Title: A Study in Scarlet
by Sir Arthur Conan DoylePublishing Info: June 1, 1982 by Penguin
Source: Bundles of Books
Genres: Adult, Classics, Mystery/Thriller
Find it on the web: Buy from Amazon // GoodreadsDate Completed: January 10, 2012
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In the first of all the Sherlock Holmes stories, Dr. John Watson, discharged from military service after suffering severe wounds, is at a loose end until a chance encounter leads him to take rooms with a remarkable young man. The arrogant, irracible Sherlock Holmes is a master chemist, a talented musician and an expert on all aspects of crime. And when Watson is drawn into the investigation of a bizarre murder in which Holmes is involved, he is unaware that it is the beginning of the most famous partnership in the history of criminal detection. Here is where it all began for England's super sleuth and his faithful sidekick.
Well, this was the first Sherlock Holmes adventure I had ever read. Not sure if I’m proud that I finally got around to it or ashamed that I’m already in my 20s and never picked one up! Regardless, I have to say that it didn’t let me down at all! As someone who was a fan of the movies and not having read any books, I was not in the least bit disappointed by the literary Sherlock Holmes and his never-ending ability to observe and conclude how the crimes occur.
This story is actually in two parts, which I was not aware of upon beginning so I was taken a bit by surprise. Personally, I’m not a fan of when authors do that because it completely takes me away from a plot and it feels like I’m reading a brand new story. Although I was slightly put off at first, the reward was worth it to hear how Holmes matter-of-factly puts the two stories together to solve the crime and pin down the murderer.
4.5/5 stars
It usually takes a lot for me to give a book five stars. I absolutely loved the cleverness in coming up with Sherlock Holmes’ character. As this was the first episode of Holmes, I think it’s one that keeps the readers wanting more and gives them a fascinating character to root for. The language may trip some readers up, simply because it was published 125 years ago in 1887 and languages evolve so much over time, but if you don’t let the old verbiage and jargon distract you, it’s absolutely worth it to read this mystery!
2 thoughts on “A Study in Scarlet – Arthur Conan Doyle”
I’m also a little ashamed to admit I haven’t read the book yet. But I would love to win it as I am a huge Poirot fan and love mysteries and crime stories.