ReviewbyU: A study in scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Reviewer: Bridget
Rating: 5 stars

It may be 19th century stuff but Sherlock Holmes has managed to retain all the edge-of-your-seat mystery that it was loved for back in its day.

We join Dr John Watson on an adventure that begins as soon as he lays eyes on a tall, slender figure by the name of Holmes. From there he is swept up in the mystery of the death of Enoch Drebber; a man for whom no one is mourning yet all intrigued. The police are stumped, and so along comes Sherlock, chuckling at such a fascinating problem and learning worlds from the minor points that others have missed yet were drawn so naturally to his scanning attention. I won't give away the answers he finds, for the most enjoyable thing about these books is the challenge of beating Sherlock to the truth! But through a series of jovial expeditions, and one more murder, Sherlock finds his man and a whole new story unravels as the accused reveals his extraordinary story that begins all the way back in Salt Lake City, Utah. Well, I'll simply say that our sympathies are not where they once lay.

If nothing else, this novel (and subsequent series) is a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of literature's most intelligent characters. A classic that remains a must-read for all teenagers, and the great thing is if you love it you've got 8 more fantastic novels and short story collections to look forward to!


  What now?

• Add your thoughts about in the comments below.
• Go to the catalogue and reserve it.
• Borrow it as an ebook.
• Review a book yourself.