Unlike [b:The Beekeeper's Apprentice|91661|The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell, #1)|Laurie R. King|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1390284148s/91661.jpg|891863], this book centers on one case--which I actually preferred, since it gives the mystery time to grow, and it let me get to know the characters much better. I really enjoyed how female-centered the story was, and how it used Mary's theology knowledge, though I wish it hadn't featured more into the overall mystery.
My only issue with the book is Spoilerhow much of the narration is taken up with Mary's feelings for Holmes. She keeps going back and forth between wondering if she's in love with him, or if she simply loves him as though he's a part of her, and even Holmes himself at the start of the book expects her to ask him to marry her, and ugh. I don't like the implication that of course she would be in love with him/want to marry him, and I don't like that a man and a woman can't be close partners without marriage being an issue. The age difference also weirds me out, especially since Mary is only 21 in this book. As in, she TURNS 21 in this book. If this development had happened a few books into the series, I might feel differently about it. I would have had time to see the relationship grow and develop. But for this to happen in the second book feels too rushed, and Mary feels way too young. Even though Mary is very capable, she and Holmes are still in a teacher/student phase of their relationship--albeit the end of it--and that weirds me out, too. I knew the marriage was coming, and I was a little disappointed about it, but I really wish this had happened later.
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