The Valley of Fear Audiobook, by Arthur Conan Doyle Play Audiobook Sample

The Valley of Fear Audiobook

The Valley of Fear Audiobook, by Arthur Conan Doyle Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Michael Healy Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 4.00 hours at 1.5x Speed 3.00 hours at 2.0x Speed Series: The Sherlock Holmes Series Release Date: November 2013 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781481555357

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

15

Longest Chapter Length:

36:51 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

06:00 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

24:26 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

246

Other Audiobooks Written by Arthur Conan Doyle: > View All...

Publisher Description

When a strange coded message arrives at 221B Baker Street, sent by a member of Professor Moriarty’s criminal organization, Sherlock Holmes soon deciphers it and finds a warning: someone is about to be murdered. A visit from a Scotland Yard inspector confirms that one John Douglas has been mysteriously killed in Sussex. Even Sherlock Holmes, well accustomed to the bizarre, finds the elements of this case unusual. John Douglas lived at Birlstone Manor House, built on the ruins of a castle surrounded by a moat. Every night he drew up the bridge as a precaution against potential villains. Nevertheless, Douglas was found dead, shot in the face at close range with a sawed-off shotgun. And the bereaved are strangely dry-eyed.

The mystery spans the Atlantic, from Sussex and the foggy streets of London to a coal-mining region in Pennsylvania, and the ultimate twist can only be untangled by the incomparable skill of the legendary Holmes.

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"Smilarly to "A Study in Scarlet," the story is actually two stories: First comes the crime-solving with Holmes and Watson, second comes the background story about gangsters in America. While I loved the first part and enjoyed that the case was given more room than one is used to from the short stories, the second part didn't interest me in the least. If I were to average the rating across both parts, I'd probably end up with three stars. However, as one can easily skip the background story and end up with an enjoyable, if shorter, read that way, so I'll give four stars."

— Rebecca (4 out of 5 stars)

The Valley of Fear Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.51449275362319 out of 53.51449275362319 out of 53.51449275362319 out of 53.51449275362319 out of 53.51449275362319 out of 5 (3.51)
5 Stars: 20
4 Stars: 49
3 Stars: 51
2 Stars: 18
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Nggak begitu bagus. Soalnya Sherlock Holmesnya cuma muncul di awal sama akhir "

    — Siti, 2/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Although I'll be shot by Holmes enthusiasts for saying this, I really don't find Moriarty to be an interesting arch-enemy. It may be the choppy way in which most Holmes anthologies are produced. If the anthologies would list stories according to the chronology of the story timeline, as opposed to the publication timeline, it would be harder to miss the little details that carry distinctive plot elements from story to story. "

    — Tara, 2/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Yet another fantastic addition to the greatest mystery book series of all time. "

    — John, 2/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Adoro la serie de Arthur Conan Doyle... si te gusta Dr. House, puede que te gusten todos los libros de sherlock holmes "

    — Marco, 2/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I think this was my favorite Sherlock Holmes story that I have read to date. It is dark, interesting and the plot moves well. For the first time I was guessing as to the truth of the matter. Normally I find myself predicting what will happen and most of the time I am right. This time I could pick up on clues but couldn't quite put it together. "

    — Tanya, 2/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Possibly the best story of Sherlock Holmes, although many cite Baskerville's, i was just amazed by its pacing and telling. The flashback sequence is one of the best of its kind. "

    — Prasanna, 2/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Quite similar to A Study in Scarlet. "

    — Abasi, 2/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I took this to be one of Conan Doyle's attempts to write a story using the trappings of Holmes without writing a Holmes story. Valley of Fear is another one of those tales that makes America seem properly frightening and lawless. In any case, without giving too much away, this could easily be two stories, first a typical Holmes short story and second a story about a criminal union-cum-secret society in coal country. I found the prose more fluid than some of the other Holmes stories I read, but the book itself is not unified. "

    — Caitlin, 2/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " What can I say? Suggest you read it. "

    — Ange, 2/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Good, but not as good as the Hound of Baskerville or Sign of Four. Not ACD's best work. "

    — Qube, 2/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This book was good but he goes back to his old ways of giving the ending and then giving the whole back story of the people involved. I did like this back story much better than the others. Not a bad book but not my favorite Holmes. "

