The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes AD Classic Library
 
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The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a collection of the first twelve short stories based on the famous detective, including the cases of The Red-Headed League, The Speckled Band, and A Scandal in Bohemia. Holmes will need to use his various skills, including an aptitude for acting and disguise, tracking footprints, hand to hand combat, deciphering different types of tobacco ash, and knowledge of psychology to solve cases of blackmail, treachery and murder. Sherlock Holmes is famous for his intellectual prowess and is renowned for his skilful use of deductive reasoning, astute observation,and forensic skills to solve difficult cases. Deductive reasoning allows Holmes to impressively reveal a stranger's occupation. Similarly, by studying inanimate objects, he is able to make astonishingly detailed deductions about their owners. This mindset was a major innovation in the field of crime fiction, inspiring authors like Robert J. Sawyer, Neil Gaiman and Stephen King. ....read more
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Anonymous on Thu, 9th Apr 2009 12:00 am
Deep and fast paced, but could be confusing for amatures.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This book never failed to entertain me. With its fast paced plot and compelling mysteries, I was never once bored. However, I see how this book could be confusing and wierd to younger and less experienced readers. Reading this on the Kindle really helped me understand more what was going on because I had quick and easy acess to a dictionary.
Overall, it was oneof my favorites, but could be a challenging read.
Amanda on Tue, 28th Apr 2009 12:00 am
Kindle Book Review
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Sherlock Holmes is such a classic novel in itself, and I don’t know anyone who either has read it and hated it or has read and re-read it and been bored by it. I love having the Kindle version and I am looking forward to re-reading it soon again, hopefully.
James Anderson on Tue, 12th May 2009 12:00 am
Can’t beat it for the price!
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Good collection of short stories that tends to get a bit repetitive and wear down as it goes on. Excellent value for the price though.
Just a guy on Tue, 19th May 2009 12:00 am
Great short stories
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I “bought” this to try out the Kindle app for Blackberry. The stories are short enough to enjoy when you have a few minutes of “alone time” to read. I only made it through the first three stories and they were well written and well produced in this format.
N. Kelly on Tue, 9th Jun 2009 12:00 am
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
A great compilation of thought provoking and wonderfully entertaining mystery short stories. It is highly recommended.
Crazy4Sting on Fri, 26th Jun 2009 12:00 am
Okay for a mature reader, great for the younger set.
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I was expecting something great but was disappointed. After just finishing two other classics, Steinbeck’s East of Eden and Lewis’ Main Street, I thought I would continue in the classics mode. I am sure it was a great book in its time but if you are used to something like what I mentioned above, then it is not for you. If you are a young reader than I would highly recommend it. The stories are short and the language is not too difficult. The endings are somewhat predictable but maybe not for a younger reader.
Christian Bullock on Wed, 15th Jul 2009 12:00 am
A great introduction to the world of Sherlock Holmes
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I originally downloaded this collection of short stories in preparation for the Sherlock Holmes major motion picture that was coming out in 2009. As someone who had never read any of Sherlock Holmes’ tales, this was a perfect introduction into the kind of stories Sir Arthur Conan Doyle penned for the legendary Holmes and Dr. Watson.
The Kindle formatting could have used a little work; a currency sign that was apparently being used in the public domain version the Kindle version was “ported” from and instead of a currency sign being shown, miscellaneous characters were. But, all in all, a slight blip and nothing truly enjoyment-breaking.
C. P. Erker on Tue, 28th Jul 2009 12:00 am
A timeless hero
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Spending so much of my day plugged into the internet, peering at my iPhone, staring at Excel spreadsheets, it has been an absolute pleasure reading The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes(on my Kindle, I must admit). I am reminded, in adventure after adventure, that there is no substitute for a sharp mind and astute observation. As I watch the master investigator calmly solve the most “singular” of mysteries through the eyes of Dr. James Watson, I almost want to myself be transported back to 19th century London.
If you haven’t read any of Conan Doyle’s stories, they are worth perusing. I only read a dozen of Holmes’ adventures. But in those stories, I grew intimately close with both the detective and his trusty sidekick and doctor-cum-biographer, Watson. I came to admire Holmes’ heroic stoicism, encyclopedic memory, and sharp wit.
