Estudio en Escarlata: Biblioteca de Grandes Escritores

Por Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Ebook con un sumario dinámico y detallado: La novela, en dos partes, comienza con la declaración de que se trata de una "Reimpresión de las memorias del doctor John H. Watson, antiguo miembro del cuerpo médico del ejército".

La historia comienza en 1881, cuando el Dr. John Watson se encuentra con un viejo amigo, Stamford. Watson se vio obligado a retirarse por una herida de guerra y, al recuperarse, fue víctima del tifus. Ahora está buscando un lugar para vivir. Stamford revela que un conocido suyo, Sherlock Holmes, está buscando a alguien para compartir el alquiler en un piso en la calle Baker, en el 221 B. Un día les llega un mensaje de Scotland Yard sobre un reciente asesinato. Holmes y Watson se proponen investigarlo.

Holmes observa la acera y el jardín que conducen a la casa, antes de que Watson y él se reúnan con los inspectores Gregson y Lestrade. Los cuatro observan la escena del crimen y el cadáver masculino. Hay sangre en la habitación, pero no hay heridas en el cuerpo. También ven de los documentos que se encuentran con la persona, que se encontraba en Londres con un amigo, Joseph Stangerson. En la pared, escrito con sangre, está la palabra "RACHE" que, afirma Holmes, significa 'venganza' en alemán. Deduce que la víctima murió envenenada, y describe cómo cree que era el asesino: de metro ochenta de altura, con los pies pequeños para su estatura, de tez rubicunda, con botas de punta cuadrada.

La segunda parte de la novela tiene como trasfondo la historia de los orígenes de la Iglesia mormona que se enlazan con una historia de amor. Tras una serie de marchas y contramarchas, Holmes logra dar con el asesino y resolver el crimen.

• Idioma: Español
• Editorial: IberiaLiteratura
• Fecha de lanzamiento: 7 abr 2015
• ISBN: 9783959280877

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was a Scottish author best known for his classic detective fiction, although he wrote in many other genres including dramatic work, plays, and poetry. He began writing stories while studying medicine and published his first story in 1887. His Sherlock Holmes character is one of the most popular inventions of English literature, and has inspired films, stage adaptions, and literary adaptations for over 100 years.

Vista previa del libro

Estudio en Escarlata

Contenido

Primera parte

1. Mr. Sherlock Holmes

2. La ciencia de la deducción

3. El misterio de Lauriston Gardens

4. El informe de John Rance

5. Nuestro anuncio atrae aun visitante

6. Tobías Gregson en acción

7. Luz en la oscuridad

Segunda parte

1. En la gran llanura alcalina

2. La flor de Utah

3. John Ferrier habla con el profeta

4. La huida

5. Los ángeles vengadores

6. Continuación de las memorias de John Watson, doctor en Medicina

7. Conclusión

Primera parte

(Reimpresión de las memorias de John H. Watson, doctor en medicina y oficial retirado del Cuerpo de Sanidad)

1. Mr. Sherlock Holmes

En el año 1878 obtuve el título de doctor en medicina por la Universidad de Londres, asistiendo después en Netley a los cursos que son de rigor antes de ingresar como médico en el ejército. Concluidos allí mis estudios, fui puntualmente destinado en el 5º de Fusileros de Northumberland en calidad de médico ayudante. El regimiento se hallaba por entonces estacionado en la India, y antes de que pudiera unirme a él, estalló la segunda guerra de Afganistán. Al desembarcar en Bombay me llegó la noticia de que las tropas a las que estaba agregado habían traspuesto la línea montañosa, muy dentro ya de territorio enemigo. Seguí, sin embargo, camino con muchos otros oficiales en parecida situación a la mía, hasta Candahar, donde sano y salvo, y en compañía por fin del regimiento, me incorporé sin más dilación a mi nuevo servicio.

La campaña trajo a muchos honores, pero a mí sólo desgracias y calamidades. Fui separado de mi brigada e incorporado a las tropas de Berkshire, con las que estuve de servicio durante el desastre de Maiwand. En la susodicha batalla una bala de Jezail me hirió el hombro, haciéndose añicos el hueso y sufriendo algún daño la arteria subclavia. Hubiera caído en manos de los despiadados ghazis a no ser por el valor y lealtad de Murray, mi asistente, quien, tras ponerme de través sobre una caballería, logró alcanzar felizmente las líneas británicas.

