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A study in Scarlet (Annotated): Sherlock Holmes’ First Case, With a Modern Reader’s Companion
This edition of
A Study in Scarlet
comes complete
A foreword and introductionDetailed annotationsA glossary of Victorian and archaic termsCultural background notesIn-depth literary analysis exploring themes, symbolism, and character studies
It is designed not only for fans of Sherlock Holmes but for readers who want to understand the novel in its full historical and literary context.
Arthur Conan Doyle’s A Study in Scarlet marks the very first appearance of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. Set in late Victorian London, the novel introduces Holmes as a brilliant but eccentric consulting detective and Watson as his loyal companion and narrator, fresh from military service in Afghanistan. Their fateful meeting in Baker Street sparks one of literature’s most enduring partnerships.
What begins as a baffling crime in London soon expands into a story that spans continents, weaving together science, deduction, passion, and fate. Doyle contrasts the foggy streets of London with the stark landscapes of the American frontier, reminding readers that the “scarlet thread” of human emotion — love, jealousy, vengeance — runs through every society.
This edition is more than a novel; it is a guide to reading A Study in Scarlet with fresh eyes. Whether you are approaching Holmes and Watson for the first time or returning as an old admirer, you will find context, commentary, and reflection that bring new depth to the story.
A foreword and introductionDetailed annotationsA glossary of Victorian and archaic termsCultural background notesIn-depth literary analysis exploring themes, symbolism, and character studies
It is designed not only for fans of Sherlock Holmes but for readers who want to understand the novel in its full historical and literary context.
Arthur Conan Doyle’s A Study in Scarlet marks the very first appearance of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. Set in late Victorian London, the novel introduces Holmes as a brilliant but eccentric consulting detective and Watson as his loyal companion and narrator, fresh from military service in Afghanistan. Their fateful meeting in Baker Street sparks one of literature’s most enduring partnerships.
What begins as a baffling crime in London soon expands into a story that spans continents, weaving together science, deduction, passion, and fate. Doyle contrasts the foggy streets of London with the stark landscapes of the American frontier, reminding readers that the “scarlet thread” of human emotion — love, jealousy, vengeance — runs through every society.
This edition is more than a novel; it is a guide to reading A Study in Scarlet with fresh eyes. Whether you are approaching Holmes and Watson for the first time or returning as an old admirer, you will find context, commentary, and reflection that bring new depth to the story.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2025
About the author
Arthur Conan Doyle
16.2k books24.7k followersSir 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.
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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Displaying 1 of 1 review
April 5, 2026
As a lifelong mystery fan, I don't believe that I have ever read a Sherlock Holmes book. I do admit to watching a Holmes movie and probably a TV series episode or two. Another admission - I probably would not have picked this book except that it is the April read for the Tea & Mystery Book Club I attend at a local library.
This was a wise choice in books (for me, as a newbie to his books) as this is the book where Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are first introduced to each other and Holmes already has the reputation of being a "consulting detective" for Scotland Yard. The duo become flat mates at a boardinghouse at the famous address of 221 B Baker Street, London.
The first half of the book is set in London and is where we learn of the murders of two men from America; the second half of the story is that of the two victims lives in America prior to their trip abroad. The two halves of the book are vastly different and hit upon topics such as opium use, Mormons, greed, and jealousy - a mighty combination!
As a retired educator, the readers companion was a surprising and welcome addition that includes main character portraits, cultural and historical context, a glossary of Victorian terms, themes, symbolism, motifs, and more. And yes, I am enjoying reading the readers companion very much. 😀
This was a wise choice in books (for me, as a newbie to his books) as this is the book where Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are first introduced to each other and Holmes already has the reputation of being a "consulting detective" for Scotland Yard. The duo become flat mates at a boardinghouse at the famous address of 221 B Baker Street, London.
The first half of the book is set in London and is where we learn of the murders of two men from America; the second half of the story is that of the two victims lives in America prior to their trip abroad. The two halves of the book are vastly different and hit upon topics such as opium use, Mormons, greed, and jealousy - a mighty combination!
As a retired educator, the readers companion was a surprising and welcome addition that includes main character portraits, cultural and historical context, a glossary of Victorian terms, themes, symbolism, motifs, and more. And yes, I am enjoying reading the readers companion very much. 😀
Displaying 1 of 1 review