Each of the adventures follows a somewhat similar plot structure. The adventure opens with a shot into Watson’s or Holmes’ personal life. You might hear briefly about Watson’s life as a doctor, or get a glimpse of Holmes’ tobacco, alcohol, or cocaine habits (yes, the rumors are true–Holmes does cocaine). At some point, Watson ends up at Holmes’ pad on Baker Street. Both men are then found lounging, Holmes in his “dressing gown,” both men likely smoking, drinking, and enjoying a fine meal, usually arms’ length from a cozy fire.
Watson, the narrator, will then tell us how, in all of his time with Holmes, the case he is about to elucidate is the most “singular” one yet. Then one of them will see or hear someone approaching their home base; inevitably, the bell will ring and in will enter yet another all-but-hopeless client. We’ll get a detailed description of the client’s physical appearance, from the clothes on his or her back to the flushness of the face. We’ll also always get an idea of what class the client falls into; most regularly, the clients are from higher classes. The client will give us a detailed account of his or her problems as Holmes and Watson listen intently. It is here that the reader is supposed to do the detective work to piece together clues to solve the case. Of course, most of what the client tells us seems unrelated and inane; Holmes will remind us that the simplest cases are the hardest ones, and the smallest of details often the most important.
In most cases, the client has a suspicion that the police’s conclusions on the case were flawed. In almost every case, the police were consulted and ended up being wrong indeed. Holmes generally requires a trip to the crime scene, sometimes in costume, and the readers have the privilege to join him with Watson. But most trips are simply chances for Holmes to confirm what he already suspected. Guns may be drawn, extreme danger is almost always encountered, and Holmes emerges the hero. Holmes has a penchant for withholding his conclusions from us until the very end of the story, however, so as the reader follows Holmes’ movements at the crime scenes, the reader must do some sleuthing as well.
Holmes will finally tell us what actually happened, and the seemingly innocuous clues from earlier in the chapter prove to be essential to the weaving of the truth. Holmes prefers to strike a deal with the crimes’ perpetrators rather than offering them to the police. The clients offer to give Holmes unlimited reward for a job well done, and Holmes calmly requests only that which will defer the cost of his work. He gets enough pleasure out of a job professionally well-done.
Because of the similarities between stories, I recommend taking Holmes in limited doses. But his is a very powerful medicine, one that rejuvenates the mind and strengthens the character. As an example of someone who betters the world by doing what he loves, Sherlock Holmes is a timeless hero.
jWigs on Sun, 16th Aug 2009 12:00 am
Timeless classic, priceless entertainment
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I picked up the Sherlock Holmes Complete Collection because my mom had already downloaded it and I was mildly curious. Holmes was the best book I’ve read in a while, definately my favorite in the Mystery genre.
I love the characters. Doyle whips up such fantastically real people out of no where with the most outrageous situations and stories. The main characters are priceless. Holmes has a very deep compassion for humanity buried among his quirks and strange habits. Watson is such a genuine, sympathetic companion and narrator that it feels like a friend telling a story over coffee.
Let me put it this way, I’m bitterly upset that I finished the series. Bitterly. I wish with all my heart that I could just have a fresh Sherlock Holmes mystery every day. Definately a book I’ll pick up again and recommend to everyone I know. My brother read them when he was a preteen/teenager, and I loved them at 24 y/o. I’m sure that a more mature audience would appreciate Holmes, also.
Anonymous on Wed, 26th Aug 2009 12:00 am
clasic sherlock
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
there is nothing like clasic sherlock holmes! the movie doesn’t do it justice. I love this book! whoever said the cases were easy to solve must be a ton smarter than I am.
Wilma on Fri, 18th Sep 2009 12:00 am
Sherlock Holmes – The Detective Guru
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Sherlock Holmes has long been a favorite of mine. Nothing’s changed. He still is. Excellent book, both in contents and appearance.
John Robert Davis on Sun, 11th Oct 2009 12:00 am
I love this stuff!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Classic! I’m very glad to own this book in it’s Kindle edition and for a very reasonable price too, $0.00!
