46 pages • 1 hour read
A Study in Scarlet
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Book Brief
114
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1880s
1887
Adult
14+ years
Super Short Summary
In A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle, Dr. John Watson, a war surgeon, meets Sherlock Holmes and becomes his flatmate and chronicler. Together, they investigate the mysterious murder of Enoch Drebber in a vacant London house, uncovering a complex tale of love and revenge that leads them from the streets of London to the American West and a relentless, decades-long quest for justice. Note: This novel contains depictions of a religious sect portrayed with era-specific prejudice.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Informative
Adventurous
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
464,439 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle is praised for introducing the iconic character Sherlock Holmes and his innovative detective methods. Positive reviews highlight the compelling narrative and memorable character dynamics. Negative feedback mentions the slower pace of the second half and potentially dated viewpoints. Overall, it remains a foundational work in the mystery genre.
Who Should Read A Study in Scarlet?
A reader who enjoys A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle likely adores classic detective fiction, intricate mysteries, and sharp analytical thinking. Fans of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express or Edgar Allan Poe’s Dupin stories will find similar pleasure in Doyle’s meticulous plotting and Holmes’ deductive prowess.
464,439 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
John Watson
John Watson
The first-person narrator and Holmes's companion, whose medical background and military experience offer practical support; his curiosity and observant nature mirror that of the reader, who learns the mysteries alongside him.
Jefferson Hope
Jefferson Hope
A man of resilience and determination, with a tragic backstory that fuels his driven pursuit, becoming a challenging adversary that tests Holmes’s deductive abilities.
Inspectors Lestrade and Gregson
Inspectors Lestrade and Gregson
Detectives from Scotland Yard who seek Holmes's assistance on challenging cases; their reliance on traditional investigatory methods contrasts with Holmes's deductive reasoning.
114
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1880s
1887
Adult
14+ years
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