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Success Secrets of Sherlock Holmes: Life Lessons from the Master Detective
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle funneled much of his real-life genius-and the brilliance of others around him-into Sherlock Holmes, creating a character greater than the sum of his parts. In this quirky and intriguing look at the traits that made Sherlock Holmes successful, David Acord explores how to unleash our own genius. Not only does Acord give unique in sights into the character of Sherlock Holmes and his creator, but you'll also discover: - How to cultivate a passion for definite and exact knowledge that will help you achieve your goals faster than you thought possible - Why focusing on the little things is one of the most overlooked keys to success The value to knowing what other people don't know Why you should step up and take credit (death to modesty!) - The importance of admiring your enemy - Why we should all have friends in low places
208 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2011
24 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 27, 2011
"Success Secrets of Sherlock Holmes" is a quick read. I've read most of the Sherlock Holmes stories, so I thought I'd enjoy this book. I had expected a humorous book with some good advice woven in, but the author is serious in his admiration of a fictional character and in his belief that mimicking Holmes will gain you success.
Much of the advice was pretty basic (to me), like learn more about your field of study, do things you have a passion for, specialize, and pay attention to detail. But other advice, like taking everything to the extreme and becoming obsessed with your work to the point that you enjoy nothing else isn't exactly healthy advice. You'll end up just like Sherlock Holmes: a lonely man with few friends and with some dangerous habits.
The book also pointed out some biographical details about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the real life people he based Holmes on, but I already knew most of that from the brief biography I read at the front of the 'Sherlock Holmes collection' books that I own.
You don't need to have read a single Holmes story to understand this book, but I think I would have enjoyed re-reading a Sherlock Holmes story more than reading about them (which takes up a lot of the space in this book).
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
Much of the advice was pretty basic (to me), like learn more about your field of study, do things you have a passion for, specialize, and pay attention to detail. But other advice, like taking everything to the extreme and becoming obsessed with your work to the point that you enjoy nothing else isn't exactly healthy advice. You'll end up just like Sherlock Holmes: a lonely man with few friends and with some dangerous habits.
The book also pointed out some biographical details about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the real life people he based Holmes on, but I already knew most of that from the brief biography I read at the front of the 'Sherlock Holmes collection' books that I own.
You don't need to have read a single Holmes story to understand this book, but I think I would have enjoyed re-reading a Sherlock Holmes story more than reading about them (which takes up a lot of the space in this book).
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
February 7, 2020
I love the Sherlock Holmes stories! Holmes is the classic litmus test that we put all other detectives against. If someone is exceedingly smart or clever or observant, we call them a regular "Sherlock Holmes." Whether you wanted to be the next Sherlock Holmes, or just want to emulate him a little bit more, then I highly recommend this book for you! It's chock-full of great tips and tricks, all presented in a clear and easy to understand way with little bite-sized chunks of knowledge. Read a few chapters, or read the whole thing, you're sure to start thinking more like the master himself in no time at all!
January 24, 2017
Fast and rather insightful read. Resembles study notes for Sherlock Holmes series with pinches of life lessons thrown in. If anything, you just want to read more or reread the Great Detective!
November 10, 2011
This book is exactly what it appears to be: The author’s belief that by emulating the great Sherlock Holmes, each of us would be a better success at our chosen professions or vocations. It was well written and flowed easily. However, if a reader is looking for greater insight into the Holmes’ character, they will be disappointed. This is straightforward and does not really garner any new insights or truths.
What I liked best about the book was that I began applying its ideas while reading other books and watching TV and believe that I now have a better understanding about other characters from other books or stories. The most obvious one is that of Patrick Jayne, from “The Mentalist,” but the TV show “Psych” is another that this book will illuminate for the reader, even though neither is mentioned. It helps to better understand that the difference between scam artist and genius is the intent behind the action.
As for whether or not this book achieves its goal of allowing the reader to gain insight into success building is not entirely clear. I thought much of the information was common sense, but then looked around and realized common sense appears to be in short supply at the present time. From that stance, this is a must read.
I received this book as part of the Goodreads Giveaway.
What I liked best about the book was that I began applying its ideas while reading other books and watching TV and believe that I now have a better understanding about other characters from other books or stories. The most obvious one is that of Patrick Jayne, from “The Mentalist,” but the TV show “Psych” is another that this book will illuminate for the reader, even though neither is mentioned. It helps to better understand that the difference between scam artist and genius is the intent behind the action.
As for whether or not this book achieves its goal of allowing the reader to gain insight into success building is not entirely clear. I thought much of the information was common sense, but then looked around and realized common sense appears to be in short supply at the present time. From that stance, this is a must read.
I received this book as part of the Goodreads Giveaway.
October 14, 2013
I'm not entirely sure what I expected from this book, but I am, however, unambiguously sure that out of all of the potential expectations I possibly could have had, none of them came even close to being satisfied. How do I know this? Because I don't think this book accomplishes everything it sets out to, e.g., it appears to be a self-help book masquerading as a how to manual. But still it isn't a complete waste of time if only because of it's entertainment value.
