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3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A really wonderful book dragged down a bit by the racism of the time. A far superior story to A Study in Scarlet.
Pros:
-Charming love story for Watson
-Holmes’ substance abuse and depression front and center
-Creepy and mysterious
-Really liked the depiction of Mary Morstan (just as well meaning and selfless as Watson, not interested in fame and wealth like Holmes)
-TREASURE
Cons:
-Absurd levels of racism
-Villain’s story not as compelling and goes on for too long
-Charming love story for Watson
-Holmes’ substance abuse and depression front and center
-Creepy and mysterious
-Really liked the depiction of Mary Morstan (just as well meaning and selfless as Watson, not interested in fame and wealth like Holmes)
-TREASURE
Cons:
-Absurd levels of racism
-Villain’s story not as compelling and goes on for too long
The structure is as well written as the first chapter. Honestly, Doyle is always brilliant, and my love for Sherlock Holmes always makes me push through. However, did I drag through this reading? Yes. I did prefer A Study in Scarlet in comparison to The Sign of Four even if I recognise the extra character depth.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is my first exposure reading a Sherlock Holmes adventure. Yes, I admit that I've never gotten to see the world's most famous sleuth in action before now. I finally have, and I can see how Holmes captured the fascination and imagination of the world. This felt like every good crime drama, and even had a sweet moment or two thrown in.
I like the language "Watson" uses in his narration. It's simplistic but also very descriptive and gives a good feel for the atmosphere. There were moments of danger and moments of deduction. Following Holmes's thought process was immensely satisfying.
Perhaps the one problem I had was that the mystery was solved a bit too quickly, so the rest was more the chase and the "why" behind it all. I would've liked to be on the edge of my seat wondering whodunnit until the very end, but then I suppose it wouldn't be a Holmes story. Again, this is my first exposure so I'm not sure it comes that easily with other adventures.
So as my first Holmes story, I really enjoyed it. Holmes is an incredibly fascinating character. I would definitely visit Baker Street again and rejoin him and Watson in another adventure.
I like the language "Watson" uses in his narration. It's simplistic but also very descriptive and gives a good feel for the atmosphere. There were moments of danger and moments of deduction. Following Holmes's thought process was immensely satisfying.
Perhaps the one problem I had was that the mystery was solved a bit too quickly, so the rest was more the chase and the "why" behind it all. I would've liked to be on the edge of my seat wondering whodunnit until the very end, but then I suppose it wouldn't be a Holmes story. Again, this is my first exposure so I'm not sure it comes that easily with other adventures.
So as my first Holmes story, I really enjoyed it. Holmes is an incredibly fascinating character. I would definitely visit Baker Street again and rejoin him and Watson in another adventure.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is one of the best Sherlock books, a more complicated and entertaining case, and you now know the relationship between Sherlock and Watson better.