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Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Collection
Experience the genius of Sherlock Holmes in this definitive collection of all his adventures. From intricate mysteries and cunning criminals to daring investigations, Doyle’s masterful storytelling brings the legendary detective and his loyal companion, Dr. Watson, vividly to life. Each tale combines suspense, deduction, and unforgettable characters, making every page a captivating journey into the heart of crime and clever resolution.
A must-have for mystery lovers and classic literature enthusiasts, this complete collection offers endless hours of thrilling reading and timeless intrigue.
A must-have for mystery lovers and classic literature enthusiasts, this complete collection offers endless hours of thrilling reading and timeless intrigue.
552 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2025
5063 people are currently reading
1440 people want to read
About the author
Arthur Conan Doyle
15.9k books24.3k 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 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 2, 2026
Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Collection by Arthur Conan Doyle is exactly what its name promises: a sweeping anthology of every official mystery featuring the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his steadfast companion Dr. John Watson, gathering all four novels and fifty-six short stories that shaped the modern detective genre and made Holmes a literary legend. This omnibus takes you from their very first case in A Study in Scarlet through classic locked-room puzzles, eerie moorland hunts like The Hound of the Baskervilles, and a parade of curious characters and ingenious deductions set against fog-shrouded Victorian London.
Right away I felt a sense of awe stepping into this complete canon, as if I were opening a door into the roots of mystery fiction itself. Reading Holmes and Watson through this vast collection made me feel like I was pacing Baker Street alongside them, listening in as Holmes’s razor-sharp mind sifted clues that would stump any ordinary observer, with Watson’s thoughtful narration grounding the brilliance in warmth and humanity. Some stories thrilled me with their cleverness, others delighted with quirky characters who somehow echo long after the page turns, and many surprised me with the depth of emotion hiding beneath the puzzle. There were times when the sheer number of tales asked for patience, but each one ultimately built a rich mosaic of friendship, logic, and the thrill of uncovering truth.
I’m giving this 5 out of 5 stars, because experiencing the full tapestry of Holmes’s adventures felt like a literary pilgrimage, and this collection stands as a timeless testament to storytelling that continues to inspire generations.
Right away I felt a sense of awe stepping into this complete canon, as if I were opening a door into the roots of mystery fiction itself. Reading Holmes and Watson through this vast collection made me feel like I was pacing Baker Street alongside them, listening in as Holmes’s razor-sharp mind sifted clues that would stump any ordinary observer, with Watson’s thoughtful narration grounding the brilliance in warmth and humanity. Some stories thrilled me with their cleverness, others delighted with quirky characters who somehow echo long after the page turns, and many surprised me with the depth of emotion hiding beneath the puzzle. There were times when the sheer number of tales asked for patience, but each one ultimately built a rich mosaic of friendship, logic, and the thrill of uncovering truth.
I’m giving this 5 out of 5 stars, because experiencing the full tapestry of Holmes’s adventures felt like a literary pilgrimage, and this collection stands as a timeless testament to storytelling that continues to inspire generations.
January 15, 2021
This is incredibly difficult to rate, being such a vast collection and now well over 100 years old.
In the former, some of the stories are a lot better than others, some being little more than a few pages describing a scene rather than a deductive adventure or thriller.
On the latter point Doyle's treatment of anyone who isn't English, white and male, with a suitably handsome skull, makes for difficult reading in many places.
To me it felt ironic that some of the great deductions were little more than the stereotyping of characters, an ironic situation when the great detective is known for his deduction of the improbable.
For me the best stories are 4 stars, the worst 2.
In the former, some of the stories are a lot better than others, some being little more than a few pages describing a scene rather than a deductive adventure or thriller.
On the latter point Doyle's treatment of anyone who isn't English, white and male, with a suitably handsome skull, makes for difficult reading in many places.
To me it felt ironic that some of the great deductions were little more than the stereotyping of characters, an ironic situation when the great detective is known for his deduction of the improbable.
For me the best stories are 4 stars, the worst 2.
