sevenspiders - reviewed on 9/23/2009 + 73 more book reviews

The Language of Bees was shaping up to be one of the best in a fantastic (although occasionally hit-or-miss) series. Following up the thrilling Indian adventure of 'The Game' and the dark secrets of 'Locked Rooms', The Language of Bees sees Mary Russell and her husband, Sherlock Holmes back in England after a year's absence. Meeting them, literally on their doorstep, is Damian Adler, Holmes' long-lost son with Irene Adler from 'A Scandal in Bohemia'. Damian comes prepared to despise his estranged father, until his wife and young daughter disappear and he must enlist Holmes' aid to find them. With a perfect blend of personal family drama and a gripping mystery about violent deaths at ancient religious sites around the British Isles, The Language of Bees shapes up to be an example of the Russell/Holmes series at its best.

Until the ending. Quite literally, after several years wait between books, The Language of Bees ends like a weekly serial with "To Be Continued...." Nothing is resolved. The finale is postponed. Instead of adding another chapter or two, Laurie R. King decided to stop 3/4 of the way through what would have been an excellent book and postpone the resolution until the next book, whenever that will be. That's not delayed gratification, its a cop out.

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