THE BEEKEEPER'S APPRENTICE

New York: St. Martin's Press, 1994. First printing. Fine.. First edition of the first book in the Mary Russell series, about a young woman who apprentices with Sherlock Holmes. The world's most famous consulting detective becomes a mentor to a Jewish-American girl during his retirement into beekeeping. The series by the Sherlockian (BSI, "The Red Circle") is ongoing, 18 books and counting, with this first book named one of the best hundred mystery books of the century by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association. 8.25'' x 5.5''. Original black paper boards, gilt-lettered spine. In original unclipped ($21.95) black and brown pictorial dust jacket designed by Henry Sene Yee with illustration by Alan D. Dingman. xviii, 347, [1] pages. Though no provenance markings, this copy from the library of noted Sherlockian, BSI member since 1973, and retired US magistrate judge Andrew Peck. Light spotting to fore-edge, else fine. Tight. (Inventory #: 54125)