There is not anything that I could write that hasn’t been written before about Mr. Holmes and his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. These stories are timeless, they are indeed short stories and may be read quickly in one sitting, and, for me, be read again and again.
While reading these stories I can’t help but see and hear Jeremy Brett, the ultimate and best Holmes of any visual media. Ever! The mannerisms of Holmes as written by Doyle, as well as much of the dialog, are transferred accurately and brilliantly to the small screen by Brett, the BBC, and PBS. I also recommend this series on DVD for any and all Holmes fans.
Not to forget “The Return of Sherlock Holmes,” also priced reasonably on Kindle at $0.00.
John M. Haas on Mon, 2nd Nov 2009 12:00 am
Holes
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Super when I am on an airplane and have forgotten to turn on the wireless to pick up new books. Doyle never ceases to amaze and provide entertainment. I think I started reading Holmes in the 60s (early 60s) and have yet to stop. Good emergency book to have if you have a Kindle and enjoy deductive reasoning. easons to get it are elementary my dear reader!
Jen on Wed, 18th Nov 2009 12:00 am
Technical glitches in this Kindle edition
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
All of the numeric entries in the text are garbled, so if you don’t care whether they’re referring to 20 pounds or 3000, you’ll be fine. of course it’s a free download, so I’m not complaining.
Karen Ann Angleterre on Sun, 22nd Nov 2009 12:00 am
Great Britian’s Nineteenth Century History
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
English history is served up along with the amazing mystery stories. I enjoy the pictures of daily life…the maid bringing in lunch to Holmes on a pre-arranged schedule, passing the street vendors and beggars, imagining the opium den frequented by addicts, vivid descriptions of period clothing, transportation and commerce slipped seamlessly into the tales. I read this often to refresh the imagery in my mind.
Joseph Guillaume on Fri, 18th Dec 2009 12:00 am
Surprisingly Interesting
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Well this is a classic that comes close to meeting its hype. I learned that the author was a medical doctor, which is probably why Holmes partner Dr. Watson is a M.D. The first page had a surprise, Dr. Watson reveals Sherlock Holmes relaxes by doing cocaine. I’m sure if I read to much of Sherlock Homes I would eventually get tired of the “I’m right even when I am wrong” syndrome. Every chapter is a story and they don’t tie together, although once in a while there were vague references to other cases.
sykospark on Wed, 30th Dec 2009 12:00 am
This is a MUST download
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Not only is it FREE, but these stories completely hold up over time. Wonderfully sectionalized in tasty bite size short stories, the adventures of sherlock holmes is awesome. Cocaine injecting, boxing, female-agnostic to remain as logical as possible – these stories are enthralling and fun!
Austin Somlo on Fri, 22nd Jan 2010 12:00 am
Once again, thrilling and is the very best of its genre
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is the third book of the series, consisting of twelve sensational cases. Actually, I found two of these cases (The Red-Headed League and A Case of Identity) to be quite simplistic that I am totally surprised at Dr. Watson for not making a good educated guess from the outset. It was that moment in each case that I began to suspect of Dr. Watson’s intelligence. Once again, in each of the cases, the story is thrilling, and the writing of Arthur Conan Doyle is beautiful. However, each of the progressing case has a distinctively formulaic feel: some small talk or business from either or both of the main characters, a random character appears with a shocking tale, Sherlock’s tendency to say, “It’s the most interesting case I’ve heard in months,” the campaign of sleuthing without knowing the full details, the apprehension, and finally the details of how the mystery was solved with extra analysis from Sherlock. I won’t say that the formulaic feel of each case is increasingly tired but rather, I had hoped the author would just mix things up a little bit. Meanwhile, in the case The Adventure of the Speckled Band, when Sherlock Holmes identified the creature as the Swamp Adder, there is no such thing as one although I thought it was a cobra based on the description of its distinctive head. All in all, Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a can’t-miss and easily beats out most mystery books in existence.
Ruth R. King on Mon, 25th Jan 2010 12:00 am
Classic Starts: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Classic Starts: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes features abridged versions of six short stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The language is simplified for younger readers, but the essence of the original stories is not compromised. The book includes “A Scandal in Bohemia”, “The Red-Headed League”, “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle”, “The Greek Interpreter” and “The Adventure of the Six Napoleons”.
