Rating: 
Summary: It's a delight to discover an accomplished author.
Review: "The Beekeeper's Apprentice" by Laurie R. King is so surprisingly good, that I'm inspired to review it for my sake and the sake of many other readers like myself who fear to venture from the beaten literary path, as it were. I would never have purchased this book myself, but now that my sister has loaned it to me and I've read it on her very strong recommendation... I have a new author to read.This is the engaging story of an orphaned 15 year old girl who happens to live in Holmes' neighbor- hood and runs into him quite by accident one day. Their intellects lock in quick dispute and they recognize each others' genius. Thus, the die is cast. The girl, who Holmes will refer to as "Russell" avoiding her gender-identifying first name, has serious problems with her caretaker aunt. Out of this confluence of events their relationship is formed: he the elder, brilliant detective who is past his prime, and she, the lonely and gawky adolescent orphan desperately in need of a warm and caring home. Holmes' housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson, keeps their relationship from becoming a scandal. I confess that I've never read a Sherlock Holmes book in my life. But I have read hundreds of mysteries. This book would be a serious failure if the detecting part of it weren't so convincing and ,I admit, alluring. Laurie R. King has written a number of books and I can't wait to get on to the next one.
Rating:
Summary: LETTER TO READER
Review: AS A TEENAGER OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA I WAS INTRIGUED BY THE INTRODUCTION OF A FEMALE INTO THE SHERLOCK HOLMES TRILOGY. THE BOOK QUIKLY CAUGHT MY ATTENTION AND APPEALED TO MY CREATIVE SENSE OF MIND. WITH THE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE EVENTS AND MISS MARY RUSSELL'S OPINION ON THE WHOLE CASE FROM THE BOOK, IT WAS EASY TO FORM A VIVID PICTURE INSIDE MY HEAD. I WOULD DEFINETELY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANY READER THAT WOULD LIKE TO KNOW A WOMAN'S POINT OF VIEW OF THE LEGENDARY SHERLOCK HOLMES CREATED BY SIR ARTHUR CANON DOYLE. I BELIEVE THAT YOU TOO WILL ENJOY THE SUSPENSE OF WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT AND THE MYSTERY OF TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE CRIMINAL AND REASONS WHY. ALSO, YOU WILL FIND OUT HOW A SMALL GIRL OF FIFTEEN COULD OUT DO THE WITS AND EXPERIENCE OF A DETECTIVE. HAVE FUN WITH YOUR EXPERIENCES, AND ENJOY THE BOOK.
Rating: 
Summary: Outstanding!
Review: Stumbled across this quite by accident and like many other reviewers, hastened to purchase the rest of the series. Holmes takes on a new depth when cast against his new accomplice.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!!!
Review: As a complete Holmes fanatic I was a bit skeptical at first, but as I found out my skepticism was totaly unfounded. Ms. King has not disturbed the Holmes persona other than to add a bit of humor to his personality. I thoroughly enjoyed the addition of "Miss Mary" to the perfect trio of Holmes, Watson, and Mrs. Hudson. I found in Mary a friend, and Holmes found an equal. I hope whoever is fotunate enough to read this book will enjoy it as much as I did.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Read!
Review: This book is remarkable. It centers around the exploits of one Mary Russel, a student at Oxford who stumbles (quite literally) upon a reclining Sherlock Homes at Sussex Downs. The Aging, semi-retired detective senses a fellow intellect in the young woman, and takes her on as an apprentice in the field of deduction. Though this book provides an enjoyable plot, the real charm of it lies in the relationship between Russell and Holmes, the perpetual clash of wits beneath which lies an amiable friendship. A perfectly delightful read. I can't say enough about it!
Rating:
Summary: A rare find
Review: Surprisingly good feel for the time period and witty yet realistic dialog bring it to life. Rarely does one find an obviously intelligent, almost scholorly, piece which still retains the down-to-earth conversation found in this book. A new level has been attained.
Rating:
Summary: I'd given up on new Sherlock Holmes books, until now!
Review: Really inventive. Perhaps, Holmes is a little ahead of his time in equal rights than he should be, but who cares -- it's a great story. The character of Mary is as flawed as she is heroic. Truly a great partner for the great detective! I have to read the next book now...
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining and fun
Review: I stumbled on this by accident and was pleasantly surprised. I've always felt Holms needed to meet his match and Mary does it very well. Ms. Kings imagination in contriving to have Mary and Holmes at odds with each other was well done. There emotions are very well depicted. I look forward to the rest of the series.
Rating: 
Summary: faded fast
Review: While this book started well, it started degenarating about half way. Holmes is portrayed as very old and slow. He is outsmarted several times by the main villian in the second half of the book. While the idea of the young student is interesting, the general plot and Holmes' energy and strong deduction skills are seriously lacking.
Rating:
Summary: WONDERFUL BOOK!
Review: It doesn't matter if you're a fan of Sherlock Holmes or not, this book (and the rest in the series) are unforgetable! I happened upon this one by accident in the store, and was desperately back there the next day searching for more. An absoutlely wonderful book, and suitable for just about any age. I still find myself re-reading it over and over...
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