Audible Book Review: The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes #1) by Laurie R. King

This was very engaging and fun!

The Beekeeper's Apprentice
(Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes #1)
by Laurie R. King
Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin

Length: 13 hrs and 29 mins
Published July 1st 2005 by Recorded Books
(first published January 15th 1994)
Genre: Detective Mystery, Historical Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

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' 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.

Review:
Mary Russell has lost her family and is living in her country home with her difficult Aunt. Mary spends most of her time with her nose in a book… even as she walks the meadows. She is surprised to stumble upon a man in the pasture who is studying bees. When she realizes the neighbor is none other than the renowned Sherlock Holmes, Mary is intent on becoming his pupil.

Holmes has become mostly reclusive and didn’t expect to take on a pupil/protégé – especially a young female! He helps hone Mary’s abilities especially during the summers and holidays when she leaves her school in Oxford to visit her friend in the country.

Holmes and Russell team together to rescue a kidnapped child. Several years into their relationship, Holmes and Russell find themselves dodging bomb attacks. They have to go into hiding to gather the evidence to uncover and fight the assailant.

I totally enjoyed this story told from the view of Mary Russell as a brilliant mind jousting with the legendary acumen of Sherlock Holmes. I admit it has been some years since I read The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (once as a teen/college student and again as a mature adult over 40), but I remember always loving the details and the plodding discovery of clues and deductive reasoning towards solving each mystery. I liked that Ms. King’s retired Sherlock is not quite as tainted or drug loving as he was when younger. His mind is just as keen and sharpened by the perceptive intelligence of young Mary. I am inclined to pick up more books in the series. This was an engaging read/listen and I highly recommend it to Sherlockian fans.

Audio Notes: Jenny Sterlin does a great job with the narration. She provides distinct voices with accents that fit the story and characters. Her narration helped me become immersed in the story.

Source: September 2011 Audible purchase. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Ethereal Squadron: A Wartime Fantasy (The Sorcerers of Verdun)

I totally enjoyed this alternate history military fantasy.
The Ethereal Squadron: A Wartime Fantasy (The Sorcerers of Verdun)
by Shami Stovall

File Size: 3713 KB
Print Length: 327 pages
Publisher: TCK Publishing (December 26, 2018)
ASIN: B07KWT5BHK
Genre: Action, Historical Fantasy, Historical Military
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

SOLDIERS, SORCERERS, AND MONSTERS...THIS IS WORLD WAR ONE LIKE YOU’VE NEVER IMAGINED IT.
It’s 1916, and the world is on fire.
The Great War has already consumed much of the globe, but a second, secret war between sorcerers threatens to crack it in two. The ruling families of Germany and Austria-Hungary, those with the chill of magic in their blood, will stop at nothing in their quest for power, and they’ve drawn the entire world into a bloody war because of it.
But Florence Cavell—codename Geist—means to stop them. She had to defy her family, cut her hair, and disguise herself as a man to join the legendary Ethereal Squadron: a joint US-UK division of the allied powers’ mightiest sorcerers. Armed with her powerful specter sorcery, which allows her to “ghost” through bullets and barbed wire alike, Geist fights a tireless battle to end the war once and for all.
But then the Germans unleash the Grave-Maker Gas, a concoction so deadly it destroys everything it touches and transforms even the strongest sorcerers into terrible monsters. Even her ghostly magic can’t resist the gas’s corrosive power, and it costs Geist everything she loves—her team, her friends, even the use of an arm.
This is the new weapon that could end the war—and give the Germans the world.
Now Geist must risk it all to lead a new team deep into hostile territory to discover the source of this terrifying new technology before the enemy sets it loose upon the world. Will she be able to stop the Grave-Maker Gas before it’s too late...or will the secrets of her past finally catch up with her?

Review:
Florence Cavell has special specter sorcery skills that come in handy by allowing her to “ghost” through bullets, barbed wire and more. This gained her the code name ”Geist”. All of her Ethereal team mates are named after their powers, and each one has a special skill that helps them succeed as a team. Geist returns from a devastating battle where she learned of a horrendous new weapon in use by the Germans and lost members of her team to the corrosive, skin eating gas.

At first it is hard for even her superior to believe and understand the horror of the Grave-Maker Gas. It is crucial to find a way to combat or stop the gas. She is assigned to lead her new team, including a mysterious man she rescued from the German dungeon, to go behind enemy lines to get more information. Every step they take puts them in danger and challenges their skills. And soon they are facing monster soldiers created through experimentation with blood stolen from other sorcerers.

Initially only one person at the base knows Geist’s true nature but the closer she grows with the team the harder it is to hide not only her sex but also her family background. She is afraid everyone will reject her leadership, if not condemn her, when they discover her secrets.

I very much liked Geist’s character. She is loyal, brave, determined and caring, in addition to being a skilled warrior. Her newest team member, Vergess (Vergessenheit or Oblivion), discovers her secret and it becomes clear that he plans to try to protect her whenever he can. He has secrets of his own and I really liked his strengths and his gentlemanly attitude toward Geist. The team has to work through suspicion and tension while trying to stay alive.

