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Jan 04, 2017PimaLib_ChristineR rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
While written much later, I would suggest reading the short story "Beekeeping for Beginners" before embarking on The Beekeeper's Apprentice as it gives the backstory of how Holmes and Russell actually meet and is a helpful segue into understanding how long Russell has been at Holmes' side when this story begins. While Mary Russell hasn't reached the age of majority and her inheritance, here we get to see her blossoming in confidence at both college and as a partner to Sherlock Holmes. In fact, at one point she catches a slip-up by Holmes that could have cost someone's life. The story seems to be a series of stories that Conan Doyle would have published independently, but by the end, all the strings come together and the final mystery is revealed. Altogether a fun read and if you're a fan of Holmes, you're sure to enjoy the scenes with Mycroft, and the reference to Conan Doyle as the "publisher" for Watson's stories. Poor Watson does get some rough treatment as a well-meaning but often blundering old friend that Holmes is glad to replace with someone more his intellectual equal. But if you don't find this series true to your vision of Watson, may I suggest Robert Ryan's Watson series.