Agotado por el dolor, y en un estado de gran debilidad a causa de las muchas fatigas sufridas, fui trasladado, junto a un nutrido convoy de maltrechos compañeros de infortunio, al hospital de la base de Peshawar. Allí me rehice, y estaba ya lo bastante sano para dar alguna que otra vuelta por las salas, y orearme de tiempo en tiempo en la terraza, cuando caí víctima del tifus, el azote de nuestras posesiones indias. Durante meses no se dio un ardite por mi vida, y una vez vuelto al conocimiento de las cosas, e iniciada la convalecencia, me sentí tan extenuado, y con tan pocas fuerzas, que el consejo médico determinó sin más mi inmediato retorno a Inglaterra. Despachado en el transporte militar Orontes, al mes de travesía toqué tierra en Portsmouth, con la salud malparada para siempre y nueve meses de plazo, sufragados por un gobierno paternal, para probar a remediarla.

No tenía en Inglaterra parientes ni amigos, y era, por tanto, libre como una alondra —es decir, todo lo libre que cabe ser con un ingreso diario de once chelines y medio—. Hallándome en semejante coyuntura gravité naturalmente hacia Londres, sumidero enorme donde van a dar de manera fatal cuantos desocupados y haraganes contiene el imperio. Permanecí durante algún tiempo en un hotel del Strand, viviendo antes mal que bien, sin ningún proyecto a la vista, y gastando lo poco que tenía, con mayor liberalidad, desde luego, de la que mi posición recomendaba. Tan alarmante se hizo el estado de mis finanzas que pronto caí en la cuenta de que no me quedaban otras alternativas que decir adiós a la metrópoli y emboscarme en el campo, o imprimir un radical cambio a mi modo de vida. Elegido el segundo camino, principié por hacerme a la idea de dejar el hotel, y sentar mis reales en un lugar menos caro y pretencioso.

No había pasado un día desde semejante decisión, cuando, hallándome en el Criterion Bar, alguien me puso la mano en el hombro, mano que al dar media vuelta reconocí como perteneciente al joven Stamford, el antiguo practicante a mis órdenes en el Barts. La vista de una cara amiga en la jungla londinense resulta en verdad de gran consuelo al hombre solitario. En los viejos tiempos no habíamos sido Stamford y yo lo que se dice uña y carne, pero ahora lo acogí con entusiasmo, y él, por su parte, pareció contento de verme. En ese arrebato de alegría lo invité a que almorzara conmigo en el Holborn, y juntos subimos a un coche de caballos.

—Pero ¿qué ha sido de usted, Watson? —me preguntó sin embozar su sorpresa mientras el traqueteante vehículo se abría camino por las pobladas calles de Londres—. Está delgado como un arenque y más negro que una nuez.

Le hice un breve resumen de mis aventuras, y apenas si había concluido cuando llegamos a destino.

—¡Pobre de usted! —dijo en tono conmiserativo al escuchar mis penalidades—. ¿Y qué proyectos tiene?

—Busco alojamiento —repuse—. Quiero ver si me las arreglo para vivir a un precio razonable.

—Cosa extraña —comentó mi compañero—, es usted la segunda persona que ha empleado esas palabras en el día de hoy.

—¿Y quién fue la primera? —pregunté.

—Un tipo que está trabajando en el laboratorio de química, en el hospital. Andaba quejándose esta mañana de no tener a nadie con quien compartir ciertas habitaciones que ha encontrado, bonitas a lo que parece, si bien de precio demasiado abultado para su bolsillo.

—¡Demonio! —exclamé—, si realmente está dispuesto a dividir el gasto y las habitaciones, soy el hombre que necesita. Prefiero tener un compañero antes que vivir solo.

El joven Stamford, el vaso en la mano, me miró de forma un tanto extraña.

—No conoce todavía a Sherlock Holmes —dijo—, podría llegar a la conclusión de que no es exactamente el tipo de persona que a uno le gustaría tener siempre por vecino.

—¿Sí? ¿Qué habla en contra suya?

—Oh, en ningún momento he sostenido que haya nada contra él. Se trata de un hombre de ideas un tanto peculiares..., un entusiasta de algunas ramas de la ciencia. Hasta donde se me alcanza, no es mala persona.

—Naturalmente sigue la carrera médica —inquirí.

