Book Review: ‘A Study in Scarlet’ by Arthur Conan Doyle
by Rob Smith, Jr. on Nov.24, 2020, under Books
A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My love of Doyle comes from his science and studies of man. Here he combines both. Most won’t pick up how much of both subjects is stuffed in this odd novel. Most will also be surprised that this is not an entirely London based novel.
Doyle has a readable style that can make about any subject readable. Most writing today write down to the reader, where Doyle wrote up. Making it all that more intriguing.
Though the Holmes and Watson characters are quickly established, the mystery is established to a point. Then suddenly a western starts in the middle of the book and trails on with little sign Holmes will ever reappear. The story of the western U.S. is extremely well done (Though there are British slips, like the use of “Likely lad”). Doyle also mostly well lays out the story of Mormons. His view of creation myths scream from this section.
All returns to London and wraps to an interesting conclusion. Though i would’ve liked to see the two tales told in this book as two books with similar conclusions in each location. The location shift i found a hard jolt. A smoother telling of both tales would’ve made two very story stories.
Bottom line: i recommend this book. 7 out of ten points.
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