Das Zeichen der Vier (1890)

Another excellent Holmes and Watson adventure. As with the Study in Scarlet it's something I've read over and over through the years, and always quite enjoy. ( )

Another excellent Holmes and Watson adventure. As with the Study in Scarlet it's something I've read over and over through the years, and always quite enjoy. ( )

Even though the plot of this book is driven by the murder of Bartholomew Sholto and the search for a misappropriated treasure, the sub-plot of Watson's obsession with Mary Morsten is much more entertaining. In observing the development of his infatuation we learn much about the marriage and courting customs of the day, in addition to gaining an increased portrait of Watson himself. Much of Watson's thoughts centre about Mary's potential inheritance, since it seems that a half-pay surgeon cannot marry a woman of means, which creates much angst for Watson and much laughter for the reader. This concept seems foreign to modern readers, but clearly the issue of "gold digging" is not a new phenomenon as Watson constantly worries that people will think his proposal is only prompted by Mary's newfound wealth. Mary seems like a capable enough character though - even though her role was largely limited to that of a follower alongside Holmes' investigation - but I am hoping that the future stories will continue to feature her and give her a more active role. ( )

Read as part of 'The Complete Sherlock Holmes, Vol. I' Barnes & Noble Classics trade p/b. ( )

Read for my OU course. Classic Holmes, accompanied (rather than aided) by Dr Watson.

The concluding chapter is one long recounting of the original crime, rather than Holmes actually deducing anything, but before that he gets to say that oft-quoted thing about the improbable truth being what is left when the impossible is excluded, and Mrs Hudson and the Baker St Irregulars make appearances.

Problematic depiction of the inhabitants of India at the time of the Empire, although the Sikhs come out of it rather well, I thought. ( )