    — Cameron, 2/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Hmm. Not so fond of this one. VERY like A Study in Scarlet. Also I figured out what was going on as soon as they noticed the dead man was missing his wedding ring. Which means I'm either getting better or the books are getting worse. Since this is very, very similar to the first Sherlock novel, I'm leaning towards the latter. Ah well, at least that's me read them all, I think "

    — Elizabeth, 2/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I didn't love the ending...maybe I was just halfway asleep when I read it but I don't understand the connection between Moriarty and the crime that is described. It seems like the connection was just thrown in at the beginning and end, but it actually had no connection to the story. Otherwise I thought it was interesting and fun to read like all the other Sherlock Holmes books. "

    — Dana, 2/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Fascinating book. A real mystery "

    — Kagome, 1/31/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Another fantastic Sherlock Holmes novel. I only wish there were more. Time to dig into the short stories! "

    — J.J., 1/30/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " This is not Conan Doyle's best work. He challenged himself to create believable scenes and dialog with an American setting, and as an exercise in writing he did a pretty decent job. However, as a reader looking for a Sherlock Holmes story I find this one unsatisfying. If I'm going to read about nineteenth-century America I'd rather read something written by an American author. "

    — Cindy, 1/28/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Not what I was expecting, which was two stories - the crime and the victim's history. I didn't care about the history, and the case was wrapped up too quickly. It doesn't help when you figure out "whodunnit" before the end, too. Meh. "

    — Annie, 1/26/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Though this book has a good plot, this is a pretty week Holmes story, as the great detective only appears at the beginning and end, with the majority of the story tells of how the protagonists came to Britain. "

    — James, 1/26/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " ACD's last novel (novella?) isn't as masterful as The Hound of the Baskervilles but it's still classic Doyle. It reminded me a lot of The Sign of Four, exept the Mormons are now replaced with the Scowrers. I'm probably repeating myself from earlier reviews of ACD's novels, but Doyle is a born writer of short fiction and his novels just don't carry the same force, and seem like watered-down/diluted versions of his better stories. That being said, I love Sherlock Holmes. "

    — Rob, 1/26/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Adoro la serie de Arthur Conan Doyle... si te gusta Dr. House, puede que te gusten todos los libros de sherlock holmes "

    — Marco, 1/21/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Has more references in common with a study in scarlet-a secret past,mysterious man, vengeance for years everything follows the first edition but its quite interesting too the man who wanted to kill has been killed forms the most interesting part a good entertainer "

    — Shree, 1/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " From Recorded Books 1999, narrated by Patrick Tull "

    — CatBookMom, 1/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The first half was really super super fun! The second half was the back story, which was still good, but there was no Sherlock Holmes, which is the best part of reading a Sherlock Holmes novel. "

    — Brandon, 1/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Adoro la serie de Arthur Conan Doyle... si te gusta Dr. House, puede que te gusten todos los libros de sherlock holmes "

    — Marco, 1/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Out of all four of Doyle's Holmes novels, I had the lowest expectations for "The Valley of Fear" since I have often read it is the weakest of the four stories. However, after reading the book, I think it is my favorite. Both halves of the book are great and I enjoyed the backstory in "The Valley of Fear", which is the second half, more than the backstory in "A Study in Scarlet". "

    — John, 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Great little story; did not expect the twist near the end. "

    — Elisa, 1/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It will be unwise to be an evaluator for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his incredible creation of the great intellectual character Mr Sherlok Holmes....but i think the mystry could have been more mysterious.... "

    — Arnav, 1/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I read this because I was looking into the role of the Pinkerton agency in the coal regions of Pennsylvania in the 1800's. "

    — Bradford, 1/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " No es mi favorito, pero tiene uno de esos giros de trama que te dejan sonriendo por lo brillantes. "

    — Meli, 1/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " As always, Doyle delights. This later novel is much improved from his earlier ones, especially with the exposition of the events beyond the mystery (as the story in America from The Study in Scarlet). I highly recommend all of the Holmes stories to anyone, but especially this one. "

    — Mary, 1/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Great little story; did not expect the twist near the end. "

    — Elisa, 1/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Interesting structure - the first half is a more traditional Holmesian mystery, the second half is the mystery behind the mystery, without Holmes. The short stories are better. "

    — Ahk, 1/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Reminded me a lot of A Study in Scarlet but was much more enjoyable. "

