Sherlock Holmes is bored and case-less, and relieving his boredom by alternating morphine and cocaine. Enter the charming Miss Mary Morstan, with whom Watson is instantly smitten. She requests the assistance of Holmes and Watson to solve the mysterious disappearance of her father, and the subsequent invitation to “have justice” by an anonymous letter writer. Holmes and Watson happily accompany her to see the anonymous letter writer; only to become deeply embroiled in a mystery concerning treasure, murders, India, escaped convicts, and small savages with poisoned blowpipes. Meanwhile, Watson is worried that the fortune Miss Morstan is entitled to will prevent him from declaring his intentions...
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"I know I read this book a long time ago. This paperback has been on my bookshelf for a very long time. I really enjoyed this mystery featuring Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. There's a murder in a locked room, missing treasure, a vanished steam ship... What more could a mystery fan want? I'm glad I decided to reread this classic!"
— Brian (5 out of 5 stars)
" I didn't like it quite as much as A Study in Scarlet. I didn't get nearly as caught up in the background behind the crime and wasn't as invested in the revenge but I still really enjoyed it. I love Sherlock Holmes and it's fun to read about him being clever/solving crimes/etc. Also, I like the descriptions of old timey England. Probably going to move on to "Adventures" next but I'm really looking forward to The Hound of the Baskervilles. "
— Colleen, 2/19/2014" A great yarn, but modern readers may frown at some of the Victorian attitudes; particularly regarding race. "
— Stephen, 2/12/2014" I realized half-way through that I had read this before - maybe that's why I didn't enjoy it that much... "
— Christopher, 2/1/2014" I hope you don't think I'm relying exclusively on Toby to solve this case. "
— Edward, 1/23/2014" All of the Sherlock Holmes stories are my favorite. I have probably re-read these stories more often than any other books. "
— Ted, 1/22/2014" I totally forgot that I read this. A year and a half later, yes! Mary Morston! You go marry that nice John Watson, will you? "
— Kristin, 1/20/2014" Nice Sherlock Holmes story, but I was missing something. I have to re-read it. "
— Anna, 1/19/2014" Never was one of my favourites. "
— Maria, 1/17/2014" Same opinion as my review of "AStudy in Scarlet." Could have done without the long backstory. But, that's just me. I'm interested in the crime and the solving of it - not the backstory. "
— Christy, 1/14/2014" So awesome like all of the Sherlock Holmes books. Great suspense and mystery! "
— 707, 1/13/2014" The second stop in my chronological path through the original Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes canon. More action-packed, yet in the end not quite as satisfying as "A Study in Scarlet," it's a take-off on Chaucer's "Pardoner's Tale," with greed as the motivator for revenge this time. I'm enjoying Doyle's conversation scenes between Holmes and Watson, in which Holmes elucidates on how his mind works and the science of observation, as well as the moments when Holmes is on the scene of the crime and demonstrating said science. I'm not so much enjoying the back-loaded exposition, where the investigation comes to a standstill about 2/3 of the way through the novel whilst the suspect(s) narrate their schemes. I'm curious to see how the short stories balance the main narrative and the back stories that explain the mystery. Onward! "
— Sean, 1/13/2014" Better than the first one, though I get really anxious for the criminal to finish his tale by the end...However, I recognize this is necessary for closure purposes. "
— Chels, 1/10/2014" Another good start to the Sherlock Holmes series. I love a good mystery. "
— Janet, 1/3/2014" Not his best, but Sir Arthur created another splendid villain while solidifying the characters Watson and Holmes "
— Laura, 1/2/2014" Better than the first, not quite as good as the first collection of short stories, "The Adventures of..." One of the most interesting facts about this book is that it establishes Sherlock as a manic depressive, cocaine addict. "
— Tac, 12/28/2013" Starts out strong and then lags. Maybe Sherlock and I need a break? "
— Lulu, 12/15/2013" This novel is truly great. Even though the racist - like stereotype remarks made sparsely, the tale is well vowen and intresting. Doctor John Watson gets his wife in the story even though the treasure is invariably lost. "