—No... Nada sé de sus proyectos. Creo que anda versado en anatomía, y es un químico de primera clase; pero según mis informes, no ha asistido sistemáticamente a ningún curso de medicina. Persigue en el estudio rutas extremadamente dispares y excéntricas, si bien ha hecho acopio de una cantidad tal y tan desusada de conocimientos, que quedarían atónitos no pocos de sus profesores.

—¿Le ha preguntado alguna vez qué se trae entre manos?

—No; no es hombre que se deje llevar fácilmente a confidencias, aunque puede resultar comunicativo cuando está en vena.

—Me gustaría conocerle —dije—. Si he de partir la vivienda con alguien, prefiero que sea persona tranquila y consagrada al estudio. No me siento aún lo bastante fuerte para sufrir mucho alboroto o una excesiva agitación. Afganistán me ha dispensado ambas cosas en grado suficiente para lo que me resta de vida. ¿Cómo podría entrar en contacto con este amigo de usted?

—Ha de hallarse con seguridad en el laboratorio —repuso mi compañero—. O se ausenta de él durante semanas, o entra por la mañana para no dejarlo hasta la noche. Si usted quiere, podemos llegarnos allí después del almuerzo.

—Desde luego —contesté, y la conversación tiró por otros derroteros.

Una vez fuera de Holborn y rumbo ya al laboratorio, Stamford añadió algunos detalles sobre el caballero que llevaba trazas de convertirse en mi futuro coinquilino.

—Sepa exculparme si no llega a un acuerdo con él —dijo—, nuestro trato se reduce a unos cuantos y ocasionales encuentros en el laboratorio. Ha sido usted quien ha propuesto este arreglo, de modo que quedo exento de toda responsabilidad.

—Si no congeniamos bastará que cada cual siga su camino —repuse—. Me da la sensación, Stamford —añadí mirando fijamente a mi compañero—, de que tiene usted razones para querer lavarse las manos en este negocio. ¿Tan formidable es la destemplanza de nuestro hombre? Hable sin reparos.

—No es cosa sencilla expresar lo inexpresable —repuso riendo—. Holmes posee un carácter demasiado científico para mi gusto..., un carácter que raya en la frigidez. Me lo figuro ofreciendo a un amigo un pellizco del último alcaloide vegetal, no con malicia, entiéndame, sino por la pura curiosidad de investigar a la menuda sus efectos. Y si he de hacerle justicia, añadiré que en mi opinión lo engulliría él mismo con igual tranquilidad. Se diría que habita en su persona la pasión por el conocimiento detallado y preciso.

—Encomiable actitud.

—Y a veces extremosa... Cuando le induce a aporrear con un bastón los cadáveres, en la sala de disección, se pregunta uno si no está revistiendo acaso una forma en exceso peculiar.

—¡Aporrear los cadáveres!

—Sí, a fin de ver hasta qué punto pueden producirse magulladuras en un cuerpo muerto. Lo he contemplado con mis propios ojos.

—¿Y dice usted que no estudia medicina?

—No. Sabe Dios cuál será el objeto de tales investigaciones... Pero ya hemos llegado, y podrá usted formar una opinión sobre el personaje.

Cuando esto decía enfilamos una callejuela, y a través de una pequeña puerta lateral fuimos a dar a una de las alas del gran hospital. Siéndome el terreno familiar, no precisé guía para seguir mi itinerario por la lúgubre escalera de piedra y a través luego del largo pasillo de paredes encaladas y puertas color castaño. Casi al otro extremo, un corredor abovedado y de poca altura torcía hacia uno de los lados, conduciendo al laboratorio de química.

Era éste una habitación de elevado techo, llena toda de frascos que se alineaban a lo largo de las paredes o yacían desperdigados por el suelo. Aquí y allá aparecían unas mesas bajas y anchas erizadas de retortas, tubos de ensayo y pequeñas lámparas Bunsen con su azul y ondulante lengua de fuego. En la habitación hacía guardia un solitario estudiante que, absorto en su trabajo, se inclinaba sobre una mesa apartada. Al escuchar nuestros pasos volvió la cabeza, y saltando en pie dejó oír una exclamación de júbilo.

—¡Ya lo tengo! ¡Ya lo tengo! —gritó a mi acompañante mientras corría hacia nosotros con un tubo de ensayo en la mano—. He hallado un reactivo que precipita con la hemoglobina y solamente con ella.

