A Study in Scarlet (Easy Classics)

Written by Arthur Conan Doyle and Stephanie Baudet

Narrated by Richard Usher

An illustrated adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic Sherlock Holmes mystery – at an easy-to-read level for readers of all ages!
Body thought to be that of E.J. Drebber discovered last night in empty London house. No obvious cause of death. Address given as Cleveland, Ohio. Any information would be appreciated.
After a mysterious murder leaves the police baffled, the world’s best amateur detective is asked to investigate. With Dr Watson at his side, Sherlock Holmes sets about uncovering a quest for revenge that runs far deeper than anybody suspected.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sweet Cherry Publishing
• Release date: Jul 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9781782264095

Arthur Conan Doyle

Arthur Conan Doyle was a British writer and physician. He is the creator of the Sherlock Holmes character, writing his debut appearance in A Study in Scarlet. Doyle wrote notable books in the fantasy and science fiction genres, as well as plays, romances, poetry, non-fiction, and historical novels.

Reviews for A Study in Scarlet (Easy Classics)

[jhemlock-1711 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My Dear Watson. This is the first Holmes story published by Doyle and what a strange introduction it must have been for readers when unleased upon them. This tale of detective work, revenge and analytical reasoning along with some evil doing Mormonism could easily be put off as Anti this or Anti that. But I honestly believe the track of the story and the scope of the avenger's travels fits well with where they are and what is going on at the time. It would have been easy for Doyle to lay this on Judaism or something else but by bringing it to the American Frontier he was able to give the act of revenge a broader scope. Well written and smartly put together A Study in Scarlet is an enjoyable story that introduced our sleuth to the masses.

[therebelprince · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I've long felt bad about never having read any of the nine books that make up the Sherlock Holmes canon, so finally I've rectified that... and what an odd little work it is.

The first half of the book is what's important, historically, but it's the least interesting. Conan Doyle doesn't write natural dialogue, and a result the discussions between Watson and Holmes come across more like a treatise on how detective work - in the real world and in novels - is evolving and progressing. While this is all very very interesting, particularly to someone like myself who has read a lot of Christie and Poe etc, it feels like an essay that has been structured in story form, rather than the other way around.

On top of this, I concede that I have a bias against this "one really smart quirky man always outdoes everyone" formula. Holmes started it, but it's returned in the last ten years or so to television, and personally I think it just weakens the narrative when every other character functions only as a sounding board for our god of a leading man. Sherlock is cunningly described by Watson as a seemingly paradoxical man who in fact has rational reasons for all of his education and activities, although even the great detective can't seem to fix his (bipolar?) moods. As their friendship is still embryonic at this stage, Watson can give us no insight into Holmes' life, and Holmes offers none, so he remains a cipher. But I'm treating this as a pilot episode, so that's okay. More immediately fascinating are the elements of contemporary life: street beggars working for Holmes, the necessary advantages and disadvantages that came from being a police officer in the era - thrilling stuff.

The second half is a mixed bag also. Conan Doyle is an admirable prose writer, and his description of the events twenty years prior to the murders is captivating and gripping. On the other hand, it is filled with amazingly anti-Mormon sentiment. I'm no religious sympathiser myself, but I couldn't take it seriously when the narrator assured us that all Mormons kill or destroy anyone who attempts to leave their faith.

An odd little novel, and I've already started the second one, since I'm very eager to see if Conan Doyle can somehow retain his marvelous leading character, whilst furthering his skills in the other required areas.

(Two and a half stars)

[funstm · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a fairly short mystery, about 140 pages or so - split into two parts. The first part details how Sherlock and John first meet and how Sherlock investigates the crime and comes to the conclusion of the guilty party. The second part, follows the criminal and victims before wrapping up with the murderer's confession. Although the main bulk of the novel follows Holmes and Watson, we do meet Gregson and Lestrade - but more or less they operate as secondary minor characters.