— Mitul, 11/19/2013" It was one of the best stories that I have ever read. I like very much Sherlock Holmes. The style of tells the story, going slowly, till the time that you realize you can't let the book away anymore "
— Flaviodefalcao, 11/17/2013" Pretty good, who knew Sherlock was a coke fiend? "
— Abasi, 11/8/2013" I definitely enjoyed this one but it was less complicated than I thought, and I think I liked 'A Study in Scarlet' more. But there's still plenty here to keep me interested in Holmes as a character and I'll definitely tackle the short stories later on. "
— Mike, 10/25/2013" Holmes is still pompous, but structure of the novel is much more natural and the tale itself is wonderfully gripping! "
— Eleanore, 9/5/2013" Better than 'A Study in Scarlet' I think, just a more coherent story. Not bad :) "
— Toby, 6/28/2013" struggled to finish "
— Maria, 6/8/2013" struggled to finish "
— Maria, 6/8/2013" Good way to introduce students to 'classics'! I definitely miss reading descriptions and visualizing them in my head, but I think the idea of taking older stories and making them into graphic novels is a great way to introduce teenagers to stories that they might not normally read. "
— Jen, 4/3/2013" Good way to introduce students to 'classics'! I definitely miss reading descriptions and visualizing them in my head, but I think the idea of taking older stories and making them into graphic novels is a great way to introduce teenagers to stories that they might not normally read. "
— Jen, 4/3/2013" The art is astounding but I'd forgotten the plot hinged on a "hideous native." "
— Laura, 3/26/2013" The art is astounding but I'd forgotten the plot hinged on a "hideous native." "
— Laura, 3/26/2013" I am simply in love with Sherlock Holmes. To create a character in both he and Watson that keep you turning the pages is sheer genius. "
— Jen, 3/21/2013" Really fun comic that is a great interpretation of the original story. "
— Chekeichan, 1/26/2013" Really fun comic that is a great interpretation of the original story. "
— Chekeichan, 1/26/2013" Not as suspenseful as others. This book is where you get introduced to Toby the dog! And also discover Holmes's love affair with cocaine. Ha. "
— Ellen, 1/19/2013" Eh maybe I shouldn't have read the two back to back. This one didn't pull me in like the other at all. "
— Lisa, 1/2/2013" This was a decent re-telling of this classic suspence thriller, but it was missing just that: suspense. "
— Connie, 11/16/2012" This was a decent re-telling of this classic suspence thriller, but it was missing just that: suspense. "
— Connie, 11/16/2012" I really liked this book in the beginning but it started to drag a bit for me towards the middle. My favorite Sherlock Holmes book that I've read so far. "
— Karlye, 11/14/2012" I definitely enjoy Conan Doyle's short stories more than I enjoyed this longer Sherlock Holmes' mystery. I get the historical significance, but I still don't want to give it any more than two stars. "
— Tyler, 11/2/2012" Holmes is still pompous, but structure of the novel is much more natural and the tale itself is wonderfully gripping! "
— Eleanore, 9/15/2012" Good Sherlock Holmes fare. Very interesting. "
— Linda, 8/2/2012" Holmes never disappoints - another great read! "
— Kati, 7/31/2012" I read this and then I read the short story. This captured all the important words and moments and emotions of the story. "
— Peggy, 7/21/2012" I read this and then I read the short story. This captured all the important words and moments and emotions of the story. "
— Peggy, 7/21/2012" Not as strong as A Study in Scarlet if only because the background leading up to the crime wasn't as well done. Also, had forgot that Sherlock Holmes is kindof a douche-bag. I did enjoy the romantic subplot with Watson though. "
— Mike, 6/24/2012" It's almost funny reading it now as an adult, to discover how much pervasive misogyny carried throughout the Holmes novels. Women are either villians, or in desperate need of assistance, and overwhelmingly lack any and all common sense. "
— Tara, 6/19/2012" While I liked 'A Study in Scarlet' better, I thoroughly enjoyed this second Holmes mystery, and can't wait to read more. "
— Amie, 4/16/2012" Engaging, but doesn't quite pay off on the promised intrigue. "
— Tim, 4/13/2012" Read my review on No Flying, No Tights. "
— Bonnie, 4/10/2012" Read my review on No Flying, No Tights. "
— Bonnie, 4/10/2012" To say the least, this was an interesting story. Besides the cocaine, I liked it. Although not his best (by far), it is as Doyle-ish as it gets. "
