The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes: The Novels (A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of Four, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Valley of Fear)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Interesting facts pertaining to the Sherlock Holmes novels
  • A BEAUTIFUL EDITION ~~~to place beside The Short Stories
  • The four novels - in all their annotated glory!
  • sherlock holmes novels
  • Great Book -- Get It
The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes: The Novels (A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of Four, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Valley of Fear)
Arthur Conan Doyle
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:
  1. The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Short Stories (2 Vol. Set) The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Short Stories (2 Vol. Set)
  2. The Science of Sherlock Holmes: From Baskerville Hall to the Valley of Fear, the Real Forensics Behind the Great Detective's Greatest Cases The Science of Sherlock Holmes: From Baskerville Hall to the Valley of Fear, the Real Forensics Behind the Great Detective's Greatest Cases
  3. The Sherlock Holmes Feature Film Collection The Sherlock Holmes Feature Film Collection
  4. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Boxed Set Collection) The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Boxed Set Collection)
  5. The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes Collection The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes Collection

ASIN: 039305800X

Book Description

The four classic novels of Sherlock Holmes available in a new slipcased edition.

The publication of Leslie S. Klinger's brilliant new annotations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 56 short stories in 2004 created a Holmes sensation. Here, in this eagerly awaited third volume, Klinger reassembles Doyle's four seminal novels in their original order, with over 1,000 new notes, 350 illustrations and period photographs, and tantalizing new Sherlockian theories. Inside, readers will find:
• A Study in Scarlet (1887)—a tale of murder and revenge that tells of Holmes and Dr. Watson's first meeting;
• The Sign of Four (1889)—a cinematic tale of lost treasure;
• The Hound of the Baskervilles (1901)—hailed as the greatest mystery novel of all time; and
• The Valley of Fear (1914)—a fresh murder scene that leads Holmes to solve a long-forgotten mystery.

Whether as a stand-alone volume or as a companion to the boxed short stories, this classic work illuminates the timeless genius of Conan Doyle for an entirely new generation. Slipcased hardcover; two-color text; 300 illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Interesting facts pertaining to the Sherlock Holmes novels.......2007-08-10

Having been brought up on the edge of Dartmoor,in Devonshire, SW England,where the Hounds of the Baskervilles story was located I found the annotations to that novel to be very interesting and, more importantly, factual even to the minor details that were mentioned.
I have no doubts whatsoever that the facts connected to the other three novels are just as accurate.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any Sherlockian.

5 out of 5 stars A BEAUTIFUL EDITION ~~~to place beside The Short Stories.......2007-07-16

This volume completes this edition of The Annotated Sherlock Holmes. What a beautiful set of books to ponder they are!

Myself, as with many of you, have "grown up" or "lived" with the great sleuth for many years, and it is, of course, for us, wonderful to open this beautiful volume, containing the four complete novels, lovingly annotated in the margins with tons of observations, thoughts, etc., on the great man and his times, and also, of course, on his great nemesis, Moriatry. It's just wonderful to sit comfortably and re-read, ponder, and think about this great character, his creator, and perhaps just smile upon doing so.

This great set of four of the greatest detective stories, along with the two volume companion with the 56 short stories, truly does belong on the shelves of anyone who likes both great writing, and also great detective stories, especially about the "Great" Holmes, whom you'll read over and over and over, enjoying them just as much the 12th time as the first!

Do yourself a Great Favor, and add this wonderful volume to your library...You Won't Be Sorry! ~operabruin

5 out of 5 stars The four novels - in all their annotated glory!.......2007-06-27

This volume is a companion to the two-book set that covers the 56 short stories. Mr. Klinger has done an outstanding job of annotating and describing enough details in each novel to delight the casual reader or the devoted Holmes fan. Most Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts consider their annotated edition of the canon to be the centerpiece of their Holmes library. If you enjoy Sherlock Holmes, you will love this edition.

5 out of 5 stars sherlock holmes novels.......2006-11-06

the stories are wonderful. the 100th anniversary editions are all charming. the re pore between Holmes and Watson is the definition of a true friend. the methodology of Holmes as alway is fascinating.

5 out of 5 stars Great Book -- Get It.......2006-01-20

I first read the Sherlock Holmes stories in high school. Then in grad school (1967) came the two volume 'The Annotated Sherlock Holmes' by William S. Baring-Gould (sadly available now only used). Down through the years I guess I've re-read it every decade or so. Now Mr. Klinger has come out with 'The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes.' I didn't think that it was possible to improve on the Baring-Gould book, but Mr. Klinger has done so.

Besides Baring-Gould, there have been several other writers who have produced books on Holmes. Mr. Klinger seems to have researched them all and summarized their views, particularily where differences exist. For instance, the date that 'The Sign of the Four' took place is fairly important to Sherlockians. Mr. Klinger gives the dates calculated by sixteen different books.

Also added in this edition is a large number of drawings and photographs. Some of these come from the Strand Magazine and date back to the publication of the original story in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Some photographs come from the various movies including my favorites with Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. Others come from book covers, movie posters.

Conclusion: Great Book. If you've done the Sherlock stories without an annotated version, you're in for a real treat. If you have an earlier annotated version, you need this one to complete the set.
A Monstrous Regiment of Women
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • The primary sex organ is the brain. . .
  • Like many sequels, not as satisfying as the original.
  • Shades of Gaudy Night
  • The Apprenticeship is over; Mary comes of age
  • Satisfying
A Monstrous Regiment of Women
Laurie R. King
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0553574566
Release Date: 1996-12-01

Amazon.com

In The Beekeeper's Apprentice, Laurie R. King came up with a completely original story that had Sherlock Holmes as one of its principal characters but was in no way part of the Holmes canon. The focus of that book was a young woman, Mary Russell. Now in A Monstrous Regiment of Women, Mary Russell's adventures as a student of the famous detective continue. A series of murders claims members of a strange suffrage organization's wealthy young female volunteers, and Mary, with Holmes in the background, investigates, little knowing what danger she personally faces.

Laurie R. King is also the author of the Edgar Award-winning novel A Grave Talent.

Book Description

The dawn of 1921 finds Mary Russell, Sherlock Holmes’s brilliant young apprentice, about to come into a considerable inheritance. Nevertheless, she still enjoys her nighttime prowls in disguise through London’s grimy streets, where one night she encounters an old friend, now a charity worker among the poor. Veronica
Beaconsfield introduces Russell to the New Temple of God, led by the enigmatic, electrifying Margery Childe. Part suffragette, part mystic, she lives quite well for a woman of God from supposedly humble origins.

