Scan barcode
houdach's review against another edition
4.0
My love for Sherlock Holmes is beyond my love for any character/story, I don't know why, but since I was little, I had a special fascination by him; And I'm so happy I finally got the books to know the origin of the whole story!
lorelai_mad06's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
As a massive fan of the BBC Sherlock series I just had to read the work which it is based upon. This novel is the first time we meet Dr John Watson and Sherlock Holmes and I am so grateful that these characters were created. The case which is presented in this book is pretty interesting but nothing that blew me away. The sudden change of location wasn’t really to my liking and I would’ve preferred to spend a little more time with my favourite detective and dive deeper into his eccentric personality. I still think it’s a more than solid mystery and a quick read. The novel itself would probably land 3.5 or 3.75 stars but since it introduces some of my favourite fictional characters ever (and for the solar system joke) it deserves 4 stars :)
danijoy'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
What an excellent introduction to Watson and Holmes! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Part two was…interesting…I appreciated the backstory for the murderer but it made the book feel disjointed. I will say, it came together in the end! There might have been a better way to fit both narratives together, but overall a stellar read.
mrsbooknerd's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed the first section of this book, I loved learning about Holmes and his thought processes and seeing the murder unfold.
During the second section, I thought that I wasn't enjoying it, but actually I was really engaged in the story and kept trying to listen whenever I could snatch a few minutes. This enjoyment only increased when I delved into the final section because it suddenly tied all the ends together neatly and gave a few A-ha! Moments.
During the second section, I thought that I wasn't enjoying it, but actually I was really engaged in the story and kept trying to listen whenever I could snatch a few minutes. This enjoyment only increased when I delved into the final section because it suddenly tied all the ends together neatly and gave a few A-ha! Moments.
anjuxavier's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mikaela_basile's review against another edition
5.0
Imma be honest, the second half of the book really threw me.
ashy18c's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
The fantastic Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson first case together. The beginning was intriguing. I liked the mystery and the childishness of Sherlock. After watching the BBC adaptations I was excited to read this book. However, although the first part was good I feel the second half was bland. I struggled to get through the second half due to the abrupt time skip and change in location. Nevertheless this book was a good classical read.
fraggerbot's review against another edition
4.0
★★★★
A simple, fun read that is the start of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson's adventures.
Probably my only complaint was that the flashback in Utah was both abrupt and prolonged, but it was easy once I got past it.
“I'm not going to tell you much more of the case, Doctor. You know a conjuror gets no credit when once he has explained his trick; and if I show you too much of my method of working, you will come to the conclusion that I am a very ordinary individual after all.”
A simple, fun read that is the start of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson's adventures.
Probably my only complaint was that the flashback in Utah was both abrupt and prolonged, but it was easy once I got past it.
“I'm not going to tell you much more of the case, Doctor. You know a conjuror gets no credit when once he has explained his trick; and if I show you too much of my method of working, you will come to the conclusion that I am a very ordinary individual after all.”
kjpollard71's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
alysonhere's review against another edition
3.0
I wasn't expecting the second part at all (the background of Jefferson Hope and his reason to murder). I think I might have found it more enjoyable than the rest of the book. The actual Sherlock bits were just sort of bam, bam, blah, blah, fact, fact, not gonna tell you... John being impressed.