El descubrimiento de una mina de oro no habría encendido placer más intenso en aquel rostro.

—Doctor Watson, el señor Sherlock Holmes —anunció Stamford a modo de presentación.

—Encantado —dijo cordialmente mientras me estrechaba la mano con una fuerza que su aspecto casi desmentía—. Por lo que veo, ha estado usted en tierras afganas.

—¿Cómo diablos ha podido adivinarlo? —pregunté, lleno de asombro.

—No tiene importancia —repuso él riendo por lo bajo—. Volvamos a la hemoglobina. ¿Sin duda percibe usted el alcance de mi descubrimiento?

—Interesante desde un punto de vista químico —contesté—, pero, en cuanto a su aplicación práctica...

—Por Dios, se trata del más útil hallazgo que en el campo de la Medina Legal haya tenido lugar durante los últimos años. Fíjese: nos proporciona una prueba infalible para descubrir las manchas de sangre. ¡Venga usted a verlo!

Era tal su agitación que me agarró de la manga de la chaqueta, arrastrándome hasta el tablero donde había estado realizando sus experimentos.

—Hagámonos con un poco de sangre fresca —dijo, clavándose en el dedo una larga aguja y vertiendo en una probeta de laboratorio la gota manada de la herida. —Ahora añado esta pequeña cantidad de sangre a un litro de agua. Puede usted observar que la mezcla resultante ofrece la apariencia del agua pura. La proporción de sangre no excederá de uno a un millón. No me cabe duda, sin embargo, de que nos las compondremos para obtener la reacción característica.

Mientras tal decía, arrojó en el recipiente unos pocos cristales blancos, agregando luego algunas gotas de cierto líquido transparente. En el acto la mezcla adquirió un apagado color caoba, en tanto que se posaba sobre el fondo de la vasija de vidrio un polvo parduzco.

—¡Ajá! —exclamó, dando palmadas y alborozado como un niño con zapatos nuevos—. ¿Qué me dice ahora?

—Fino experimento —repuse.

—¡Magnífico! ¡Magnífico! La tradicional prueba del guayaco resultaba muy tosca e insegura. Lo mismo cabe decir del examen de los corpúsculos de sangre... Este último es inútil cuando las manchas cuentan arriba de unas pocas horas. Sin embargo, acabamos de dar con un procedimiento que actúa tanto si la sangre es vieja como nueva. A ser mi hallazgo más temprano, muchas gentes que ahora pasean por la calle hubieran pagado tiempo atrás las penas a que sus crímenes les hacen acreedoras.

—Caramba... —murmuré.

—Los casos criminales giran siempre alrededor del mismo punto. A veces un hombre resulta sospechoso de un crimen meses más tarde de cometido éste; se someten a

Comentarios para Estudio en Escarlata

[haloedrain · Calificación: 1 de 5 estrellas]

I would have liked it better if most of part 2 didn't feel so completely separate from the rest (and maybe were more accurate and less bigoted), but the detectiving part was alright. Holmes is a bit insufferable, but interesting too.

[stbalbach_1 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

A Study in Scarlet was the first Sherlock Holmes story published. Given its age (1886) it reads surprisingly well with crisp non-florid prose, almost like a novel written in 2017 by someone pretending to be from the 1800s. This is the first Sherlock Holmes I've read. It gives a sense that, while you may be confused, someone else understands the world and answers can be had. That is comforting, like a parent reassuring an anxious child. This is echoed in the name "Sure" as in assurance or confidence; "Lock" as in holding the key to the mystery; and "Holmes" which sounds like "Home", a reassuring feeling. The clues to the mystery are somewhat beside the point, contrived and making sense only after the explanation. Regardless, I really enjoyed it and look forward to dipping into more in a sequential fashion as they were published. Giving 5 stars as the origin story of Sherlock Holmes.For modern readers the Mormon sub-plot is weird and maybe a little offensive. However in the 1880s, they were indeed a novel, strange and exotic people who engaged in massacres and "harems". In the story they come to London, to the homes of the readers. It's a classic "invasion novel" popular at the time, similar to Dracula which saw Eastern Europeans as the invaders. The invasion of London by secretive sub-cultures is a common theme Holmes stories.

