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shivam_kr 's review for:

The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
4.0
adventurous emotional funny lighthearted 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

Audiobook narrated by Stephen Fry.

Perhaps not better than Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. That one had more memorable stories on the whole and probably more consistent than this. But it's not that far off from that book, and The Final Problem is my favourite Sherlock Holmes story that I've read till now, and Stephen Fry killed it in narration. It would've been the perfect end to this series, but there are 4 more books to go. Below are my notes/ratings of individual stories:

Story 1: Silver Blaze
3.5/5
  “Is there any point to which you would wish to draw my attention?”
— “To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time”
— “The dog did nothing in the nighttime.”
— “That was the curious incident.”


Pretty good start for the book. An interesting enough mystery, but not the most thrilling conclusion. Among the easier mysteries to solve.


Story 2: The Adventure of the Cardboard Box
4/5
The mystery is pretty clear once we get the sister's info from the old lady, but it's the mystery that was so intriguing. Also, the ending convo between Holmes and Watson was great. 


Story 3: The Adventure of the Yellow Face
4.5/5

Among the very top of Sherlock Holmes stories I've read till now. Might be just below Irene Adler case. Intriguing mystery and an even better conclusion. And to top it all off, an absolutely amazing closing line from Sherlock.

“Norbury”


Story 4: The Adventure of the Stock-broker's clerk

2.5/5
The plot was
pretty similar to The Adventure of the Red Headed League. And equally dull as that story. Maybe a tiny bit better but still. I've seen better Sherlock Holmes mysteries.


 Story 5: The Adventure of 'Gloria Scott'
3.5/5
It's the origin story of Sherlock Holmes. Kinda cool, but thing extraordinary other than that.

Story 6: The Adventures of the Musgrave Ritual .
3.5/5

It's another piece of the Sherlock Holmes origin story.


Story 7: The Adventure of the Reigate Squire
4/5
Intriguing mystery, great deduction. Just a classic Sherlock Holmes story.


 Story 8: The Adventures of the Crooked Man
3.5/5
 

 Story 9: The Adventure of the Resident Patient
4/5
 

 
Story 10: The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter
3.5/5
First introduction of Sherlock Holmes' brother.


Story 11: The Adventure of the Naval Treaty
4/5
The more distraught Holmes' client seem to be, the more entertaining these mysteries become.


Story 12: The Final Problem
5/5
Holy fucking shit! This is my favourite Sherlock Holmes story. Better than Yellow Face, better than the copper beeches, and probably even slightly better than the Scandal in Bohemia. And this isn't even one of those classic Sherlock Holmes mysteries. There's no murder to solve, no suspect to catch. This is just Sherlock Holmes on a run from his greatest adversary, Professor Moriarty. This story solely relies on your investment in the lives of Holmes and Watson, or it just won't work. And I am invested. I love these characters.

Easily the greatest ending of any Sherlock Holmes story, and among my all-time favourite endings ever. There's nothing more I could've asked for.