For a character that has been as fleshed out and adapted as many times as Sherlock Holmes has - he's surprisingly flat. There isn't a whole lot of character development but then it is pretty short. The book mainly focuses on the mystery itself and the conclusions Sherlock draws. There is an easy camaraderie between Watson and Holmes. And Holmes isn't (or at least isn't in this novel) as high strung as he is later portrayed. He's also not as conceited, high handed or unaffected by people. He is surprisingly bitter about the lack of attention and acclaim he is given as a consulting detective. If anything Watson is more malicious than he ever appears in any other version I've seen (he really wants to get one over Sherlock at one point) and more curious about Holmes and his methods. And there was an appearance by the Baker Street Irregulars which I found enjoyable - I've just finished rereading the Baker Street Boys series by Anthony Read. Although they didn't seem to be called that and I'm not sure if that name even comes from the original material.

It was interesting reading the original material. I found the mystery to be fast paced and fascinating. I liked how Sherlock worked to solve it. Overall an enjoyable read.

[debbie13410 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I read my first Sherlock Holmes book a couple of yrs ago and I was happily surprised at how good it was.

I believe this is the first Sherlock Holmes novel and though it is not as good as The Sign of the Four (my first SHERLOCK novel) it was still good. You find out the genesis of his meeting Watson, the detectives he works with, and his brother, plus you read about his drug use. For a detective novel that is over 100 yrs old it is good.

[bobbybslax · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

(Audiobook) Wasn't overly impressed with this, but perhaps that's due to it being among the first of its genre. It had two key features I enjoyed, whoever: 1) Watson's first meeting with Holmes and 2) the surprisingly long whodunnit explanation in Part 2. I often struggle with mystery books given their penchant to focus on a large cast of names, objects, places, and other nouns which I find hard to keep track of and continually visualize in my head. I encounter this issue with some more detail-obsessed fantasy stories, too. So, I became lost throughout a lot of the first half even though it was still mildly enjoyable (in great part due to Stephen Fry's narration). The most consistently amusing part of that half is Watson's developing relationship with Holmes, in which we get to discover the detective's eccentricities along with his new sidekick. I often enjoy buddy (cop) comedies, so that stuff provided a more easy connection than the actual investigation. The book then switches out of Watson's POV for most of the second half, providing an extended backstory for the killer and his motivation. While long and not always riveting, it was a novel approach to the often tedious form of exposition dumps you find in mysteries. By the end of it I had even sympathized with the killer enough to hope to see them victorious. It became the emotional throughline of the book how the Holmes-Watson dynamic used to be, but I wouldn't say either of those elements were particularly deep or resolved. A short, mildly entertaining read.

[ktreads22 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I actually really, really enjoyed this book. Now I'm on to The Sign of Four

[joannefm2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote this story in 1886, little did he know that Mr. Sherlock Holmes would go on to become the most famous detective of mystery. This is the first of these stories, and in it we get to meet Dr. John Watson first, and why he returned to England from the war. When we meet Mr. Holmes, he is in his laboratory doing experiments - what else? - and seems flighty to Watson; but as we know, first impressions can be deceiving. It is not long before he discovers what Holmes does for a living; and he encourages him to take a case when asked by Scotland Yard detectives to intervene.It is in the murder room that Dr. Watson sees Mr. Sherlock Holmes at his best and how he goes about deciphering clues. While it is strange indeed, with Holmes putting his face to the floor, picking up bits of dust, and walking back and forth across the room, he is intrigued and wants to know more. It is here that Holmes gives Scotland Yard detectives Gregson and Lestrade their clues -- and watches while they bungle the case. He, however, is cleverer than that (which we know) and he manages to not only figure out the murderer, but the name also, and where he may be found. After the capture, we are given the story behind the reasons for the murder, and it is very sad and heart-wrenching; it is a story of revenge that carries decades of pain with it. After the man is dispatched to Scotland Yard (no spoilers here; we know he will be captured and taken to the Yard), Holmes explains to Watson how it was done. It is a masterpiece written centuries ago, one that still stands the test of time. How Holmes mind works is an amazing piece of art; how he uses reason and logic and no emotions at all in solving; and how he is satisfied with himself at the end -- these are the true reasons for reading the book. We cannot hope to reach his expertise, nor do we want to; it is enough that these wonderful books are here for our reading pleasure. Highly recommended.