December 24, 2024
A Study in Scarlet ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Sign of Four ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Hound of the Baskervilles ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Return of Sherlock Holmes ⭐⭐⭐
The Valley of Fear ⭐⭐⭐
His Last Bow ⭐⭐⭐
The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes ⭐⭐⭐
"Uncle Jeremy's Household" ⭐⭐
"The Field Bazaar" ⭐⭐⭐
"The Story of the Man with Watches" ⭐⭐⭐
"The Story of the Lost Special" ⭐⭐⭐
"The Crown Diamond: An Evening with Sherlock Holmes" ⭐⭐⭐
"How Watson Learned the Trick" ⭐⭐⭐⭐
51 stars/15 titles=3.4 stars
The Sign of Four ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Hound of the Baskervilles ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Return of Sherlock Holmes ⭐⭐⭐
The Valley of Fear ⭐⭐⭐
His Last Bow ⭐⭐⭐
The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes ⭐⭐⭐
"Uncle Jeremy's Household" ⭐⭐
"The Field Bazaar" ⭐⭐⭐
"The Story of the Man with Watches" ⭐⭐⭐
"The Story of the Lost Special" ⭐⭐⭐
"The Crown Diamond: An Evening with Sherlock Holmes" ⭐⭐⭐
"How Watson Learned the Trick" ⭐⭐⭐⭐
51 stars/15 titles=3.4 stars
October 15, 2025
Brillant ,a true classic
March 11, 2024
Glad to have read this collection of masterpieces
April 23, 2025
I'm a slow reader & don't have a lot of time to read, so this took me forever to finish. But I'm glad to have read the complete collection through and to have immersed myself in the world of Sherlock Holmes. I've given this 5 stars because it is classic literature and everyone should read at least some of it.
Some random thoughts:
I loved Sherlock Holmes stories as a kid, but now I wonder if I was reading some bowdlerized version of them because there are some things (drugs, violence) that I honestly don't remember.
One can't judge the work by today's standards; it's necessary to overlook the classism, racism, and to some extent, sexism of the times in which they were written.
A surprising aspect for me was the number of times the police meted out their own casual justice with a wink and a nod. "Well, if you say the man you kill was a really bad guy, then maybe justice was served and we'll just look the other way."
Holmes is quite the character! No one quite like him! Quite possibly "on the spectrum" although that concept did not exist at the time.
Reading all the stories made me appreciate even more the efforts of some of my favorite re-imaginings of them, particularly House, M.D. and the BBC's Sherlock. I particularly liked the Sherlock series' take on the Baker Street Irregulars.
Doyle was sick of writing these stories and it shows at times. The last two longer pieces were basically excuses for him to write Westerns as "stories within a story."
Despite any flaws, I'm glad to have read these works and recommend them to anyone who loves mysteries, literary history, Victorian culture, or just a good read.
Some random thoughts:
I loved Sherlock Holmes stories as a kid, but now I wonder if I was reading some bowdlerized version of them because there are some things (drugs, violence) that I honestly don't remember.
One can't judge the work by today's standards; it's necessary to overlook the classism, racism, and to some extent, sexism of the times in which they were written.
A surprising aspect for me was the number of times the police meted out their own casual justice with a wink and a nod. "Well, if you say the man you kill was a really bad guy, then maybe justice was served and we'll just look the other way."
Holmes is quite the character! No one quite like him! Quite possibly "on the spectrum" although that concept did not exist at the time.
Reading all the stories made me appreciate even more the efforts of some of my favorite re-imaginings of them, particularly House, M.D. and the BBC's Sherlock. I particularly liked the Sherlock series' take on the Baker Street Irregulars.
Doyle was sick of writing these stories and it shows at times. The last two longer pieces were basically excuses for him to write Westerns as "stories within a story."
Despite any flaws, I'm glad to have read these works and recommend them to anyone who loves mysteries, literary history, Victorian culture, or just a good read.