Despite herself, Russell is drawn ever deeper into Childe’s circle. When Veronica has a near-fatal accident–and turns out to be the fourth bluestocking in the group to meet with misadventure after changing her will–Russell and Holmes launch a quiet investigation. But the Temple may bring the newly rich Russell far closer to heaven than she would like.…

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The primary sex organ is the brain. . ........2007-03-27

This is the thoroughly satisfying second book in King's Mary Russell series. Mary is Sherlock Holmes protege--a young orphan who lives the life of the mind much as Holmes does. She has now graduated from Oxford and is about to receive her considerable inheritance. In addition Holmes has created considerable tension into their relationship by suggesting that Mary will propose marriage.

Russell retreats from Holmes in confusion and absorbs herself in a mystery surrounding a charismatic female cult leader who seems to be the genuine article--a mystic with healing powers and a genuine mission to help women. Yet Mary connects mysterious deaths of rich women to this cult leader. Ultimately Holmes and Mary unite in a perilous pursuit of a malefactor.

King crafts an absorbing mystery with appealing characters and with considerable suspense. Despite the considerable age difference between Mary and Holmes, they are clearly soul-mates and could never be happy with anyone else. The ending is gratifying with the mystery solved and Russell and Holmes negotiating a satisfactory relationship based upon their sharp wit and passionate souls. Highly recommended!

3 out of 5 stars Like many sequels, not as satisfying as the original........2007-03-23

This followup to The Beekeeper's Apprentice was an enjoyable read and held my interest all the way through. It touches expertly on some very engrossing subjects, such as love between friends, and also explores the very dark elements of abduction and drug use. However the author seems to get bogged down in discussion of religious topics. Understandable, because King has a degree in theology and the topic definitely relates to the story, but it seemed to be a little too much in a "less is more" situation.
The climax of the story was also somewhat of a dissapointment; it had sort of a rushed-to-the-end feeling. The buildup to this was quite good, though, and if you loved the first in the series, you will definitely enjoy this.

3 out of 5 stars Shades of Gaudy Night.......2007-01-03

I tried hard to enjoy A Monstrous Regiment of Women, and it actually wasn't so bad, but I kept having the feeling that the author was recreating for her characters, Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, the scenes and sentiments of Dorothy L. Sayers's materpiece, Gaudy Night, also set in Oxford and London between the wars. If you like King's book, please try the original. It is much better written!

A note (referring to the original hardcover edition: This book is full of typos. The worst two that I found were a reference to "chairwomen" instead of "charwomen" and the assertion that Abigail Adams was born in 1774. I gather there wasn't an awful lot of proofreading going on when this one was in production ...

3 out of 5 stars The Apprenticeship is over; Mary comes of age.......2006-08-18

Mary Russell is more or less on her own in this second adventure. At the ripe age of 21, Mary comes into her inheritance and through a friend, is introduced to the New Temple of God and its mystical leader, Margery Childe. Her feminism and theology fascinate Mary, but when a series of murders claim the lives of some of the Temple's wealthy young women, Mary begins to suspect something more is afoot. With Holmes' aid, Mary confronts a cunning and vicious killer. Nevertheless, the mystery plot is really secondary to story of Mary's coming of age after the events in King's superb Beekeepers' Apprentice. Mary must come to grips not only with her academic aspirations, but her relationship with Holmes. I can't help but be enthralled with King's smart writing and the unique voice of Mary Russell. But what I like most is that King knows when to make her heroine take charge, without making her an unrealistic action hero.

4 out of 5 stars Satisfying.......2006-03-27

A monstrous Regiment of Women is the follow up, and indeed it is a hard act to follow, of the Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King. I enjoyed this story but at the same time must admit that the poignancy and enthusiam I felt during the reading of the Beekeeper's Apprentice was missing. I chalk this up to two factors. The relationship between Holmes and Mary Russell takes a backseat in this story and at the same time comes to the forefront but in a romantic way. So there is less personal interaction during the story but the nature of the relationship changes. Romance blossoms which at times picturing Mary and Sherlock in an intimate embrace was awkward to say the least. The second factor in is the lack of personal intorspection on the part of Russell. She is a less likeable character and often appears more like a tantrum throwing, head strong brat. With that said the plot is entertaining. The reader is introduced to New Agey mystic Margery Childe and her "congregation" of the New Temple making for an interesting mystery . The end is riveting and graphic and as much as the beginning and middle move slowly the conclusion of the novel is a page turner. All in all well done.
The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Short Stories (2 Vol. Set)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Best Annotated Holmes Collection Available
  • conan doyle changed police procedure from beating todeduction
  • BEAUTIFUL! ~~An HONOR to Doyle, and to HOLMES!
  • Masterful
  • Excellent production, could have been bound better
The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Short Stories (2 Vol. Set)
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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  1. The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes: The Novels (A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of Four, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Valley of Fear) The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes: The Novels (A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of Four, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Valley of Fear)
  2. The Science of Sherlock Holmes: From Baskerville Hall to the Valley of Fear, the Real Forensics Behind the Great Detective's Greatest Cases The Science of Sherlock Holmes: From Baskerville Hall to the Valley of Fear, the Real Forensics Behind the Great Detective's Greatest Cases
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ASIN: 0393059162

Book Description

A cause for international celebration—the most important Sherlock Holmes publication in four decades.

This monumental edition promises to be the most important new contribution to Sherlock Holmes literature since William Baring-Gould's 1967 classic work. In this boxed set, Leslie Klinger, a leading world authority, reassembles Arthur Conan Doyle's 56 classic short stories in the order in which they appeared in late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century book editions. Inside, readers will find a cornucopia of insights: beginners will benefit from Klinger's insightful biographies of Holmes, Watson, and Conan Doyle; history lovers will revel in the wealth of Victorian literary and cultural details; Sherlockian fanatics will puzzle over tantalizing new theories; art lovers will thrill to the 700-plus illustrations, which make this the most lavishly illustrated edition of the Holmes tales ever produced. The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes illuminates the timeless genius of Arthur Conan Doyle for an entirely new generation of readers. 700+ illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The Best Annotated Holmes Collection Available.......2007-08-14

Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories are widely available in numerous editions, but this one stands out for three reasons. First, there is a superb introudction of over 60 pages ("The World of Sherlock Holmes"); second, there are numerous original illustrations, photographs of the scenes of the stories, and so on; third, and most important, the annotations--which are extensive--include both real facts about the Victorian world that one needs to know to understand the stories *and* "Sherlockiana".