[eklein86 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I found the story story be very interesting, but the writing somewhat disjointed. I know when this was originally written that these were published separately. However it would have been better if the flashback was told as part of the confession rather than starting right after the arrest and then coming back to the arrest and the station. Otherwise I liked it despite not being a mystery or detective reader myself.

[labfs39 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

After watching the excellent Sherlock Holmes BBC miniseries with Benedict Cumberbatch, I was primed to try one of the books. A Study in Scarlet is the first, published in 1887, and has a nice introduction of Dr. Watson, as well as their first case together. Elements of the story were familiar from the show, but a surprise was that a good portion of the book takes place in Utah with the early Mormons. Although it was clear from his descriptions that Doyle had never been to the American West, I was inspired to Google some history. All in all it was an average read. I wonder if I would have enjoyed it more without having already seen such a great (modern) adaptation. I also wonder if the writing in the later stories improves. I'm not sure I'm motivated enough to find out.

[foof2you · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The introduction of Sherlock Holmes and his roommate Dr.Watson and the beginning of an unlikely pairing. This is the first case that they work together and we see the start of an unbeatable pair.

[skid0612 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Amazing first book. The Very topical 1880s Mormon connection was outstanding. A nice surprise.

[lamour_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is Doctor Watson and Sherlock Holmes first mystery. The novel starts with the explanation of how the two men met and joined and became room mates. In this case, they are summoned to a London house where they find a man dead without marks of violence but with horror stricken face. Holmes soon realizes the man has been forced to take poison. There is a large amount of blood in the room which did not come from the victim. A second victim is found in a hotel stabbed to death and he proves to be a friend of the first victim.At this point the novel takes a jump back in time to the American western desert and the migration of the Mormons from Iowa and Missouri to Utah. During their trek, they come upon a man and female child lost in the desert and offer to save them if they become Mormons which they. This leads to the child becoming a beautiful women desired by several young Mormon men and conflict when a non Mormon tries to rescue her. This eventually leads to London and Holmes solving a murders.The strong negative descriptions of Mormon beliefs in the novel surprised me and led me to research the negative view of the American religion by the English and European.

[comfypants · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Sherlock Holmes solves a murder, and eventually tells someone about it.3/4 (Good)It's short, reasonably well-written for what's essentially a pulp story, and has an unexpected mini adventure in the second half. It's hard to imagine what sort of impression this would have had if it had been my introduction to the character.

[tobinelliott · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's been a long time since I visited the inhabitants of that famous apartment on Baker St. I remember the Holmes stories in bits and pieces, but also remember that I quite enjoyed them.

That certainly hasn't changed. Holmes is as fascinating as ever, and this, his first adventure with Watson was as enjoyable and enigmatic this time around as it was the last time I read it, almost thirty years ago.

Looking forward to the rest.

[krau0098 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Series Info/Source: This is the first book in the Sherlock Holmes series. I bought a copy of this for my Kindle.Story (5/5): I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed this. The story is clever and ironic. I loved all the twists and turns and how Sherlock is kind of competing with some other investigators. I also love how we got to break away from the main story into a side story set in America that showed how everything happened. It was all very clever and fun and really withstood the test of time.Characters (5/5): The characters are quirky and crazy and definitely a bit part of what makes this book so enjoyable. Sherlock is just such a unique character and I found him incredibly amusing. Watson is just as intriguing, with his more steady support. Setting (5/5): The book alternates between a historical London setting (1880’s) and frontier life America. They were both well done; well described and very entertaining to read about. Writing Style (5/5): I was amazed by how well this book stands the test of time. This never seemed dated to me and I didn’t struggle through any of the language. I read it thinking how funny, witty, and ironic the whole thing was. I loved the characters and the mystery and the unveiling. It was just thoroughly enjoyable and I can’t wait to read more!My Summary (5/5): Overall I enjoyed this way more than I thought I was going to. I have been wanting to read all the Sherlock Holmes stories forever and am so glad I finally started. This was so entertaining and so much fun, highly recommended. I have always loved how Sherlock is portrayed in other media and was pleased to love the original source material so much!