— Spencer, 4/7/2012" Much more confusing than the first one. Too many people telling accounts of different parts of the story. I would forget who was telling the story after a while and would just move on until my assumption was proved wrong. "
— Dalia, 4/3/2012" I love Sherlock Holmes. He lives in a world where truth is determined not by magic or superstition, but simply by observation and evidence. "
— Matt, 1/25/2012" Very fun. I like this as a graphic novel, it works. "
— Tara, 1/23/2012" Very fun. I like this as a graphic novel, it works. "
— Tara, 1/23/2012" Not as engrossing as "A Study in Scarlet," but just as entertaining thanks to Watson's head-over-heels commentary and the exotic premises that lead to so much background storytelling. "
— Rachel, 1/22/2012" Although this developed more of a storyline for Watson, I didn't think it was as good as the first one. (Another classic down!) "
— Beth, 12/26/2011" Although this developed more of a storyline for Watson, I didn't think it was as good as the first one. (Another classic down!) "
— Beth, 12/26/2011" Certainly more action packed than the first story, but paradoxically not as exciting or as well written of a mystery. Still good fun! "
— Jon, 11/9/2011" The second Sherlock Holmes mystery was fun though the description of the native from Southern Asia was a bit offensive. Chalk it up the the view of the world at that time. Otherwise it was a good story and explained how Dr. Watson met his wife. "
— Carolyn, 10/27/2011" The second Holmes story - great plot and Watson meets his future wife. "
— Chandra, 9/13/2011" The Sign of Four : detective stories :: Gang of Four : alt rock "
— Tim, 7/28/2011" Oh, colonialism. You've given us such delightful mystery stories. Thanks for that. "
— Margot, 7/24/2011" Oh, colonialism. You've given us such delightful mystery stories. Thanks for that. "
— Margot, 7/24/2011" This was a good book. It was the first Sherlock Holmes book that I've read. Fun and exciting. You can read it online if you Google the title, author and etext and it's really short. It won't take up a lot of time, so I recommend it. "
— Kelly, 7/17/2011" Racist, obvious, stupid AND I finished it months ago and it keeps showing up on my Facebook page as if I am STILL reading it. At 1/4 page a day I would have finished it weeks ago. Hating Good Reads inability to update anything. "
— Laura, 7/9/2011" Arguably the best Sherlock Holmes-story ever... This edition with an introduction by Iain Sinclair and notes by Ed Glinert ought to be found on everyone's bookshelf. "
— Karl, 5/24/2011" Not as good as book number 1. "
— Chris, 5/19/2011" i love sherlock holmes books LAAAAAA "
— The, 5/14/2011" Sadly, the old-school racism makes this a rather painful read (or listen, in this case). Otherwise it would have been well-paced, with some nice insights into the characters of both Holmes and Watson. "
— Evamaria, 5/1/2011" I read it in a couple of (the very wee small) hours this morning and couldn't put it down! "
— Beth, 5/1/2011" I read it in a couple of (the very wee small) hours this morning and couldn't put it down! "
— Beth, 5/1/2011" Sadly, the old-school racism makes this a rather painful read (or listen, in this case). Otherwise it would have been well-paced, with some nice insights into the characters of both Holmes and Watson. "
— Evamaria, 5/1/2011" I read it in a couple of (the very wee small) hours this morning and couldn't put it down! "
— Beth, 5/1/2011" Sadly, the old-school racism makes this a rather painful read (or listen, in this case). Otherwise it would have been well-paced, with some nice insights into the characters of both Holmes and Watson. "
— Evamaria, 5/1/2011" 2nd Holmes Novel, a murder and the 1/2 million£ treasure of Agra<br/> "
— Phil, 4/28/2011" 2nd Holmes Novel, a murder and the 1/2 million£ treasure of Agra<br/> "
— Phil, 4/28/2011" 2nd Holmes Novel, a murder and the 1/2 million£ treasure of Agra<br/> "
— Phil, 4/28/2011" Its some classical fictional master piece "
— Ahmed, 4/26/2011" Its some classical fictional master piece "
— Ahmed, 4/26/2011" Its some classical fictional master piece "
— Ahmed, 4/26/2011" What else could possibly be said about this story? "
— Will, 4/21/2011" What else could possibly be said about this story? "
— Will, 4/21/2011" What else could possibly be said about this story? "
— Will, 4/21/2011" Quite breezy. Going to read all the Sherlock Holmes mysteries now. "
— Sherrie, 4/11/2011" Quite breezy. Going to read all the Sherlock Holmes mysteries now. "
— Sherrie, 4/11/2011" Quite breezy. Going to read all the Sherlock Holmes mysteries now. "
— Sherrie, 4/11/2011" Still reading it. So far I love it! "
