Plot Summary

The Beekeeper's Apprentice

Laurie R. King
Guide cover placeholder

The Beekeeper's Apprentice

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1994

Book Brief

Laurie R. King

The Beekeeper's Apprentice

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1994
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • 1910s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R. King is a historical mystery novel set in England in 1915, following the retired Sherlock Holmes and a fifteen-year-old Jewish-American girl named Mary Russell. After an altercation, Mary impresses Sherlock with her deductive abilities, leading him to mentor her in sleuthing. Together, they solve local crimes and face multiple dangers, deepening their bond while navigating Mary’s academic pursuit at Oxford.

Mysterious

Adventurous

Contemplative

Informative

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.3

90,990 ratings

76%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Laurie R. King's The Beekeeper's Apprentice receives widespread acclaim for its engaging narrative and fresh take on the Sherlock Holmes legend. Readers praise the strong, intelligent protagonist Mary Russell and the dynamic between her and Holmes. Some critics, however, felt that the plot occasionally lagged. Overall, it's a compelling read, balancing rich character development with a solid mystery.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Beekeeper's Apprentice?

Readers who enjoy The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King typically appreciate historical mysteries with strong female protagonists and detailed period settings. Fans of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series and Nancy Springer’s Enola Holmes mysteries will likely find it compelling.

4.3

90,990 ratings

76%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • 1910s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!