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b00kluver's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
e_a_bee's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
A fun insight into what Sherlock was up to in The Beekeeper’s Apprentice.
kayteeem's review
I don't know why I thought this would be longer -- I knew it was a short story when I put it on hold.
Tells the Sherlock Holmes side of the first few chapters of Laurie King's The Beekeeper's Apprentice, which i'm now tempted to re-read. Enjoyable, but probably more so if you already know the series.
Tells the Sherlock Holmes side of the first few chapters of Laurie King's The Beekeeper's Apprentice, which i'm now tempted to re-read. Enjoyable, but probably more so if you already know the series.
soniapage's review against another edition
4.0
Novella giving Holmes' account of his first meetings with Mary.
jwoodsum's review against another edition
5.0
I'm a huge fan of the HOlmes/Russell series and this was a lovely short story to tide me over until the release of the Pirate King.
amibunk's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't realize this novella existed until today- and then I snatched it up and read it like the true addict of Mary Russell that I am. Having just finished The Beekeeper's Apprentice, this was perfect timing to read Sherlock's version of their first meeting. Like most novellas, it was more of an an amuse-bouche than an entree, but delicious nevertheless.
amibunk's review
4.0
I didn't realize this novella existed until today- and then I snatched it up and read it like the true addict of Mary Russell that I am. Having just finished The Beekeeper's Apprentice, this was perfect timing to read Sherlock's version of their first meeting. Like most novellas, it was more of an an amuse-bouche than an entree, but delicious nevertheless.
balletbookworm's review
3.0
Interesting little story in the little bit of extra background that the story gives to [b:The Beekeeper's Apprentice|1024275|The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell, #1)|Laurie R. King|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1317792687s/1024275.jpg|891863].
However, it changes from 1st person POV (Holmes) to third person (Watson, then Mary) a few times and that detracts from the story.
(And it's not 10.5 in the series it's either 0.5 or 1.5 - probably 1.5 since it won't make sense unless you've read #1)
However, it changes from 1st person POV (Holmes) to third person (Watson, then Mary) a few times and that detracts from the story.
(And it's not 10.5 in the series it's either 0.5 or 1.5 - probably 1.5 since it won't make sense unless you've read #1)
jenmcmaynes's review against another edition
1.0
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.)
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.)