For example, when, in "the Adventure of the Beryl Coronet", a mysterious nobleman asks a banker for "a trifling sum" of 50,000 pounds, the modern reader might shrug--surely 50,000 pounds *is* indeed a "trifling sum" for a rich nobleman?--until one realizes, as the annotations say, that it would be over $6,000,000 today. The annotators do an excellent job with such factoids: less and some of the stories' references would remain obscure; more and they would become pedantic.

What really sets it apart, however, are the "Sherlockian" annotations, which pretend "A. C. Doyle" was Watson's pen name and that the stories describe real events--and makes up theories to explain apparent contradictions or omissions. For example, in "The Man with the Twisted Lip", Watson's wife calls him "James" (instead of "John"). Why? The obvious answer--Doyle made a slip--is, of course, not allowed by the rules of the Sherlockian "game". The annotators give three pages to summarising the numerous theories Sherlockians offered--from claiming "James" was Watson's middle name, to claims it was her lover's name (thus also "discovering" Waton's middle name, and/or explaining why he seems to have left his wife).

Even if you have no interest at all in such intellectual games, the photographs and illustrations, the historical introduction, and the factual annotations alone more than justify a "five stars" rating. If you *are* interested in Shelockiana, these books are more than that--they're an instant classic, sure to be the "standard edition" of Sherlock fans for years to come.

5 out of 5 stars conan doyle changed police procedure from beating todeduction .......2007-08-10

Conanan Doylechanged police from bribers of low life to rat on others or to beat confessions from poorly educated or low intelligence souls tothose who sought to know the facts.The facts came from evidence of all sorts, witnesses,debris on the scene, or from the area or arena of suspects o those involved. The courts the\n rejected evidence that was tainted.This included statements from tortured or possibly tortured persons that was not corrobrated by tangible evidence. So today we have a system that is closer to trying to get the truth than getting a conviction. This enables those who can manipulate it to beat the justice sytem in the short term. The safety valve is that those who tend to break the law do so again until getting caught.



5 out of 5 stars BEAUTIFUL! ~~An HONOR to Doyle, and to HOLMES!.......2007-07-16

Well, to start, I see that I am the 25th person to review this double volume of these marvelous stories in this wonderful edition.

It is so wonderful to sit down in my big old wing-back chair, especially on a rainy day or evening, and re-read these fabulous stories again, some for perhaps the 6th or 7th time, others the 3rd or 4th. And, the highlight, of course, is to ponder the notations in the margins of these wonderfully crafted and beautifully presented books.

Next time you feel like doing something "Nice" for yourself, why not treat yourself to this beautiful, and so much fun to revisit, set of the Sherlock Holmes Short Stories! You will never regret it...they always seem to be like old forgotten friends each time you come back to them. ~operabruin

(PS: Do not forget the Novels, also part of this edition in their own volume.)

5 out of 5 stars Masterful.......2006-08-18

I cannot add to the kudos bestowed by virtually every review of this 2 volume delight.
A warning: Check the "Adventure of the Priory School" for missing footnotes. The numbers appear in the margins but the (red type) prose is missing! Someone goofed seriously at the printer's shop. This may not be a major catastrophe (perhaps it is an intentional mystery created by the author), but it's like buying a new car with a dimple in the hood: you know it's there (or, in this instance, it isn't there!) If you are affected by this lack of annotation, return the volumes to Amazon, write a letter to the publisher (Norton) and get restitution, by George!

5 out of 5 stars Excellent production, could have been bound better.......2006-07-23

Rather than repeat the reviews of the previous authors, I'd like to make two points related to the production of the book:

The book should have been stitched rather than gummed at the spine. I can almost foresee my grandson many years hence trying to read Grandpa's favorite book that was willed to him, only to have the spine break. A book of enduring value must have a stitched spine. OTOH looks like it has been printed on acid-free paper, which is a good thing.

How I wish there was a CD-ROM edition. The book is unbelievably bulky. That is fine for someone's study or library. If there was a CD-ROM based edition, people short on space, or those who travel on public transport could enjoy the author's work more conveniently (e.g. by reading on their laptop).

Unfortunately Amazon does not ship this book free. But some of its competitors do. It pays to shop around.
The Complete Sherlock Holmes: All 4 Novels and 56 Short Stories
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Complete Sherlock Holmes
  • For a fan of the detective genre, buying this collection is a no brainer
  • Great edition.
  • Question
  • Short Review
The Complete Sherlock Holmes: All 4 Novels and 56 Short Stories
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Manufacturer: Bantam Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0553328255
Release Date: 1986-10-01

Amazon.com

This volume, authorized by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's estate, contains all 4 full-length novels and all 56 short stories featuring Sherlock Holmes. At over a thousand pages, the weighty tome is a perfect gift for budding amateur sleuths, and it is an ideal companion for a long stay on a desert island (or a leisurely trip through the English countryside). As the reader wades past the tense introductions of A Study in Scarlet and moves towards such classic tales as The Hound of the Baskervilles, "The Adventure of the Speckled Band," and "The Final Problem," she is sure to draw her own conclusions about Holmes's veiled past and his quirky relationship with his "Boswell," Watson. Doyle never revealed much about Holmes's early life, but the joy of reading the complete Holmes is assembling the trivia of each story into something like a portrait of the detective and his creator. By the end of the long journey through London and across Europe (with a long stopover at Reichenbach Falls), one is apt to have found a friend for life. --Patrick O'Kelley

Book Description

Over one hundred years have passed since Sir Arthur Conan Doyle intoduced his inimitable sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, to the world--and his popularity has never waned. This oversized commemorative volume contains the entire canon of Holmes adventures, both before and after his creator's attempt to dispatch him in print. Just as the character, Holmes, prevails and defies even death, these detective stories featuring him and Dr. Watson have withstood more than the test of time: they defined and changed the way modern crime writers approached detective fiction.

Download Description

This omnibus faithfully chronicles all the sixty cases of Sherlock Holmes by his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The famous Baker Street detective has captured the hearts and imagination of both the young and old, generation after generation. Now, by popular demand, this precious, complete collection of Sherlock Holmes cases is available to his fans in ebook format! The individual titles in this volume by the publisher are also available: A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of Four, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, the Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, the Return of Sherlock Holmes, the Hound of the Baskervilles, the Valley of Fear, His Last Bow and the Case Book of Sherlock Holmes.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Complete Sherlock Holmes.......2007-06-14

This entire book is amazing. A very good product!!