There are several nice black and white illustrations to complement each story. My only criticism of the illustrations is that Watson seems too old. Dr. Watson was only a few years Sherlock Holmes’ senior, but is depicted as much older in several screen adaptations. The illustrations in this book seem to be based more on the screen versions of the characters than the original Sidney Padget drawings. Padget’s illustrations show the two men to be much closer in age. However, this is a very minor quibble on my part. The age difference will likely help young children differentiate between Holmes and Watson.
The modern, easy-to-read language and abridged format in this book make these classic stories accessible to younger readers who may find the complex vocabulary or length of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original work too challenging. This would be a great choice for a 7-10 year old who enjoys mysteries but might not be ready to tackle the Sherlock Holmes books on their own just yet. Classic Starts: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes also includes discussion questions to help broaden the reader’s understanding of the stories.
Gregory Kennedy on Wed, 10th Feb 2010 12:00 am
Great fun
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Listened to this one on Librivox audio recording (it’s public domain now, since it was published before 1923). The book is really a collection of twelve short stories that Doyle wrote for a magazine. It’s just a plain fun read – quick stories, occasional action sequences, easy reading material.
The plot is pretty straightforward: Sherlock Holmes is a clever and somewhat eccentric man who runs his own detective agency in London. He takes in cases which strike his curiosity and uses his brilliant powers of deduction to outwit everyone and arrive at the only proper conclusion. Accompanying him is Dr. Watson, his close friend, who has taken it upon himself to be Holmes’ biographer, and is thus the narrator of each story (which incidentally Holmes takes some offense to, as Watson plays up Holmes-the-man while Holmes would prefer the focus to be on the logic of each case). Each story runs roughly the same course: a case is presented to Holmes, Watson accompanies him on some clue-gathering exercises or interviews with witnesses, and then Holmes arrives at his conclusion which undoubtedly surprises and shocks his observers.
Of course Doyle spices it up a bit by throwing in some extra characters (Holmes has a brother, there’s another bumbling police investigator who gets in the way, Holmes even has a bit of a romantic interest at one point). Throughout the book readers get a nice glimpse into the characters Holmes and Watson – Holmes as a very intellectual man, skilled in both the arts and sciences, educating Watson in his methods as he solves crimes, and a drug addict to boot. Watson has his own past too, and though it isn’t nearly so interesting, it makes him so very regular that you can’t help but like him. There were some laugh out loud moments as I heard this story, particularly Watson’s ‘scientific assessment’ of Holmes’s skills and knowledge I thought was pretty funny.
The entire point of the book, of course, is the focus on Holmes’ deductions. They’re brilliant – at times seemingly TOO brilliant, because in a couple of cases Holmes pulls clues out at the last minute to draw his conclusions, and so the reader doesn’t get a chance to try to figure it out for themselves. But in the stories where there is enough information to guess at the conclusion, it’s an enjoyable exercise to try to work out the ending before the big reveal. I only got it right once, but it made me feel pretty clever. : ) Holmes’s cases range over a wide variety of subjects – murders, thefts, missing persons, and a lost goose. Every story is pulled along by the mystery, though sometimes the action gets a little tense.
If you’re looking for a book to help you understand the deeper meaning of life and unlock the mysteries of the Universe, look elsewhere. If you want an excellent collection of easily digestible stories, give Sherlock Holmes a shot. Highly recommended.
Kent Davis on Sun, 21st Feb 2010 12:00 am
Perfect Kindle mysteries at the perfect price!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This free Kindle download is the prelude to The Return of Sherlock Holmes. Arthur Conan Doyle’s timeless tales are perfect for Kindle and, actually, the Kindle’s electronic voice does an admirable job of reading them to you!
Special thanks to Eileen T for posting the list of stories contained within!
The only downside to this free Kindle download is that it doesn’t have linked Table of Contents. So how do you quickly skip to a chapter later in the book?
Elementary my dear Watson! (-:
Pick a unique word from the story title. Click MENU > “Search this book”
Then type the most unique words from the title. Alas, this doesn’t always work, and I can’t figure out why. A new mystery! In the meantime, enjoy the classics….