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wardo2700's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this collection of 8 short stories just as much as the full length Sherlock Holmes novels I had previously read. They are quick reads and although have similar occurrences in some of the stories they each had something different as the main appealing factor. I'd recommend this compilation to any Sherlock fan and also to any lover of a good mystery
seolhe's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
dmcke013's review against another edition
3.0
So, 2 things:
1) I actually listened to the Stephen Fry presented Audible version of this (in between bouts of actually reading it)
2) I was expecting there to be an over-arching plot, similar to something like 'The Hounds of the Baskervilles'
With regards to #2, there isn't.
This, instead, hews closer to something like [b:The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes|3590|The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock Holmes, #3)|Arthur Conan Doyle|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1164045516l/3590._SY75_.jpg|1222101] in that it is presented as a series of more-or-less standalone cases, with the final one in the collection 'His Last Bow' and with that one set in the early 1910s, just before the outbreak of World War One, and in which Holmes comes out of retirement to solve one last case.
1) I actually listened to the Stephen Fry presented Audible version of this (in between bouts of actually reading it)
2) I was expecting there to be an over-arching plot, similar to something like 'The Hounds of the Baskervilles'
With regards to #2, there isn't.
This, instead, hews closer to something like [b:The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes|3590|The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock Holmes, #3)|Arthur Conan Doyle|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1164045516l/3590._SY75_.jpg|1222101] in that it is presented as a series of more-or-less standalone cases, with the final one in the collection 'His Last Bow' and with that one set in the early 1910s, just before the outbreak of World War One, and in which Holmes comes out of retirement to solve one last case.
thatgirlinblack's review against another edition
5.0
Sherlock Holmes solves cases without breaking into a sweat, while London's police force and detectives, and even Watson, puff along miles behind. Not to say that it is effortless for Holmes; he is merely alert and astute, seeing what others do not, overlooking nothing, and diligently but patiently working toward the discovery of the solution. Oftentimes his persistence on the right track saves lives, while the official police bumble down rabbit trails.
This collection also reminds that Holmes is a private investgator, not an official detective. While he respects and works with the police, he also understands the beauracracy and difficulty often present in the law. While not everything he does is legal, it is just.
The last story is set some years after the others, as Holmes emerges from retirement to put his skills into use in the service of his country. World War I is coming, and though just one story set in this time is provided, it is thrilling to imagine the adventures and espionage Sherlock Holmes might have been involved in.
This collection also reminds that Holmes is a private investgator, not an official detective. While he respects and works with the police, he also understands the beauracracy and difficulty often present in the law. While not everything he does is legal, it is just.
The last story is set some years after the others, as Holmes emerges from retirement to put his skills into use in the service of his country. World War I is coming, and though just one story set in this time is provided, it is thrilling to imagine the adventures and espionage Sherlock Holmes might have been involved in.
lddecker's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0