5 out of 5 stars For a fan of the detective genre, buying this collection is a no brainer.......2007-03-13

Whether you've read any of the Sherlock Holmes stories or not, at only 10 bucks this collection is a must own for any fans of detective fiction.

This edition is highly usable and highly readable - it's cheap, and it's also compact and easy to read. Breaking it into two reasonably small paperbacks makes it very convenient to take with you on a trip, for example. It's also an easy, convenient way to get all four novels and all the short stories. Sure it isn't a pretty hardcover edition that will look good on the bookshelf - this edition is meant to be read.

If you're already a fan of Holmes and are debating whether to buy this collection, I'd highly recommend it. If you're not already a fan but like detective fiction in general, you may as well shell out the measly 10 bucks for one of the original (and still one of the best, in my opinion) examples of the genre.

5 out of 5 stars Great edition........2007-01-05

I really like the book from the inside out. Sturdy with an excellent binding, printed using easily readable font, and contains a nice touch of antiquity with the slightly torn pages on the side. Looks exactly like the first volume, though the background color of the pictures on the cover, side, and back is red and not blue.

For this kind of money it is a real bargain and I recommend it for anyone who wishes to venture into the magnificent world of Sherlock Holmes.

5 out of 5 stars Question.......2006-12-29

Why is it that one of the user reviews says it ends with THE FINAL PROBLEM? If they are in order that should not be the case. Sherlock Holmes returns later. (THE ADVENTURE OF THE EMPTY HOUSE) Is it defenetly the complete collection?

5 out of 5 stars Short Review.......2006-08-28

This book includes really all four novels and many stories about Sherlock Holmes. If you are interested in having all this in one book, buy this book and you won't be ever regret.
The Beekeeper's Apprentice
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Laurie King Strikes Gold Again
  • Sherlock Holmes -- a different twist
  • Nancy Drew meets Holmes
  • Hmm, Not Sure
  • feminist tripe
The Beekeeper's Apprentice
Laurie R. King
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Sherlock HolmesSherlock Holmes | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0553571656
Release Date: 1996-07-01

Book Description

In 1915, long since retired from his observations of criminal humanity, Sherlock Holmes is engaged in a reclusive study of honeybee behavior on the Sussex Downs. Never did he think to meet an intellect to match his own–until his acquaintance with Miss Mary Russell, a very modern fifteen-year-old whose mental acuity is equaled only by her audacity, tenacity, and penchant for trousers and cloth caps.

Under Holmes’s tutelage, Russell hones her talent for deduction, disguises, and danger: in the chilling case of a landowner’s mysterious fever and in a kidnapping in the wilds of Wales. But her ultimate challenge is yet to come. Soon the two sleuths are on the trail of a murderer whose machinations scatter meaningless clues…but whose objective is quite unequivocal: to end Russell and Holmes’s partnership–and their lives.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Laurie King Strikes Gold Again.......2007-08-26

A clever premise - that a much younger woman would become an apprentice to Sherlock Holmes and that a relationship would develop from that - is coupled with a strong sense of how Holmesian crime investigations would be seen through the eyes of an apprentice. Ms. King ably pulls it off from start to finish, and leaves you wanting a lot more stories.

4 out of 5 stars Sherlock Holmes -- a different twist.......2007-08-07

I should probably preface this by saying that I've not read Sherlock Holmes in depth. I have just enough knowledge of him to appreciate the jabs that he and the other main character, Mary Russell, take at Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in this book. I will say that I found this to be an enjoyable read. It's a fun notion to have Holmes taking on an apprentice, and a rather unlikely one in the teen aged girl, Mary. She proves to be close to his intellectual equal and the story takes off from there. He trains her. They solve mysteries. Their relationship evolves. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in this series.

1 out of 5 stars Nancy Drew meets Holmes.......2007-07-27

This is the first time that I choose not to finish a book. The reason: this book is really dissapointing. It is not a mistery book neither a romantic story. First, the story is a collage of incredible situations created for introduce Mary Russell to the reader. There are key sentences like: "Always carry a length of rope; it's the most useful thing of the world". At the end you can ask: so what? Second, the character. I can believe in Katie Martinelli but not in Mary Russell. This girl is so smart, so clever, so ... that is really unbearable and she finally does not need Holmes. We do not need a female clone of Holmes. Why torture Conan Doyle and his readers with this kind of story? Third, the lack of respect. Nobody who knows the Holmes Canon can talk of Watson like Russell does. She even mention that sometimes he was "tipsy". Finally, I cannot believe that this book be considered as one of the century best misteries, together with "Roger Ackroyd" of Agatha Christie. Do not waste your time and money. If you want read a tribute to Holmes, please give a chance to "The final solution" by Michael Chabon. Sorry, Ms Laurie King. I sincerely hope Mary Russell burn in the hell of the bad ideas.

3 out of 5 stars Hmm, Not Sure.......2007-06-22

I'm just not sure about this book. I was torn. I really loved the concept of Sherlock Holmes having a young apprentice to show the ropes to. Mary Russell is his match, but I'm not sure how I felt about how the book flowed. There were times that I felt like it was dragging things out. There were other times that I couldn't put it down because I wanted to know what happened next. It's a good starter book for a series but not great. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters most of the time while other times it was just frustrating and confusing. I'm going to give this series a true chance and read the next book or two in it. But I'm just not sure about it. I really enjoy Ms. King's other series better so far. It's interesting, but not great.

1 out of 5 stars feminist tripe.......2007-06-18

I did not know that the legend of Sherlock Holmes could be raped...But she did it. If I wrote a book about turning Susan B. Anthony into a barefoot and pregnant beer fetcher, it would be like this book.

I laughed my behind off at her take on chess. She just don't get it.
A Letter of Mary (Mary Russell Novels)
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Entertaining
  • A Model of Healthy Male-Female Relationships
  • Beach Reading without shame!
  • Diminishing returns
  • Smart and Fun!
A Letter of Mary (Mary Russell Novels)
Laurie R. King
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0553577808
Release Date: 1998-01-05

Amazon.com

Sherlock Holmes and his scholarly companion Mary Russell are caught up in an exciting mystery when an archaeologist leaves them with a treasured find, a papyrus supposedly written by Mary Magdalene. When the archaeoligist winds up dead and someone attempts to make off with the artifact, Holmes and Russel become embroiled in a rollicking story filled with political intrigue and highbrow sleuthing. The level of writing hasn't been higher in this Laurie King series.

