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cpjeanz's review against another edition
4.0
I'm starting to realize I really appreciate a good short story mystery. These days, most mysteries are written as full length novels. There's nothing wrong with that, but there's just something about a short story that's so awesome. Being able to create interesting characters, mystery and resolution all in 30 pages or less must be quite a challenge. Astro and Valeska are such fun characters and while not all the mysteries are amazing, they're all really fun and there are some great ones in there.
Quick hits:
+ Astro is such an intriguing character. He feels like a more modern and social Holmes. He has great wit and is very intelligent.
+ Astro's relationship with Valeska was so refreshing. Sure, there was some romance there. BUT, Astro never puts Valeska down. He's constantly trying to train and challenge her so that she could be the best version of herself. He also actively relies on her during investigations and for his "day job".
+ Mysteries are mixed in style, hitting all the notes for mystery fans. Murders, robberies, missing persons, etc.
- Some racist language (unfortunately to be expected in stories that are 100 years old). I can only remember a couple of times in all 462 pages.
- Not as many memorable short stories. Enjoyable while you read them, but not as memorable as Sherlock for example (i.e. The Speckled Band, The Redheaded League, etc.).
Overall, I would highly recommend this for anyone who is a mystery fan or classic mystery fan. There's plenty to love here and there's also some refreshing takes in here. Now I'm off to find more short story mysteries to read!
Quick hits:
+ Astro is such an intriguing character. He feels like a more modern and social Holmes. He has great wit and is very intelligent.
+ Astro's relationship with Valeska was so refreshing. Sure, there was some romance there. BUT, Astro never puts Valeska down. He's constantly trying to train and challenge her so that she could be the best version of herself. He also actively relies on her during investigations and for his "day job".
+ Mysteries are mixed in style, hitting all the notes for mystery fans. Murders, robberies, missing persons, etc.
- Some racist language (unfortunately to be expected in stories that are 100 years old). I can only remember a couple of times in all 462 pages.
- Not as many memorable short stories. Enjoyable while you read them, but not as memorable as Sherlock for example (i.e. The Speckled Band, The Redheaded League, etc.).
Overall, I would highly recommend this for anyone who is a mystery fan or classic mystery fan. There's plenty to love here and there's also some refreshing takes in here. Now I'm off to find more short story mysteries to read!
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