#BookReview: A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle #mystery #Sherlock

A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the debut of literature's most famous sleuth, a dead man is discovered in a bloodstained room in Brixton. The only clues are a wedding ring, a gold watch, a pocket edition of Boccaccio's Decameron, and a word scrawled in blood on the wall. With this investigation begins the partnership of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Their search for the murderer uncovers a story of love and revenge-and heralds a franchise of detective mysteries starring the formidable Holmes.

My Review:

This is my second time reading this book. I started reading Sherlock Holmes over a decade ago and I was completely smitten. I got hooked by the characters, the storylines, the incredible detail and the author's voice. And since watching the BBC Sherlock with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, I've been wanting go back and explore the literary works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once again.

A Study in Scarlet is the first of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's works and introduces us to the main characters of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. Watson, returning to London after his time away at war and nursing a wounded leg, he finds lodgings with a man going by the name of Sherlock Holmes. As he learns about his new roommate, he discovers that Mr. Holmes is a consulting detective, the one and only of his kind. He finds the man is a complex study of humankind. He was as ignorant as he was brilliant. Knowledgeable of numerous subjects as well as knowing very little about others. And yet, he can clearly see the smallest detail in a scene that many others overlook. This ability is displayed when Scotland Yard consults Sherlock on a case that has them stumped. Dr. Watson comes along and witnesses the extraordinary ability of Sherlock as he is put to the test to identify the curious murder of a man.

I won't go into details of the investigation since I know I'll unwillingly include spoilers and this is a story that is best read without knowing what happens at the end. Well, other than the fact that Sherlock solves the mystery. But the journey to that discovery is an entertaining one.

Although I enjoyed reading this book immensely to re-discover the origins of two of my favorite characters, I must admit the section concerning Utah and Mr. John Ferrier and his daughter, Lucy, was a bit dull at first. Not until close to the end of that section when the action increased. I muddled through because I knew it would get better. For some reason, I didn't remember that part from the first time I read this book.

Other than that, the writing was interesting, full of details and gorgeous Victorian language. The mystery was puzzling and it was a joy to read how Watson portrayed Holmes. I would recommend this book to any mystery fan.




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A Return to Baker Street #221back

Most of my friends know of my obsession with Sherlock Holmes. It began with reading Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic works when I was a teenager. I still re-read them. Just can't get enough.

But when it comes to television, I wasn't impressed with the idea of setting the famous detecting duo in present-day London. The stories are firmly set in Victorian London and in my strong opinion, that's where they belong!

Until I broke down and decided to watch the first episode of this new modern retelling of Sherlock Holmes starring Benedict Cumberbatch (who?) and Martin Freeman (isn't he a Hobbit?). Yeah, I'm usually a year or so late when it comes to new movies/television series. I suppose I wait until I hear about it so often from other people that I figure that if its caused such a buzz, it'll be worth taking a look. When I saw Sherlock was available on Netflix that I decided to give it a watch.

That was back in December.

OMG! I'm so glad I did. I had no idea what I was missing! The show is like a drug on which I'm happily and unabashedly addicted. I seriously cannot get enough, just like the books!

Being a contemporary adaptation, it doesn't follow any particular story from the books like other movies do. It's difficult for any book to be translated into a movie anyway. It's more like this show is heavily influenced by the books. The writers, Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, (both of whom I greatly admire!) take the characters from the book and place them in modern day London where there's all sorts of mystery and mayhem for them to experience! And they must have fun writing these episodes! They are creative and brilliant!

Sherlock Holmes is a consulting detective and John Watson is an Army doctor returned to England from the war in Afghanistan. The show also includes Mrs. Hudson, Irene Adler, Mycroft Holmes, Mary Watson, and of course, James Moriarty!

It's not just the mystery that pulls me into this show, but the interaction with the actors. The believable and well-drawn characters, the sharp dialogue, the quick glances, the humor, the shared friendship, the breathtaking excitement and suspense, and the devastating heartache. Oh, I could go on about why I like the show, but it's the same with the books. You've just got to experience it for yourself. And I encourage you! If you haven't read the books, give them a try! And if you haven't watched the show, well...what are you waiting for? There's 3 seasons available for you to get caught up!

I'm beyond thrilled to discover confirmation for Season 4! They're planning to air a Special which will begin filming in January 2015, with 3 more episodes which will be filmed later that year.

The waiting is, of course, horrible. Unlike most other fans, I actually didn't have to experience the wait long to watch Season 3 since that aired only a few short weeks in January after I got caught up on Netflix. Oh, I was so thankful, too! I don't think I could have managed waiting for long after watching the ending of Season 2!

Now I'm along with everyone else...waiting...waiting...

At least I'll have Doctor Who in August to fill a little of that void in my life.



Here's a little clip I found on YouTube. This is the Prequel to Season 3.