The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes Four Classic Stories - With Clive Merrison & Michael Williams As Heard on Radio 4

Name: The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes Four Classic Stories - With Clive Merrison & Michael Williams As Heard on Radio 4
Rating: 8.22 (31502 reviews)
Author: A. Conan Doyle
ISBN: 9780563390930

Language: English
Published in: 1996
Publisher: Bbc Book Pub
ISBN: 9780563390930

Subjects

Original edition details

The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes Originally published in 1927

Original language

English

Original publisher John Murray, 1927

Other editions (243)

Casebook of Sherlock Holmes Annotated

2020 • Independently Published

English

Casebook of Sherlock Holmes Annotated Edition

2021 • Independently Published

English

The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes (100th Anniversary Edition): With 65 Original Illustrations

2023 • SeaWolf Press

English

The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes (100th Anniversary Edition): With 65 Original Illustrations

2023 • SeaWolf Press

English

The Case Book Of Sherlock Holmes: Annotated

2017 • Independently Published

English

8.22 / 10 (31K ratings)

Reviews summary

Positives

The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes, the final collection of short stories featuring the iconic detective, is largely celebrated for its continued entertainment value and the lasting appeal of its central characters. Reviewers found many of the tales to be engaging and well-crafted, offering a variety of unique and strange cases that kept them captivated. Highlights often include stories praised for their cleverness, intricate puzzles, and the distinct narrative shifts where Holmes himself or a third-person narrator takes the helm, providing a fresh perspective on the detective's methods and personality. Readers particularly appreciated moments that revealed a deeper, more emotional side of Holmes, showcasing his genuine feelings and his enduring bond with Dr. Watson, alongside his characteristic wit and humor.

Negatives

However, the collection is also frequently described as uneven, often considered the weakest among the Sherlock Holmes anthologies. Critics note a reliance on "gimmickry" and plots that sometimes feel like "retreads" of earlier, more original stories. Some solutions are deemed far-fetched or less grounded in Holmes's usual deductive brilliance. The quality of individual stories varies considerably, with some being singled out as particularly disappointing or even "ludicrous." Certain narratives where Holmes takes over from Watson are sometimes felt to lack the familiar dynamic and charm. Furthermore, modern readers have pointed out the presence of outdated racial stereotypes and problematic language, which can detract from the reading experience.

Conclusion

Despite these criticisms, The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes remains an essential read for dedicated fans looking to complete the entire canon. While it may not consistently reach the heights of earlier collections, it offers a bittersweet farewell to beloved characters and provides unique insights into their world. This book is best suited for long-time Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts, readers interested in the evolution of Arthur Conan Doyle's writing, and those who appreciate classic mystery short stories, understanding that some elements reflect the historical context in which they were written. It serves as a final, memorable journey into the "fairy kingdom of romance" that Doyle created.

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