The characters are well defined with their histories shared as the danger ramps up. The story is set in an alternative wartime 1916 Europe. It is creative and action-packed. I was pulled in by the opening action and remained engrossed as the suspense and the emotional and interesting interactions continued. I sort of wish there would be more stories with these characters.  I recommend this to readers who enjoy a strong alternative military fantasy.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Sunday Post August 25, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 26, 2019

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date (at Wordpress).

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

This was another semi quiet week. My daughter had to stay home two days as her children had 24 hour bugs. I plan to get some new foreclosures and probates filed this week while having several will signings.
Things at home are fairly quiet too. The lawn crew finally cleared the back yard and told us they discovered a nest of water moccasins. That's what comes from allowing the weeds to get too thick during wet weather.
We are expecting highs in mid 90s, lows of 73 or so and storms throughout the week.

I had a very fun week of reading/listening even though I didn't finish as much as I would like. I did finish three titles (and part of two towards this week). I finished 2 audiobooks and 1 ebook again. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 18 blogs again last week.
Shout Out this week to Brona’s Books. Brona has a nice mix of reading. She is currently sharing a Moby Dick read along.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post August 18, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 19, 2019.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: Sins of the Past: A Romantic Suspense Novella Collection; Genre: Christian, Mystery, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• eBTBR- Book Review: Preserving Liberty by Candice Sue Patterson; Genre: Clean Romance, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 23, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/22/2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Collapsing Empire by John Scalzi; Genre: Galactic Empire, Space Opera, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #376 Comment Giveaway August 24, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 9/4/2019.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 25, 2019.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The Ethereal Squadron
by Shami Stovall
I totally enjoyed this alternate history military fantasy.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Beekeeper's Apprentice
(Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes #1)
by Laurie R. King
This was very engaging - I enjoyed this one too!
Source: September 2011 Audible purchase.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Importance of Being Earnest (Dramatized)
By: Oscar Wilde
Narrated by: James Marsters, Charles Busch, Emily Bergl, Neil Dickson, Jill Gascoine, Christopher Neame, Matthew Wolf
Length: 1 hr and 58 mins
Performance
Release date: 11-12-09
Language: English
Publisher: L.A. Theatre Works
This was more fun then I expected. I pulled it as a quick TBR.
Source: 3/2012 Free Audible.
Publisher's Summary
This final play from the pen of Oscar Wilde is a stylish send-up of Victorian courtship and manners, complete with assumed names, mistaken lovers, and a lost handbag. Jack and Algernon are best friends, both wooing ladies who think their names are Ernest, "that name which inspires absolute confidence". Wilde's effervescent wit, scathing social satire, and high farce make this one of the most cherished plays in the English language.
Includes an interview with director Michael Hackett, professor of Theater in the School of Theater, Film and Television at UCLA.
An L.A. Theatre Works full cast performance featuring:
James Marsters as Jack
Charles Busch as Lady Bracknell
Emily Bergl as Cecily
Neil Dickson as Lane and Merriman
Jill Gascoine as Miss Prism
Christopher Neame as Chasuble
Matthew Wolf as Algernon
Sarah Zimmerman as Gwendolen
Directed by Michael Hackett. Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles.
©2009 L.A. Theatre Works (P)2009 L.A. Theatre Works

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens
by Anne Kuo
I am enjoying this informative book. 50% in.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The Lady in the Coppergate Tower
by Nancy Campbell Allen
There is mystery in this fantasy. I am 65% complete.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

DEATH CLOUD
by Andrew Lane
Narrated by Dan Weyman
(Macmillan Audio)
I enjoyed last week's Sherlock spin off and remembered this one.
Another TBR listen.
SYNC August 1 – August 7, 2013
This bold depiction of a 14-year-old Sherlock Holmes succeeds splendidly. He's as fascinating as Doyle's brilliant creation. Holmes's fans will see how he acquired his vast knowledge and developed into the man he became. Narrator Dan Weyman excels in introducing an intelligent, warm yet shy boy. Sherlock's streetwise friend, Matty, is tough yet sweet, perfectly complementing him. The best character is the American tutor, who sounds like an actual American, as does his daughter, who piques Sherlock's interest. Weyman captures emotion and action in a breathtaking manner that adds to the sheer pleasure. The characters unravel a complex mystery led by a dastardly villain who's also artfully portrayed. High praise is simply insufficient to do full justice to this outstanding work. Please, those of all ages, listen to it for yourselves! S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2011].