    — Eric, 1/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Among my favorite stories of Sherlock Holmes. Was very tempted to rate it 5 stars. "

    — Paul, 1/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " My first Sherlock Holmes book... Weird when you are so used to seeing the character on screen. I shall read more "

    — Amanda, 1/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The fourth of the Holmes novels, entertaining as always. "

    — Denise, 12/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The tone and sense of adventure is not on a par with Hound of the Baskervilles, but the actual mystery, and the twist in the elaborate backstory, is cleverer, I think. "

    — carl, 12/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is a nice little tale beginning with classic Sherlock Holmes supplemented by a prequel tale that feels more like Dashiell Hammett. A fast, pleasant read "

    — Nathan, 12/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Adoro la serie de Arthur Conan Doyle... si te gusta Dr. House, puede que te gusten todos los libros de sherlock holmes "

    — Marco, 12/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Possibly the best story of Sherlock Holmes, although many cite Baskerville's, i was just amazed by its pacing and telling. The flashback sequence is one of the best of its kind. "

    — Prasanna, 12/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " My first Sherlock Holmes book... Weird when you are so used to seeing the character on screen. I shall read more "

    — Amanda, 12/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Amazing! I love the variety in the narrative and how different it is from Hounds of Baskerville "

    — Andalee, 12/5/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This was the strangest of all the Sherlock Holmes stories. The first part was a perfect Holmes story. The second part wasn't Holmes at all. "

    — Harrison, 12/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very good compilation of Holmes stories. "

    — Scott, 11/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Fascinating book. A real mystery "

    — Kagome, 11/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Meh. Watson's narrating was a bit pompous. Plus Arthur Conan Doyle has never been able to write Americans too terribly convincingly. My least favorite. Fairly interesting, though. "

    — Ellie, 11/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One man takes on a ruthless criminal gang operating in coal fields... and wins! And then Sherlock Holmes enters the scene... A Conan Doyle classic, The Valley of Fear is in the public domain, with a free electronic copy here. "

    — arg/machine, 11/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Would like to have seen more of Sherlock but a good mystery. "

    — Deanne, 11/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " very interesting in the first half, but I was far too satisfied at that point. The second half lost me. "

    — Melanie, 11/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Typically great Sherlock Holmes book, though didn't really get into the side story set in The Valley. "

    — Tim, 11/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " the second half of this tale is vastly different to the first, & when Doyle does this it really stuffs the narrative of the tale "

    — ManicMyna, 11/17/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book gives us another glimpse of the dreaded Moriarty. A tale of two halves and in one way very similar to the very first Sherlock Holmes' story. Written to a high standard "

    — Steve, 11/17/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " a very good book Probably one of the best of doyle work and refelects the early american culture and life very well. "

    — Saeeda, 11/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Praticamente due romanzi in uno: dapprima la storia "gialla" propriamente detta e poi la ricostruzione del retroscena. Piacevolissimo. "

    — Arwen56, 11/2/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I enjoyed this book, its challenging clues made me think about who the suspect could be. "

    — Mariana, 10/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Cukup menarik. Mungkin karena saya sudah baca beberapa buku sebelumnya, sehingga kurang daya tarik. Ada beberapa bagian yang sudah tertebak oleh saya. Repetisi beberapa kalimat yang hampir mirip dengan cerita yang ada pada beberapa buku sebelumnya, menjadi kurang greget. "

    — Mutiara, 9/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I love Sherlock Holmes' character, and he was only in the first half, then the very end, so those were definitely my favorite parts. But, the second half that doesn't have Holmes was still interesting. We listened to this while puzzling, and it was time very enjoyably spent! "

    — Heather, 8/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I love mysteries! I enjoyed this one. There's nobody like Sherlock! "

    — Kathy, 8/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " What can I say? Suggest you read it. "

    — Ange, 8/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I enjoyed the parts set in London but the chapters in Pennsylvania were a bit of a drag. "

    — William, 7/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " a very good book Probably one of the best of doyle work and refelects the early american culture and life very well. "

    — Saeeda, 7/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " As this was the last thing for me to read to complete Doyle's Sherlock works, I wish it had been better. Like A Study in Scarlet, the format of this novel was not my favorite, and there really wasn't enough twists or enough of Sherlock's detective work and the end came back around too jarringly. "

