The God of the Hive by Laurie R King

The tenth novel in the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series by Laurie R King entitled The God of The Hive, starts off where the ninth ended. Holmes has spirited away with an injured Damian, while Mary must take on the responsibilities of three year old Estelle. With the two now separated, Mary finds it difficult to know what is going on? What was once just a case of a religious madman has turned into something even more dangerous. Exactly where is, and what could have happened to, Mycroft Holmes? And what part does a fanciful man in the woods play?

Again Laurie King is more than capable of painting a wonderful picture of a strong, independent woman. Mary must handle herself but also that of a child. She ponders more than once about the responsibilities of being a mother but her duty also to justice. While she cannot bring herself to leave Estelle somewhere that she might be safer, Mary is also practical enough to know that no matter what she does Estelle's safety takes priority. The child, herself, however is a little harder to grasp if you do not know Sherlock Holmes. While there are a couple of places where it seems Mary's descriptions are meant for a child older than three, there are points that Mary refers to over and over again to remind the reader of who Estelle actually is.

The dynamic between the brothers Sherlock and Mycroft still isn't explored more like I would wish but there is an undercurrent. The brothers know each other quite well and have many similar characteristics that it is easy to see their affection. Though it may not seem like it to anyone who has never read about the Holmes brothers. I wish I could go more into this but I don't want to release any spoilers.

Overall I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars because of the continued picture of a strong woman, a wonderfully thrilling crime novel, and a beautiful current of ebb and flowing emotions.

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