Beekeeping for Beginners

Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes #10.5

by Laurie R. King

In this crackling short story, New York Times bestselling author Laurie R. King reveals an unforgettable new twist in the adventure that led supersleuth Sherlock Holmes to discover his first (and finest) apprentice, Mary Russell.

Sherlock Holmes is fending off a particularly dark mood as he roams the Sussex Downs, in search of wild bees. The Great War may be raging across the Channel, but on the Downs, the great detective nears terminal melancholia—only to be saved by an encounter with headstrong, yellow-haired young Mary Russell, who soon becomes the Master’s apprentice not only in beekeeping but in detection.

Holmes instantly spots her remarkable ability, but his sharp eyes also see troubling problems. Why is this wealthy orphan who lives with her aunt so shabbily dressed? Why is she so prone to illness and accident? Is she herself the center of a mystery? These are questions that the great detective must answer quickly lest his protégée, and his own new lease on life, meet a sudden, tragic end.

The tale of their meeting has been told from Russell’s point of view, but even those who have never met the famed Russell-Holmes pair will read this tale with delight—and, as its climax builds, with breathless excitement.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Short Stories, Historical Mystery, Audiobook, Historical

77 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Edgar-winning mystery writer Laurie R. King writes series and standalone novels. Her official forum is
THE LRK VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB here on Goodreads--please join us for book-discussing fun.

King's 2018 novel, Island of the Mad, sees Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes travel from London's Bedlam to the glitter of Venice's Lido,where Young Things and the friends of Cole Porter pass Mussolini's Blackshirts in the streets. The Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series follows a brilliant young woman who becomes the student, then partner, of the great detective. [click here for an excerpt of the first in the series, The Beekeeper's Apprentice] The Stuyvesant and Grey series (Touchstone; The Bones of Paris) takes place in Europe between the Wars. The Kate Martinelli series follows an SFPD detective's cases on a female Rembrandt, a holy fool, and more. [Click for an excerpt of A Grave Talent]

King lives in northern California, which serves as backdrop for some of her books.

Please note that Laurie checks her Goodreads inbox intermittently, so it may take some time to receive a reply. A quicker response may be possible via email to info@laurierking.com.

Reviews

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s get a few basics down first:
This is a short story;
You need to know some of aspects of both Mary Russell and “this” Sherlock Holmes for it to work; and,
It will be much more entertaining and informative if you have read at least The Beekeeper’s Apprentice.

Many years after first reading The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, I have found this short story. That novel is mostly from the perspective of Mary Russell. This short story is from the perspective of Holmes. At this period, both Holmes and Russell live in Sussex, the former in retirement and the latter living under the care of her aunt after losing her immediate family in a “motorcar” accident some months before. Both are a bit depressed and at loose ends.

After all these years, I still feel that this first encounter was a brilliant tour de force for King, though some may dismiss it as just “meeting cute.”

I have often wondered if there was more to their meeting in the hills of Sussex than we were given. Apparently, King also felt that something was missing and attempts with this story to remedy it. She fits it all together quite nicely. Entertaining and elucidating, I am glad that she took the time to pen it.
3.5*
2024 - Listening to the story read by McKenzie was a particular delight and made this a full four stars

[Janete on hiatus due health issues · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I expected more from this story. But since it's the first book I've read in this series, I hope the next one is better. The plot is shallow and the end is abrupt. Scribd.com's English text, and translation for Portuguese + audio in English from Google Translate. Continuing the Project Learning English by myself.

Synopsys: "In this crackling short story, New York Times bestselling author Laurie R. King reveals an unforgettable new twist in the adventure that led to Sherlock Holmes' super sleuth to discover his first (and finest) apprentice of him, Mary Russell."

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve always loved Doyle’s Holmes stories so I was excited to read King’s “Beekeeping for Beginners”. However, I was bored with this story. The young girl, Mary Russell, seemed insipid and Holmes was too all knowing though I admit he was portrayed that way by Doyle too. The aunt and cousin came across as stock figures of evil. It was obvious from the beginning where the story was heading.