[andrew1theqm · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

This is an enjoyable introduction to both Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, and it will be interesting to see how their characters develop across the series. I particularly enjoyed the large section that took place on the American Plains (not something you expect in a Sherlock Holmes book!) and how the story unravelled that led up to events being investigated in London. This was particularly well done. I look forward to continuing with the series.

[asxz-2 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

My first ever Holmes. Wonderfully there is much of the modern understanding of Sherlock Holmes clearly laid out on the page. He is perhaps even more self aware than TV and movie adaptations allow describing his mood swings and eccentricities to Dr. Watson even before they move in together.

There is a remarkable section in the middle where the narrative goes all Fenimore Cooper and we are transported from London to the snowy peaks of Utah. Quite unexpected. This was more fun even than I had expected. Fortunately I have already purchased further volumes.

[scorched_earth · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

This is the first book I have read by the famed creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A Study in Scarlet is Doyle's first book featuring the infamous Sherlock Holmes. Holmes' character has been portrayed in the movies so much that I feel like I already knew the character. Reading the original text by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is, not surprisingly, better than any other theatrical take I have seen. A Study in Scarlet is an easy read that could easily be completed in one day. The edition that I own contains illustrations by the famous caricaturist, Gris Grimly. I am not a fan of graphic novels or even illustrations in books because it distract my own imagination of how things should appear. On the other hand, the illustrations are very impressive so if you are into that kind of thing, I would recommend this edition. Holmes' first adventure in detection in A Study in Scarlet reveals to the world the detectives impeccable deductive powers. Holmes meets his sidekick Dr. Watson in Doyle's freshman detective novel, where the two rent an apartment on Baker Street. It is a widely known fact that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle single handedly revolutionized the science of Forensics and crime scene investigation. There is an in-depth documentary about how Sherlock Holmes' methods were used in Doyle's fiction novels before they were ever used in real life. Knowing this fact makes reading these books much more interesting and entertaining to read. I plan on chronologically reading all the books written by Doyle that feature Sherlock Holmes.

[therebelprince · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

I've long felt bad about never having read any of the nine books that make up the Sherlock Holmes canon, so finally I've rectified that... and what an odd little work it is.

The first half of the book is what's important, historically, but it's the least interesting. Conan Doyle doesn't write natural dialogue, and a result the discussions between Watson and Holmes come across more like a treatise on how detective work - in the real world and in novels - is evolving and progressing. While this is all very very interesting, particularly to someone like myself who has read a lot of Christie and Poe etc, it feels like an essay that has been structured in story form, rather than the other way around.

On top of this, I concede that I have a bias against this "one really smart quirky man always outdoes everyone" formula. Holmes started it, but it's returned in the last ten years or so to television, and personally I think it just weakens the narrative when every other character functions only as a sounding board for our god of a leading man. Sherlock is cunningly described by Watson as a seemingly paradoxical man who in fact has rational reasons for all of his education and activities, although even the great detective can't seem to fix his (bipolar?) moods. As their friendship is still embryonic at this stage, Watson can give us no insight into Holmes' life, and Holmes offers none, so he remains a cipher. But I'm treating this as a pilot episode, so that's okay. More immediately fascinating are the elements of contemporary life: street beggars working for Holmes, the necessary advantages and disadvantages that came from being a police officer in the era - thrilling stuff.

The second half is a mixed bag also. Conan Doyle is an admirable prose writer, and his description of the events twenty years prior to the murders is captivating and gripping. On the other hand, it is filled with amazingly anti-Mormon sentiment. I'm no religious sympathiser myself, but I couldn't take it seriously when the narrator assured us that all Mormons kill or destroy anyone who attempts to leave their faith.

An odd little novel, and I've already started the second one, since I'm very eager to see if Conan Doyle can somehow retain his marvelous leading character, whilst furthering his skills in the other required areas.

(Two and a half stars)

[nohablo · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

On one hand, it's lovely to meet young Sherlock and Watson before they've formed their scabrous, mean adult exoskeletons, but goddamn is the second half of this book DUMB. On one hand, it's pretty hilarious to see Conan Doyle's version of a BODICE RIPPIN WESTERN. On the other hand HOW THE HELL IS THIS EVER A PUBLISHABLE SENTENCE: "an old-standing and romantic feud, in which love and Mormonism bore a part." Sweet Jesus.

