Reviews

The Illustrious Client: Sherlock Holmes in Large Print by Arthur Conan Doyle

ebees's review against another edition

3.0

This is a fun read. The mystery is not within the case so much, as Sherlock is given a specific task by the client. He must find a way to separate Violet, the daughter of a general, and her romantic obsession, Baron Gruner. We know Gruner is an awful, sadistic man who takes advantage of women and even murders them "allegedly," but Violet doesn't care. Gruner is just too... hot... to care about murder or promiscuity. All Sherlock is tasked to do is figure out how to separate them. The real mystery lies with the nameless illustrious client.

sirchutney's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Sir James Damery engages Sherlock Holmes' services on behalf of an anonymous, honorable client. The client is concerned for Miss Violet de Merville. She is the attractive daughter of an lifelong friend, who has fallen in love with a charming but treacherous man: Baron Gruner. Miss de Merville will not hear a word against Gruner. So, Holmes must uncover evidence against the Baron to dissuade the lady from marrying him. It is not an easy task. Gruner is both cunning and merciless. Those who opposed him in the past (as the Baron reminds Holmes) have all "coincidentally" come to harm.

This is a well written and an entertaining read, which suffers a little because of a rushed ending. It enjoys a diverse story with developed character. A definite must read for any fan of Doyle's!

pivic's review against another edition

3.0

Lombroso would have been proud, which isn't very good. Despite this, I recommend the story and foremost the televised Granada version of it, starring the singular Jeremy Brett as Holmes.