This is the first book of the Sherlock Holmes series, first printed in 1887. There were a total of 8 books in this series. This book tells the origins of Watson and Holmes' alliance. Watson is a former military surgeon (in Afghanistan) in poor health, looking for a roommate and inexpensive lodgings in London. Watson also needs some kind of gentle diversion as he is recouping. Thus, Sherlock Holmes enters the story.
Much of this story is told through Watson's eyes as he is evaluating Holmes as a new roommate. He sees Holmes' eccentricities and strange visitors. This story does not show the developed characterizations of the two men that it will show in later books. In fact, Holmes seems rather pompous in this outing.
But the thing that shocked me was the splitting of the story into two major parts: (1) the crime, and (2) the backstory that explained the crime. The backstory was long but fascinating. I found that the 20-odd-year vengeance of Jonathan Hope to be a bit difficult to buy. With the way the Mormons are portrayed, I doubt that this book would be printed in this day and time.
Much of this story is told through Watson's eyes as he is evaluating Holmes as a new roommate. He sees Holmes' eccentricities and strange visitors. This story does not show the developed characterizations of the two men that it will show in later books. In fact, Holmes seems rather pompous in this outing.
But the thing that shocked me was the splitting of the story into two major parts: (1) the crime, and (2) the backstory that explained the crime. The backstory was long but fascinating. I found that the 20-odd-year vengeance of Jonathan Hope to be a bit difficult to buy. With the way the Mormons are portrayed, I doubt that this book would be printed in this day and time.