October 6, 2025
Sir Arthur Canon Doyle is reported to have written 4 novels and 56 short stories. Assuming this is the complete volume of all his writings and you choose to read them all as I have read them all as I have be aware you will get credit for only one book. No complaints, just a statement of fact!
I have always been interested in the mystery genre and I’ve loved the many TV mystery series that have appeared throughout my life. There seems to be a common thread among them, that one little piece of evidence was needed to arrest the culprit. The idea of a detective observing and accumulating the facts that many would overlook actually dates back to Edgar Allen Poe although Sir Doyle has been given the credit by some.
The stories are enjoyable and some are actually related to another. I loved the relationship between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Even more interesting is Holmes’s promise to himself that he would not solve any case for the police but he tactfully steers them toward the correct evidence. Sherlock also never wanted the credit provided in the news even when Watson begins to publish the accounts of their many events. At that time of print the major players are either deceased or Watson uses false names and places to protect the innocent. The early news reports were how Holmes and Watson became the men to go to when the police didn’t seem to be able to find the answers.
I have always been interested in the mystery genre and I’ve loved the many TV mystery series that have appeared throughout my life. There seems to be a common thread among them, that one little piece of evidence was needed to arrest the culprit. The idea of a detective observing and accumulating the facts that many would overlook actually dates back to Edgar Allen Poe although Sir Doyle has been given the credit by some.
The stories are enjoyable and some are actually related to another. I loved the relationship between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Even more interesting is Holmes’s promise to himself that he would not solve any case for the police but he tactfully steers them toward the correct evidence. Sherlock also never wanted the credit provided in the news even when Watson begins to publish the accounts of their many events. At that time of print the major players are either deceased or Watson uses false names and places to protect the innocent. The early news reports were how Holmes and Watson became the men to go to when the police didn’t seem to be able to find the answers.
May 21, 2025
The story telling by the Author Doyle is superb.
Each story is a nice mix of the Holmes / Watson interaction along with the crime at hand. Even though Holmes is much higher intellect than Watson, he relies on Watson and has a genuine respect for him even though he gives him strong criticisms at times. Holmes has many skills along with his superior brain. He seems to know all important facts even before the actual crime has been committed and due partly to the fact that he doesn’t have other interests in his life which could distract him. He’s disciplined to only know about things that can be useful in his detective work. And he has other useful skills: boxing, disguises and impersonations. And clever to resolve the situation if legally a crime was not committed. I think the Complete Collection is a series of stories to relax, read and enjoy.
Each story is a nice mix of the Holmes / Watson interaction along with the crime at hand. Even though Holmes is much higher intellect than Watson, he relies on Watson and has a genuine respect for him even though he gives him strong criticisms at times. Holmes has many skills along with his superior brain. He seems to know all important facts even before the actual crime has been committed and due partly to the fact that he doesn’t have other interests in his life which could distract him. He’s disciplined to only know about things that can be useful in his detective work. And he has other useful skills: boxing, disguises and impersonations. And clever to resolve the situation if legally a crime was not committed. I think the Complete Collection is a series of stories to relax, read and enjoy.
September 11, 2024
Prender o leitor por 1000 páginas , com histórias escritas há mais de 100 anos é, para mim, a definição de um clássico. E todas as honras ficam para a construção do personagens icônicos e inesquecíveis da trama, e menos pelos mistérios que os envolvem.
Dei quatro estrelas pois penso que uma coletânea das melhores histórias seria mais interessante do que esta, com alguns contos que não valeram o tempo de leitura.
Dei quatro estrelas pois penso que uma coletânea das melhores histórias seria mais interessante do que esta, com alguns contos que não valeram o tempo de leitura.
January 15, 2025
I loved so many of the stories. One of my favorites was the Adventure of the Second Stain, it ended by Sherlock smiling and saying “we also have our diplomatic secrets.” I also loved how in-depth the Valley of Fear/The Last Valley story was. Though it was long, it was a great time trying to predict the conclusion of each story with my step dad.