    — Laurie, 6/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The whole case is solved in the first half of the book and the second half is more of an explanation/back story for why the murder happened. I didn't like that so much, it took me a while to get through and finish it. I enjoy the way "Watson" writes better. "

    — Janette, 5/31/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " one of my favorite in SH.i liked the second part of the story the most.fantastically written the novel gives good entertainment. "

    — grindelwald33, 5/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " My first Holmes novel. I enjoyed it a lot and look forward to reading the rest :) "

    — Leah, 5/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " The first half is fun, the second is not narrated by Watson :( It's more interesting than the non-Watson part of "A Study in Scarlet" but the ending "twist" was obvious and not particularly interesting in the context of the base Holmes/Watson story. "

    — Corry, 5/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " **This book is not the same edition that I read. Part 1 was much more interesting than part II. "

    — Jessica, 5/4/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This was good. The first half was a great mystery but the second half was a long adventure story explaining one part of the mystery. That part got boring at times. But the book has added a new word to my every day vocabulary (bodymaster) which is always a good thing. "

    — Betsy, 4/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Great fast paced read. I haven't read any Sherlock since elementary school and I still love these tales all the same. This is a great read for any fan of mysteries and detective tales. "

    — Vicki-shawn, 3/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " No es mi favorito, pero tiene uno de esos giros de trama que te dejan sonriendo por lo brillantes. "

    — Meli, 3/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The only Sherlock Holmes novel I've not read... time to give it a go! "

    — Astrid, 3/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Dark! Arthur Conan Doyle writes page-turners. This story within a story begins in the English countryside and ends up in the lawless American Frontier. A good read, though a bit of a downer if you're looking for the good side of humanity. "

    — Jamandelb, 3/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The weakest of the Sherlock Holmes novels. The first half is overly drawn out, and then grafted to what feels like an entirely separate novel that combines the Crime and Western genres, and whose politics are rather dated. "

    — Chas, 3/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The best book I have read. "

    — Neil, 2/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Gets docked a star because (SPOILER) it has another long side-trip to the United States, just as the first novel does. Stick to England, Doyle! The first half of the book is fine, as is the epilogue, but I wouldn't recommend this novel to anyone who has already read A Study in Scarlet. "

    — Matt, 1/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Nggak begitu bagus. Soalnya Sherlock Holmesnya cuma muncul di awal sama akhir "

    — Siti, 1/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " The first half is fun, the second is not narrated by Watson :( It's more interesting than the non-Watson part of "A Study in Scarlet" but the ending "twist" was obvious and not particularly interesting in the context of the base Holmes/Watson story. "

    — Corry, 12/8/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Possibly one of the best novels I've ever read. Loved the ending, and I'm happy I didn't stop reading when things seemed to get a bit dull. I finished it in one day. Amazing. "

    — Aviva, 11/8/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The first half was really super super fun! The second half was the back story, which was still good, but there was no Sherlock Holmes, which is the best part of reading a Sherlock Holmes novel. "

    — Brandon, 10/24/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I have a complete set of Sherlock Holmes books and I haven't read half of them. This one is a short novel, and only nominally a Holmes story at all. Enjoyable enough as entertainment. I think part of the subtext of this one is: "Watch out England! The Americans will get you!" "

    — Jeff, 10/17/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " It was a good mystery. A lot like "A Study in Scarlet". "

    — Melissa, 10/10/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The murder of a wealthy landowner in an English country manor is traced back to the actions of a Pinkerton detective in a crime-ridden American mining town. This, in my opinion, is one of the best of the Sherlock Holmes stories. "

    — Harry, 9/18/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I think this is disappointing one compared to the writer's other books. There are not enough detective work. i wish there would more . "

    — Åžeyda, 8/16/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " So the first half was interesting, but then it went into the American back story, seems like a theme with Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle. Turn-of-the-century Britons must have been starving for stories about those crazy American Mormons and Masons. Oddly enough I am not so we never finished. "

    — Ryan, 7/24/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The whole case is solved in the first half of the book and the second half is more of an explanation/back story for why the murder happened. I didn't like that so much, it took me a while to get through and finish it. I enjoy the way "Watson" writes better. "

    — Janette, 7/6/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My favorite Sherlock mystery after The Hound of the Baskervilles. "

