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The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes #10

The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter (The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, #9 )

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Un’ingenua ragazza straniera in vacanza a Londra può scambiare le attenzioni di un aitante gentiluomo inglese per amore? Può fidarsi di uno sconosciuto al punto di decidere di seguirlo senza aver avvisato nessuno delle sue intenzioni?

Sherlock Holmes, il dottor Watson e Mycroft Holmes, l’enigmatico fratello del famoso investigatore, indagano sulla scomparsa di una ricca ragazza greca che sembra sparita nel nulla. Il racconto surreale di un interprete greco li mette sulla buona strada. Si troveranno alle prese con la crudeltà di infidi figuri senza morale e senza pietà che non si fermano davanti a nulla.

Ha le tinte cupe e i risvolti inquietanti di un horror l’audioBook di quest’insolita indagine di Sherlock Holmes ed è valorizzato dalla sceneggiatura, dall’interpretazione di diversi attori e dal sound design. L’esperienza d’ascolto è cinematografica.

16 pages, ebook

First published September 1, 1893

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794 people want to read

About the author

Arthur Conan Doyle

13.4k books24.2k followers
Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was a Scottish writer and physician. He created the character Sherlock Holmes in 1887 for A Study in Scarlet, the first of four novels and fifty-six short stories about Holmes and Dr. Watson. The Sherlock Holmes stories are milestones in the field of crime fiction.

Doyle was a prolific writer. In addition to the Holmes stories, his works include fantasy and science fiction stories about Professor Challenger, and humorous stories about the Napoleonic soldier Brigadier Gerard, as well as plays, romances, poetry, non-fiction, and historical novels. One of Doyle's early short stories, "J. Habakuk Jephson's Statement" (1884), helped to popularise the mystery of the brigantine Mary Celeste, found drifting at sea with no crew member aboard.

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5 stars
635 (19%)
4 stars
1,087 (33%)
3 stars
1,158 (36%)
2 stars
294 (9%)
1 star
39 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
Profile Image for Nayra.Hassan.
1,260 reviews6,710 followers
November 11, 2021
الاختلاف يولد الفرقة؛و الفرقة تولد الضعف*
المغامرة الاولي التي يظهر فيها الاخ الاكبر لشيرلوك
و هو مايكروفت
Screenshot-20210320-062433

القصة مسموعة: في: الرابط
https://youtu.be/WnuaPhTf-Io
Profile Image for Aishu Rehman.
1,093 reviews1,073 followers
January 27, 2019
For two years, the short Sherlock Holmes stories had been published in the Strand Magazine, and the powers of the consulting detective were well established. In The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter though, Conan Doyle introduced a figure whose skills potentially outstripped those of his most famous creation.

This figure was of course Mycroft Holmes, but of course Mycroft Holmes though did not have the inclination, nor the energy, to undertake the same kind of work as his brother did.

The case is not a difficult one for Sherlock Holmes to solve, for indeed, some of the preparatory work, in the form of newspaper advertisements, has already been undertaken. In investigating the case though, there is a certain amount of urgency that is not always present in Sherlock Holmes tales.

In the end the urgency doesn’t allow him to apprehend the criminals, but as with other cases where the criminals appear to escape, justice does seemingly catch up to them.

The episode would be adapted for television by Granada TV; and in the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Jeremy Brett would star as the detective. This adaptation kept fairly close to the original storyline, although Mycroft Holmes had been introduced in an earlier episode, and also the ending was amended, with the criminals being captured by Holmes.
Profile Image for Isa Cantos (Crónicas de una Merodeadora).
1,009 reviews43.8k followers
July 1, 2023
Creo que este caso no me gustó tanto porque realmente no se resolvió y quedó en el aire... Aunque lo que sí rescato aquí es que es la primera vez que vemos a Mycroft y eso me pareció súper divertido, sobre todo porque el mismo Sherlock dice que razona mejor que él, pero que es demasiado perezoso como para aplicarse, lol.
Profile Image for Jason Koivu.
Author 7 books1,402 followers
July 15, 2014
Dashing! Oh so dashing! And I mean that literally. Holmes and Watson must go dashing about to save the victims of an extortion plot.

In this short adventure, Sherlock Holmes is tasked with such a simple case that Watson is the one who ends up solving it. Arthur Conan Doyle went for atmosphere, intrigue and action over mind-twisting mystery in The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter. That makes for a nicely paced thriller of a more parochial nature than usual.