Maybe my problem was that I haven’t read anything else from King’s series. I’m sure having some background would probably enhance the reading of this story. I can’t help comparing King's story to Julian Barnes’s novel “Arthur and George” based on Doyle’s real life interaction with George Edalgi’s and the false accusations Edalgi suffered from local law enforcement. Both Mary Russell and Edalgi are mostly victims of their differentness and other’s willingness to exploit them but other than that the two stories are worlds and words apart. King and Barnes both used Doyle as a back drop. One was successful. The other wasn’t.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

To say I was disappointed in this e-novella from King would be an understatement. I actually told my husband that it wasn't worth the $.99 I spent on it (yikes). So. I had three major complaints about it. 1) Holmes' contemplated action in the first chapter was so un-Holmesian (is that a word?), at least in terms of King's version of Holmes, that it made me angry. It felt like a cheap motivation that wasn't in keeping with the character built up through the overall series. 2) The 1st person vs. 3rd person chapters were EXTREMELY jarring. There was no narrative flow at all. We jump from a 1st person Holmes chapter, to a 3rd person Watson, to a 3rd person Hudson, to a 3rd person Russell, to a 3rd person Holmes (seriously, why are there 1st and 3rd person narratives for Holmes? Just pick one!). BAH! 3) Finally, my biggest complaint is that the story offered nothing new to the Russell series. This was a great opportunity to shed some light on either the early stages of their relationship, or to those early apprentice years that are glossed over in The Beekeeper's Apprentice. Instead, we get a not very mysterious mystery, a rehash on the original meeting... and that's about it.

This is very negative, and I feel bad because I truly do enjoy this series (though I admit that I like the early books much better). I guess I would recommend it for fans who want to read everything in the series or if you can get it for free? (Also, ignore the twitter nonsense at the end.)

[Orion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short story that takes the reader back to the first meeting of the teenage Mary and the retired Sherlock when both were vulnerable and in need of rescue. The author looks again into the bond that formed in her first novel of the series, The Beekeeper's Apprentice, between such an odd couple united by a peculiar way of logical thinking that usually alienates them from most people. The detective teaches young Mary the secrets of keeping bees as we learn how each owes their life to the other.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure joy!

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this short story/novella doesn't appeal to new readers of the series. For those of us who have followed the series, it is a delightful little back story. Some complained that Holmes was perhaps too soft, but consider the fact that he later admitted he was besotted with her from the moment he met her. In Garment of Shadows, Mary describes the wedding band he had made for her - engraved hexagons linked together to form a honeycomb. In his dotage, Sherlock's life was revived by this brilliant and clever young woman. And hers was saved by him on many different levels.

[Kribu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think this longish short story (or short novella?), in spite of taking place at the very beginning of the Russell/Holmes partnership, would be a good introduction to the series for new readers - but for those already invested in the series, or at least those who have already read The Beekeeper's Apprentice, it makes an excellent little companion story.

Seeing the already-familiar events unfurl from Holmes' point of view was a real treat; I also enjoyed the added extra, Holmes' little trip to London, which we never learned about from Russell's POV, but the first part of the story was the highlight for me.

My only real problem with this - as with pretty much all short stories ever, and why I'm not a fan of short stories in general - is that there wasn't nearly enough to satisfy me; it was over before I'd even managed to settle in comfortably to read.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a good short story for when I had insomnia one night, but I cringed in disgust every time someone called teenage Mary Russell a child, because within a handful of years Holmes in his 50s is married to her. I’ve thought that change in their relationship was an authorial mistake and gross from the moment they declared their love in a different book. Reading this story made it seem all the more perverted given that in another book he claims to have loved her from the first. I know that such an enormous age gap was considered less disgusting in the Victorian era Holmes would have grown up in, but it was rare in the 20th century, and even less forgiven today.

[❂ Murder by Death · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good side story about the conflict between Mary and her Aunt, but it didn't quite jibe with the timeline the author creates in the first book, The Beekeeper's Apprentice. The narrator is excellent, although he sounds far too kind and warm to be Sherlock Holmes and I think that made a difference too.

Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/116887...

[Lynn Raye Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun story in the Russell and Holmes world. This one is about how they met from Holmes’ perspective.

