Review: The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King

A middle aged, retired Sherlock Holmes in the 20th century finally meet a worthy partner who both compliments and challenges his talents. And she's a troubled teenage girl.

It's very well written, a little slow paced at first but I enjoyed reading about Mary's "training" as Holmes' apprentice. Excellent characterization, clever plot. I liked the different take on the time period setting, by moving it forward into the 20th century, it set it apart from Conan Doyle's work. However, overall, I thought it was very in keeping with a traditional Holmes tale.

Review: Bloody Lessons (A Victorian Francisco Mystery #3) by M. Louisa Locke

In the third full novel of this series, Nate Dawson's little sister joins Annie Fuller's boarding house in San Francisco. While dealing with events from the previous year, she takes up a teaching job in place of her best friend, Hattie, who has abruptly resigned and plans to hurriedly marry the principle. Meanwhile, several teachers are receiving threatening letters and Nate, Annie, and Laura collaborate to find the blackmailer.

I really enjoyed this cozy historical mystery, although I have to say I called "it" on both counts from the beginning! So it wasn't a big mystery but sometimes you just have to enjoy the journey there, it's not all about finding out "whodunnit". There's a lot going on in the story to keep readers wanting to know more.

I liked that a new character was brought into the investigative fold, while it took Annie a little off center stage for a while, it was a refreshing change of pace. But don't worry, Annie and Nate still play significant roles and their romance is not neglected!