Book Description

Late in the summer of 1923, Mary Russell Holmes and her husband, the illustrious Sherlock Holmes, are ensconced in their home on the Sussex Downs, giving themselves over to their studies: Russell to her theology, and Holmes to his malodorous chemical experiments. Interrupting the idyllic scene, amateur archaeologist Miss Dorothy Ruskin visits with a startling puzzle. Working in the Holy Land, she has unearthed a tattered roll of papyrus with a message from Mary Magdalene. Miss Ruskin wants Russell to safeguard the letter. But when Miss Ruskin is killed in a traffic accident, Russell and Holmes find themselves on the trail of a fiendishly clever murderer. Clearly there was more to Miss Ruskin than met the eye. But why was she murdered? Was it her involvement in the volatile politics of the Holy Land? Was it her championing of women's rights? Or was it the scroll--a deeply troubling letter that could prove to be a Biblical bombshell? In either case, Russell and Holmes soon find that solving her murder may be murder itself.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Entertaining.......2006-04-06

A Letter to Mary the third of the Russell/Holmes series is in a nutshell, entertaining. You can read it before falling asleep, on the bus, or beach and enjoy the plot which in this case is not overly complex but is not dull either. I enjoyed this book as much as I did because of the subject matter, the banter between Holmes and Russell and the interesting secondary characters. The case begins with a mysterious letter dated 70 A.D. from the "apostle Mary", Russell is just a little skeptical when she states, "This couldn't be Mary Magdelene?" Dorothy Ruskin the archeologist introduced in O Jerusalem, has given this manuscript along with an interesting box for Russell to translate and interpret. After an enjoyable day in Sussex, Holmes and Russell are horrified to learn that Dorothy has been killed by an automobile in London. The case begins and through the various twists and turns we enjoy the ride as Holmes and Russell go undercover and discover the secrets of the manuscript, the mysterious box and the murderer of their friend Dorothy Ruskin. King has created a realistic and endearing relationship between Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes and it is a pleasure to read.

4 out of 5 stars A Model of Healthy Male-Female Relationships.......2005-09-03

Laurie King's A Letter of Mary is the third volume in a series of mystery novels that portray an older Sherlock Holmes who is still solving mysteries with his young bride Mary Russell Holmes. The time is 1923, and the couple lives in their country home in Sussex Downs. Mary is studying Theology at Oxford and busily involved in her research.

The couple is visited by Miss Dorothy Ruskin, an amateur archaeologist from Palestine, who has returned to England to seek funding for her work. During the visit she leaves with Russell an antique papyrus letter that appears to be written by Mary Magdalene, an apostle of Jesus. It was given to Ruskin by a Palestinian who claims the document has been in his family for ages. Soon after she leaves, she is hit by a car in London and dies. Holmes and Russell are drawn into what appears to be a murder, but have a devil of a time figuring out who did it.

What I like about this novel is the way that King creates the atmosphere of 1920's England. The old cars and trains, the buildings, the pace of life, and the people are all described in great detail. There is a lovely scene at a party on an old estate where Mary meets and gets help from Lord Peter Whimsey, another fictional detective, that is just filled with details about dress and manners. Another wonderful description is of a woman witness's hair style as Mary interviews her.

However, it is a difficult stretch for me to envision Holmes falling in love with any woman, never mind a young orphan whose parents were killed in an auto accident. And although I feel that King develops and portrays a good partnership between Russell and Holmes (they call each other by their last names!), with each bringing their own strengths to their work together, I find it not believable when they close the door and are intimate together.

Also, the plot is a murder mystery but the book resembles real life more than fiction. There are lots of suspects, and trails that go cold or lead nowhere. I can't fault the author for this bit of realism, but it is an interesting approach to the mystery novel.

Overall, I liked the novel and plan to read the rest of the series. The friendship, based on mutual respect between Russell and Holmes, makes this a wonderful book, not so much as a mystery, but as a model of healthy male-female relationships.

4 out of 5 stars Beach Reading without shame!.......2005-03-28

The third in the Mary Russell series. It's a great series - the books are a quick read, and generally touch on some topic in enough detail that your interest is sparked into finding a little more about what you're reading about.

2 out of 5 stars Diminishing returns.......2004-04-14

The first two books detailing the further imaginary adventures of Sherlock Holmes and his wife, Mary Russell, were entertaining - sadly the same cannot be said of the third, A Letter To Mary. The irritating elements of the first novels - an over-precious writing style and a marked inability to convincingly recreate the aura of Sherlock Holmes' society in England in the early 20th century - become far more pronounced here and a relatively weak and unexciting plot compounds the dissatisfaction. The writing slips into occasional preachiness and the characters are becoming less, rather than more, believeable. Disappointing to be sure - I hope the author regains the form of the earlier novels in her next effort.

5 out of 5 stars Smart and Fun!.......2004-04-02

I have never had an interest in reading the Sherlock Holmes' novels, but I read The Beekeeper's Apprentice and enjoyed it. The last 2 weeks I've read the next two installments. I absolutely loved them. Russell and Holmes' relationship is warm, amusing, and sweet. I've ordered the next 3 in the series and will be anxious for any others the author may write.
Locked Rooms (Mary Russell Novels)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • It's a Pleasure
  • I love this author.
  • Engrossing, especially via audio!
  • Best of Breed.
  • The San Francisco history was an additional treat
Locked Rooms (Mary Russell Novels)
Laurie R. King
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0553583417
Release Date: 2006-03-28

Book Description

Mary Russell and her husband Sherlock Holmes are back in Laurie R. King’s highly acclaimed New York Times bestselling mystery series. And this time the first couple of detection pair up to unlock the buried memory of a shocking crime with the power to kill again–lost somewhere in Russell’s own past.

After departing Bombay by ship, Mary Russell and her husband Sherlock Holmes are en route to the bustling modern city of San Francisco. There, Mary will settle some legal affairs surrounding the inheritance of her family’s old estate. But the closer they get to port, the more Mary finds herself prey to troubling dreams and irrational behavior–a point not lost on Holmes, much to Russell’s annoyance.

In 1906, when Mary was six, San Francisco was devastated by an earthquake and a raging fire that reduced the city to rubble. For years, Mary has denied any memory of the catastrophe that for days turned the fabled streets into hell on earth. But Holmes suspects that some hidden trauma connected with the “unforgettable” catastrophe may be the real culprit responsible for Mary’s memory lapse. And no sooner do they begin to familiarize themselves with the particulars of the Russell estate than it becomes apparent that whatever unpleasantness Mary has forgotten, it hasn’t forgotten her. Why does her father’s will forbid access to the house except in the presence of immediate family? Why did someone break in, then take nothing of any value? And why is Russell herself targeted for assassination?