October 28, 2022
I must admit: it's difficult to write a review about such a book as this; a complete compilation of the stories of the wittiest "world's first consultant detective" and his kind but always so "naive" companion and best friend. Sherlock Holmes has probably been the first superhero to be introduced in literature - as Stephen Fry fittingly points out in one of his forewords of the collection. Who could deny his "superpowers" in the art of "deduction"? Not to mention that, like every other superhero, he is also a benefactor of humanity: he is a "doctor", but unlike his friend, Watson, who's a doctor for humans, Holmes's "specialty" is the "ailments" of society. His presence is ever so welcome to every reader, because it provides us with comfort and security, in a world full of insecurities and mischief. He's a figure of authority without being authoritarian. He is the most intelligent of humans, nothing but a vast brain, a "machine", but at the same time the truest of friends and the most kind-hearted of humans. He is proof that truth and goodness will always prevail over evil. And probably this is why Holmes and his companions are so often dealt with as if they existed in our world, and not in the world of fantasy only. It's because we need them to be real. As Stephen Fry states in the foreword for The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes: "Between fact and fiction is where legend lives; it's where Holmes and Watson will always live"
I can continue raving about this collection without stopping; I would do an injustice, however, if I were to praise only the content of the book and not the narrator: Stephen Fry's performance for Audible's version is out of this world. I have listened to 100 Audiobooks (actual number!) and I must admit that I have seldom encountered a better narration that complements the text to such an extent. I am most certain that reading the text wouldn't be so satisfying - and I would miss all the different accents used for the different characters! Undoubtedly, Fry is one of the greatest treasures of Britain - along with his very much beloved, Sherlock Holmes.
Overall, it took some time to finish, but in the end, it did worth it!
for reference: The audiobook version of War and Peace is 56 hours, while this collection was 72...! Probably not as hard to read, but still!
Who recommended the book to me: Audible (again) I guess? I’ve been meaning to read Sherlock Holmes for far too long, and when I found this collection, I knew that the time was right..!
I would recommend to: oh, to everybody! I cannot imagine who wouldn’t like these stories! One doesn't even have to be a fan of the conventional crime/mystery genre to like them. Also, the collection is highly recommended to anyone who has watched the BBC’s Sherlock. It’s most fascinating to understand (even in retrospect) the adaptation of some of the stories to the 21st century. And after reading the books, I should say (with great authority) that no one would surpass Benedict Cumberbatch's depiction of Holmes. He is simply perfect for the role.
-----------------------------------------------
Care to check my favorite quotes from the books? :)
Book: A Study in Scarlet
“What you do in this world is a matter of no consequence. The question is what can you make people believe you have done.”
Book: The Sign of the Four
“When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”
Book: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
- A Scandal in Bohemia
“I have no data yet; it is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.”
- The Boscombe Valley Mystery
“There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.”
- Silver Blaze
“- Is there any point to which you would wish to draw my attention?'
- To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time.
- The dog did nothing in the night-time.
- That was the curious incident, remarked Sherlock Holmes.”
Book: The Hound of the Baskervilles
“The world is full of obvious things that nobody by any chance does often observe”
Book: The Valley of Fear
“Mediocrity knows nothing but itself, but talent easily recognizes genius”
Book: His Last Bow
- The Adventure of the Red Circle
“Education never ends; it’s a series of lessons with the greatest for the last”
- The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax
“She is a stray chicken in a world of foxes”
- The Adventure of the Devil’s Foot
“- But I saw nothing!
- This is what you may expect to see when I follow you!”
I can continue raving about this collection without stopping; I would do an injustice, however, if I were to praise only the content of the book and not the narrator: Stephen Fry's performance for Audible's version is out of this world. I have listened to 100 Audiobooks (actual number!) and I must admit that I have seldom encountered a better narration that complements the text to such an extent. I am most certain that reading the text wouldn't be so satisfying - and I would miss all the different accents used for the different characters! Undoubtedly, Fry is one of the greatest treasures of Britain - along with his very much beloved, Sherlock Holmes.
