Review: Short and fast-paced but still entertaining
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 21, 2011
This short story is a nice addition to the growing Holmes / Russell library and a refreshing return to the best aspect of the novels: the relationship between Mary and Sherlock, which is sadly lacking in the newest book (Pirate King.)  Though the tale of their meeting was told from Mary's perspective in the fist book, The Beekeeper's Apprentice, King returns to the event and tells it again from Sherlock's point of view.  We meet the detective as he contemplates the life of his hives and his own planned death.  His morose musings are interrupted when a girl in boy's clothing stumbles upon him and turns his world upside down.  Holmes realizes her great potential and takes her under his wing, determined to train her in his methods of detection.  Before he can do so, however, he must solve the mystery of her multiple illnesses and "accidents" and protect her from sinister family members who would rather see her dead.As others have commented, the story is fast paced and feels somewhat rushed, but it was still rewarding enough to entertain this Russell fan.