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The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Bk 1)
The Beekeeper's Apprentice - Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Bk 1
Author: Laurie R. King
What would happen if Sherlock Holmes, a perfect man of the Victorian age -- pompous, smug, and misogynistic -- were to come face to face with a twentieth-century female? If she grew to be a partner worthy of his great talents? In 1914, a young woman named Mary Russell meets a retired beekeeper on the Sussex Downs. His name is Sherlock Holmes. — A...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780553381528
ISBN-10: 0553381520
Publication Date: 3/26/2002
Pages: 384
Edition: Bantam Tra
Rating:
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 64

4.1 stars, based on 64 ratings
Publisher: Bantam
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

Cattriona avatar reviewed The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Bk 1) on + 200 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 11
This is the first volume in the "Mary Russell" series, a new set of Sherlock Holmes adventures. The same cleverness, skills and thoughtful logic prevail with a new twist: a female counterpart. Mary Russell is not just thrown in as some sort of token or romantic female -- she is quite bright and becomes Holmes' student and colleague, eventually his equal in solving crimes. Very highly recommended.
reviewed The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Bk 1) on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
This is the first of the Mary Russell-Sherlock Holmes series in which the now retired Holmes first meets his future wife, as a young, extremely intelligent, 15 year old who becomes his student and friend. This series is a marvelous continuation of the Sherlock Holmes saga and in Laurie King's skillful hands, the series is as captivating as it is addictive. This is intelligent, thoughtful reading and while the stories do not have to be read in order to be appreciated, it, of course, helps, as details accrued along the way add to the pleasure of the reading. I cannot recommend this story highly enough.
reviewed The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
I've read a lot of Holmes books and even saw the CSI episode with "Sherlock Holmes's" death, but this book is the most fulfilling extrapolation of the Holmes's world. A must read if you're a Holmes fan, or just want some good fiction with settings from England to Israel. The story is told from a wonderful viewpoint of a girl who knows she's lucky to be there to help her hero.
annapi avatar reviewed The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Bk 1) on + 334 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
A thoroughly entertaining story with a fascinating premise! It is 1915 and Sherlock Holmes has retired in the country, pursuing a hobby of raising bees, when he meets 15 year old Mary Russell. Thus begins an unconventional apprenticeship as Holmes recognizes a mind to rival his own and proceeds to shape and hone it to eventually produce a female version of himself. Mary, with Holmes's help, solves a few mysteries as the book progresses, but her mettle is not truly tested until an attempt is made on Holmes's and her own life. Now it becomes a chess game to see if they can overcome an adversary that is proving to be as formidable as any as Holmes has ever encountered before. And thus begins a series that I hope will continue to be as enjoyable as its opening novel. Mary is as engaging a character as Holmes himself, and the author gives us an interesting view of the early 20th century. I'm looking forward to the next novels.
thk avatar reviewed The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Bk 1) on + 47 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Excellent characters and story. Sherlock Holmes in later life, and his new apprentice. First book in a marvelous series.
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reviewed The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Bk 1) on
An engaging and clever book. I haven't read a ton of Sherlock Holmes, so I don't know how this compares in style and characters to the original stories, but I can vouch that you don't need to know the originals well to enjoy this one (although I have a feeling there are a number of references I missed). The plot doesn't actually involve bees in any major way (at least, not to the extent that The Secret Life of Bees does). Mary Russell is a strong, intelligent heroine without being boringly perfect.
reviewed The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Bk 1) on + 11 more book reviews
The Beekeepers Apprentice is a compelling, intelligent, sophisticated, read with a gutsy heroine. The complex relationship between the main characters keeps you longing for more adventures.
reviewed The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Bk 1) on
I did not expect to like this as much as I did - it was very entertaining. Will definitely read more of the series.
yolojoan avatar reviewed The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Bk 1) on + 38 more book reviews
Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes. A good read.
KsPaula avatar reviewed The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
It took me a little bit to start enjoying this book, but it had been recommended by someone who knows my tastes, so I kept reading. I came to really look forward to reading it each day and was very sad when I finished it. I am eagerly looking forward to reading more about Mary Russel and her exploits with Sherlock Holmes. They are fun and exciting. Highly recommend for Sherlock lovers and strong woman protagonists lovers.
reviewed The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Well written, great book if you are a Sherlock Holmes fan. Highly recommended and a selection of our bookclub.
philomene avatar reviewed The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
Imagine if Sherlock Holmes in his semi-retirement took on a young female apprentice and you have the audacious premise behind King's captivating story line. Young Mary Russell proves a far more satisfying partner than faithful Watson could ever be. This is book one and it definitely satisfies and leaves me searching for the next in the series.


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