Public Domain Readers discussion

Welcome to the February read for our 2018 Sherlock Holmes Challenge.

The Sign of Four was first published in 1890.

Feel free to read the book or listen to its audio.

We only have one thread per book. So, please put all spoilers in the spoiler tags.

I got so excited to read the book that I began reading it before February starts. I should finish it soon.

Awesome! I'll start re-reading it as soon as possible.

I have finished reading the book yesterday. It wasn't like the first one and I gave it 3 stars this time. Unlike the previous one, it was so full of details and I felt that the excitement element is missing from most of it. It was all squeezed in the last 10 pages.

But, I did love that the events were related to another country. It's really amusing when you can read about different cultures in one book. Like it was USA in the first book and now it's India. Once again, I felt sorry for the guy. They were just seeking justice and did what they thought was right.

(view spoiler)[By the way, what do you think of the doctor falling in love with Mary?! I think it was a rushed event since we are still in the second book, no?! (hide spoiler)]

When I first read the book, I was SUPER mad at Holmes for (view spoiler)[taking drugs. (hide spoiler)] I couldn't accept that. But I found out that it was commonly used at that age and by so many famous people. You can check (view spoiler)[the video here. (hide spoiler)]

And here's another video of how Sherlock Holmes came to life. And It's filmed by Conan Doyle himself. How cool is that?

I've also noticed that justice prevails at the end. It might have taken years as in the first and second book.

About the Doctor. There are two types of Chronological order one by Publication and the other by Occurrence. I picked the collections Publication because it's easier to read and discuss.

The total number of stories are 60. So, The Sign of Four is number 2 in order of Publication. But number 16 in order of Occurrence. Would you like me to write the order of Occurrence?

Oh yes, that part surprised me. I actually read in another book that some drugs were legal in that period of time (1800 AD) WOW! Those videos are something. Even if it's in black and white, it's really amazing seeing the author who made such a famous character.

Is that so?! I actually thought (The Sign of Four) happened after the first story cause they mentioned Jefferson Hope in this one which made me think that was the order of occurrence. Oh no! It is fine the way it is right now. Let's read them by publication date so we'll be more organized.

I'm so happy you liked the videos.

Yeah, it is. I was surprised when I first found that the order of occurrence is different from the publication.

Okay. Are you excited for the next one? The next book will be different.

I sure am. Looking forward to reading it soon.

Great, me too!

Hi, folks. I just joined the group today. The Holmes stories are among my favorites, so I will happily re-read (or listen to, probably) 'The Sign of Four'.

Andrew wrote: "Hi, folks. I just joined the group today. The Holmes stories are among my favorites, so I will happily re-read (or listen to, probably) 'The Sign of Four'."

Welcome! I'm so happy that you'll join us. We're planning to read the whole Holmes stories this year. So, perfect timing. :D

The Sign of Four was different that what I expected. I vaguely remember seeing the old movie when I was a child. It was cool to revisit the story in print as an adult. I, too, did not like that beloved Sherlock enjoyed the drug use, but I guess the attitude toward such things was a bit different years ago. I also felt sorry for the "criminal", but then again, it is poetic justice as the treasure was not originally his, but stole himself. I have to get the next to be read for March. : )

I'm happy you've enjoyed the book. But I'm curious to know what you expected to happen in the book.

I hope you'll enjoy the next book. :)

I don't know-- it just seemed a bit of a departure from A Study in Scarlet.... maybe the drug thing threw me a bit. Also, it (to me) didn't seem there was really true resolution to the case, as (I think) true justice would have seen the treasure returned to the original owner or his heirs...but did the British colonialist attitude of the day prejudice them against those in India and deserving of being robbed? I was glad to see Dr. Watson find romance with a lady who wasn't shallow, I had sort of thought Dr. Watson was destined to be a bachelor like Sherlock.... now if Sherlock finds himself a lady-- that would be nice! One that also had a predisposition to solving riddles and mysteries and working out puzzles with a scientific mind. : ) But, somehow, I think Sherlock won't be that lucky?

Stacy wrote: "I don't know-- it just seemed a bit of a departure from A Study in Scarlet.... maybe the drug thing threw me a bit."
I was shocked about the drug thing, as well. That I almost gave up the story then I found a video saying that it was common at that time.

Stacy wrote: "Also, it (to me) didn't seem there was really true resolution to the case, as (I think) true justice would have seen the treasure returned to the original owner or his heirs"
Now that you mentioned it. You're right.

Stacy wrote: "I was glad to see Dr. Watson find romance with a lady who wasn't shallow, I had sort of thought Dr. Watson was destined to be a bachelor like Sherlock"
I'm happy for Dr. Watson. It turned out that he is a romantic man.

Stacy wrote: "now if Sherlock finds himself a lady-- that would be nice! One that also had a predisposition to solving riddles and mysteries and working out puzzles with a scientific mind. : ) But, somehow, I think Sherlock won't be that lucky?"
We can return to that after reading A Scandal In Bohemia. ;)

Hmmm-- are you giving hints as to some romantic liaison in "A Scandal in Bohemia" for Sherlock? X D

Maybe yes, maybe no. You just have to read it to know. 😉