The Sign of Four (Sherlock Holmes #2) by Arthur Conan Doyle
The Sign of Four was intriguing classic mystery and fabulous sequel in Sherlock Holmes series with best duo in history of literature and fascinating mystery.
The Sign of Four (Sherlock Holmes #2) by Arthur Conan Doyle
First Published : February 1890
Genre : Classic / Mystery
Pages : 129
Disclaimer : I own this book.
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Synopsis
As a dense yellow fog swirls through the streets of London, a deep melancholy has descended on Sherlock Holmes, who sits in a cocaine-induced haze at 221B Baker Street. His mood is only lifted by a visit from a beautiful but distressed young woman – Mary Morstan, whose father vanished ten years before. Four years later she began to receive an exquisite gift every year: a large, lustrous pearl. Now she has had an intriguing invitation to meet her unknown benefactor and urges Holmes and Watson to accompany her. And in the ensuing investigation – which involves a wronged woman, a stolen hoard of Indian treasure, a wooden-legged ruffian, a helpful dog and a love affair – even the jaded Holmes is moved to exclaim, ‘Isn’t it gorgeous!’
Review
fabulous sequel in Sherlock Holmes series
The Sign of Four was intriguing classic mystery and fabulous sequel that revolved around best duo in history of literature pursuing another case of Indian treasure and murder. It was about greed, vengeance, betrayal, trust, friendship and methods of deduction.
Writing was amazing, gripping and fast paced. It was written in first person narrative from Watson’s perspective. Setting of England was atmospheric. Author packed lot of things in just few pages.
I loved the way it started. Watson being irritable disapproving Sherlock cocaine habit and testing his skills in hope of proving Sherlock wrong and failing terribly. Just when things were going uneventful a new case arrived with Miss Marry Morstan who wanted Sherlock to look into matter of her father missing for almost a decade, mysterious gift of pearls and a letter requesting a meeting that might give her information about her father. What looked to Sherlock a very simple case turned into difficult and complex one with a murder involving Indian treasure, and culprit turning out far more cunning than Sherlock’s expectation.
It was interesting to read Sholto family’ story, how Sherlock figured out who was the culprit, how culprit might have committed crime, how Sherlock would catch him, and what was the story behind Indian treasure.
Characters were fantastic. I enjoyed the way both Sherlock and Watson worked together. Sherlock was not the man one could easily to figure out. He was as unique as his methods. I enjoyed reading his thoughts on emotions and marriage and I can’t help but admire his passion. I don’t believe he was heartless or emotionless as he sounded from Watson’s perspective. The guy had fascinating connections and he must have done something great or must have left tremendous impression that his contacts or people he met in his life would happily help him or his friends just by his name. His path with cocaine addiction was destructive and I don’t approve it either but I guess I understand his mind and nature.
Watson was enthusiastic in this book because of case and the lady he met. It was a bit strange he so easily fell in love with Miss Morstan. I mean he just met the lady and knew her for one night while they were pursuing the case. Well, it must be how it was in those times. Anyhow, I’m curious to see where this is going.
Mystery was fascinating. It was amazing to read Sherlock’s observations and descriptions on how he figured out identity of culprit and the case. I liked reading about shortest community of Adaman Island, the tribal people. I have to say I didn’t know about it even though it’s just at coast of south India. On few searches on Google I see there are still some hostile tribes that keeps government and other tribe from entering their side of area but I don’t know if they are as bad as described here. And I saw someone say the description was racist but I guess author had just written what he might have known at that time and as for the appearance we have seen much bad than this.
The chase in climax was adrenaline filled. Culprit’s side of story on Indian treasure was most interesting. It was a bit raw and of course actions of culprits were questionable but fascinating nonetheless. It was second best part to Sherlock’s description on case and the way he solved it. End was perfect. I agree with Watson, it’s just sad Sherlock never gets credit for what he does, officially.
Overall, The Sign of Four was intriguing, suspenseful, and well written historical fiction and mystery. I see why it’s a classic.
I highly recommend this. if you enjoy,
Classics
Murder mystery
Quirky character
descriptive narration
some interesting quotable lines
Book Links
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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.”
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Lashaan Balasingam @ Bookidote
You continue to make me want to re-read these properly! It’s fun to read your thoughts on it now too. Thanks for sharing, Yesha! Great review! 😀
Books Teacup and Reviews
Thank you, Lashaan! Hopefully I finish this series this year. I do want to read many good old classics.
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todd
It was such a long time ago that I read this one, so I don’t remember many details but I do remember enjoying it. So far I’ve only read 3 of the novels and some of the stories, but this has me wanting to get back to them. I’m tempted to start again at the beginning so I don’t miss out on any references to the earlier books, and try to read them all in order. Glad to see you’re enjoying these.
debjani6ghosh
Great review, Yesha. I, too, loved this story when I read it years ago.
Books Teacup and Reviews
That’s great you enjoyed this too. Thank you!
Eustacia | Eustea Reads
This sounds really fun! I enjoyed Study in Scarlet so I feel like I will enjoy this too. Thanks for the review!
Books Teacup and Reviews
I’m sure you will like this if you enjoyed first one. Thank you!
Briana | Pages Unbound
I read this last year, I think, and it wasn’t my favorite Holmes story but still very interesting. Glad to see you enjoyed it!
Books Teacup and Reviews
Thank you, Briana! I still need to read rest in series to see which one I like best. This was really short but was enjoyable.
WendyW
I have not read any Sherlock Holmes books and I’m obviously missing out. Maybe this winter I’ll start reading these books.
Books Teacup and Reviews
This was on my list ever since I started blogging. It took me 3 years to actually get book and another 1 year to start reading it. And now I’, kicking myself for taking so long to read them. They are worth the time and first two books are really short. I hope you can read this series soon and enjoy it.
Lady Tessa
You can’t go wrong ever with a Sherlock Holmes mystery! Wonderful thorough review ❤️
Books Teacup and Reviews
Can’t agree more! Thank you ❤
Teri Polen
I previously had a rule for myself about reading 1-2 classics per year, but that’s kind of fallen to the wayside. I think the last one I read was Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde about 3-4 years ago. I’ve never read any Holmes books, but you’ve inspired me to pick up the classics again, Yesha. Great review!
Books Teacup and Reviews
You will like this and I’m totally enjoying Sherlock’s character and dialogues are entertaining.
Mischenko
I’ve never read Sherlock Holmes, and you have truly inspired me! What an excellent review. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Yesha. Mysteries are the genre I haven’t read enough of. ❤️
Books Teacup and Reviews
Thank you, Mischenko! I’m going to get Christie books when I finish this series. I enjoy murder mysteries and detective series more than psychological thrillers.
happytonic
Great review,Yesha! This was a very nice reminder of this classic. Love your observations on Watson’s insta-love 🙂 Very interesting that the book prompted you to research the Andaman Islands,the history and the current situation.
Books Teacup and Reviews
Thank you, Toni! I do check reviews once I finished reading book to see what readers thought about the book. I have weird habit of paying more attention to low rating and see why they didn’t like the book I enjoyed so much and that makes me want to add extra thought on if I agree or disagree. Sometimes, some reader is going to hate me for that.