4. eBook/Kindle (Ladies Book Club)

It Started with Goodbye
by Christina June
I picked up two light summer books for Ladies Book Club July and August.
We'll be meeting September 14, 2019. I thought I'd start with this.
Source: Print books discounted through Christianbook.com. I picked up the Kindle version this week.
Sixteen-year-old Tatum Elsea is bracing for the worst summer of her life. After being falsely accused of a crime, she's stuck under stepmother-imposed house arrest and her BFF's gone ghost. Tatum fills her newfound free time with community service by day and working at her covert graphic design business at night (which includes trading emails with a cute cello-playing client).
When Tatum discovers she's not the only one in the house keeping secrets, she finds she has the chance to make amends with her family and friends. Equipped with a new perspective, and assisted by her feisty step-abuela/fairy-godmother, Tatum is ready to start fresh and maybe even get her happy ending along the way.
A modern play on the Cinderella story arc, IT STARTED WITH GOODBYE shows us that sometimes going after what you want means breaking the rules.
IT STARTED WITH GOODBYE will appeal to fans of Sarah Dessen, Stephanie Perkins, and Jennifer E. Smith.

August 25, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I will complete a 5 day plan tonight: God's Word For Every Need. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed three books and posted three reviews so I am still up to date with reviews to post.
I have been adding newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. (Eventually I will add older reviews.)
My NetGalley shelf is still at 11 unread. I have pulled/read titles released and on my list before July. Next week I expect to start titles I received in July. [Plus I have 4 old titles (2012-13.)]
I have three author ebook titles left in queue. I plan to get caught up on these too- I better start soon.
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I picked up one review title this week for Ladies Book Club. I'll have another next week.
I resisted daily deals again this week. I did pick out one Audible Originals for August; still have another to pick before the end of the month.
I selected five free kindle titles this week. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.) Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

One of two books for Ladies Book Club:

It Started with Goodbye
by Christina June
"A modern play on the Cinderella story arc, IT STARTED WITH GOODBYE shows us that sometimes going after what you want means breaking the rules."

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

This is the first of two free Audible Originals for August.

It's Not What It Looks Like
By: Molly Burke
Narrated by: Molly Burke
Length: 3 hrs and 5 mins
Release date: 08-01-19

Five free titles were added this week to my Kindle library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 25, 2019

Our Sunday School lesson this morning was on Anointing. Last week he explained how we are Chosen and this week he noted that all believers receive Anointing for His purpose. 2 Timothy 2:21. It was a good prelude to the sermon which continued on Culture Shift.

Last week the message on Culture Shift had us looking outside. Now we are looking inside.
In the church there are certain things that don't shift: God's word and God's love. There are things that can change within the church to better reach people.

Pastor described a time in his past when he was bivocational, working for a secular company. He was pleasantly surprised that the environment in the marketplace job was very positive atmosphere. This should be truer in Church. The first impression in work or church is usually contact with the human element.

An inner culture should be written in Church: Kindness must be in our DNA. We are the Gatekeepers and need to show a sincerely warm welcome. There are broken people seeking help.
Fruits of the spirit include love, joy, peace, kindness, self-control.
God exhibits kindness for us “Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.” Psalm 63:3.
Paul tells us how you treat one another; who you will become: Colossians 3:1-2,5-12,17; Ephesians 4:29-32.
Galatians 6:10: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Point: Every person most positively contribute to a culture of KINDNESS.

The Church needs a mindset that doesn’t say we failed, but that we have an opportunity.
Everyone wants to be noticed and have their needs met. Relationships should be sought and growing. We should talk to each other. When we see negative, we need to respond with “we don't do that here”.
Kindness does not mean weakness. Kindness is an internal skill so it can be learned.
Church members need to give a kind word, a helping and sharing attitude; celebrating the successes of others. A community is created when people are kind to those who need help.
Church should offer healing and kindness as well as God.

Colossians 3:16-17 tells us to be ready to represent Jesus. When kindness is in our DNA, the Church stands out. People experience emotional healing while finding Jesus.

I spent over an hour listening to songs to find one I wanted. I didn't find one exactly for the message but I think this worship song works. When we welcome the Spirit in then we hopefully reflect Him.

Verses for Today:
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.

Sharing Beyond Books #376 Comment Giveaway August 24, 2019

Hello again and Welcome back to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
I was surprised none of the 12 commenters traveled to a book location although Natalija has visited Italy and Rubynreba has visited Amish Communities. Places that responders would like to visit include: Scotland, Hobbit dwellings in the UK, Prince Edward Island, and The Lord of the Rings setting in New Zealand.

The Winner from SBB #375 comments is: #10 ASHFA who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post. -- [12/15/18 I am pulling out some new Christmas and Love titles to add to the Win box choices. I had to move the books due to the water threat in office. I will dig them out again soon.]

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #376

(One Question.)

Nikki asks: Is there a food you absolutely would not, willing to pay NOT to eat??

When I was young I probably would've said cottage cheese, but I have learned to eat that. Now I would say a food I don't want to eat is sardines or any oily, fishy fish. I'm okay with 'white' fish like talapia, mahi mahi and others etc. and I actually love most shell fish. I will even eat octopus, calamari and squid. But, if it smells fishy -- No Thanks.

Image found at M&M Seafood Market.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify.
Thanks go to St. James and Nikki for August Questions. They each get $2.50 credit.

Your turn to share. Nikki asks: Is there a food you absolutely would not, willing to pay NOT to eat??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday September 7, 2019 at 5 PM central.