The baddies are a little more cookie-cutter evil. The mastermind behind the plot might as well be wearing a black hat, cape and pointy mustache. The Greek interpreter who accidentally steps into this viper's nest is also cut from a stereotypical mold, that of the angelic good guy. It's all rather unsubtle. But as long as you go into it looking for a good old-fashioned adventure, you'll be well pleased.

I'd also like to add that this story is special for including the first appearance of Sherlock's brother, Mycroft. Besides his mysteriously sudden appearing act, he's an interesting character in that he is more clever than the brilliant Sherlock himself! The man can solve a mystery as simple as snap your fingers. So why isn't he the more famous of the two brothers? Well, it's a minor detail, but I'll let you read about it/him yourself. Don't want to remove the joy of discovery for fans of the series.
Profile Image for Razvan Banciu.
1,873 reviews156 followers
May 23, 2025
In every respect, the plot is far from being exceptional.
Two tough guys need (just...) a signature, the girl knows the story but doesn't react at all, the interpreter is rather dumb. And I'm quite kind in naming him...
Not to mention the too obvious temporal coincidence which saves his life, but that's fiction, strange things happen when they are needed more.
5,718 reviews145 followers
August 4, 2023
4 Stars. My first Arthur Conan Doyle / Sherlock Holmes in many years; I had forgotten the pleasure of reading these stories. Doyle's style is fluid yet comfortable, nothing superfluous or excessive. The "Greek Interpreter" first came out in "Strand Magazine" in 1893. Nineteen pages. I read it in "Sherlock Holmes: the Complete Novels and Stories," a 2020 two-volume set from Vintage. Doctor Watson is curious about Holmes' family life and is astonished to learn that the detective genius has an older brother, Mycroft, who Sherlock credits as having "better powers of observation than I." The two stroll to Mycroft's Diogenes Club to meet him. He turns out to be very similar to Sherlock, but hefty! While there, they hear a strange story from Mr. Melas, a freelance Greek interpreter. How he had been kidnapped a few days earlier and taken to an unknown destination to translate the words of an Athenian, a prisoner being starved to death. How the man appeared to be the brother of a young woman, Sophy Kratides. Together with Inspector Gregson, they all set out to rescue the brother. It's a straight forward tale well told. There's much to catch-up on. (November 2020)
Profile Image for Crime Addict Sifat.
177 reviews97 followers
August 3, 2017
The case is not a troublesome one for Sherlock Holmes to tackle, for to be sure, a portion of the preliminary work, as daily paper notices, has just been attempted. In exploring the case however, there is a sure measure of criticalness that is not generally introduce in Sherlock Holmes stories.

At last the desperation doesn't enable him to secure the crooks, yet as with different situations where the lawbreakers seem to get away, equity does apparently get up to speed to them.
Profile Image for Cora Tea Party Princess.
1,323 reviews862 followers
February 22, 2015
5 Words: Perfect length for a cuppa.

This was an interesting one, not quite so predictable as the previous few stories have been, but I still managed to figure it out by the end.

What is it about some people that just make them so awful?
Profile Image for Katja Labonté.
Author 31 books337 followers
November 28, 2025
4 stars & 4/10 hearts. Now this was an interesting story. Those two villains were creepily fascinating, and I would have loved to see them butt heads with Sherlock more! The plot is intriguing, and the three victims are also quite interesting. And it was delightful to meet Mycroft! The deducing dialogue between the two brothers is worthy of its fame.

Content: swearing; violence; a girl is kidnapped by two men and forced to live with them for a few months.

A Favourite Quote: “My dear Watson,” said he, “I cannot agree with those who rank modesty among the virtues. To the logician all things should be seen exactly as they are, and to underestimate one’s self is as much a departure from truth as to exaggerate one’s own powers. When I say, therefore, that Mycroft has better powers of observation than I, you may take it that I am speaking the exact and literal truth.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “It will not be an easy door to force, but we will try if we cannot make some one hear us.” He hammered loudly at the knocker and pulled at the bell, but without any success. Holmes had slipped away, but he came back in a few minutes.
“I have a window open,” said he.
“It is a mercy that you are on the side of the force, and not against it, Mr. Holmes,” remarked the inspector, as he noted the clever way in which my friend had forced back the catch. “Well, I think that under the circumstances we may enter without an invitation.”
Profile Image for Joel .
468 reviews66 followers
June 6, 2020
2.5*
Mi primera aproximación al autor.


No hay mucho qué decir al respecto, dada la longitud del libro. Es un misterio corto, que creó en mí un interés regular. No creo que pueda pedirse más al tratarse de un relato tan exprés. Aunque sí me esperaba algo un poco mas... sorprendente. Mi primer idea de Holmes es que es un personaje desagradable, pero tendré que leer más de él para decidirlo.