The more questions they ask of Mary’s past, the more people from that past turn out to have died violent, unexplained deaths. Now, with the aid of a hard-boiled young detective and crime writer named Hammett, Russell and Holmes find themselves embroiled in a mystery that leads them through the winding streets of Chinatown to the unspoken secrets of a parent’s marriage and the tragic car “accident” that a fourteen-year-old Mary alone survived–an accident that may not have been an accident at all. What Russell is about to discover is that even a forgotten past never dies…and it can kill again.


From the Hardcover edition.

Download Description

"Richly imagined.... King’s re-creation of San Francisco, especially the backstory during the devastating 1906 earthquake, is superb, and it’s a pleasure to see the unusually competent Russell struggling with her own psyche."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Utterly mesmerizing .... In alternating sections, told in first person for Mary and third for Holmes, the unraveling of long-buried and terrifying memories also unwinds a skein of wonderful historical texture.... A highlight in an altogether outstanding series."--Booklist, starred review

"A humdinger of a plot ... plus pulsating ddescriptions of San Francisco's tent cities, looters, and flattened Chinatown in the quake's aftermath."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review


From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars It's a Pleasure.......2007-08-23

What a pleasure! I read these novels over and over, and continue enjoying them. The characters become friends, and I care what happens to them. The stories are interesting, and the backgrounds well-evoked. What more could a reader ask for?

5 out of 5 stars I love this author........2007-04-04

I have had such a hard time finding an author that I consistently like to follow. I have been thrilled that her novels are clean-cut, exciting adventure and historically interesting.

5 out of 5 stars Engrossing, especially via audio!.......2007-03-12

I'm a huge fan of this series, I've read them all multiple times. I haven't read any other Laurie King novels, I guess because I don't want to spoil the enthusiasm I have for this series. Each one is well researched and well written, and I especially loved getting some perspective from Holmes in this one. This was the first one I got in audio and I've already listened to it twice. I think the reader is excellent, does a great job setting a style and tone for each character. I wish she had read all the novels, I'd snap them up in a heartbeat. I typically donate audiobooks to the local library after I listen to them, but I just can't seem to part with this one. Hope King will continue the series in the near future. I love escaping into the world of Russel & Holmes.

5 out of 5 stars Best of Breed........2007-02-15

Great Books of the Western World, move over on your shelf and make room for one more.

I think this may very well be the greatest mystery/suspense novel I have ever read, and I've read many hundreds of them, as it's my favorite genre among the many that I do read.

But I don't expect you merely to take my word for it. Let me count the reasons why:
Any great book of fiction must meet the following criteria, in my opinion--
1. Be character driven rather than plot driven, filled with believable and fascinating characters.
2. Be written by an author who is not afraid to use words beautifully, in a powerful and provocative manner.
3. Contain an actual story, that is, a tale of change wrought within and/or upon a major character, with a series of miniclimaxes leading up to the ultimate climax.
4. Provide a spiritual, mental, and yes even physical impact upon the reader.
5. Be fully capable of standing alone, without reference to any series of which it is a part, and also provide delight and relevance for readers who are aware of other books in the same series, if there is a series.

'Locked Rooms' more than meets these standards. It sets new ones.

Mary Russel, young wife of an older Sherlock Holmes, at long last visits San Francisco, which she has not seen since she fled shortly after the death of her parents and only sibling when she was age 14.

This being a mystery novel, it should be no surprise [and therefore does not qualify as a spoiler] to learn that the tragedy was no accident, although it takes a fair while for Mary to figure this out, since she has been blocking many of her memories from that era. There is no such delay for Holmes himself, though he refrains from imposing his quicker realization onto his bewildered wife.

The plot is simple in one sense, in that it involves working out the details of whodunit, and why. But it is also extremely complex in another way, because the events were rather long ago, the trail stone cold, and the principal villain so cloaked in various sorts of guise and disguise that his or her identity is almost impossible for Mary to acknowledge for some long while.

Local color, Asian philosophy, numerous 'herrings' of various hues including red and a sort of 'pink,' and the presence of a person from so-called real life, a tubercular Dashiel Hammet, plus a San Francisco version of the Baker Street Irregulars, all conspire to lift this above even the highest reaches of the other books in the series. Laurie R. King just keeps getting better, especially in the Mary Russel tales, and the last three or four books among them have lifted her clearly out of the realm of mere genre [which she was never really in to begin with] and into the realm of literature.

All that's left for us possibly to hope for is that King now find some excuse to take Kate Martinelli, the heroine of her other major series, to London, which will bring everything full circle and allow us to start all over again.

We should be so lucky.

4 out of 5 stars The San Francisco history was an additional treat.......2006-11-02

One of the joys of this series is the way the events are woven together across books and over time. Mary has referred to the death of her family in snippets across the other novels, and so as someone who has read every entry in this series, I came to this novel with *great* interest in learning more about that event.

The insights into historical San Francisco and the earthquake and fire are fascinating. I also enjoyed the bits about Chinatown, one of my favorite places in that gorgeous city.

The conclusion of this novel pales somewhat compared to her earlier novels, but that did not detract from the pleasure of the book overall. I give it 4 stars instead of 5 only in comparison to The Beekeeper's Apprentice, which was fantastic.

I now can hardly wait for the upcoming novel that is sure to cover the time Russell and Holmes spent in Japan before arriving in San Francisco!
The Moor (Mary Russell Novels)
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Like being on the moor....
  • More travelog than thriller
  • Mary, quite contrary ?
  • Fine addition to the series........
  • Picturesque and Fascinating Place & People
The Moor (Mary Russell Novels)
Laurie R. King
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0553579525
Release Date: 1999-01-05

Amazon.com

Longtime fans of Arthur Conan Doyle's fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, might think that their favorite sleuth met his fate at the hands of Dr. Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls. Anyone who believes that, however, obviously hasn't read Laurie R. King's delightful series featuring Holmes and his wife(!), Mary Russell. In The Beekeeper's Apprentice, Holmes succumbs to the Oxford scholar's charms; now, in The Moor, fourth in the series, Holmes and Russell are summoned to Devonshire to solve a tin miner's mysterious death. Lonely Dartmoor provides plenty of opportunities for King to both relate the haunting legends of that part of the world and offer some amusing revisions to one of Holmes's most famous cases, The Hound of the Baskervilles. Though Holmes purists might resent the liberties taken with their hero, readers in search of a strong female protagonist, some fascinating local history, and spooky ambience will enjoy The Moor.

