4.11 AVERAGE


As the title of this book implies, Sherlock has returned from the watery grave of the Reichenfalls. Moriarty, though, hasn't. In other words, nothing much is going on in Holmes' office. However, there are still the Proffesors compadres on the loose, and hushed up accounts to tell. Remember how secretive John was about "The Adventure of the Second Stain" in the previous collection? Well, here it will be uncovered. Also, Holmes isn't a policeman. He's an independent private detective. Remember that. He does.

generally picked this up in between other things and read a story or two at a time. i like that at this point acd/holmes stops trying to justify why watson is part of any given case and he just tags along for fun

In my opinion, these are the best Sherlock Holmes stories yet. They are interesting and entertaining, and the resolutions don't feel outlandish like in "The Sign of the Four".

I was expecting so much more. People make such a big deal of Sherlock Holmes. I mean, these were fine, entertaining, little cozy mysteries. But the writing wasn't anything special, and every male character was so pompously full of themself to be laughable. A nice light read if that's what you're in for.

I think this book really fleshed out Sherlock for me. It made him feel like more of a person somehow, and he was a lot more likeable. I really loved this whole book.
adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I will never tire of the adventures of Holmes and Watson. Such classic tales, such wit and humor and such clever deductions to solve mysteries quite strange, especially for their time.
adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous challenging informative lighthearted mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

This is the first Sherlock Holmes I’ve read, but I’ve read and watched many spin offs which I love. I didn’t realize that it would be a collection of short stories or cases. Most spin offs are of one case with a strong B-storyline. I think the mysteries were excellent but it was missing that B-storyline that pulls me through the narrative. I think even if every chapter was a new case as long as there was more characters development with the primary relationship with Watson and the recurring side characters then it wouldn’t of taken so long to read it. I didn’t have any urgency to pick the book up after each case. I’ve heard that there are stronger stories in his earlier work, but still now sure if I’ll revisit Sherlock’s original work.   

Before I dive into The Hound of the Baskervilles, which I have high hopes for, I'm going to need a little break from Sherlock Holmes. The stories become a little more tiring at each turn and the portrayal of women is also becoming wearying after a few more hours with them. That said, I still admire what Doyle did in creating this character and how the influence is still pervasive today.