La narrativa es buena. El autor hace uso de un lenguaje poco coloquial, pero parece funcionar.

Las ilustraciones son bellísimas, aunque me parecieron pocas. Pero valieron la pena.
Es una edición muy cuidada y, honestamente, fue gratuita. Así que ganar-ganar.
Profile Image for Gabriel Benitez.
Author 47 books24 followers
May 10, 2019
Plaquette que incluye uno de los relates breves de Sherlock Holmes, el famoso detective. Lo interesante es que este cuentito nos presenta a un personaje que supera en perspicacia al mismo Sherlock. Se trata de su hermano mayor Maycroft, quien lleva a Sherlock y a Watson a conocer un turbio asunto sobre un hombre secuestrado que necesita un traductor de griego. ¿Sherlock las puede todas? Capaz que no...
Profile Image for Riley G..
150 reviews13 followers
May 17, 2024
Oh my goodness, oh my goodness!!! It’s Mycroft!!! Finally, a story with him. I’m so excited. He is a very interesting, amusing character, and I absolutely love he and Sherlock’s singular sibling dynamic. I was a little surprised to find that Sherlock often consulted in his brother.

I didn’t know much about Mycroft before this story except he was Sherlock’s brother, but I could at least tell that Sherlock is the younger one, and that by his lively, daring nature. He acts much more like a younger sibling than an older one. Mycroft, on the other paw, has the knowing, reserved nature that we older siblings tend to have, especially toward a sibling that much younger. I loved seeing the two work together.

This doesn’t have much to do with this story, but I could also see the inspiration for the Monk series’ Ambrose Monk, Adrian’s brother, from Mycroft. Quiet, keeps himself away from the world, but has much of the same faculty as his famous younger brother.

Besides seeing Mycroft and Sherlock (such unique names) work together, the mystery itself was also interesting. I like how the Sherlock Holmes stories never quite wrap up the cases with a big, clean, pretty bow, but treats them realistically with villains that get away, or something not being the big deal it initially seemed. I love it.
Profile Image for Jeff Yoak.
834 reviews54 followers
August 25, 2011
The Greek Interpreter turned out to be one of my favorites. First, it introduced one of my favorite minor characters in the series -- Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock's older, more observant and deductively more powerful, but more sedentary brother. I always enjoy the interplay between Sherlock and Mycroft and this introduction was particularly pleasant.

The mystery itself is of roughly typical caliber. My particular enjoyment of this particular story came mostly from characters.

There is also a quote I particularly enjoyed.

"My dear Watson," said he, I cannot agree with those who rank modesty among the virtues. To the logician all things should be seen exactly as they are, and to underestimate one's self is as much a departure from truth as to exaggerate one's own powers. When I say, therefore, that Mycroft has better powers of observation than I, you may take it that I am speaking the exact and literal truth."

It's such an elegant statement of that point. I've always believed that humility and being a braggart are two sides of the same coin, both driven by lack of self-confidence, and both in opposition to real self-confidence.
Profile Image for Jason Donoghue.
Author 4 books34 followers
May 18, 2018
I don't know why authors introduce a secondary character who is in many ways better than the main character. It takes away from the story, and we see this in Sherlock Holmes brother. I found the story almost tiresome to read and predictable.

The author seems to work off the same template with all his stories with the same outcome to each book. I am quickly figuring out the story before the ending has come.

I would not recommend reading it:
Profile Image for RM Subramanian.
24 reviews6 followers
March 25, 2020
The writing was exceptional as always what we expect from sir arthur conan Doyle
Narration and the victim for some degree just looked like the engineer thumb
Sherlock didn't have much to do in this case.
Profile Image for Armita.
303 reviews38 followers
February 19, 2021
This is the first Sherlock Holmes short story I read featuring his brother, Mycroft—
And honestly, their interactions were 10/10 =)))
I’d LOVE to read more of this duo.
Profile Image for midnightfaerie.
2,259 reviews128 followers
May 14, 2022
This one was good but a little more confusing. Felt like it went all over the place and the clues were a little far fetched. In the end, the mystery was revealed but not a suitable ending for the bad guys in my opinion. Worth the read, but not my favorite of the bunch.
Profile Image for Emily Anderson.
97 reviews5 followers
May 8, 2024
Love a Mycroft appearance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Wissal H.
1,089 reviews462 followers
February 22, 2025
"مغامرة المترجم اليوناني" (The Greek Interpreter) هي واحدة من قصص شرلوك هولمز التي كتبها آرثر كونان دويل. نُشرت القصة لأول مرة في عام 1893 في مجلة ستراند.

