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Summary: ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!
Review: This book is the one I have been searching for for years; the book that truly shows Sherlock Holmes in the light most women would like to see him, vulnerable, in love, and still sound of body and mind!! Mary Russell is a great character; decisive, creative, excellent mind, willing to risk life and limb for a good and just cause. Laurie King has really captured my attention. I have recommened this series to all my Sherlock Holmes buddies. Better than Conan Doyle, this is the Sherlock we want to see. Thanks, Laurie! Keep writing!!!
Rating:
Summary: Definatly one of the best
Review: I am not quite sure whether to believe that another woman really wrote the story and really knew Sherlock Holmes and from what I gather married him. If this is a true story I wish I could meet Mary Russel although now she would be about 97 years old. This is an excellent story and I think anyone who truly appreciates Sherlock Holmes would love this book.
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Summary: One truly detailed book!
Review: This was the absolute greatest book I have ever read. Although it caused me considerable eye strain and I nearly choked to death while eating and reading at the same time, it was worth the coughing and wheezing and the terrified glances that were directed in my general direction. This is the first story about Sherlock Holmes not by Sir A. Conan Doyle that I have read that truly provided the readers with a look at SH's mind and how it functioned. But what truly struck me about this particular book and those that follow was the details. The author must have read every single story regarding SH written by Conan Doyle. In no other way could she have known that SH had indeed been spying on the Kaiser in the year of 1914 and he had grown a goatee in the process of it. The accounts of the thoughts of the heroine were also remarkable. No simple mind could have deciphered the message on the seats of the four-wheeler without some understanding of mathematics(Incidentally, I might add that the math was a pleasure on its own). I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the human mind. One question remains, however: Is Sherlock Holmes left-handed or right-handed?
Rating: 
Summary: An disappointing story
Review: Although I was inmpressed by the period detail and the author's ability to capture the Holmes character I didn't enjoy this book very much. The Mary Russell character is not very interesting or likable. The mystery is kind of obvious and normally I'm not very good at solving these things. I can't believe the same Sherlock Holmes that solved "The Naval Treaty" couldn't figure out this one. I only recommend this book if your Conan Doyle books are worn out and your Basil Rathbone videotapes are broken.
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Summary: This is one of the most nuanced books I've read.
Review: The Beekeeper's Apprentice was a joy to read. While I am not normally an avid reader of Sherlock Holmes, the addition of Mary Russell has opened a new world to me. The word play between Holmes and Russell is wonderfully nuanced and the character development is quite beautiful. I would easily recommend this book to anyone.
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Summary: King takes the next step...and the game is truly afoot.
Review: As a dedicated Holmesian, I have read all, and I do mean all, of the various contributions to "the Canon" written in the years since Conan Doyle's death. While these works captured the spirit of Holmes, none of them have ever deepened what we know about the man, none have ever really truly contributed to legacy. Laurie King has--finally--created and achieved such a contribution. Mary Russell, King's creation, is the refreshing new counterpart for Holmes and their meeting and subsequent relationship is one of the most naturally described and most believable this reader has encountered. Through Russell's eyes, we learn more about Holmes, begin to sense his depth, begin to actually feel his emotions, an achievement which cannot be said of Conan Doyle. In addition, Mary Russell is one of the most fullest female characters in recent literature, and the reader, over the course of this and the subsequent Russell books, learns to admire her as much as her partner. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy, and rest satisfied knowing the Holmes legacy is in very sure hands.
Rating:
Summary: not for me
Review: King is no Arthur Conan Doyle. I don't understand what the big deal is with this book. I suggest before reading this book that you should read the original's then compare it with this one then you will understand why I don't recommend it
Rating: 
Summary: King made the icon a man and gave the machine a heart.
Review: I was ready to hate this book when I first read the synopsis. I fell in love with Holmes at 12 and has continued to love him until this day. To give the Great Detective a loud, feminist side-kick is equal to committing sacrilege in my eyes and hence my original attitude. Much to my surprise, I couldn't put it down. The novel's strength lies not in its plot, although it is well thought out, but in its characaters and their relationships. King made the icon a man and gave the machine a heart. My only criticism is that perhaps she made SH too human - much of his original charisma lie in the cold, calculating intellect. Mary, in retrospect, is perhaps the best side-kick she could've given the middle-aged detective, and I thoroughly enjoyed the character. This book is a must read for all Baker St enthusiasts.
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Summary: Humanizing Holmes - a surprisingly good read
Review: Normally, I cringe at recreations of famous fictional characters, and resent the liberties that authors take with their personalities and histories. I read this book under duress, on the insistance of a friend. To my surprise, I like it immensely. Yes,there are liberties taken with the Holmes' canon (although they are reasonably explained by attributing some "artistic license" to Watson's literary efforts). The broad brush-strokes are accurate, and the portrait of Holmes that emerges is as eccentric as ever -- and somewhat more likeable and well-rounded. The complex character of Mary Russell is not only an admirable foil for the "new edition" of Holmes, but interesting in her own right. Even if you don't generally like re-creations, give this one a shot. Laurie King tells a good story that doesn't depend on its literary roots for effect.
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Summary: The "Great Consulting Detective" comes alive!!!
Review: The "Great Consulting Detective" comes alive once more and better than ever too! The character of Mary Russell is so well defined and a natural "partner" for the great Holmes. Not since the late Jeremy Brett played Holmes has there been such entertainment. The series of cases, progressively more complex were intriguing and attention grabbing. I could not put the book down. The descriptions of the country side and times made you feel you were there. When oh when is the next installment coming???
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