Bees pose challenge for famous literary sleuth

It is 1915. War is raging across Europe, and tragedy has marooned 15-year-old Mary Russell in the Sussex countryside with an odious aunt and an uncertain future. Biding her time until she can escape to university, the gangly, bookish, outspoken Mary has resigned herself to being friendless when she literally trips over an unexpected neighbor: the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes, genteelly retired to the downs to write and raise bees in his middle age.

To their mutual surprise and delight, each finds in the other a kindred spirit and an equally sharp-witted, curious-minded companion. They are soon spending nearly every moment together, debating religion, conducting scientific experiments or just tramping over the fields.

Though ostensibly retired, the great Holmes is hardly decrepit in body or in mind. Seeing in Mary an unusual intellect and discernment, he soon begins to train her in the study of detection and observation. As the cases they take on together grow in scope, their list of enemies grows ever longer, and Mary comes into her own as a detective to match even the great Holmes himself.

Though the mysteries are well-done, the relationship between Holmes and Mary is the real focus of this novel. As King writes it, their profound, platonic connection is born of a meeting of twin minds that disregards age, gender or societal expectation. It weathers innuendo and intrigue, separation and secrets; and though warm and affectionate, it resists the simplicity of a typical romantic pairing with its insistence on intellectual respect and equality.

Might the mentor and protégé ever become more? Time — and sequels — will continue the tale, but “The Beekeeper’s Apprentice” stands on its own as a compelling portrait of a remarkable friendship.