The Return of Sherlock Holmes
Now introducing a new segment to the CPDC blog: Book Reviews!
Are y'all readers? I certainly am. I may not be the quickest—but man, I really geek out over new words, character development, and plot twists. And this book didn't disappoint. Keep reading for full disclosure of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Return of Sherlock Holmes.
We all know the premise of this quick-witted mystery solver, but the structure of The Return of Sherlock Holmes is super satisfying. Each chapter consists of its own short-story-style mystery. The stories loosely build upon one another; they moreso serve as a record of events written by Mr. Holmes' sidekick and confidant, Dr. John Watson.
Mystery novels work by being "page-turners." And nothing is every really resolved until the last few pages of the book. If you err on the side of an impatient reader, the writing style of this book will be completely satisfying to you as the mysteries are solved within one chapter. (This means you can get fully enveloped in a new chapter right before bed and still go to sleep knowing the resolution rather than staying up for hours reading five more chapters for just a blip of peace).
Each of the stories are told from the perspective of Dr. Watson. His analysis of Holmes' character is constantly amusing. Their companionship is rather odd—but totally inseparable. In a sense, they were "made for each other." Holmes is analytical, abstract, impulsive, and curious whereas Watson is understanding, logical, loyal, and intuitive. Put all those adjectives together, and you have a truly remarkable detective team.
keep a dictionary close by for new words.
CONSTABLE
the warden or governor of a royal castle of fortified city
IMPECUNIOUS
having very little or no money usually habitually; penniless
PALIMPSEST
writing material (like a tablet or parchment) used one or more times after earlier writing has been erased
SHIKARI
a professional, big game hunter
OSTLER
one who takes care of horses or mules
SAGACIOUS
keep in sense or perception
AVERSE
having an active feeling of repugnance, dislike, or distaste
EFFIGY
a crude figure representing a hated person
CAPRICIOUS
impulsive, unpredictable
Put on your thinking caps and be about your wits; if you like adventure, scandal, and mystery—this book is for you. Fiction at its finest. Sherlock Holmes has a brilliant statement that I would like to end things with. Think about a time when you were ready to quit or simply needed some solace during a confusing or burdensome time. This quote is wildly applicable to promote the bit of peace that each of us needs.
“I can do nothing more. Let us walk in these beautiful woods and give a few hours to the birds and the flowers.”
