Crime, Mysteries & Thrillers discussion

Hello fellow Crime, Mystery & Thriller readers! This discussion is about The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King, your discussion leader is GEM.

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about spoilers

Please note: If you have not finished reading the book spoilers are permitted in this discussion from the start.
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Summary

Long retired, Sherlock Holmes quietly pursues his study of honeybee behavior on the Sussex Downs. He never imagines he would encounter anyone whose intellect matched his own, much less an audacious teenage girl with a penchant for detection. Miss Mary Russell becomes Holmes's pupil and quickly hones her talent for deduction, disguises and danger. But when an elusive villain enters the picture, their partnership is put to a real test.

Hi folks! I'll be leading the discussion of The Beekeeper's Apprentice. I've only begun reading it today, so I'll be back once I get a little further into the book.

I haven't made much progress as yet, but I am enjoying what I've read. Is anyone else reading this?

I read this years ago and would be happy to join in a conversation. I love the concept of the young woman matching wits (in a positive way) with the great Sherlock Holmes.

I have had this on my list to read for a while now, I would like to join in.

Started reading today. I already like Mary, and I think the author is doing a good job with Holmes too.

I like how after the character introduction chapters it has taken on the short story case feel of the original Holmes collections. More an anthology type story within the novel.

The main character is such a Mary Sue, and by taking away Holmes' flaws, the author has made him less interesting. I'm halfway through, and I just am not loving it. I'm glad that other people are, but to me the characters lack dimension.

Liked it a lot!

I enjoyed the story. I am happy to see that it is a reasonably long series. All the other books will be added to my To Be Read list.

I am only on chapter 12, but I find it a great distraction even though I don't maintain focus for too long. I have to say that I had to struggle with the character attending Oxford since women were not allowed until 1979. Yes, in 1979.

Just a note about women attending Oxford. As I understand it, they could attend lectures but, until 1920, were not allowed to graduate. The following is from the Oxford archives:

"Before October 1920, women were not allowed to matriculate (i.e. be admitted to become members of the University) or to graduate. From the late 1870s, women had attended lectures, taken examinations, and had gained honours in those examinations. They were, however, unable to receive the degree to which, had they been men, their examinations would have entitled them." (https://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/oua/enq...)

Sad discrimination, nonetheless!

Oxford was a seat of learning well before the college was created by King Henry VII. It’s center of knowledge was found by a woman. The term college meant guarded dormitory because the town’s people keep killing the students (sons of the rich). Oxford is shockingly draconian today IMHO. The architecture is so beautiful and I enjoyed reminiscing about my visit to the library. It is in Harry Potter.

If you are not matriculated you are not giving and credit for attending, even if you audit multiple courses