[Morris Nelms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurie King makes me think I'm reading Conan Doyle more than any other writer (or screen version for that matter) that has taken on the daunting task of creating more Sherlock Holmes stories. In this one, the great detective works behind the scenes to insure Mary Russell comes into her inheritance and adulthood with no problems. It also gives an account of their meeting from Sherlock's perspective. Quick read. Good introduction to King's contribution to the Holmes canon.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short account of Sherlock Holmes' and Mary Russell's beginning together reminded me of why I love this series so much. I enjoyed Holmes' perspective of it, as it served to enrich the tale of their strong bonding and give insight to his brilliant thinking. Kudos to Ms. King for this gift.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

i absolutely adored this. having read the canon and fallen in love with Conan Doyle's stories, this was such a welcome addition to the mythology of Holmes. i intend on reading Laurie King's Holmes novels now. i think i may have found a new "friend"

[Moonkiszt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sherlock's apprentice, and her beginnings. Wasn't too sticky for me. Could totally see Sherlock as a beekeeper, though. Liked that part a lot.

Am trying to get into the Mary Russell part though. Any tips out there?

[Lark of The Bookwyrm's Hoard · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Beekeeping for Beginners" revisits the early months of The Beekeeper's Apprentice from Holmes's point of view. This means we learn of several things that Mary did not know at the time—and, indeed, may still not know as of the end of the most recent book, Castle Shade . Beyond that, it's difficult to say much about the story without spoilers... except that it's a delight to see their first encounter from Holmes's POV, and also that Mary's arrival in Holmes's life was at least as fortuitous for Holmes as it was for Mary.

I would suggest reading The Beekeeper's Apprentice before reading "Beekeeping for Beginners," since the novelette works best if you already have a sense of the characters and their relationship.

[Hanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun little short story, about the events that happened in The Beekeeper's Apprentice. The only thing I was a little confused about was the switching of narration styles between 1st and 3rd, without a real reason why?

I liked the narration from Holmes' point of view; to date we haven't really seen any of that yet. He *is* more emotional than Sir Conan Doyle made him out to be, but knowing that this is a spinoff series, I'm not too pressed about that. His fondness towards Mary, and his interactions with Mrs. Hudson and Watson were really nice to read about also.

I also enjoyed a behind-the-scenes view of the meeting between Mary and Holmes, and of more events that happened when she became one of his apprentices.

Overall, I enjoyed this short book, and I'm looking forwards to reading more Russell and Holmes short stories!

[Jadetyger Sevea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love King's Holmes so much. I've said before that I don't believe that Holmes is an emotionless machine. I think he is very dedicated to those people he's close to (Watson, Mrs. Hudson, and now Mary). What he does do, I think, is use his emotions as a source of personal power, like an extremely precise weapon. I think this short story illustrates that.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5✨’s

An extremely short story about when Sherlock and Russell first met when she was a fifteen year old child. This was a great refresher on how they began because it has been many years since I started this series and some details grow foggy.

[Laura Scribner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I snagged this book free on Audible. There, it’s listed only as “Beekeeping for Beginners” so you can imagine my surprise when I started listening to it and was instead greeted by a Sherlock Holmes short story! 😂

It was enjoyable for what it is, although I’m not called to listen to another.

[Tasula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short story showing how Sherlock Holmes met his young apprentice, Mary Russell. I love the entire series.

[Vjera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful short story. From Holmes’ perspective on how they met.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick glimpse at how it all began, when Sherlock Holmes met Mary Russell. On the very day he set out looking for a peaceful place to end it all, he met his future instead.
It's 1915, war is raging & the Lusitania has been sunk by the Germans. Holmes is 54 & after being gently pushed out of the action by the British government, he's licking his wounds at his estate in Sussex. Depression has always been lurking in the shadows & the great detective used his work to keep it at bay. Now, with no cases to solve & bored out of his mind, Holmes begins to consider suicide. His practical brain believes if one can't be useful, one is just taking up space.
He sets out to follow some wild bees, bringing along a little bottle to drink once he's found the perfect spot. Unfortunately, he's soon interrupted by a young lad in grubby clothes. Initially annoyed, he can't help but notice the youth is both smart & observant. When his cap comes off, he also notices the long blond braids. A girl?
Mary Russell is staying on the estate she inherited when her parents died. She lives with a greedy aunt & her boorish son, treated more like the hired help than an heiress. She has plans to go to Oxford but in the meantime, can't resist Holmes' offer to tutor her.
Both Watson & Mrs. Hudson are gobsmacked when Sherlock takes on an apprentice & seems interested in life again but hey....whatever puts the spring back in his step. What none of them can know is the next case he takes on will be one to save Mary's life.
If you've read the other books in this excellent series you have some idea of what to expect: great characters, intrigue, wonderful prose & intelligent dialogue infused with a dry wit.
It was a pleasure to read about the start of their remarkable relationship while impatiently waiting for the next book.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A long short story or a short novella, this offering to fans of the Russell / Holmes series fits takes place in the timeframe of the first novel in the series, The Beekeepers Apprentice. It is essentially in two parts. The first part deals with the meeting of Russell and Holmes from the point of view of Holmes. The second part recounts an episode which occurs later in the timeline of the novel, which Russell could not have known about because the novel is written in the first person, from Russell's perspective.