القصة:
القصة عن رجل يوناني يدعى ميريكوس، الذي يعمل مترجمًا في لندن. يأتي ميريكوس إلى شرلوك هولمز ويطلب مساعدته في حل لغز غامض. يخبر ميريكوس هولمز أن أخاه، بولس، قد اختطف من قبل مجموعة من الأشخاص الذين يريدون أن يترجم وثيقة مهمة.

يبدأ هولمز في التحقيق ويكتشف أن مجموعة الخاطفين هي مجموعة من اللصوص الذين يريدون أن يترجم بولس وثيقة تخص خريطة كنز. يتبع هولمز إحاطة الخاطفين ويحاول إنقاذ بولس.

في النهاية، ينجح هولمز في إنقاذ بولس ويحبط خطط اللصوص. يكتشف هولمز أن الخريطة التي يريد اللصوص الحصول عليها هي خريطة كاذبة، وأن بولس كان على علم بذلك.

القصة تظهر مهارات هولمز في التحليل والاستنتاج، وكذلك قدرته على التفكير السريع والعمل بسرعة.
Profile Image for Bill.
1,159 reviews191 followers
October 8, 2015
Although I've read all of Conan Doyle's Holmes stories before it's good to pick one (or all of them) up again. The Greek Interpreter is one of his best, with it's gripping opening & wonderful conversations between Sherlock Holmes & his brother Mycroft. It is also also the story which contains the quote "Art in the blood is liable to take the strangest forms," which inspired the title of Bonnie MacBird's excellent 2015 Holmes novel.
Profile Image for Rao Javed.
Author 10 books44 followers
July 23, 2014
You might not get much of Sherlock story in which the whole story is not explained. This is one of those story of Sherlock that deliberately does not imparts the ending.
-Over and Out
Rao Umar
Profile Image for Isaac Fernandez.
67 reviews6 followers
November 11, 2019
Gran introducción del estilo del Sr Holmes y su manera de analizar.
Me gusto mucho.
Muy corto y excelente forma de ver si eres lector/investigador para este tipo de tramas.
No le doy 5 estrellas por lo corto que es ... ejjeje 😅
Profile Image for نرمين الشامي.
Author 1 book1,146 followers
March 1, 2020
ما معنى أن أشتري سبع مجموعات قصصية من دار فاروس لأجد عدة قصص مكررة!!
ما معنى أن تضع دار النشر القصة الواحدة في أكثر من مجموعة قصصية من إنتاجها!!
لا يعد ذلك سوى نوع من أنواع التحايل على القراء وهذه أكثر الكلمات تأدبًا لوصف الأمر
Profile Image for Jemma.
644 reviews22 followers
June 12, 2017
Rather odd, but not bad :)

Interesting meeting book Mycroft :)
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,164 reviews87 followers
July 23, 2017
3.5 Stars

Not bad, but it's another of the long winded explanation stories. We do get to meet Mycroft in this one though
Profile Image for Edith Romero.
174 reviews32 followers
November 24, 2021
Leer las historias de Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle siempre son un agasajo. Es increíble cómo después de tantos años, ¡¡Más de cien años!!, éste tipo de narraciones no dejan de trascender. Fantástico Conan Doyle, que nos dio su regalo más preciado, Sherlock Holmes.

En este cuento aparece un personaje nuevo y familiar, Mycroft Holmes, hermano mayor de Sherlock, quién, según descripción del propio Sherlock, es aún más inteligente y deductivo que él. Y así, por medio de su hermano, Sherlock emprenderá una nueva aventura junto con su inseparable Dr. Watson.

El intérprete griego, es un hombre al que le han pedido un trabajo muy peculiar, interrogar a un prisionero secuestrado por una especie de pandilla de malhechores. Si bien me ha encantado la historia, siento que tuvo un final un poco abrupto, con justicia sí, pero un cierre rápido.
Profile Image for Mohamed Shoaib.
373 reviews34 followers
August 21, 2018
قصيرة و خفيفة قبل صلاة العيد ..

اللقاء الأول بين مايكروفت و الدكتور واتسون

يحكي مترجم يوناني لشيرلوك عن موقف غير قانوني حدث معه حيث اقتيد من منزله تحت تهديد السلاح لترجمة بعض الأسئلة و الأجوبة لعصابة ما لسجين لديهم .. و بعد رحيل المترجم يلجأ على الفور لجاره مايكروفت الذي بدوره يستدعي شيرلوك
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