Are you a fan of Sherlock Holmes? I totally am. I've read just about all Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's books and short stories, but I'll admit that it's been a while since I read my last one. That said,I was a bit leery about the The Beekeeper's Apprentice, by Laurie R. King. Here's the general idea ...Sherlock Holmes is retired (mostly) and living in the Sussex countryside with Mrs. Hudson. He spends most of his time tending his beehives. One day he meets Mary Russell, a 15 year old American whose parents were recent killed in an accident. She is living with her aunt in a nearby home. Mary is bright, quick-witted, and strong willed - all qualities Holmes admires. The two strike up an unusual friendship, and the story goes from there.
I'll admit, I was skeptical about this one ... but I really liked it! It's a fun, easy to read book. Mary is definitely a product of the new century and she challenges Holmes in interesting ways. I loved her perceptions of Dr. Watson and Mycroft Holmes, and enjoyed the unique relationship she developed with Holmes.
This is the first in a series of Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes books. I don't plan on running out to get them all but I do plan to pick one up from time to time. This series promises to be entertaining and a fun break from more challenging books.
Have you read any of Mary Russell books? What do you think of them? If you haven't, does this type of book sound interesting? I'm not a mystery fan, but I AM a Holmes fan, and I'm glad I found this book.
I'd love to add your review here; just post a comment with your link.
7 comments:
This is the perfect example of how covers can be deceiving. From this one, I would have expected some sort of coming-of-age story in Africa (who knows where I got Africa from.) I would have never expected Sherlock Holmes!
this book looks interesting...i used to LOVE sherlock holmes when i was younger. The Hound of the Baskervilles used to terrify me.:)
I read this book last year and LOVED it! I haven't read any of the others in the series though (mostly because I'm afraid I might not like them and then this one, too, would be spoiled for me). But this was a fantastic book. Glad to hear you enjoyed it also.
I read this book last year and LOVED it! I haven't read any of the others in the series though (mostly because I'm afraid I might not like them and then this one, too, would be spoiled for me). But this was a fantastic book. Glad to hear you enjoyed it also.
I plan on listening to this on audiobook soon - thanks for the review.
Eeeks--kind of embarrassed to say I've never read any Sherlock Holmes. This sounds like a fun read, though, and if I happen to see it I'll pick it up. Thanks for the review!
I have only just "discovered" Laurie R King and am currently reading TOUCHSTONE which is a great story. Thanks for the review. I recently met Laurie at Left Coast Crime in Hawaii
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