The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King (1996, Paperback, Reissue)

In 1915, a 15 year-old American orphan stumbles (almost literally) over a retired Sherlock Holmes in Sussex, England. Improbably, they become friends, student and mentor, and eventually partners.

I find a lot to like about the book and the series. The central theme of the book, for me, is one of mutual rescue. I like mysteries, and I particularly enjoy the kind of smart alec dialog that Robert Parker and the late Donald Hamilton work into their stores. Ms. King does that two, but in the language of a century ago.