— Shelly, 4/10/2011" De todos os livros de Arthur Conan Doyle, esse é o meu favorito. "Eu sou Sherlock Holmes. Meu trabalho é saber o que os outros não sabem" Sherlock e sua ciência da dedução me encantam! "
— Francielle, 4/3/2011" De todos os livros de Arthur Conan Doyle, esse é o meu favorito. "Eu sou Sherlock Holmes. Meu trabalho é saber o que os outros não sabem" Sherlock e sua ciência da dedução me encantam! "
— Francielle, 4/3/2011" De todos os livros de Arthur Conan Doyle, esse é o meu favorito. "Eu sou Sherlock Holmes. Meu trabalho é saber o que os outros não sabem" Sherlock e sua ciência da dedução me encantam! "
— Francielle, 4/3/2011" A story wid enuf amount of horror, mystery nd deadliness...I dnt like Holmes taking drugs.....his self praisin adds 2 his character...nd he cn b compassionate weneva he wants 2....nd I luv his way wid disguises... "
— Dana, 3/28/2011" A story wid enuf amount of horror, mystery nd deadliness...I dnt like Holmes taking drugs.....his self praisin adds 2 his character...nd he cn b compassionate weneva he wants 2....nd I luv his way wid disguises... "
— Dana, 3/28/2011" A story wid enuf amount of horror, mystery nd deadliness...I dnt like Holmes taking drugs.....his self praisin adds 2 his character...nd he cn b compassionate weneva he wants 2....nd I luv his way wid disguises... "
— Dana, 3/28/2011" I enjoyed the story for the most part, but I found the last chapter to be nothing but drudgery. The story does give additional background for later stories, however. It's worth reading for just that, I suppose. "
— Flip, 3/26/2011" I enjoyed the story for the most part, but I found the last chapter to be nothing but drudgery. The story does give additional background for later stories, however. It's worth reading for just that, I suppose. "
— Flip, 3/26/2011" I enjoyed the story for the most part, but I found the last chapter to be nothing but drudgery. The story does give additional background for later stories, however. It's worth reading for just that, I suppose. "
— Flip, 3/26/2011" This is the second story of Sherlock Holmes that I read, the first being A Study in Scarlet. The story started fine and Sherlock solved most of the case during the first part of the story. But the ending, in my opinion, was a bit stretched with all the explaining done by Jonathan Small. "
— Tushar, 3/20/2011" This is the second story of Sherlock Holmes that I read, the first being A Study in Scarlet. The story started fine and Sherlock solved most of the case during the first part of the story. But the ending, in my opinion, was a bit stretched with all the explaining done by Jonathan Small. "
— Tushar, 3/20/2011" This is the second story of Sherlock Holmes that I read, the first being A Study in Scarlet. The story started fine and Sherlock solved most of the case during the first part of the story. But the ending, in my opinion, was a bit stretched with all the explaining done by Jonathan Small. "
— Tushar, 3/20/2011" My favorite part of the book was the end when Sherlock explained his logic and how he solved the case. Everything becomes so simple and matter of fact when he explains it. Fun read. "
— Natalie, 3/19/2011" My favorite part of the book was the end when Sherlock explained his logic and how he solved the case. Everything becomes so simple and matter of fact when he explains it. Fun read. "
— Natalie, 3/19/2011" My favorite part of the book was the end when Sherlock explained his logic and how he solved the case. Everything becomes so simple and matter of fact when he explains it. Fun read. "
— Natalie, 3/19/2011Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930) was born of Irish parentage in Scotland. He studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, but he also had a passion for storytelling. His first book introduced that prototype of the modern detective in fiction, Sherlock Holmes. Despite the immense popularity Holmes gained throughout the world, Doyle was not overly fond of the character and preferred to write other stories. Eventually popular demand won out and he continued to satisfy readers with the adventures of the legendary sleuth. He also wrote historical romances and made two essays into pseudoscientific fantasy: The Lost World and The Poison Belt.
Michael Page has been recording audiobooks since 1984 and has over two hundred titles to his credit. He has won numerous Earphones Awards and the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. As a professional actor, he has performed regularly since 1998 with the Peterborough Players in Peterborough, New Hampshire. He is a professor of theater at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.