The Colonel and the Bee
Patrick Canning
Genre:
Historical
Publisher: Evolved Publishing
Date of Publication: 2018
Format: E reader supplied to me free by Voracious readers in return for an honest review
Star Rating:Â 4/5 I liked it a lot and would recommend
About book: The Amazing Beatrix, with no home or family, suffers an abusive ringleader as an acrobat in a 19th-century circus. After a harrowing escape from her tormentor, Beatrix encounters the daring adventurer Colonel James Bacchus, and the unlikely pair team up. Flying to safety aboard the Colonel's miraculous four-story hot air balloon, they begin a grand quest to find the most precious gem in the world, The Blue Star Sphinx. Perils await them, however, as they must outmanoeuvre deadly treasure hunters, escaped convicts, and endless double-crosses. If they succeed, they might discover the great treasure, or better yet, a true sense of belonging.
My thoughts:  I started reading the book not knowing anything about it, and it took me a few chapters to get into it as I found it initially confusing. I kept putting it down and picking it up and even read another 2 books in between. But I persevered and am glad I did.The book is like Sherlock and Enola Holmes meets around the world in 80 days. I loved the relationship between Beatrix and the Colonel, and the plot was intriguing.Beatrix is feisty, outspoken and daring. The Colonel comes across as dashing, suave and adventurous but also a gentleman at heart and when the two meet the book changed for me and took on a new meaning and I didn’t want to put the book down..The descriptive verses are eloquent and expressive which truly adds to the drama . With words dancing back and forth on the page as the plot moves on. It was truly an exciting read. If you are a fan of adventure and mystery it’s a must read.