The Beekeeper’s Apprentice: Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, Book 1
Book: The Beekeeper’s Apprentice is the first Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes mystery by Laurie R. King. Set in 1915, it pairs a young, intellectually gifted Mary Russell with a retired Holmes as they investigate the kidnapping of an American senator’s daughter.
At a glance
- First novel in the Mary Russell series, set in 1915.
- A young Mary Russell becomes Sherlock Holmes’s protégée and partner in a kidnapping investigation.
- The listed Kindle edition includes screen-reader support and enhanced typesetting.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Introduces Mary Russell and Holmes as partners, with a mystery involving a kidnapped senator’s daughter.
- The first-in-series positioning makes it a clear entry point for readers who want to follow Mary Russell’s story.
- Kindle listing includes Word Wise, X-Ray, Page Flip and screen-reader support.
Technical specifications
12 specifications| Edition | Special edition, 20th Anniversary edition |
|---|---|
| Publication date | April 1, 2010 |
| Publisher | Minotaur Books |
| Language | English |
| File size | 2.6 MB |
| Print length | 370 pages |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1429936507 |
| Screen Reader | Supported |
|---|---|
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Page Flip | Enabled |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers of historical mysteries and Sherlock Holmes continuations.
- Readers looking for the first book in the Mary Russell series.
- Kindle readers who want listed accessibility and reading features such as screen-reader support and Word Wise.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
62% 62% - 4 stars
28% 28% - 3 stars
8% 8% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback is strongly favorable, highlighting the clever plot, suspense, engaging writing and character development, especially Mary Russell’s complement to Holmes. Readers who enjoy a period setting and a classic-detective partnership may value those qualities, while the high overall ratings do not establish that every reader will share that response.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the plot as clever and suspenseful.
- Feedback praises the writing’s nineteenth-century feel and compelling characters, particularly Mary Russell.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the first Mary Russell book?
Yes. The listing identifies it as Book 1 and the first novel of the Mary Russell series.
What is the story about?
In 1915, Mary Russell meets a retired Sherlock Holmes. They work together to find the kidnapped daughter of an American senator.
What reading features are listed for this Kindle edition?
The listing specifies screen-reader support, enhanced typesetting, X-Ray, Word Wise and Page Flip.
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