[andreablythe · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

A Study in Scarlet is both Doctor Watson's and the world's first introduction to the frustrating, arrogant, and brilliant Sherlock Holmes. Watson in seeking a new flat to in which to live ends up paired with the consulting detective at 22B Baker Street. While at first Sherlock's profession and strange behavior is a mystery to the Doctor, he soon finds himself following Sherlock along in seeking out the truth behind the mysterious death of an American traveler. While I didn't like it as much as I enjoyed the tales in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, the novel is short and a quick read with a compelling mystery.

[seriousgrace · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Study in Scarlet is in two parts. Part one: "Being a Reprint from the Reminiscences of John H. Watson, M.D., Late of the Army Medical Department." It's here that Dr. Watson and Mr. Sherlock Holmes meet for the first time. Watson, arriving in London and needing a place to stay, learns of Holmes looking to share his apartment. From the very beginning they are thrown together in a murder mystery. Watson is astounded by Holmes's ability to deduce facts from the smallest pieces of evidence.Part two: "Country of the Saints" steps back in time and tells the story of the Brigham Young and the Mormons settling in the plains of Utah. John Ferrier meets up with the four elders, Stangerson, Kemball, Jonston & Drebber and they take him and his young companion in. This story sets the backdrop for the murder mystery Holmes is trying to solve.

[carsonkicklighter · Calificación: 2 de 5 estrellas]

I was not expecting the Church of Latter-Day Saints but maybe Sherlock was.

[doihachiro · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

This story is the first work about Homes.For the widespread oh this story, his name has been famous.And this story shows the first contact of Homes and watson.You can know the root oh their relationship, if you read this.

[kenzen-2 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Sherlock Holmes, Mormons, murder. Great read!

[jopearson56 · Calificación: 2 de 5 estrellas]

The first Sherlock Holmes book -- did Conan Doyle invent the filtering of a story through a secondary participant (Dr. Watson)? I haven't ever read any Sherlock Holmes books, and I wasn't overly impressed. It was okay and a quick read, but Holmes seems like a pretty arrogant SOB to me. Knows too much and is glad to tell everyone so. The Utah digression was distracting.

[floratina · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

READ IN ENGLISH

I'm a fan of the BBC-series called 'Sherlock' and that made me want to read the original books. I really loved to see that the series were based so much on the book. It became a search to find all the resemblances between the two. When the second part started (about the Mormons) I at first thought there was some sort of mess up whit my version of A Study in Scarlet (and that it was a completely different story). I read it anyway and it happened to be just a part of this book. That was a thing I thought was a bit strange, but I liked the over all story. The next books are on my To-Be-Read-List...

[booklove2 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Sherlock was one of the books I thought I'd never read... until I caught the BBC series. After reading, I think both the series and the books are fantastic in their own ways. This is my favorite of the first three Sherlock books. I'm planning on reading the others at another time. I had to write a review after a previous reviewer said they didn't like the books after seeing the series. It IS possible to enjoy both!

[schmerguls · Calificación: 2 de 5 estrellas]

I read The Hound of the Baskervilles when I was in high school, but not anything else till I read this--the first Holmes novel, published in 1887. The first hald of the book where we are introduced to Dr. Watson and to Holmes' methods, is of some interest. But the second hald,which tells of events before the muders in the first hald, is creaky and anot much. The Mormons in Utah are the villians, as they are in Zane Grey's Riders of the Purple Sage. I don't think I need read any more Holmes books

[ct4bergeron · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

This is the first Sherlock Holmes I read on my own. I remember reading the hound of baskerville in school, but forced to do so, didn't remember that I enjoyed it.With the movie that came out recently, I found myself wanting to know more about sherlock and watson. There relationship and the type of intrigue that they would solve.I really enjoyed this one, it is short and sweet, but a good read nonetheless.

[amydross · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

I vaguely knew , but had kind of forgotten just how much of this book takes place in America (among Mormons, no less!). It's so weird.It's like, you carry around this sense in your soul of who Arthur Conan Doyle is, and what Sherlock Holmes mysteries are like, and there's lots of violin playing and pipe smoking and breakfasts at 221b and it's all quite civilized, and you forget all about these pioneer people herdin' cattle and goin' a courtin' in Salt Lake City. It was surprisingly okay, though.I was more puzzled by the ending, elements of which seem like a weird departure from the rest of the mystery.