    — Tanu, 4/11/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Not as good as Hound of Baskervilles, but still good. I didn't like how this one kind of abruptly ended in a way. "

    — Colleen, 4/1/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This was good. The first half was a great mystery but the second half was a long adventure story explaining one part of the mystery. That part got boring at times. But the book has added a new word to my every day vocabulary (bodymaster) which is always a good thing. "

    — Betsy, 3/15/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " From Recorded Books 1999, narrated by Patrick Tull "

    — CatBookMom, 3/14/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Praticamente due romanzi in uno: dapprima la storia "gialla" propriamente detta e poi la ricostruzione del retroscena. Piacevolissimo. "

    — Arwen56, 2/2/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I enjoyed the first part of the book but the second part was boring as there was no Holmes in it. I felt is was the weakest one I've read so far. "

    — Linda, 1/24/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Great fast paced read. I haven't read any Sherlock since elementary school and I still love these tales all the same. This is a great read for any fan of mysteries and detective tales. "

    — Vicki-shawn, 12/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Typically great Sherlock Holmes book, though didn't really get into the side story set in The Valley. "

    — Tim, 11/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Not my favorite Holmes story but still great! "

    — Megan, 11/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This is what happens when you run out of books while abroad...but actually rather fun in a predictable way. Hadn't realized before that Holmes is such an obnoxious prig. "

    — Jennifer, 11/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Though this book has a good plot, this is a pretty week Holmes story, as the great detective only appears at the beginning and end, with the majority of the story tells of how the protagonists came to Britain. "

    — James, 10/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Once I was into it, remembered reading it before, rembered the plot, and just finished it anyway, cause I love the way Conan Doyle tells a story. Actually two stories in this one, less Sherlock than I'd of liked, really. I think its the final Sherlock story? I enjoyed. "

    — Sarah, 10/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Has more references in common with a study in scarlet-a secret past,mysterious man, vengeance for years everything follows the first edition but its quite interesting too the man who wanted to kill has been killed forms the most interesting part a good entertainer "

    — Shree, 10/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I love Sherlock Holmes' character, and he was only in the first half, then the very end, so those were definitely my favorite parts. But, the second half that doesn't have Holmes was still interesting. We listened to this while puzzling, and it was time very enjoyably spent! "

    — Heather, 10/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " not much holmes in this one, and the style is much removed from that of sherlock. Still a good read. "

    — Thomas, 10/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " As this was the last thing for me to read to complete Doyle's Sherlock works, I wish it had been better. Like A Study in Scarlet, the format of this novel was not my favorite, and there really wasn't enough twists or enough of Sherlock's detective work and the end came back around too jarringly. "

    — Laurie, 10/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The first half was really super super fun! The second half was the back story, which was still good, but there was no Sherlock Holmes, which is the best part of reading a Sherlock Holmes novel. "

    — Brandon, 9/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I think I prefer the shorter stories of Holmes the best "

    — Bionikchickens, 9/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " can't wait to see jude law "

    — Erica, 8/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Yet another fantastic addition to the greatest mystery book series of all time. "

    — John, 7/31/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I think this is disappointing one compared to the writer's other books. There are not enough detective work. i wish there would more . "

    — Seyda, 7/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I felt the detour towards the end (I won't spoil) was overly long, and only seemed to be there to pad out the length. Then again, authors were paid by the word back then, weren't they? ;)Other than that, I though it was great! "

    — Adam, 7/29/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Twist ending I never saw coming! I did find it slightly odd the way that the story was split into the Holmes story and the Douglas story but once I hit the end, it was better. Another amazing story by Doyle. "

    — Mollie, 6/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Twist ending I never saw coming! I did find it slightly odd the way that the story was split into the Holmes story and the Douglas story but once I hit the end, it was better. Another amazing story by Doyle. "

    — Mollie, 5/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The weakest of the Sherlock Holmes novels. The first half is overly drawn out, and then grafted to what feels like an entirely separate novel that combines the Crime and Western genres, and whose politics are rather dated. "

    — Chas, 4/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Amazing and clever book! I don't know why they do not teach this one is school's rather than the Hound of Baskerville. "

    — Casey, 4/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Moriarty appearance. Other than that... But a classic. "

    — Tara, 3/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Quite similar to A Study in Scarlet. "

    — Abasi, 3/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Quite similar to A Study in Scarlet. "

