dutchlee's review against another edition
5.0
I loved reading Sherlock's adventures as told through he eyes of Dr. Watson!
They are intriguing stories, although I certainly did not expect them to be like this. They are short stories and I mean extremely short, about 25 pages in length, and have been quickly and masterfully solved by Holmes. This was a surprise to me as mystery stories (in my mind) usually are more complex and take a lot longer to solve. Yet Holmes is a genius with an eye for the little details which reveal far more information, as he tells Watson: "It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important;" (39) and referring to Watson's inability to make the same deductions: "You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear" (8).
His way of thinking is contagious. I began to pay attention to the little details as well, both in the stories to see if I could figure out the mystery before Holmes and after I put the book down and went about my day. He is an intriguing and peculiar character, whose personalities and idiosyncrasies are slowly disclosed throughout the various short stories. It seems that one of the overarching mysteries of these short stories is figuring out who Sherlock Holmes is. Watson certainly tries to do so as he narrates the book, yet are there parts where he merely "sees" and fails to "observe"? Only the reader who has let Sherlock be their mentor can answer that question.
They are intriguing stories, although I certainly did not expect them to be like this. They are short stories and I mean extremely short, about 25 pages in length, and have been quickly and masterfully solved by Holmes. This was a surprise to me as mystery stories (in my mind) usually are more complex and take a lot longer to solve. Yet Holmes is a genius with an eye for the little details which reveal far more information, as he tells Watson: "It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important;" (39) and referring to Watson's inability to make the same deductions: "You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear" (8).
His way of thinking is contagious. I began to pay attention to the little details as well, both in the stories to see if I could figure out the mystery before Holmes and after I put the book down and went about my day. He is an intriguing and peculiar character, whose personalities and idiosyncrasies are slowly disclosed throughout the various short stories. It seems that one of the overarching mysteries of these short stories is figuring out who Sherlock Holmes is. Watson certainly tries to do so as he narrates the book, yet are there parts where he merely "sees" and fails to "observe"? Only the reader who has let Sherlock be their mentor can answer that question.
mar_steyn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-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
5.0
fletchie's review against another edition
4.0
My recommendation is this:
Read this book over a long period of time. One story, every now and then. Otherwise it may become formulaic and, honestly, tedious. Each story has its merit and is engaging on its own, but if you separate them out you will be able to savour them to their maximum potential.
Read this book over a long period of time. One story, every now and then. Otherwise it may become formulaic and, honestly, tedious. Each story has its merit and is engaging on its own, but if you separate them out you will be able to savour them to their maximum potential.
bellatora's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, Holmes. I know you can be a miserable bastard but I love you so. Even though the actual crimes and solutions are not overly interesting, your nonchalant badassness and cutting wit when solving crimes keeps me coming back. Also, you're best in short stories. Novels allow Doyle too much time to write long, boring descriptions. I love you the most when you're short and snappy. And you're so much better than all the derivative brilliant but flawed (and often misanthropic) investigators on TV nowadays.
Also, you are played by Hugh Laurie in my head, as is only right.
Also, you are played by Hugh Laurie in my head, as is only right.
pulvi0phile's review against another edition
4.5
it's kinda hard to rate this, but i really enjoyed this whole thing, especially the adventures of sherlock holmes, there were too many fantastic cases in there.
and i'm absolutely not okay after the final problem :(
and i'm absolutely not okay after the final problem :(
arthurbdd's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent collection of the first two "seasons" of Sherlock Holmes short stories from Strand magazine. Full review: https://fakegeekboy.wordpress.com/2022/05/27/the-holmes-canon-part-2-a-first-season-in-the-strand/ and https://fakegeekboy.wordpress.com/2022/05/30/the-holmes-canon-part-3-holmes-dies-at-the-end/
sundaysandpoetry's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
emk2097's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
3.5
horseink's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
It’s exactly what you’d expects; a bunch of short stories in which Sherlock uncovers mysteries.
I loved to read Sherlocks and Watsons friendship develop, but.
I loved to read Sherlocks and Watsons friendship develop, but