[tgraettinger_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

First time I had read the "origin story" for Holmes and Dr. Watson. Not bad, but the author's stories got better with time, IMO.

[drfuriosa · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A smart, solid introduction to the famous Mr. Holmes.

[james_patrick_joyce · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

**sigh**

This was disappointing. I was enjoying the story, with Holmes and Watson following clues, then we get some lengthy, lengthy.... lengggggggthy backstory about why the killings occurred. We go back years to America and this dreadfully meaningless storyline that I-don't-care-about. I honestly did not intend to read a story about frontier survival, Mormon living, and wild west vengeance.

Eventually, we get back to England and H&W.

And I keep noting that Holmes has no justification for pretty much anything he does. I also notice that his solutions only work if you squint and ignore the rest of human experience. Assumption after conjecture after wild guess.

This is not the myth who has grown in my mind, since childhood. This is a pale and doubtful impression.

[asheley-627878 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is my first experience with reading Sherlock! It's nice to meet him and see how he works.The first part of the story takes place in late 1800's London, where there are a couple of murders and Sherlock is called in to lend his expertise to the investigation. Then the story jumps back a few years and lands in Utah, among the Mormons. It's a weird jump to begin with, but eventually the two parts of the story connect. This isn't the most thrilling and awesome mystery that I've ever read, but it is really fun to see what all of the fuss is about with Sherlock.I listened to Stephen Fry's narration of this story, and it is really wonderful. I'm sure that I'll keep listening to more of ACD's Sherlock stories. This one was pretty fun and I listened to the entire thing straight thru as it is fairly short.

[kakadoo202 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Holmes is just too full of himself.

[jscape2000 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Still great.

[muumuumousie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a great introduction to the characters! Sherlock has a strong mind, but I was just as impressed by his equally strong personality. In this book, Sherlock is a young man in his 20s, carving out a position for himself as the world’s only consulting detective. This ability to support himself by being self-employed in a never-before-seen job, to build up enough of a reputation to continue receiving clients, to carve out a niche where one had never existed—all of this seems amazing to me. I was prepared for the idea of Sherlock being a great detective, of course, but to dedicate himself to this sort of career would take not just intellect, but courage and self-confidence, attributes that Holmes has in spades. I also like that Sherlock isn’t perfect. Sometimes he misses things, and his personality isn’t always the kindest. I like that his flaws are present but not excused. And I really love Watson: a doctor, a war vet, a quiet man who is happy to be included in the adventure.The story itself is a little awkward in places; Doyle’s craft certainly gets better as the series goes on. The lengthy flashback sequence seems a little out of place, although the tension continues to build. I liked the way that Doyle took his time with the story; he builds Holmes’ and Watson’s relationship slowly, and he really gives the readers time to enjoy the characters and their quirks. The early parts of the book are warm, humorous, and charming. These are some well-developed characters, right from the start, and this sets the tone for every Holmes book that follows. I also thought it was nice that Doyle gave a shout-out to Poe, who pioneered the genre, but it’s a bit unfair (and slightly ironic) that Sherlock Holmes felt the need to complain about him: “Dupin was a very inferior fellow. That trick of his of breaking in on his friends’ thoughts with an apropos remark after a quarter of an hour’s silence is really very showy and superficial.” Showy? Superficial? Has Sherlock looked in a mirror lately? :P Not to mention the fact that he’ll pull the same stunt on Watson in a later story. All in all, this book is delightful.

[danielstj · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This Arthur Conan Doyle novel didn't do it for me. It had a lot going for it but, around the halfway mark, veered off course considerably and (I felt) never regained the same momentum that it started with. The story itself is interesting until this point, but then it falls into platitudes and asides that, I found, were not as interesting in the details rather than in the entire picture. Nonetheless, we are introduced to Watson and Holmes and their investigation of the case and Holmes comes off strong in the first part. 2 stars.

[haloedrain · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I would have liked it better if most of part 2 didn't feel so completely separate from the rest (and maybe were more accurate and less bigoted), but the detectiving part was alright. Holmes is a bit insufferable, but interesting too.