[sueincyprus · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

This is the first book about Sherlock Holmes, and begins with his initial meeting and growing friendship with Dr Watson, who narrates the story. It's set in the latter part of the 19th century, and is in two parts. The first shows Holmes' analytical mind and attention to detail as he explains to Watson how he solves a rather unpleasant crime. Part One ends with the perpetrator being arrested.Part Two goes back in time, introducing a man and a young girl travelling rough in the United States after the rest of their group perished. They've given up on finding water, when they're discovered by a band heading to Utah. I don't know how accurate the portrayal of Mormon life and culture in the 19th century is, but it makes an excellent story, albeit quite spine-chilling at times. Ethics and morals are not pointed out, but it gradually becomes clear that there are often two sides to any story, and that the initial clear-cut crime could have quite clear motivations. Recommended to teens or adults who like historical crime fiction. I read it on my Kindle but it's widely available in other forms, mostly inexpensively or (from Project Gutenberg) free.

[shanaqui_1 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

I only have one of the Sherlock Holmes books on my Crime Fiction list, and that is The Hound of the Baskervilles, but I prefer to get everything and since there are books set before that one, I decided to read them. Besides, they're available for free on Project Gutenberg. Besides, I saw the new movie, with Robert Downey Jr., a couple of weeks ago. I read this one on the train, more or less without stopping once. I was surprised by how easy it was to read and be absorbed in, given how old it is, but it really is a pleasure to read. Actually reading the books dispels a lot of mental assumptions about Sherlock Holmes which I gained through, I think, some kind of cultural osmosis. E.g. Watson is young, went to war, not a bad doctor, etc.

I have two main complaints, really. One is that it's not the kind of book that really allows you to find things out for yourself. Holmes is so opaque -- at least to me! -- that I'm really just as confused as Watson, most of the time. And the other complaint is about the big flashback in the middle. I almost wondered if my ebook version had somehow got muddled with another book! It's not uninteresting, but it's hard to see at first how it connects up, because the transition is so sudden.

Still, enjoyable -- and nice to meet the great detective himself, after so much hearsay.

[stephlaymon · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

I was very much enjoying this book when all of a sudden I realized I was entirely lost.The writing style, characters, narration and the facts leading up to the mystery were all remarkably good, but in the end I was left completely confused and I found myself questioning if I somehow missed something. After that ridiculous backstory of the murderer, I still have to ask... Who the hell is it? What just happened?I will certainly read more of Holmes as there is much to come back for. I may have to re-read this one to see where I fell off from the story.

[wassilissa · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Der erste Band der Krimis um Sherlock Homes kann zweifellos als Klassiker des Genres gelten. Mit Sicherheit ist es einer der ersten Krimis, der das deduktive Schließen zur Lösung des Falls benutzt. Außerdem wurde in diesem Krimi das Detektivpaar etabliert, in dem es zum genialen Detektiv den vernünftigen SideKick gibt. In diesem Buch lernen sich Sherlock Homes und Doktor Watson kennen. Sie ziehen gemeinsam in die Wohnung in der Baker Street. Durch Zufall wird Watson von Holmes mit in die Lösung eines Falles hineingezogen, in der ein Mann tot in einer leeren Wohnung aufgefunden wurde. Der mittlere Teil des Buches beschreibt die Vorgeschichte dieses Mordes und ist enorm spannend und fesselnd. Der Fall selber wird von Sherlock Homes auf seine übliche geniale Weise gelöst.

[gunnargrey · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Not even gonna try to calculate how long it's been since I've read these original Holmes stories. They're still just as good as I remember from way back when. I admit I skip the little detour in the middle about how the original crimes happened. It's not necessary to enjoy the real story, which is how Holmes and Watson got together and started solving crimes. Very good story.

[nataliec7 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

I just loved everything about this book!

[catquilt-1 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Amazing book! Most (all?) of the other Sherlock Holmes books take place totally in Great Britain. This one makes a *very* interesting side trip to the United States.

