Search - The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell, Bk 1)

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.

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.

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.

Well written, great book if you are a Sherlock Holmes fan. Highly recommended and a selection of our bookclub.

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.

I think even Laurie King's grocery list would read well: her style is just a joy. I'm in love. I'm supposed to fall asleep reading at night in bed, but this holds my attention so well that I can't. This is not a story about Holmes, which is a relief, because no one could imitate him well enough for me. But the tension between him and his "apprentice" is very well done indeed. I can't say enough: character, plot, descriptions, 10 stars. You can even read the last page and still go back and enjoy the whole adventure: rare for me.