Book Description

Though theirs is a marriage of true equals, when Sherlock Holmes summons his wife and partner Mary Russell to the eerie scene of his most celebrated case, she abandons her Oxford studies to aid his investigation. But this time, on Dartmoor, there is more to the matter than a phantom hound. Sightings of a spectral coach carrying a long-dead noblewoman over the moonlit moor have heralded a mysterious death, the corpse surrounded by oversize paw prints. Here on this wild and foreboding moor, Russell and Holmes embark on a quest with few clues save a fanatic anthropologist, an ancestral portrait, a moorland witch, and a lowly–but most revealing–hedgehog. As Holmes and Russell anticipate, a rational explanation lies beneath the supernatural events–but one darker than they could have imagined. And one that could end their lives in this harsh and desolate land.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Like being on the moor...........2007-09-10

King's description of Darkmoor is wonderful - you can feel the eerieness and the fog and worry about hounds and anything else. I enjoy the way King brings in real historic people and makes them part of the Sherlock legend. In the process, those of us who are not English learn about parts of England and the people who live there. This is one of her best Sherlock/Russel books yet!

2 out of 5 stars More travelog than thriller.......2007-04-27

atching a friend's vacation slides may be an agreeable way to spend an evening, but Laurie R. King tests readers' patience with the same technique when she sends Mary Russell and her husband, Sherlock Holmes, to"The Moor."

The title refers to Dartmoor, nearly 400 square miles of fields, hills and treacherous marshes in the southwest of England. Conan Doyle set "The Hound of the Baskervilles" there, and King uses a rumored reappearance of the hound as the pretext for drawing her sleuthing couple there. They're summoned by the eccentric clergyman, author and hymn writer ("Onward Christian Soldiers") Sabine Baring-Gould, now nearly 90 and in failing health.

But before the inquiry gets underway, we're given a long dissertation from Mrs. Holmes about Baring-Gould and Dartmoor. Between the suspicious death of a local who wandered off the straight and familiar and the discovery of a body in the good minister's lake, there's nearly 200 pages of Russell reading Baring-Gould's books, Russell talking with the man and Russell riding about the countryside and chatting up the locals. Getting to the heart of the hound mystery takes up the last hundred pages, with remarkably little of the suspense which the novel advertises.

1 out of 5 stars Mary, quite contrary ? .......2007-02-11

I've given up trying to read this book. Like everyone else, I started with the wonderful 'The Beekeeper's Apprenctice' and am trying to read my way through the rest of the series, but none of the others have matched BA so far. And this one is just so bad, after struggling my way at the rate of 1/2 pages per day (v. rare for me I can tell you), I've now given it up as hopeless. I think the worst for me is to see Mary become the total antithesis of what she started out as - I think some reviewers here described her as a shrew, and a more apt expression couldnt be found. Most of the fun, in reading these pastiches was, alongside Holmes, to have the development of Mary into the wonderful character she was in the first and second books. I'm so disappointed with this, and even though O Jerusalem has good reviews I might take a break before getting back to the Russell series again.

4 out of 5 stars Fine addition to the series...............2006-04-06

The Moor, the fourth of the Russell/Holmes series is one of my favorites. The mystery again is subtle and really doesn't play out in full until the end of the book. The climax is much less dramatic than in other installments but none the less enjoyable reading. This book is more descriptive in character, an interesting journey into the life of the moor. I enjoyed reading about the landscape, the animals, and culture of Dartmoor. What I enjoyed most was King's ingenious inclusion of the The Hound of the Baskerville's story. Really clever. The secondary character of Rev. Sabine Baring-Gould was well developed. First seen as a grumpy, sexist, opinionated octogenarian, the reader along with Russell begins to see his softer more endearing characteristics and comes to regard him and his love of the moor highly. Russell is coming into more of her own, but at the same time has less of a need to cover or hide her weaknesses to Holmes. Their relationship seemed more realistic and their banter and interplay as always is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the book for me. Well done.

4 out of 5 stars Picturesque and Fascinating Place & People.......2006-03-21

This 4th novel in the Mary Russell series continues the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and his late-life partner (and wife), with a return to the picturesque setting of _The Hound of the Baskervilles_. Like all old-fashioned mysteries, it presents the elements necessary to solve the puzzle (attentive readers may do so long before the novel's resolution), but the solving of the mystery is only half the point. Long on leg-work and perhaps a little short on adventure, this novel shines in its exploration of setting. The moor comes across as vivid and colorful, its inhabitants real and (as King's version of scholar Sabine Baring-Gould complains) endangered. In my opinion, the pleasure of seeing it through Russell's observant eyes justifies the time we spend rambling with her through her world.

King's Russell is an intelligent, interesting woman, and King's take on Holmes does nothing to diminish the man, building believably on the character Doyle created.

I had been buying the King books in pairs, but this entry inspired me to collect the remainder of the series...and to revisit the Doyle works as well. I hope Laurie King has many, many more Russell manuscripts in that fictional trunk of hers.
The Execution of Sherlock Holmes
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Entertaining, but could've been better
  • True to the original stories
  • "Stubbed Toes"
  • Generally a good read.
  • A question of Mycroft...
The Execution of Sherlock Holmes
Donald Thomas
Manufacturer: Pegasus Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1933648228

Book Description


"Creepy atmospherics and unpredictable plot twists."- Publishers Weekly

"Sherlockians old and new should relish Thomas' wit and elegance."- Booklist

"Dedicated Sherlockians will appreciate the novelty of the great detective's incursion into real-life crimes."- Kirkus Reviews

Crossing historical fact with detective fiction, the cache of the celebrated detective's private papers is once again opened, bringing Holmes and Watson out of retirement to investigate the most notorious mysteries in the annals of true crime.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Entertaining, but could've been better.......2007-09-19

Overall, I enjoyed all the stories and felt the author captured the spirit of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson well. But he didn't capture Mycroft Holmes properly at all. In addition, sometimes he went into too much detail (describing a minor character in fairly great detail, for instance) and other times didn't go into enough detail (like not answering some important questions in "The Case of the Peasenhall Murder" story). He also sometimes brought up something in such a way that would make you think it was significant (like a set of field glasses being a different brand than Holmes had said they'd be, in "The Queen of the Night" story), and it'd never be mentioned again.

I will definitely consider buying more of Donald Thomas' Sherlock Holmes works--but probably not in hardback.