[asxz-2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My first ever Holmes. Wonderfully there is much of the modern understanding of Sherlock Holmes clearly laid out on the page. He is perhaps even more self aware than TV and movie adaptations allow describing his mood swings and eccentricities to Dr. Watson even before they move in together.

There is a remarkable section in the middle where the narrative goes all Fenimore Cooper and we are transported from London to the snowy peaks of Utah. Quite unexpected. This was more fun even than I had expected. Fortunately I have already purchased further volumes.

[scorched_earth · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the first book I have read by the famed creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A Study in Scarlet is Doyle's first book featuring the infamous Sherlock Holmes. Holmes' character has been portrayed in the movies so much that I feel like I already knew the character. Reading the original text by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is, not surprisingly, better than any other theatrical take I have seen. A Study in Scarlet is an easy read that could easily be completed in one day. The edition that I own contains illustrations by the famous caricaturist, Gris Grimly. I am not a fan of graphic novels or even illustrations in books because it distract my own imagination of how things should appear. On the other hand, the illustrations are very impressive so if you are into that kind of thing, I would recommend this edition. Holmes' first adventure in detection in A Study in Scarlet reveals to the world the detectives impeccable deductive powers. Holmes meets his sidekick Dr. Watson in Doyle's freshman detective novel, where the two rent an apartment on Baker Street. It is a widely known fact that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle single handedly revolutionized the science of Forensics and crime scene investigation. There is an in-depth documentary about how Sherlock Holmes' methods were used in Doyle's fiction novels before they were ever used in real life. Knowing this fact makes reading these books much more interesting and entertaining to read. I plan on chronologically reading all the books written by Doyle that feature Sherlock Holmes.

[sueincyprus · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the first book about Sherlock Holmes, and begins with his initial meeting and growing friendship with Dr Watson, who narrates the story. It's set in the latter part of the 19th century, and is in two parts. The first shows Holmes' analytical mind and attention to detail as he explains to Watson how he solves a rather unpleasant crime. Part One ends with the perpetrator being arrested.Part Two goes back in time, introducing a man and a young girl travelling rough in the United States after the rest of their group perished. They've given up on finding water, when they're discovered by a band heading to Utah. I don't know how accurate the portrayal of Mormon life and culture in the 19th century is, but it makes an excellent story, albeit quite spine-chilling at times. Ethics and morals are not pointed out, but it gradually becomes clear that there are often two sides to any story, and that the initial clear-cut crime could have quite clear motivations. Recommended to teens or adults who like historical crime fiction. I read it on my Kindle but it's widely available in other forms, mostly inexpensively or (from Project Gutenberg) free.

[matke-261098 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I last read this slim novel by Doyle about ten years ago. This must be my fourth or fifth reading, and yet it immediately gripped me again, as Sherlock Holmes always will. This is where we meet Holmes, seeing him always through Watson’s eyes. The first section is fascinating, fast-moving, and utterly charming. The mystery—a murder—provides a chance for Holmes to shine and Watson to marvel, even when irritated by Holmes’ superiority. If somehow you’ve missed a look at the London of fogs, gas lamps, and horse-drawn cabs, please give yourself a chance to meet (and love) characters and stories that have stood both the test of time, and some very dicey adaptations. This is the real thing, and so much fun.

[jamespurcell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Mostly good or above and on task Bradley, Stabenow, Child, Tod and Winspear a cut above.

[ray_-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Oh my, did I love this book!

Ever since I was little, I always loved anything Sherlock Holmes related; I watched cartoons, movies...etc. But weirdly enough I never got around to actually read the books.

I finally picked this one up and Damn son!

The plot was so interesting and fun to go through, it kept me on my toes and I just NEEDED to know who the killer was.
Then I reached the second part and I was confused for like 7 pages or so and then BAM everything fell into place.
Well, color me surprised!

One more thing;
I absolutely Love Sherlock Holmes, with his odd behaviors and awesomely weird way of thinking!
His companionship with Dr. Watson is just so precious I can't even!