The narrative shifts from first person to third person. In principle, this is not something to which I object. However, the technique is not very effective here, possibly because the work is so brief that the switch from first person to third person makes the narrative feel choppy.

Still, this is a delight for fans of the series. (Although even fans may find the "Twitter interview" at the back of the work something of a yawn!) Those who are waiting to be converted should read The Beekeepers Apprentice first.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do enjoy alternate angle on scenes. I like it when that sort of thing shows up as a special feature on a DVD, and it's even more fun – and I imagine much easier to accomplish – when it's a new point of view on a book. It's a hallmark of fan-fiction to take a well-known story and spin it around (and I just saw something about a book from Jacob Marley's POV). Beekeeping for Beginners is a short story-slash-novella which does just that for the beginning of Beekeeper's Apprentice. Why exactly was Holmes sitting out there on the downs for Mary Russell to trip over, and what did he know and what did he really think about her private life? This novella (or short story, depending on how you look at it) is a gem.

Also included with the ebook was a transcription of a Twitter interview with Mary Russell (heh) and the first two chapters of the wonderful Pirate King. Thanks to Netgalley for the digital galley.

[Lisa (Harmonybites) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novella in the Mary Russell series, of which there about a dozen books to date. In them King gives Sherlock Holmes a female counterpart and professional and, eventually, romantic partner in the unlikely person of Mary Russell, a Jewish American forty years younger. She sets all these tales after 1914, when the last of the Arthur Conan Doyle originals were penned. This particular story is set in the time frame of the first novel in the series, The Beekeeper's Apprentice. I don't know if someone unfamiliar with the series would be charmed, but I sure was. It was a lot of fun, particularly since the series is almost always from Mary's point of view, so it was great getting Holmes perspective for once. My only complaint was that it was all too short--only 60 pages. Especially considering that aside from seeking out the short story "Mrs Hudson's Case" I'm afraid I now have to withstand the pangs of withdrawal. No more Mary Russell for me until the new book by King due in early 2015. At least this one left me grinning.

[Alfred Haplo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beekeeping for Beginners (#1.5) is a companion to Beekeeper’s Apprentice (#1) *, just shy of a novella. The very first meeting between Holmes and Russell in the first chapter of Beekeeper’s Apprentice was rather pivotal as it turned my impression of the legendary, but impersonal, Sherlock Holmes completely on its head. Seen from the perspective of an old soul, all 15 years of her, I thought Laurie King’s Mary Russell rejuvenated the character of Holmes in a way that was refreshing but not trite. It took nothing away from his gravity but enhanced it, humanized it. The segregation of the queen bee was particularly well done. In Beekeeping for Beginners, we get to see Holmes’ perspective in that very first encounter, and it made him mortal.

3-stars is my max rating for short stories. Recommended for Holmes-Russell fans.


[* Book #1 (of 18 so far). Nominee, Agatha best novel award; Notable Young Adult book, Outstanding Book for the College Bound from the American Library Association]

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beekeeping for Beginners is a novella that takes the plot of The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, which is told from the point of view of Mary Russell, and relates it once again, this time from the point of view of Sherlock Holmes. The effort proves somewhat disappointing, with nothing really added, and makes me wonder why Laurie R. King bothered. It was OK, but not really worth the bother.

Recommended only for King super-fans who want to read every scrap of Russell lore.

[Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story, published electronically only, forming an interesting snippet for fans of King's Mary Russell series (Mary Russell Collection: The Beekeeper's Apprentice, the Language of Bees, Locked Rooms, the Game).

At just £1.50 it might even be enough to entice new readers to the series.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short story for Russell/Holmes fans about Holmes' view of their first meeting as told by Russell in The Beekeeper's Apprentice. Narrator shifts from Holmes to third-person in weird ways, but overall a great short read.