5 out of 5 stars True to the original stories.......2007-09-04

This book captures both Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson faithfully. Many authors get Holmes right, but turn Watson into merely a Boswell or (far worse) a buffoon. Watson was a doctor. He had to study hard to succeed in what was, even then, a demanding discipline. It is frequently ovelooked that he was a battlefield surgeon, too. That takes courage and brains. This book includes all that other authors often leave out, and still does Holmes justice, too! My only complaint is, the book isn't long enough. Donald Thomas, write more and longer stories. I won't say write better ones, because these are oustanding!

3 out of 5 stars "Stubbed Toes".......2007-08-23

Disappointed by this outing. Thomas doesn't capture the essence of a true Holmes' adventure. Stories are too long. Not enough dialogue. Endings are inadequate. Really mundane tales. I'm big fan of any Sherlock Holmes book, this misses the mark. Eric

4 out of 5 stars Generally a good read........2007-07-09

This collection of five short stories, actually closer to novelettes, is a nice addition to any Sherlock Holmes library. The author Donald Thomas goes into a great deal of detail in his writing and if anything this can drag too long. The reading varies from riveting to tiring. It is recommeded that the reader not read all five in a row without a break between each. That may be hard to do, however I personally think that would have sat better with me. Individually "The Execution of Sherlock Holmes" was the best with a very different type plot and plenty of action. Holmes is stretched to his limits to survive this one. "The Case of the Gold Key" is good for those who love stories about secret codes and it did have some interesting material related to World War One. It was tedious at times, but good overall. "The Case of the Peasenhall Murder" was also different plot wise and while enjoyable there are questions left at the end. Too many. "The Case of the Phantom Chambermaid" would have been better as a true short story as too much time was taken with tivial descriptions. To me this was the weakest story of the five. "The Queen of the Night" was full of intigue and had some very good moments. I probably could have done a better job of evaluating had I let a week or two go between each story. It was impossible to give this the five stars I would have liked to see it receive.

4 out of 5 stars A question of Mycroft..........2007-06-01

That Mr. Donald Thomas is one of the finest writers of Sherlock Holmes pastiches in the world today, I am well convinced. I was convinced by his first book, and have bought every book since. The stories that Mr. Thomas creates are ingenious at the least, and downright brilliant at the other end of the spectrum.

There is one place that I really must ding you for in this volume, Mr. Thomas. In your first story, Mycroft Holmes fails entirely to see through his own brother's disguise. In the cannon we are always assured by Holmes himself that Mycroft is the more observant of the two, and would make a better detective if he were not so lazy. This the brothers Holmes then prove in a contest to observe and find out about a nearby man. How has the brilliant Mycroft suddenly become such a dunce as to see and hear his brother in disguise and fail to recognize him? That will cost you a star. That is too blatant a mistake for a writer of your talent.

Quoth the Raven...
Sherlock Holmes : The Complete Novels and Stories (Bantam Classic) Volume I
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • One of my favorite writers!
  • Bravo on Baker Street!
  • Sherlock Holmes
  • Wow
  • My all-time favorite
Sherlock Holmes : The Complete Novels and Stories (Bantam Classic) Volume I
Arthur Conan Doyle
Manufacturer: Bantam Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0553212419
Release Date: 1986-11-01

Book Description

Sherlock Holmes
The Complete Novels and Stories

Volume I

Since his first appearance in Beeton’s Christmas Annual in 1887, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes has been one of the most beloved fictional characters ever created. Now, in two paperback volumes, Bantam presents all fifty-six short stories and four novels featuring Conan Doyle’s classic hero--a truly complete collection of Sherlock Holmes’s adventures in crime!

Volume I includes the early novel A Study in Scarlet, which introduced the eccentric genius of Sherlock Holmes to the world. This baffling murder mystery, with the cryptic word Rache written in blood, first brought Holmes together with Dr. John Watson. Next, The Sign of Four presents Holmes’s famous “seven percent solution” and the strange puzzle of Mary Morstan in the quintessential locked-room mystery.

Also included are Holmes’s feats of extraordinary detection in such famous cases as the chilling “ The Adventure of the Speckled Band,” the baffling riddle of “The Musgrave Ritual,” and the ingeniously plotted “The Five Orange Pips,” tales that bring to life a Victorian England of horse-drawn cabs, fogs, and the famous lodgings at 221B Baker Street, where Sherlock Holmes earned his undisputed reputation as the greatest fictional detective of all time.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars One of my favorite writers!.......2007-08-19

There's not much left to say about this literary classic. It's great to have all of the stories and novels put together, in the order that they were published--there are references here and there to things that happened in previous stories. Of course, you don't have to read everything in order, but its worth it all the same.

Some of my all-time favorite stories in this volume of the collection are "The Red-Headed League," and "The Adventure of the Speckled Band." Also worth a read are the short novels A Study In Scarlet, The Sign of Four, and The Hound of the Baskervilles. They illustrate Doyle's (and Holmes's) mastery of the art of observation. As Holmes says in a story in the second volume, "I see as much as you, but I notice what I see." Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is one of my all-time favorite authors; this collection is highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars Bravo on Baker Street!.......2007-05-18

This book offered some of the lesser known writings of Doyle, as well as, some of the better known stories like "The Sign of Four". My only gripe was that the font was bit small and I was feeling like a detective myself holding a magnifying glass just to make out the words.

Arthur Conan Doyle captures my interest with each little detail and surprise that awaits our true Bohenian Detective and his companion Watson. The dialogue is always fluid and natural. And the stories are so involving. I recommend anyone hoping to become a writer someday to tackle Doyle's works headon. You'll be better for it.

5 out of 5 stars Sherlock Holmes.......2006-06-26

If you a Sherlock Holmes fan this is a great book to read. I like this Volume that I order Volume II to read this summer.

5 out of 5 stars Wow.......2005-12-11

Immerse yourself in foggy 19th century London, following the steps of intrepid detective Sherlock Holmes. This volume will give you a very thorough introduction to the official "canon" of Sherlockian lore. Recommended reading.

5 out of 5 stars My all-time favorite.......2005-12-01

I have the whole collection of the Sherlock Holmes, and they are my all-time favorite books. There was never a better character, stories, or anything. I personally think that the reason many people think they start out slowly is because you have to understand the basic facts or you'll be puzzled when he's in the middle of the "big deal." They start out calm and get more and more exciting, so by the time the climax comes, you're almost nuts to read it all and find out what was going on! Anyways, this is the FIRST book I would buy for my fiction library.

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