March 8, 2014
The best part of this book was the Sherlock quotes, as the success secrets were things you've heard a zillion times before - Feed Your Passion, Start Small, Talent Isn't Enough (all from the table on contents, by the way). The end is padded with more quotes, many of which appear in the main text, along with an absurdly detailed index for such a short book. So while this book was enjoyable there's not much here here.
November 11, 2020
I was given this book as a gift, since I'm a fan of Mr. Holmes and have read all of his adventures multiple times. I thought it would be a fun read, but didn't expect it to be as entertaining and thought provoking as it was.
The ideas are presented directly and concisely, getting straight to the point. Each chapter is only a few pages long. The concept is stated, and then supported by a couple of quotes from the stories and/or details of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's real life experiences. Some are common self-improvement tips, some are more extreme or Holmes specific, but I found each idea worthy of consideration and the book as a whole made me also appreciate Sherlock and his creator even more than I had previously. I may immediately go back to page one and start again - there is no doubt that adopting many of these philosophies and attitudes would help one in life.
This book is a nice blend of entertaining, useful, and thought provoking. Being a Holmes fan already clearly makes the book more enjoyable. If this book strikes you as an interesting concept, my feeling is that minimally you will find it enjoyable.
The ideas are presented directly and concisely, getting straight to the point. Each chapter is only a few pages long. The concept is stated, and then supported by a couple of quotes from the stories and/or details of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's real life experiences. Some are common self-improvement tips, some are more extreme or Holmes specific, but I found each idea worthy of consideration and the book as a whole made me also appreciate Sherlock and his creator even more than I had previously. I may immediately go back to page one and start again - there is no doubt that adopting many of these philosophies and attitudes would help one in life.
This book is a nice blend of entertaining, useful, and thought provoking. Being a Holmes fan already clearly makes the book more enjoyable. If this book strikes you as an interesting concept, my feeling is that minimally you will find it enjoyable.
February 15, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I found it by browsing available eBooks from my public library. I was fascinated by how David Acord was able to make Holmes' skills seem realistic and attainable by humanizing Holmes and describing how Conan Doyle came up with facets of the Holmes' personality. Some of the "secrets" seemed self-explanatory, others seemed like advice anyone with common sense would probably choose not to emulate. The book is filled with quotes from the original stories, but one mustn't have read the books to understand what is going on. All in all, this is a quick read that will teach you that even you can be more like Sherlock Holmes.
November 7, 2020
Sherlock Holmes ile daha fazla alakalı olmasını isterdim SH temalı bir kişisel gelişim kitabı çıktı.
Kişisel gelişim sevenler için güzel olabilir.
Eğer hiç SH hikayesi okumamış biri merak edip SH okuyabilir.
Kişisel gelişim sevenler için güzel olabilir.
Eğer hiç SH hikayesi okumamış biri merak edip SH okuyabilir.
May 14, 2020
Great Book!
If you like Sherlock Holmes and you like success, you’re going to like this book. It makes a lot of sense as it explains the trail of clues to a better life.
If you like Sherlock Holmes and you like success, you’re going to like this book. It makes a lot of sense as it explains the trail of clues to a better life.
May 22, 2022
How we can become experts in our chosen field by using the tools Doyle gave Sherlock Holmes.
Interesting.
Interesting.
February 28, 2012
There are 32 chapters in total – perfect for browsing or for a straight read through. They cover such success secrets as how to approach problems, how to find good partners as well as chapters on focus, objectivity, passion and enthusiasm. There are lessons about how to lead, how to follow, how to travel among kings and still be credible with the Baker Street Irregulars.
It’s a great little life lesson book with its lessons for encouraging the reader into the pursuit of excellence and how to go about it. The book’s thesis uses Holmes career as a Consulting Detective and how he runs his personal business.
This is a gem of a book on many levels and is written in such a way that it will serve well as a Holmes reference book. This book is also for the fan of Sherlock Holmes. While it might not give any new information for the Holmes fanatic, it does give a new character analysis of one of the most famous literary characters ever. Liberally spiced with quotations from the Holmes short stories, the work also draws in ancient philosophy, other important authors and examples of business.
The book has four sections. First there is the book. Then the author blesses us with some select quotations from the Holmes works relating to success elements such as focus, motivation, making good decisions, figuring out difficult problems. All of the quotations are annotated with the Holmes story they come from. Third, there is the summary of the 32 lessons and the fourth is an extensive 12-page index.
The book covers the development of Conon Doyle as a writer and outlines how Holmes was created and how close to reality Holmes really was. David Acord also talks about the context for Holmes and reveals how Holmes was received in Victorian times as revolutionary.
While we may think of Holmes as just an act of fiction, Conan Doyle’s education (he was a doctor) and his family connections (he was born into a family of artists and intellectuals), these stories revolutionized police work (detection) in a number of profound ways. The key is – that Conan Doyle liberally used his education and understanding of the scientific method and applied it – through his main character – to police work.