Overall, it took some time to finish, but in the end, it did worth it!
for reference: The audiobook version of War and Peace is 56 hours, while this collection was 72...! Probably not as hard to read, but still!
Who recommended the book to me: Audible (again) I guess? I’ve been meaning to read Sherlock Holmes for far too long, and when I found this collection, I knew that the time was right..!
I would recommend to: oh, to everybody! I cannot imagine who wouldn’t like these stories! One doesn't even have to be a fan of the conventional crime/mystery genre to like them. Also, the collection is highly recommended to anyone who has watched the BBC’s Sherlock. It’s most fascinating to understand (even in retrospect) the adaptation of some of the stories to the 21st century. And after reading the books, I should say (with great authority) that no one would surpass Benedict Cumberbatch's depiction of Holmes. He is simply perfect for the role.
-----------------------------------------------
Care to check my favorite quotes from the books? :)
Book: A Study in Scarlet
“What you do in this world is a matter of no consequence. The question is what can you make people believe you have done.”
Book: The Sign of the Four
“When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”
Book: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
- A Scandal in Bohemia
“I have no data yet; it is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.”
- The Boscombe Valley Mystery
“There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.”
- Silver Blaze
“- Is there any point to which you would wish to draw my attention?'
- To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time.
- The dog did nothing in the night-time.
- That was the curious incident, remarked Sherlock Holmes.”
Book: The Hound of the Baskervilles
“The world is full of obvious things that nobody by any chance does often observe”
Book: The Valley of Fear
“Mediocrity knows nothing but itself, but talent easily recognizes genius”
Book: His Last Bow
- The Adventure of the Red Circle
“Education never ends; it’s a series of lessons with the greatest for the last”
- The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax
“She is a stray chicken in a world of foxes”
- The Adventure of the Devil’s Foot
“- But I saw nothing!
- This is what you may expect to see when I follow you!”
April 6, 2024
Surprised at American spelling of gray (grey) and check ( cheque)
Also several American stories. Did Conan Doyle spend time in USA
Enjoyable short stories and nice to see tv versions almost the same , not corrupted
Also several American stories. Did Conan Doyle spend time in USA
Enjoyable short stories and nice to see tv versions almost the same , not corrupted
January 31, 2025
Complete works
I verified this edition (2024) it against my physical copies and all books and stories are included. A couple have had a slight change of name but they are the same. Great to have a digital copy of Sherlock's books.
I verified this edition (2024) it against my physical copies and all books and stories are included. A couple have had a slight change of name but they are the same. Great to have a digital copy of Sherlock's books.
March 25, 2025
A few of these stories are Problematic(TM) but goshdangit some of them are pretty satisfying. I feel like I shouldn’t like them this much but I kinda do.
(I could have listed all these books individually for my reading challenge and y’all would never know)
(I could have listed all these books individually for my reading challenge and y’all would never know)
May 19, 2025
Required reading for fans of crime novels.
The classic detective story, and the pattern for hundreds of the genre that have followed. Unsophisticated by today’s standards but nevertheless entertaining and a wonderful window on Victorian England.
The classic detective story, and the pattern for hundreds of the genre that have followed. Unsophisticated by today’s standards but nevertheless entertaining and a wonderful window on Victorian England.
May 7, 2024
Excellent
Very good book.
Excellent book.
Loved the language and vocabulary.
Loved the details.
Enjoyed reading all the different cases.
I really like the book.
Very good book.
Excellent book.
Loved the language and vocabulary.
Loved the details.
Enjoyed reading all the different cases.
I really like the book.
September 30, 2024
Pretty good
March 27, 2025
Entertaining and exciting
A most enjoyable read for Holmes fans!
It makes the reader try to figure out the plots by paying close attention to details.
A most enjoyable read for Holmes fans!
It makes the reader try to figure out the plots by paying close attention to details.
April 10, 2025
A fun read
Truly enjoyed the complete works. A very fun read, good for all ages. Highly recommended to all readers and lovers of mystery.
