#BookReview : A Study in Scarlet (Sherlock Holmes #1) by Arthur Conan Doyle
A Study in Scarlet (Sherlock Holmes #1) by Arthur Conan Doyle
Publication Date : September 2011 (first published 1887)
Genre : Mystery Thriller
Pages : 162
“A Study in Scarlet” is the first published story of one of the most famous literary detectives of all time, Sherlock Holmes. Here Dr. Watson, who has just returned from a war in Afghanistan, meets Sherlock Holmes for the first time when they become flat-mates at the famous 221 B Baker Street. In “A Study in Scarlet” Sherlock Holmes investigates a murder at Lauriston Gardens as Dr. Watson tags along with Holmes while narratively detailing his amazing deductive abilities.
A Study in Scarlet was brilliant first book in Sherlock Holmes series that revolved around a doctor and consulting detective solving the murder case in London. It was about Mormonism, polygamy, crimes of church, and retribution.
I don’t know what more I can say that someone already hasn’t said already. I have seen some negative and many positive reviews on this book and legendary detective but for me it was brilliant. Writing was easy to follow, something I didn’t anticipate for a classic. It was vivid, descriptive and fast paced. Story was divided in two parts. Most of the story in both parts was narrated by Watson while half the second part was third person narrative.
It started with part I that introduced Watson and how he met Sherlock, started sharing house at 221 B Baker Street, got to know each other more, and how they started working on murder case that Sherlock named ‘A study in Scarlet’.
It was fun to read introduction. It was amazingly described and I knew from the beginning I’m going to like this legendary character. Sherlock was quirky, smart, clever, and extraordinary. I could see why people call him emotionless but I found him practical and I think he was compartmentalised person who could put things like emotion in different box and could focus on matter at hand. He was amazing in his work and I liked how his brain worked. He did have self-centred and vain offhanded manner but I admired him for his passion and knowledge and he wasn’t doing his work for fame or to show off his talent but because it gave him purpose in life, he kind of lived for it.
I enjoyed all the description on his method of deduction, details of his observation and how he could see all minute details and figure out even height and age of murderer. The way he proved Watson and other detectives wrong was amusing. It was amazing to read Watson’s first impression, what he thought about him in first few days of them sharing the house which was not all positive, and how that changed gradually. As Watson knew Sherlock more, he started respecting and admiring his companion and his work.
At the end of the first part Sherlock managed to catch the killer but I didn’t know how he figured out his name and knew he would catch him, and what was the motive. All that came in Part II with backstory of victims and murderer. At first, I was surprised with switch in setting from Victorian era to Utah and Mormon culture twenty years back and was confused how this relate to part I but as I read more and saw familiar name, it became interesting.
This part was tragic, sad and shocking. I liked the layer of Mormon culture, patriarchy, church’s crime and power that made people live in fear, restrictions, and in prison of their own land and house. After reading this backstory for the first time I felt sorry for murderer and was really glad he got his vengeance.
All twist and turns were cleverly written. I couldn’t guess what will happen next until it was revealed. End was great. It was fun to read where the legend started and I can’t wait to read more adventures of Sherlock and Watson’s account of them.
Overall, A Study in Scarlet was perfectly well written classic whodunit murder mystery, a great, unputdownable, and enjoyable introductory novella of the series.
What do you think about the book and review? Have you read this book or Sherlock Holmes series? Which is your favourite classic mystery/thriller?
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Books Teacup and Reviews
Hi, I'm Yesha, an Indian book blogger. Avid and eclectic reader who loves to read with a cup of tea. Not born reader but I don't think I’m going to stop reading books in this life. “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”
21 Comments
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Lashaan Balasingam @ Bookidote
A masterpiece classic! Is it the first time you’re reading it? Glad to see how much you enjoyed it though! 😀
Books Teacup and Reviews
Yes that was first time I read it. Now I ask myself why I didn’t pick this before. Thank you! 🙂
Asha - A Cat, A Book, And A Cup Of Tea
I’ve been a huge Sherlock Holmes fan since childhood so I’m really pleased you enjoyed this!
Books Teacup and Reviews
Thank you, Asha! It was wonderful book and I’m sure I will be joining fans as soon as I finish this collection.
Claudia DCD
Oh, I didn’t know there would be twists and something unexpected with a Sherlock novel. I guess that’s the stereotype of it being an older story, of a certain time period. To be fair, I’ve watched so many TV and movie reproductions of Sherlock, I assumed I would have been exposed to the final aha of the story.
Books Teacup and Reviews
I have watched movies but only recent ones so original Sherlock was new to me it was quite brilliant.
suzan khoja
I just had a rewind in this post…this was my first post on this blog. Sherlock Holmes novels are my life. Loved your review and I am seriously doubting what’s up with people’s reading tastes???
Books Teacup and Reviews
Thank you, Suzan! I loved Sherlock as well and I can’t wait to read remaining book in collection.
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Satabdi
Who gave negative reviews to A Study in Scarlet?! 😳
Books Teacup and Reviews
Oh I saw some from average to low on Goodreads, and even a DNF! shocking, right?
Satabdi
Yes, but I guess people have different reading tastes. I learned from book twitter that not everyone likes the classics, and it was something new for me. My generation was introduced to reading via the classics.
Books Teacup and Reviews
I agree! I didn’t start with classic but it’s not as tough as I used to imagine and I really enjoy them.
Bookstooge
What’s really scary is if you ever dig into real mormon history is how this story pales beyond some of the stuff they actually did.
Books Teacup and Reviews
It’s really terrible what people do in name of God and religion.
debjani6ghosh
Good review, Yesha. 🙂 I loved this book too. In fact, I loved the entire collection of Sherlock Holmes stories. It is simply brilliant.
Books Teacup and Reviews
It’s classic for a reason. simply brilliant. I also watched first episode of series on Netflix. They have changed things but it was fun as well. I will continue with book and series simultaneously. Thank you, Debjani! ❤