I didn't read these books because I've seen a movie or a TV show, in fact, I've never cared for them. I've seen a few Sherlock Holmes adaptations, but never liked any of them expect for the Great Mouse Detective. I've always liked his character, but the book version. Before read the actual books, I just felt like everything I've seen was off. The issue: most of the adaptations are more like a grab bag taking things they like and leaving out things that bother them making it too kid friendly or too adult oriented. These books are neither for kids nor are they for adult, more all ages to enjoy. These books aren't hard to read either, you can finish one novel in a day or two, if more, I question your reading level.

One thing that surprised me is that Sherlock Holmes isn't a likable character. He's a flawed hero. You could argue that Watson is the actual hero of these books. For me, it was essay to compare Holmes with James Bond. More people think about the movies over the books. They make them these flawless characters when they aren't. Thy both have vices: Bond is a chain smoker and Holmes has a cocaine addiction. I think both writers wanted to make there heroes more human than making them godlike.

If you never read Sherlock Holes before I'd start with a complete collection of his novels or read his short story collection of Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Yes this is a series, but unlike most series there is no real order. I'm just saying, from personal experience, if I had started with only his fist novel A Study in Scarlet, I wouldn't like these books as much. Not the weakest book, but tat one felt it was a little too much. The Mormon cult didn't do it for me. However, as much as these books are a product of there time they are worth reading. Doyle created the worlds most famous detective and the archetype for all detective stories. ( )

2º Libro 2019

Got this used book for a reasonable price, figured I hadn't read Sherlock Holmes in like 30 years and not in english so gave it a try. Especially as I have read a few Holmes-crossovers lately.

A Study in Scarlet was okay, did remember too many details for it to be really surprising.

I am actually reading the Dell version of the book, and this is the correct cover but not ISBN number.

Prima volta che mi avvicino a Doyle, troppo conosciuto per essere completamente imparziale.
Invece piacevolmente sorpreso.
E' vero che i libri di SH sono gialli in cui il lettore non ha assolutamente modo di indovinare la storia e l'assassino, però è scritto bene, divertente e davvero un bel libro, che mostra modi di scrivere diversi e tutti interessanti.

Ottimo davvero, ed ottime le storie scelte! ( )