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lehc1984's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jain's review
2.0
The Holmes-Watson interactions are great, especially their first meeting. The lengthy digression through Utah in the second part of the book is incredibly dull, though. It ties into the mystery plot eventually, but there are quicker and better ways to convey the necessary information to the reader.
I wasn't impressed with the mystery, either. Holmes's final conclusion makes sense, but there's no "aha!" moment. In fact, Holmes gathers most of the necessary evidence "offscreen," so that it's impossible for the reader to speculate upon the solution in advance of the reveal.
If you're interested in the beginnings of Holmes's and Watson's partnership and/or Holmes's relationships with Inspectors Gregson and Lestrade, then definitely read the first seven chapters. I'd recommend skipping the rest of the book.
I wasn't impressed with the mystery, either. Holmes's final conclusion makes sense, but there's no "aha!" moment. In fact, Holmes gathers most of the necessary evidence "offscreen," so that it's impossible for the reader to speculate upon the solution in advance of the reveal.
If you're interested in the beginnings of Holmes's and Watson's partnership and/or Holmes's relationships with Inspectors Gregson and Lestrade, then definitely read the first seven chapters. I'd recommend skipping the rest of the book.
ebdawson's review
4.0
I forgot how unorthodox this story is. Clearly, it's been a while since I've read these. The first half of the story is about Watson and Holmes and the mysterious murder. Then when Holmes nabs the bad guy (seemingly out of nowhere), the story suddenly goes back in time to narrate what happened all those years ago to bring this man to this point.
It is all very well written, and it's an intriguing introduction to Sherlock Holmes. Both this time, and the first time I read it, the transition from the present day to the past was a little jarring and almost made me want to skip ahead or put the book down. But sticking with it is emotionally rewarding.
I will also say that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle may be the only author from whom I will tolerate melodrama. Part of that is because no matter how melodramatic characters around him might get, Sherlock takes it all with a calm air of detached amusement, and I relate to that on so many levels!!
Looking forward to revisiting the other Sherlock Holmes stories.
It is all very well written, and it's an intriguing introduction to Sherlock Holmes. Both this time, and the first time I read it, the transition from the present day to the past was a little jarring and almost made me want to skip ahead or put the book down. But sticking with it is emotionally rewarding.
I will also say that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle may be the only author from whom I will tolerate melodrama. Part of that is because no matter how melodramatic characters around him might get, Sherlock takes it all with a calm air of detached amusement, and I relate to that on so many levels!!
Looking forward to revisiting the other Sherlock Holmes stories.
marginalia_chaos's review
4.0
I loved this first foray into the world of Sherlock Holmes. The story was wonderfully written, though I did get very confused during Part 2 of the book, when the story seemed to change suddenly and completely. But if you stick through the confusion for a bit, everything suddenly becomes very clear. If you have never read Sherlock Holmes, I very much suggest this read.
micheala's review
3.0
3.5
I love the BBC adaptation, but the only Sherlock Holmes I had ever read prior to this was one short story in HS (I don't even remember which as I didn't even make it all the way through)
The internet had warned me that it randomly switched from Holmes and Watson to some Americans and that the two stories didn't connect at all - however as abrupt as the switch is, the two stories do connect eventually which I appreciated.
I would have liked it better if there had been more explanations on how Holmes made his deductions however I get that that was not really part of Doyle's style.
I love the BBC adaptation, but the only Sherlock Holmes I had ever read prior to this was one short story in HS (I don't even remember which as I didn't even make it all the way through)
The internet had warned me that it randomly switched from Holmes and Watson to some Americans and that the two stories didn't connect at all - however as abrupt as the switch is, the two stories do connect eventually which I appreciated.
I would have liked it better if there had been more explanations on how Holmes made his deductions however I get that that was not really part of Doyle's style.
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