Truly enjoyed the complete works. A very fun read, good for all ages. Highly recommended to all readers and lovers of mystery.
April 14, 2025
i refuse to read 1k pages thanks.
May 8, 2025
My all time favorite
July 23, 2025
This collection should be worth at least 4-5 books for my challenge. Oh well.
September 2, 2025
love Sherlock Holmes! you will not be disappointed by this book!
December 25, 2025
I absolutely love Arthur Conan Doyles style of writing! One of my favorites for sure!
February 14, 2024
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories emerged during a time of great fascination with detective fiction in late 19th and early 20th-century England. Serialised in magazines such as The Strand, Holmes quickly became a literary sensation, captivating readers with his deductive prowess and keen observational skills. The popularity of the character skyrocketed, turning Holmes into a cultural icon whose influence continues to be felt today.
Conan Doyle drew inspiration for his stories from a variety of sources, including his medical background, personal experiences, and contemporary crime cases. While many of the stories are purely fictional, some were indeed based on real events or inspired by true crimes of the time. For example, The Adventure of the Speckled Band is said to have been inspired by a real-life case of a woman who died under mysterious circumstances.
Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, the Sherlock Holmes stories provide a fascinating glimpse into the social, political, and cultural landscape of the era. From the bustling streets of London to the fog-covered moors of the countryside, Conan Doyle's vivid descriptions transport readers to a bygone era characterised by rapid industrialisation, class tensions, and scientific advancements.
The Sherlock Holmes stories exhibit a unique blend of narrative styles, characterised by their fast-paced plots, witty dialogue, and meticulous attention to detail. Conan Doyle's use of first-person narration through the eyes of Dr. John Watson adds a really interesting detail to the stories, allowing readers to experience Holmes's deductive process firsthand. Additionally, Conan Doyle's medical background lends authenticity to Holmes's forensic techniques, adding a layer of realism to the mysteries.
The Sherlock Holmes canon collection is a mixed bag of thrilling mysteries and lackluster narratives, earning an average rating of 2.5 stars from me. While the main four longer novels, including A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of Four, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and The Valley of Fear, stand out as highlights of the collection, the short stories often feel rushed and formulaic.
The rushed writing style observed in many of the short stories may indeed be attributed to Conan Doyle's prioritisation of quantity over quality. During the serialisation of his works in magazines like The Strand, Conan Doyle faced tight deadlines and pressure to churn out new stories regularly to satisfy readers' demand for more Holmes adventures. This commercial imperative likely influenced Conan Doyle's writing process, leading to the occasional lack of depth and nuance in the shorter tales.
However, despite the uneven quality of the short stories, the longer novels showcase Conan Doyle's storytelling prowess at its best. A Study in Scarlet introduces readers to Holmes and Watson's iconic partnership, while The Hound of the Baskervilles is a masterful blend of Gothic horror and detective fiction set against the eerie backdrop of the English moors. These longer narratives allow Conan Doyle ample space to develop intricate plots, flesh out characters, and explore themes more thoroughly, resulting in a more satisfying reading experience.
While the Sherlock Holmes canon collection may have its shortcomings, it remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its intriguing mysteries, memorable characters, and rich historical context, so I’d still definitely recommend reading these if you ever get the opportunity.
Conan Doyle drew inspiration for his stories from a variety of sources, including his medical background, personal experiences, and contemporary crime cases. While many of the stories are purely fictional, some were indeed based on real events or inspired by true crimes of the time. For example, The Adventure of the Speckled Band is said to have been inspired by a real-life case of a woman who died under mysterious circumstances.
Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, the Sherlock Holmes stories provide a fascinating glimpse into the social, political, and cultural landscape of the era. From the bustling streets of London to the fog-covered moors of the countryside, Conan Doyle's vivid descriptions transport readers to a bygone era characterised by rapid industrialisation, class tensions, and scientific advancements.
