Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Genre: Historical Mystery
Digital Book
ASIN #: B0B6F59KS2
Independently Published
158 Pages
$3.99 Amazon
July 12, 2022
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A Study in Scarlet is a detective mystery novel written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, introducing his new characters, "consulting detective" Sherlock Holmes and his friend and chronicler Dr. John Watson, who later became two of the most famous characters in literature. Conan Doyle wrote the story in 1886, and it was published the following year. The book's title derives from a speech given by Holmes to Dr. Watson on the nature of his work, in which he describes the story's murder investigation as his "study in scarlet"; "There's the scarlet thread of murder running through the colourless skein of life, and our duty is to unravel it, and isolate it, and expose every inch of it."
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When Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote this story in 1886, little did he know that Mr. Sherlock Holmes would go on to become the most famous detective of mystery. This is the first of these stories, and in it we get to meet Dr. John Watson first, and why he returned to England from the war. When we meet Mr. Holmes, he is in his laboratory doing experiments - what else? - and seems flighty to Watson; but as we know, first impressions can be deceiving. It is not long before he discovers what Holmes does for a living; and he encourages him to take a case when asked by Scotland Yard detectives to intervene.
It is in the murder room that Dr. Watson sees Mr. Sherlock Holmes at his best and how he goes about deciphering clues. While it is strange indeed, with Holmes putting his face to the floor, picking up bits of dust, and walking back and forth across the room, he is intrigued and wants to know more. It is here that Holmes gives Scotland Yard detectives Gregson and Lestrade their clues -- and watches while they bungle the case. He, however, is cleverer than that (which we know) and he manages to not only figure out the murderer, but the name also, and where he may be found.
After the capture, we are given the story behind the reasons for the murder, and it is very sad and heart-wrenching; it is a story of revenge that carries decades of pain with it. After the man is dispatched to Scotland Yard (no spoilers here; we know he will be captured and taken to the Yard), Holmes explains to Watson how it was done. It is a masterpiece written centuries ago, one that still stands the test of time. How Holmes mind works is an amazing piece of art; how he uses reason and logic and no emotions at all in solving; and how he is satisfied with himself at the end -- these are the true reasons for reading the book. We cannot hope to reach his expertise, nor do we want to; it is enough that these wonderful books are here for our reading pleasure. Highly recommended.
More on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Books: https://www.fantasticfiction.com/d/sir-arthur-conan-doyle/
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