Anna S. (annapi) reviewed on 2/8/2010 + 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.

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