Title: A Study in Scarlet
Author: Arthur Conan Doyle
Published: November 1877
Hello my fellow Bookworms and page turners,
So I thought we would have a look into a classic who dun’ it this week, and what can be more classic than the original Sherlock Holmes story?
A study in scarlet, is not only the first Sherlock Holmes story, but it is the first time the original dynamic duo of Sherlock & Watson meet. This momentous event is what the first part of the book mainly focuses on, along with a series of crimes that have been committed in London. While part II takes us to America as the Mormons are migrating to Utah in covered wagons in the mid-1860’s. We are introduced to all of the characters involved in one way or another in the crimes that Sherlock Holmes is investigating in London as the narrative comes full circle.
For a first time excursion for sherlock, this is interesting, well written and the dynamic between the two companions sparks from the get go. My favourite part of the book was the beginning, when Watson first meets Holmes and tries to understand his odd behaviour, while some have criticized the extended Mormon flashback in the middle part of the book, I thought it was a compelling story and am glad I didn’t skip over it, especially as I feel like it helped pad out the characters and explained many an action or behaviour taken in the rest of the novel.
I must say though, if you are Mormon, there is probably a reason why this is on your ‘banned book list’ there is a fair bit of ‘Mormon-bashing’ but if you can look past that, its a very good story.
Overall, pretty enjoyable, would and will definitely read a few more classic Sherlocks outside of the popular Hounds of Baskervilles and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
Until next time, read more books!
Between|the|Blurb 