The Sherlock Holmes stories exhibit a unique blend of narrative styles, characterised by their fast-paced plots, witty dialogue, and meticulous attention to detail. Conan Doyle's use of first-person narration through the eyes of Dr. John Watson adds a really interesting detail to the stories, allowing readers to experience Holmes's deductive process firsthand. Additionally, Conan Doyle's medical background lends authenticity to Holmes's forensic techniques, adding a layer of realism to the mysteries.
The Sherlock Holmes canon collection is a mixed bag of thrilling mysteries and lackluster narratives, earning an average rating of 2.5 stars from me. While the main four longer novels, including A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of Four, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and The Valley of Fear, stand out as highlights of the collection, the short stories often feel rushed and formulaic.
The rushed writing style observed in many of the short stories may indeed be attributed to Conan Doyle's prioritisation of quantity over quality. During the serialisation of his works in magazines like The Strand, Conan Doyle faced tight deadlines and pressure to churn out new stories regularly to satisfy readers' demand for more Holmes adventures. This commercial imperative likely influenced Conan Doyle's writing process, leading to the occasional lack of depth and nuance in the shorter tales.
However, despite the uneven quality of the short stories, the longer novels showcase Conan Doyle's storytelling prowess at its best. A Study in Scarlet introduces readers to Holmes and Watson's iconic partnership, while The Hound of the Baskervilles is a masterful blend of Gothic horror and detective fiction set against the eerie backdrop of the English moors. These longer narratives allow Conan Doyle ample space to develop intricate plots, flesh out characters, and explore themes more thoroughly, resulting in a more satisfying reading experience.
While the Sherlock Holmes canon collection may have its shortcomings, it remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its intriguing mysteries, memorable characters, and rich historical context, so I’d still definitely recommend reading these if you ever get the opportunity.
May 10, 2024
I don't rate any of the 10 volumes in this mammoth collection of 2200+ pages five stars per-se, but I do rate this body or work five stars. How does that make any sense?
Because of what it means to me from a historical upbringing perspective. Because of the memories, the nostalgia, the pompous British spirit, the everything associated with Sherlock Holmes, investigated crime, Victorian England, steam trains and what goes bump in the night with logical reasoning behind it.
This collection consists of 10 volumes: Four books in their own right + six separate collections of short stories. Three of the single books are excellent and nearly all of the short stories equally so.
These 10 volumes are ordered in such a way as to retain a logical timeline of events such as when Holmes and Watson first meet and when they decide to reside together at Baker Street and how their friendship and professional relationship develops over time. There are deaths and resurrections and other events that make more sense this way.
If you read these volumes in chronological order it's more intelligible than picking up one of the volumes at random, although it's not essential that you absolutely do that because the timelines start to make less sense as times goes on, but with this amount of material it's good to have less confusion.
This collection is absolutely epic for attempting to put it all together and become the definitive amalgamation of everything Sherlock Holmes. Arthur Conan Doyle writes in such an appealing and fluent style that you can't fail to be charmed from the start.
Amazingly, this was the first book I officially bought on my Kindle, before anything by Jane Austen or other amazing authors, and for practically tuppence ha'penny, guvnor!
If you like Arthur Conan Doyle, be sure to check out H.G. Wells for similar fluency from that period, a long long time ago... in a galaxy far far away.
Because of what it means to me from a historical upbringing perspective. Because of the memories, the nostalgia, the pompous British spirit, the everything associated with Sherlock Holmes, investigated crime, Victorian England, steam trains and what goes bump in the night with logical reasoning behind it.
This collection consists of 10 volumes: Four books in their own right + six separate collections of short stories. Three of the single books are excellent and nearly all of the short stories equally so.
These 10 volumes are ordered in such a way as to retain a logical timeline of events such as when Holmes and Watson first meet and when they decide to reside together at Baker Street and how their friendship and professional relationship develops over time. There are deaths and resurrections and other events that make more sense this way.
If you read these volumes in chronological order it's more intelligible than picking up one of the volumes at random, although it's not essential that you absolutely do that because the timelines start to make less sense as times goes on, but with this amount of material it's good to have less confusion.
