The God of the Hive

This is the tenth volume in the author’s “Mary Russell” series. It is actually a continuation of the ninth novel in the series, "The language of Bees." Separating the two is quite difficult as ‘God…’ takes up immediately where ‘Language…’ leaves off and expands on the same events that began in the earlier publication. In this novel, the adversary, whose thoughts and comments began appearing in ‘Language…’, becomes distinct and reveals his aims. The British Government is in peril as hidden treasure and unlimited power tempt another Faust to his damnation. Mycroft is the immediate target of a schemer who has spent years perfecting his approach and preparing his tools. All that stands between him and access to undreamed of power are Sherlock and Mary and a few tag-ends of war refuse and ‘odds and sods.’Mary pursues her task of preserving her husband’s grandchild while fleeing the villain of the prior volume and stumbling into the villain of this volume. The distinction between the two only becomes apparent over time as she and Sherlock pursue their own agendas until Mycroft’s funeral. Both, of course, are still wanted for unspecified crimes by Scotland Yard and are thrown onto their own resources as they rush back to London.As is true for most of Laurie King’s novels, the story is the journey and not the destination. The characters are lovingly drawn and polished until they shine. The reader never knows when one character will suddenly assume major proportions and another will fade away as if into a dream. The bright presence of Sherlock’s granddaughter illuminates the dark days of this book as Mary encounters archetypes of British history. The Evil Wizard gives way to the Green Man and he, in turn, is replaced by the epitome of modern man, the organization.The ending is inevitable, but not satisfying. At best, the future is delayed, but the mechanization of humanity that will manifest itself as Hitler’s war machine lies just beyond sight. The halcyon days of respite from war and upheaval continue for a while, but dark armies gather in the wings and the mechanized forces of evil are testing their workings.Reviewed by: Philip K. Jones, November, 2012