigations gives it an edge that is both similar and dissimilar to the events of Locked Rooms. A great read!
The first time I read this installment, I remember perhaps not liking it quite as much as I did its predecessors, perhaps mostly because Russell and Holmes spent so much of the story apart - they're at their best when they're together, IMO - but this second read did much to rectify my issues as I was able to focus on the story and what it was, rather than what it was not. And I very much enjoyed it, much as I did its predecessors. It is every bit as intriguing as the others, and the tinge of the personal that hangs over Russell and Holmes' investigations gives it an edge that is both similar and dissimilar to the events of Locked Rooms. A great read!
July 7, 2018
The 9th book of the series..and we finally have a cliff hanger. The book doesn't end!!! Not that I wasn't going to finish reading the series but I have now started reading 2-3 books between each book in this series to enjoy each book and I really have to go get the next book and start it right away. This book is about a very personal mystery involving Holmes son Damian Alder. It really does fit in a good place in the series right after we spend a book learning about Russell's past. It was fun to learn about how an airplane flight in bad weather would go on early airplanes. Wow, it was a crazy ride. The end of the book leaves us with a man who isn't murdered, an injured man, Russell and Holmes separated and not knowing what is going on. I can't wait to see how they finish this story.
October 14, 2019
A good addition to the Holmes/Russell canon, but not my favorite. Too much family stuff. I prefer the more intellectually-oriented ones, e.g. A Letter of Mary or A Monstrous Regiment of Women.
February 2, 2010
In this installment we learn that Sherlock Holmes has an adult son, Damian, by Irene Adler, his former lover, and a granddaughter. Holmes learns about his son when his son comes to him for help.
The Language of Bees had the potential of being a 5 star book but the author included details, I felt, not relevant to the story.
The Language of Bees had the potential of being a 5 star book but the author included details, I felt, not relevant to the story.
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