I have always loved detective stories as far back as I can remember. I can always see my dad reading a Tom Clancy novel and, of course, who can forget about Harrison Ford in Clear and Present Danger. But I have never felt such intellectual joy as I have when reading Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. I first read the series when I was thirteen and have since collected as many books as possible, even those not written by Doyle. It's fascinating to see how other authors portray Holmes and Watson. However, my absolute favorite so far has been Miss Laurie R King. Instead of writing new stories, King writes about Holmes after he "retires", when he meets young Mary Russell. Actually the series follows Mary and Holmes is a secondary character but their relationship is still remarkable to me. So I am happy (and slightly sad) that I am writing a review about her ninth book in the series, The Language of Bees, as I feel it would be biased of me to return to the beginning knowing when Mary and Holmes are now.
The Language of Bees begins with Mary and Holmes returning to their home in Sussex after a long journey elsewhere. Upon their arrival, they discover a known stranger waiting for them. Damian Adler, a Surrealist painter, whom they met years ago has stumbled upon their doorsteps in the hopes that Holmes will help him find his missing wife and daughter. Given that his wife is prone to absences for "religious adventures" it seems slightly odd that Damian would ask for help. However, something set off warning bells, so Holmes disembarks to assist, leaving Mary alone at home to figure out a different mystery. What has happened to one of his beehives? As the novel expands, Mary is drawn into the missing women theme, more for her feelings for Holmes than any other reason. And it seems she is very sorely needed, as there appear to be a very dark and very dangerous religious aspect to the mystery.
I fell in love with Mary Russell in the first book, The Beekeeper's Apprentice, because she was such an independent and intelligent woman. Throughout the series, King has more than managed to make Mary Russell a relatable character but to also make her a role model. It seems difficult to imagine women portrayed like Mary in 1924, but she is so well written and expressionist that she just makes the books more enjoyable. Her sassiness to both Holmes brothers, and how she makes Sherlock think in new directions is beautiful. She is the new (and improved) Watson that Sherlock desperately needed. I don't want to give more away because I want to entice people to read this series, so trust me when I saw it is truly, truly amazing.
I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars, because King has managed to capture Holmes in the way I always viewed him in Doyle's work. However, she has made him age. A fact that I never saw with Doyle. I always thought Holmes was ageless and invincible. King makes him a person, and adds more personable touches to his character as well as others in the Sherlock Holmes stories. However, it is her own character Mary Russell who steal the show.
The Language of Bees begins with Mary and Holmes returning to their home in Sussex after a long journey elsewhere. Upon their arrival, they discover a known stranger waiting for them. Damian Adler, a Surrealist painter, whom they met years ago has stumbled upon their doorsteps in the hopes that Holmes will help him find his missing wife and daughter. Given that his wife is prone to absences for "religious adventures" it seems slightly odd that Damian would ask for help. However, something set off warning bells, so Holmes disembarks to assist, leaving Mary alone at home to figure out a different mystery. What has happened to one of his beehives? As the novel expands, Mary is drawn into the missing women theme, more for her feelings for Holmes than any other reason. And it seems she is very sorely needed, as there appear to be a very dark and very dangerous religious aspect to the mystery.
I fell in love with Mary Russell in the first book, The Beekeeper's Apprentice, because she was such an independent and intelligent woman. Throughout the series, King has more than managed to make Mary Russell a relatable character but to also make her a role model. It seems difficult to imagine women portrayed like Mary in 1924, but she is so well written and expressionist that she just makes the books more enjoyable. Her sassiness to both Holmes brothers, and how she makes Sherlock think in new directions is beautiful. She is the new (and improved) Watson that Sherlock desperately needed. I don't want to give more away because I want to entice people to read this series, so trust me when I saw it is truly, truly amazing.
I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars, because King has managed to capture Holmes in the way I always viewed him in Doyle's work. However, she has made him age. A fact that I never saw with Doyle. I always thought Holmes was ageless and invincible. King makes him a person, and adds more personable touches to his character as well as others in the Sherlock Holmes stories. However, it is her own character Mary Russell who steal the show.
Comments
Post a Comment