The Book Report #68
Episode #67
The Complete Stories of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
The Case-Books of Sherlock Holmes
The Book
Wordsworth Editions Limited published my edition of the book. It is part of the Wordsworth Library Collection from 2007 and was published with the original illustrations from the original work. The first complete stories book was published in 1928.
This is continuing with the book, from my to-be-read bookshelf. I received this book as a gift from a friend who passed away a few years ago when we took a trip to the Sherlock Holmes Museum in London.
The Case-Books of Sherlock Holmes is a collection of short stories originally printed in the Strand magazine from October 1921 to April 1927. This was brought together to create an omnibus book in June 1927 by John Murray in the UK. Then, in America, in the same month, by George H. Doran Co., there are different versions of the title; the UK version was originally The Case-Books of Sherlock Holmes. The American was The Case Book of Sherlock Holmes. But later versions were printed as The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes.
What Did I Think
This is the final book of the series in this complete collection. One last Hoorah! And it is a shame, as it turns out, the last of the stories seems to be some of the best Sir Doyle has written. He finally acknowledged Sherlock Holmes and embraced his world, letting go of anything that seemed to have held him back for whatever reason, and has written with some love for the character.
He allows Sherlock, in retirement, to write his own stories, allowing us to experience Sherlock’s side of the world and also to find out a little about how Sir Doyle thinks when creating the crimes and mysteries to be solved. Being the only reason that Watson isn’t about much anymore. He isn’t dead, just moving on in his life.
It is announced in one of the stories that Watson has moved out again and is continuing with his practice, but will help Holmes when he calls.
We still get a few stories written from the point of view of the biographer, Dr John Watson. And even Sherlock has to admit that when he started to write his version of events, he had to write in a way to pique the interest of the reader. Not in a way to please himself.
At the beginning of the book, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle discusses his desire to move on from the world of Sherlock Holmes. He expresses that he doesn’t want to be known solely for this character, even though he acknowledges the immense positive response it has received from fans.
This leads to the final twelve stories from different angles and ideas, not quite seen before. I would love to read more, but I will have to rely on others’ portrayals of the detective and friends.
Maybe Love?
The stories have more energy than previous novels, and Sir Doyle is going all out. I know it came to be a present-day joke. Are they or aren’t they? We get a true idea of who he prefers. Although he starts by admitting that his true love has always been intellectual in nature, in one story, he found a buxom young lady who came close to warming his loins, someone he would consider sharing his life with.
I will never say goodbye to the Holmes universe. Someone somewhere will create a new version, a new take on the character. At the time of writing this blog, there is already a new TV series about Sherlock and his Daughter. And I hope it never ends.
The Audiobook
Would I recommend
One last time, and it was a great last ride. I highly recommend this series to everyone who loves a bit of crime and mystery in their life. Sherlock Holmes is a must for anyone’s bookshelf.
I am glad I have made this journey. Onto the next!
So please give this book a go.
Would you like to purchase your very own copy?
You could try these online stores: Amazon UK/USA. Waterstones. AbeBooks UK/ USA, Barnes and Noble and eBay UK/ USA.
Alternatively, you could try your local bookshop or even your local library.
