Laurie R. King's Holmes and Russell Series

I really cannot say enough about both Laurie R. King's Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell Series as well as the author herself. The series is a really interesting take on the character of Sherlock Holmes in which he acquires a new partner in the form of a young woman named Mary Russell.

Who later in the series becomes the wife of Sherlock Holmes.

The series itself started way back in 1994 with The Beekeepers Apprentice and continues to just last year with the 11th book in the series The Pirate King.

Much in the same tradition as Conan Doyle's tales, the exploits of Sherlock Holmes in this series are all told from Mary Russell's point of view.

I've gotten a chance to corrospond with Laurie R. King over the years viz letters and the internet and she is an absolute class act. Our conversations have always been cheerful and enthusiastic.

I'm just surprised it has not been adapted into a movie or a television series. Then again Janet Evanovich's first Stephanie Plum novel came out back in 1994 and it's just being adapted for the big screen now.

I should mention the Plum novels are one of Syd's favorite series's.

So, there's hope for seeing perhaps either a small or big screen version of Holmes and Russell.

And unlike Rachel McAdams's annoying and unengaging performance as "the Woman", Mary Russell is a very enjoyable and likable character.

I've actually inquired on several occassions if Laurie would like to adapt her Holmes/Russell series into graphic novels. It's still something I would love to do with her permission and help.

However, if you are not familiar with the series I highly recommend you check it out. It's a very enjoyable and unique take on Sherlock Holmes.

Russellscape

I was invited by mystery author Laurie R. King to create some original artwork for a tryptic called Russellscape. A celebration of 15 years since her first book in the Sherlock Holmes/Mary Russell series The Beekeepers Apprentice came out.

I had decided to do the point which Holmes and Russell first run into each other in Sussex. The scene is when Holmes mistakes the 15 year old Mary Russell for a young boy and she pulls off her cap to reveal her long blonde tresses.

If you would like to check out the other artists in Russellscape, click on the image below and scroll down to the bottom of Laurie's website:

Two Shabby Figures

The first meeting between Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell from Laurie R. King's novel The Beekeepers Apprentice. Deleter #3 black india ink with crow quill pens, brush and colored on Photoshop.

Holmes and Russell

Canson Bristol Board with Deleter #3 India Ink.