    — Abasi, 3/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Quite similar to A Study in Scarlet. "

    — Abasi, 3/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Quite similar to A Study in Scarlet. "

    — Abasi, 3/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Not my favorite Sherlock Holmes novel--the plot dragged, the characters took an agonizingly long time to make up their minds, and the whole thing was pretty much just flat-out boring. Did have an interesting twist at the end, though. "

    — Braden, 3/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Not my favorite Sherlock Holmes novel--the plot dragged, the characters took an agonizingly long time to make up their minds, and the whole thing was pretty much just flat-out boring. Did have an interesting twist at the end, though. "

    — Braden, 3/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Not my favorite Sherlock Holmes novel--the plot dragged, the characters took an agonizingly long time to make up their minds, and the whole thing was pretty much just flat-out boring. Did have an interesting twist at the end, though. "

    — Braden, 3/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Not my favorite Sherlock Holmes novel--the plot dragged, the characters took an agonizingly long time to make up their minds, and the whole thing was pretty much just flat-out boring. Did have an interesting twist at the end, though. "

    — Braden, 3/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I love mysteries! I enjoyed this one. There's nobody like Sherlock! "

    — Kathy, 2/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I love mysteries! I enjoyed this one. There's nobody like Sherlock! "

    — Kathy, 2/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I love mysteries! I enjoyed this one. There's nobody like Sherlock! "

    — Kathy, 2/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I love mysteries! I enjoyed this one. There's nobody like Sherlock! "

    — Kathy, 2/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Not what I was expecting, which was two stories - the crime and the victim's history. I didn't care about the history, and the case was wrapped up too quickly. It doesn't help when you figure out "whodunnit" before the end, too. Meh. "

    — Ann, 2/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Not what I was expecting, which was two stories - the crime and the victim's history. I didn't care about the history, and the case was wrapped up too quickly. It doesn't help when you figure out "whodunnit" before the end, too. Meh. "

    — Ann, 2/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Not what I was expecting, which was two stories - the crime and the victim's history. I didn't care about the history, and the case was wrapped up too quickly. It doesn't help when you figure out "whodunnit" before the end, too. Meh. "

    — Ann, 2/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Not what I was expecting, which was two stories - the crime and the victim's history. I didn't care about the history, and the case was wrapped up too quickly. It doesn't help when you figure out "whodunnit" before the end, too. Meh. "

    — Ann, 2/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Among my favorite stories of Sherlock Holmes. Was very tempted to rate it 5 stars. "

    — Paul, 2/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Among my favorite stories of Sherlock Holmes. Was very tempted to rate it 5 stars. "

    — Paul, 2/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Among my favorite stories of Sherlock Holmes. Was very tempted to rate it 5 stars. "

    — Paul, 2/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Among my favorite stories of Sherlock Holmes. Was very tempted to rate it 5 stars. "

    — Paul, 2/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I think someone didn't want to write a whole Sherlock Holmes book and halfway through it becomes a totally different story. Not bad though! "

    — Caitlin, 1/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I think someone didn't want to write a whole Sherlock Holmes book and halfway through it becomes a totally different story. Not bad though! "

    — Caitlin, 1/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I think someone didn't want to write a whole Sherlock Holmes book and halfway through it becomes a totally different story. Not bad though! "

    — Caitlin, 1/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I think someone didn't want to write a whole Sherlock Holmes book and halfway through it becomes a totally different story. Not bad though! "

    — Caitlin, 1/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The murder of a wealthy landowner in an English country manor is traced back to the actions of a Pinkerton detective in a crime-ridden American mining town. This, in my opinion, is one of the best of the Sherlock Holmes stories. "

    — Harry, 1/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The murder of a wealthy landowner in an English country manor is traced back to the actions of a Pinkerton detective in a crime-ridden American mining town. This, in my opinion, is one of the best of the Sherlock Holmes stories. "

    — Harry, 1/11/2011

About Arthur Conan Doyle

Sir 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.

About Michael Healy

Michael Healy has appeared off Broadway and on national television, most notably on Saturday Night Live for three years, as well as in several national commercials. He continues to hone his craft in Rhode Island, where he has won awards for acting. His audiobook recordings include Mr. Midshipman Easy by Frederick Marryat, The Collector of Lost Things by Jeremy Page, and The Valley of Fear by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.