The Beekeeper's Apprentice

Review of Book One in the Sherlock Holmes/Mary Russell Series

            This will be my most personal book review. The Beekeeper’s Apprentice is the continuation of the Sherlock Holmes’ story. Instead of the narrator, though, being Dr. Watson, the narrator is a young woman named Mary Russell. Holmes has retired (sort of) and spends his free time taking care of bees. He meets a fifteen-year-old girl named Mary Russell. They have a rough first start, but Holmes begins to realize (and Mary too) that Mary and Holmes are equals in terms of intellect.

            By the time she enters Oxford, Mary becomes Holmes’ assistant occasionally. He does take on cases from time to time. At Oxford, Mary studies mathematics and theology. I thought these were interesting choices. Obviously, Holmes is a rational human being. He is not known to be terribly spiritual. Both Mary’s parents and her brother were killed in an accident when she was younger. She has an aunt, but they are not very close. As I was reading this novel, I could not help wondering if her studying theology was her way of bringing meaning and depth to the rational world she inhabits.

            Mary and Holmes investigate two big cases. One involves the kidnapping of a U.S. Senator’s young daughter. A second case involves someone trying to take out Holmes and his friends, including Mary, Dr. Watson, and Mrs. Hudson. Both cases are connected, and the perpetrator was not someone I expected. In an earlier post on this blog, I complained about the predictability of current mysteries. The Sherlock Holmes/Mary Russell series started in the nineties and continues to this day. The first installment was one of the best current mysteries I have ever read, and I highly recommend it.

            So how is this personal to me? My dad was a huge Sherlock Holmes fan. I wish I had come across this series earlier when he was alive. I would have loved to hear his thoughts of this series. What would he have thought of Mary? How well does he think Laurie R. King depicts Holmes? Earlier on in the series (I believe in the second or third installment), Sherlock and Mary end up marrying. What would have Dad thought of that? I would like to think that Dad would have enjoyed it. Mary is a feminist, but I believe Holmes could have only partnered with a woman who was independent. Homes does not strike me as someone who would partner with a woman who is needy or too dependent.

            I cannot wait to listen (audiobook version) to the second installment: A Monstrous Regiment of Women. Of course, I will provide a review of the book as well.