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Summary: This is a really good read.
Review: This book has become one of my favorites. When I first got it, I went out and read all of the rest of the series in one week! It fun, funny, and extremely well written. I would suggest it to anybody, even if they're not Sherlock fans like I am. I'm twelve and I got through it, so it's not hard to read. Its a great book, as is the rest of Ms. King's Mary Russell series!
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Summary: For feminist Holmes-lovers, it's pure nectar.
Review: If you love Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, then you'll enjoy King's first book in her series featuring Mary Russell, a newly-invented partner for Holmes. Though, you may wince a little at some wayward departures from Conan Doyle's original vision, like King's portrayal of Watson as stupid. (Conan Doyle's Watson isn't stupid, he's of average intelligence. He is simply a 486 PU in comparison to Holmes' Pentium.) Reading The Beekeeper's Apprentice, you get the feeling that King didn't actually read Conan Doyle, but rather watched Basil Rathbone movies. King's use of language and her evocation of the Edwardian psyche aren't bad and are somewhat reminiscent of Conan Doyle, although far from a perfect emulation. Nonetheless, her overall characterization of Holmes is good enough that Conan Doyle's fans will be more than satisfied. Afterall, it's been a few decades since someone wrote a Sherlock Holmes story of this calibre. I think there's an added bonus if you're a female reader, or a liberated male, or I suppose, just a male turned on by a girl-Sherlock.
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Summary: Fantastic!I found this book thrilling to the very last drop
Review: As a Sherlock Holmes fanatic, I was awed or even a little annoyed at the beginning of this book. But as I kept reading, Laurie R. King's characters came to life, and Sherlock remained himself. As Mary Russell(the heroine of the story), I am myself, fourteen and by understanding her emotions and conflicts you are able to come to contact with the world within "The Beekeeper's Apprentice". I would recomend this book and the following sequels to both long time Sherlockians, and students with over-do book reports.
Rating: 
Summary: Once stung, never forgotten
Review: As a Sherlock Holmes fan, I was very dissapointed with the contrived, chatty, self-congratulatory writing in this not very original mystery; it doesn't seem to quite jibe with the parlance of the times. And the energy of the Sherlock books is sadly lacking. Although I was looking forward to a series I could enjoy (and had actually purchased more books in anticipation of this), I wasn't able to finish this first installment.
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Summary: There's No Place Like Holmes
Review: What a thoroughly wonderful book. Although not a Baker Street Irregular or a certifiable Holmsian, I have been addicted to Holmes and his logic since I was a child. As a result, I routinely seek out anthologies, pastiches, etc. containing the Holmes character. For the most part I am sorely disappointed. NOT THIS TIME! What an absolutely wonderful, exciting book that made Holmes come alive again. I "accidently" picked up this book and could not put it down. If you are a lover of the genre and particularly Holmes...read this book..
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Summary: WARNING: paperback text suitable only for YOUNG eyes
Review: Looked forward to the book. Voracious reader. Love Holmes. Bombed in two pages of small and grey type. Hope you do better! Or join me in finding a hardcover copy.
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Summary: I Loved It!
Review: Being a Sherlock Holmes-nut, I was pleased to find another novel with him in it. At first, I was a bit skeptical (you know: "They're going to change him.") but I must say I was extremely pleased. Holmes was his usual self, Watson made an apperance, Mary was likeable, and even the long-suffering Mrs. Hudson was around. The case was perfectly thought-out and masterfully written, especially some of the scenes where Holmes shows his sense of humor. The only thing I didn't like about the book is that in a few places they used rather rough language, and sometimes I got a little bored while Mary was at collage (who cares what she's studying?). But it's still a great book, and I'm going to read it again and again.
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Summary: Fun.
Review: This book is refreshing, bringing Holmes to life while introducing old and new characters. Mary Russell is the perfect counterpart for Holmes and reading about Watson again is great. Although, in the future books, the mysteries become flimsy, the character developments are worth reading. I love this series of books and believe it is a definate must for Sherlock Holmes fans.
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Summary: This thoughtful, engaging mystery is worthy of Holmes.
Review: This is one of the best treatments of Holmes I have read (since Doyle, of course). Mary Russell is a character worth knowing, the story is well-written, and Holmes is refreshingly human. Unlike some modern authors who make Holmes seem superhuman, Ms. King shows a keen understanding of the character, and her knowledge of canonical Holmesiana is excellent. (I am delighted to have the opportunity to get to know Mrs. Hudson-- and one of the "grown-up" Irregulars!) Even the introductory material contributes to the magic of the tale. I have recommended it to all the Holmes fans I know, and no one has been disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Wow.
Review: What a book. Although I have never read any of the Conan Doyle books I find it difficult to believe that they could contest with this one. The characters are very well developed and leave you with a feeling that you actually lived through the story in the book. By far one of the most interesting and compelling books I have ever read.
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