This collection is absolutely epic for attempting to put it all together and become the definitive amalgamation of everything Sherlock Holmes. Arthur Conan Doyle writes in such an appealing and fluent style that you can't fail to be charmed from the start.
Amazingly, this was the first book I officially bought on my Kindle, before anything by Jane Austen or other amazing authors, and for practically tuppence ha'penny, guvnor!
If you like Arthur Conan Doyle, be sure to check out H.G. Wells for similar fluency from that period, a long long time ago... in a galaxy far far away.
June 28, 2020
Most stories, NOT complete
This is a good collection, but do not believe the title's claim that it is complete. It is missing at least 4 short stories from "His Last Bow". Perhaps just as important, there are many typos and punctuation errors in this edition. While these do not make it unreadable, they can often change the meaning of a sentence or otherwise distract from the flow. It is also missing two images from "The Adventure of the Missing Three-Quarter" that make the connection between two segments of text almost unintelligible.
Despite the flaws in formatting and the omission of several stories, this is as fair a representation of the Sherlock Holmes stories as you are likely to find. If you can ignore the mistakes or have read the stories before you should not have much trouble with this copy.
This is a good collection, but do not believe the title's claim that it is complete. It is missing at least 4 short stories from "His Last Bow". Perhaps just as important, there are many typos and punctuation errors in this edition. While these do not make it unreadable, they can often change the meaning of a sentence or otherwise distract from the flow. It is also missing two images from "The Adventure of the Missing Three-Quarter" that make the connection between two segments of text almost unintelligible.
Despite the flaws in formatting and the omission of several stories, this is as fair a representation of the Sherlock Holmes stories as you are likely to find. If you can ignore the mistakes or have read the stories before you should not have much trouble with this copy.
May 7, 2021
Elementary interesting.
Read this many years ago. When I came back to it I was astonished as It seemed very different.. Then I realised my opinion was coloured by all the cinema and tv adaptations. The original is Hemingway sparse in detail. Things are suggested and the the dramatizations filled them in. This was what I remembered. Having said all that this is innovative five star work. A great foundation for the imagination. If you are into violent car chases this is probably not for you. This is the beginning of crime fiction. Good to revisit it.
Read this many years ago. When I came back to it I was astonished as It seemed very different.. Then I realised my opinion was coloured by all the cinema and tv adaptations. The original is Hemingway sparse in detail. Things are suggested and the the dramatizations filled them in. This was what I remembered. Having said all that this is innovative five star work. A great foundation for the imagination. If you are into violent car chases this is probably not for you. This is the beginning of crime fiction. Good to revisit it.
June 15, 2021
I still liked the solving of mysteries, but as when I read 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' I was irritated when Holmes deliberately keeps Watson in the dark.
Rescuing lives is not their first objective, but the mysteries are carefully crafted and never repetitive.
They are not just biased towards foreigners, all people not belonging to their class are described as oddities and can be laughed at while present!
It is clear that people believed your appearance said something about your character, evil people look the part.
Also people driving crazy from shock does not feel believable anymore.
Rescuing lives is not their first objective, but the mysteries are carefully crafted and never repetitive.
They are not just biased towards foreigners, all people not belonging to their class are described as oddities and can be laughed at while present!
It is clear that people believed your appearance said something about your character, evil people look the part.
Also people driving crazy from shock does not feel believable anymore.
April 21, 2021
Sicuramente è una lettura che arricchisce, ma l'ho trovata a tratti pesante e ripetitiva. Conan Doyle ha tentato più volte di "uccidere" il suo protagonista e lo ha sempre riportato in vita per piacere del pubblico, personalmente però non ho trovato i suoi romanzi e racconti così accattivanti.
Sherlock Holmes rimane comunque un personaggio molto interessante in perfetta linea con lo stile decadente di fine Ottocento.
Sherlock Holmes rimane comunque un personaggio molto interessante in perfetta linea con lo stile decadente di fine Ottocento.
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