​The Beekeeper’s Apprentice​
Laurie R. King​



I found this book by chance, one afternoon after a grueling test, while I was browsing through the school library searching for a distraction. My first impression was that it wasn’t too interesting, but the title did spark some curiosity. On opening the book, I was surprised to discover it was about Sherlock Holmes. I was thrilled as I had read a few of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories featuring the famous detective and I was waiting for the announcement of the third season of the BBC’s Sherlock.

Even so, I decided at the time not to take the book out, as I was concerned as to how Laurie R. King, (the novelist), would have interpreted the role of Sherlock Holmes. It took a further two weeks before I decided to give the book a chance. In retrospect, I am pleased I did, as it was an enchanting read and I got to see the famous detective through the fresh eyes of an adolescent American girl who could one day match the detective in talent.

The book was separated into cases, but with one important one overshadowing the rest, like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s books, where Professor Moriarty was Sherlock Holmes’ big, time-consuming case. Mary Russell, Sherlock’s new assistant in his cases, has the genius of Sherlock but also the compassion of Dr. Watson, making an interesting contrast in the relationship between herself and Sherlock, and Sherlock with Watson. The plot was filled with sharp turns and sudden developments, making it an action packed, entertaining read.

It is overall an excellent read and I believe anyone over the ages of 14-15 would enjoy it as much as I did.





-Iris Gioti 12A