[roulette7russe · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

My version of the book contained A STUDY IN SCARLET (the first Sherlock Holmes adventure) and A SCANDAL IN BOHEMIA (the episode in which Irene Adler appears). The book opened on a very interesting introduction, and so I would encourage reading the VINTAGE 2009 edition of the Conan Doyle books.(I must say I read the book after watching the Guy Ritchie movie that just came out and so had Robert Downey Jr in mind reading this : somehow, he really fits the character as portrayed in the book!)I'm not a big fan of detective fiction in general, and my knowledge in that field is, well.... next to non-existent (although I was an avid watcher of cartoon series such as 'Sherlock Hounds' and 'Dog City', as a kid... Does that count? Heh, heh?) It's just not the kind of story I'm usually drawn to/into, but I must say Arthur Conan Doyle knows how to put the FUN in detective fiction!The Sherlock Holmes books are not books you read trying to figure out who is the killer before the detective does, since mister super-sleuth always knows the answer way before anyone. The main interest of the book is the character himself and his crazy deduction methods.This first episode (A study in Scarlet) has ups and downs: the whole Mormon segment that takes place in the U.S. seems way too long and slow paced in comparison to the London scenes... In the introduction to my edition, it was discussed that the two stories were probably written independently from one another and put together by Conan Doyle when he decided to publish. In A SCANDAL IN BOHEMIA, Holmes is outsmarted by a fancy woman, and the conclusion to the story is delightfully cute and funny.A good read, very entertaining!

[krizia_lazaro_3 · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

This is were it all started. It was okay. A bit on the boring side. There are better Sherlock Holmes story than this one.

[adilinaria · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

** spoiler alert ** I was a little worried going into this, just unsure of how a longer Holmes story would read. I really enjoyed The Hound of Baskerville when I read it but I loved the short stories I read between these two. I shouldn't have been too worried however, this was excellent. I really enjoyed the second portion of the story, deviating from Sherlock and Watson to give us the back story of our murderer. It was different from the previous books in it's delivery and made the victims seem more the villains and our murderer more the almost hero. A great way to turn it around. Overall, a great one. I really enjoyed it and will definitely recommend it for any new fans of the series.Side note - this was the story that the first Sherlock episode is based on. That tickles me.

[rosalita_1 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

The first book I read in 2012 was The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes. I remarked back then that I was a bit disappointed in my first-ever reading of a story featuring the detective we all know so well. I also wondered if going back and starting at the beginning might make a difference, and indeed it did.A Study in Scarlet is the first Holmes novel, and it beautifully sets the stage for everything that (we know now) is to come. Here we witness the first meeting between Holmes and his faithful assistant, Doctor Watson. We witness Holmes' scientific experiments, his amazing breadth of knowledge in some areas and equally amazing ignorance in others that he does not perceive useful. In this first novel, Sherlock is called upon to help the police solve a seemingly impossible crime: a man's body has been found in an abandoned house, with no apparent cause of death and no clues. Wait, did I say no clues? Ha! Not with Sherlock on the case. He quickly figures out virtually the whole scenario that first night, but establishing standard protocol Conan Doyle withholds the key information from Dr. Watson who withholds it from us.I was startled by an interlude in the mystery, which switches to third person (most of the Sherlock stories are told in the first person as a memoir by Watson) to provide some key background information about the murdered man and his killer. It was completely unexpected to me, which I guess proves that there are still surprises to be found even in an overly familiar canon.There was one other factor that made A Study in Scarlet more enjoyable to me. The novel-length story really gave room for Sherlock's wizardry and subsequent reveal to seem more natural. In the short stories of The Memoirs, I felt the solution to the puzzle was almost tacked on as an afterthought. There was too much telling and not enough showing, I think. Thankfully, Scarlet does not suffer that fate, and it's an excellent beginning to my planned chronological read of all the Holmes stories.

[iftyzaidi · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

This is the first Sherlock Holmes book I've read. I'm not particularly well read in the mystery/detection genre - its not my usual cup of tea - but I really enjoyed this work, burning through the short, light read in no time. I enjoyed the characterisation of Holmes and the dynamics of his interactions with Watson, from whose point of view most of the story is told. I did find the sudden transition to the wilds of Utah in the middle of the book somewhat odd - I even checked to make sure my copy of the novel hadnt been misbound, mixing in the pages of some pulp western with the Holmes story! But it all made sense in the end - just Arthur Conan Doyle developing the background to the mystery while also dipping into the moral panic occasioned by Mormon religious practices such as polygamy. Setting that and other niggling fin-de-seicle British bourgeoisisms (the murderer had learnt vindictiveness from the Indians, the dirty street children are nicknamed arabs, etc.) this is a greatly enjoyable read and certainly good enough to instill a desire to read more of the adventures of Holmes and Watson.