Elizabeth B. (Cattriona) -
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.
Abby I. 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.
Rhiannon 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.
Anna S. (annapi) 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.
Linda S. (thk) -
Helpful Score: 4
Excellent characters and story. Sherlock Holmes in later life, and his new apprentice. First book in a marvelous series.
