The Twentieth-Anniversary Edition of the First Novel of the Acclaimed Mary Russell Series by Edgar Award–Winning Author Laurie R. King. An Agatha Award Best Novel Nominee • Named One of the Century’s Best 100 Mysteries by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association In 1915, Sherlock Holmes is retired and quietly engaged in the study of honeybees in Sussex when a young woman literally stumbles … in Sussex when a young woman literally stumbles onto him on the Sussex Downs. Fifteen years old, gawky, egotistical, and recently orphaned, the young Mary Russell displays an intellect to impress even Sherlock Holmes. Under his reluctant tutelage, this very modern, twentieth-century woman proves a deft protégée and a fitting partner for the Victorian detective. They are soon called to Wales to help Scotland Yard find the kidnapped daughter of an American senator, a case of international significance with clues that dip deep into Holmes’s past. Full of brilliant deduction, disguises, and danger, The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, the first book of the Mary Russell–Sherlock Holmes mysteries, is “remarkably beguiling” (The Boston Globe).
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I didn’t know what to expect from this book but was very pleasantly surprised that I could not put it down. I have since read a few more in this series.
I kind of fell into this book by accident – and it changed my life. Always rather liked the original Sherlock Holmes, and the characters inspired by his personality and methods. But this book was so totally novel by introducing an important new person (yes, person – a vibrant individual) into the ‘canon’ that I just couldn’t put it down. Now, years later, I am still eagerly awaiting each new Russell/Holmes saga by Laurie R. King. I suppose you could read them out-of-order, but really – why would you want to do that? Even when they weave in and out chronologically, you’re best reading them in the order she writes them.
I loved this book that takes us into the world of Sherlock Holmes and his apprentice. King follows the Holmesian pattern of deductions to start of a grand series. If you like Sherlock, King does not disappoint.
A wonderful start to an amazing series.
This is the book I read weeks ago I keep wanting to go back to right now. I’ve read several other things since, but this is the book that stays in my mind. Off to get the sequels.
A delight for Sherlock Holmes fans.
Amazing, wonderful series about Sherlock Holmes and his young wife/apprentice, Mary Russell. This is the first book. Read them all!
For anyone who is a Sherlock Holme’s fan this is a wonderful addition to the lore. In this book Sherlock is retired and meets a brilliant young teenager who has his eye for detail and deductions. Sherlock gets to know her and takes her under his wing to train. I look forward to reading more of their adventures.
A must read for any Sherlock Holmes fan. Can’t wait to read more of them.
Really enjoyed this Sherlock spin off.
Great twist to a familiar character… strong female lead character
Loved it and all of the Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes books by Laurie King!
I listened to this book and about 10 minutes into it I realized I had seen the movie of the same name. I considered stopping but since I often can’t remember plot details from movies (or books!), I pressed on. And I’m glad I did! The story moved along at a decent pace, the characters were well developed and relatable, and the mystery kept me interested. An enjoyable listen!
If you like Sherlock Holmes, then this is a book for you. Excellent writing. Very entertaining page turner. Could not lay this one down.
Book club read and really enjoyed it. I will definitely read others in the series.
Enjoyed a woman being Holmes’ intellectual equal. And the mysteries were absorbing. I enjoy the series very much and willingly ignore how unlikely a romance between Holmes and a woman young enough to be his daughter, because I enjoy the dialogue between them so much.
This is a great series for fans of Sherlock and non-fans alike. The characters are engaging and well-developed, the setting are authentic and exotic and the story lines original. It is truly one of my favorite series and I look forward to each new book with much anticipation.
The best Sherlock series after Doyle!
I love anything written by Laurie R. King. You will be entertained and enlightened
by reading her books.
I enjoyed this take off of Sherlock Holmes. A nice little escape.