It’s a great little life lesson book with its lessons for encouraging the reader into the pursuit of excellence and how to go about it. The book’s thesis uses Holmes career as a Consulting Detective and how he runs his personal business.
This is a gem of a book on many levels and is written in such a way that it will serve well as a Holmes reference book. This book is also for the fan of Sherlock Holmes. While it might not give any new information for the Holmes fanatic, it does give a new character analysis of one of the most famous literary characters ever. Liberally spiced with quotations from the Holmes short stories, the work also draws in ancient philosophy, other important authors and examples of business.
The book has four sections. First there is the book. Then the author blesses us with some select quotations from the Holmes works relating to success elements such as focus, motivation, making good decisions, figuring out difficult problems. All of the quotations are annotated with the Holmes story they come from. Third, there is the summary of the 32 lessons and the fourth is an extensive 12-page index.
The book covers the development of Conon Doyle as a writer and outlines how Holmes was created and how close to reality Holmes really was. David Acord also talks about the context for Holmes and reveals how Holmes was received in Victorian times as revolutionary.
While we may think of Holmes as just an act of fiction, Conan Doyle’s education (he was a doctor) and his family connections (he was born into a family of artists and intellectuals), these stories revolutionized police work (detection) in a number of profound ways. The key is – that Conan Doyle liberally used his education and understanding of the scientific method and applied it – through his main character – to police work.
December 3, 2011
Each month when I receive my e-mail from goodreads I get excited to see what new books are there. I spend quite a bit of time going through the First Reads section because I sign up to get so many books. Little did I realize I would actually get one! It was my luck to receive Success Secrets of Sherlock Holmes, written by David Acord.
It is a short, easy to read book with 32 sections, each one a secret to making one’s life a success. Some of the secrets include “Honor Your Teachers,” “Talent isn’t Enough” and “Admire Your Enemies.” Each section discusses how the secret was used by Sherlock Holmes and gives ideas how it helps the reader be more successful. There are also often modern examples of how the secret applies to someone or some situation today.
The secrets are presented in a way that is not preachy or doesn’t give you a list of steps to take to reach the ultimate heights of grandeur as world’s best detective (or whatever else you want to be) as do most self help books. This one gives practical everyday skills that can help anyone to become better at what they do. Here is a quote from the “Rebel at Stagnation” secret which illustrates what I mean, “Restlessness, the desire to constantly tackle new challenges, an inability to give in to laziness…these are all qualities found in exceptional individuals, from Michael Jordan and Donald Trump to (you guessed it) Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes. Winners always seek tougher challenges and hunger for new opportunities.”
The author of this book has presented success secrets in a very endearing way through the use of Sherlock Holmes and his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I think the best thing about this book, however, is the insight it gives into the character of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a medical doctor who wrote 56 Sherlock Holmes stories and more than 30 novels in a variety of genres. In Sherlock Holmes he created such a vibrant character that people consider the fictional detective a real person and he is still inspiring movies and books one hundred years after his creation.
Georgia Roybal
It is a short, easy to read book with 32 sections, each one a secret to making one’s life a success. Some of the secrets include “Honor Your Teachers,” “Talent isn’t Enough” and “Admire Your Enemies.” Each section discusses how the secret was used by Sherlock Holmes and gives ideas how it helps the reader be more successful. There are also often modern examples of how the secret applies to someone or some situation today.
The secrets are presented in a way that is not preachy or doesn’t give you a list of steps to take to reach the ultimate heights of grandeur as world’s best detective (or whatever else you want to be) as do most self help books. This one gives practical everyday skills that can help anyone to become better at what they do. Here is a quote from the “Rebel at Stagnation” secret which illustrates what I mean, “Restlessness, the desire to constantly tackle new challenges, an inability to give in to laziness…these are all qualities found in exceptional individuals, from Michael Jordan and Donald Trump to (you guessed it) Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes. Winners always seek tougher challenges and hunger for new opportunities.”
The author of this book has presented success secrets in a very endearing way through the use of Sherlock Holmes and his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I think the best thing about this book, however, is the insight it gives into the character of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a medical doctor who wrote 56 Sherlock Holmes stories and more than 30 novels in a variety of genres. In Sherlock Holmes he created such a vibrant character that people consider the fictional detective a real person and he is still inspiring movies and books one hundred years after his creation.
Georgia Roybal
March 24, 2014
Ok, I realize that part of the reason that I love this book is probably because I have held a deep and abiding affection for Sherlock Holmes since I was a little girl, but with that caveat in place, I will go on to say that this is the first book I've read in quite a while that compelled me to pull out a notebook and copy quotes for later reference. Is the advice in the book oversimplified. Of course. But even though it couches standard self-help book advice in the context of Conan Doyle's original Sherlock Holmes stories, it is written plainly enough to remain accessible to any reader. Plus, I, at least, don't feel as bad if I can't quite live up to the inspiration of a fictional character.
September 6, 2013
This book is more about observations while reading the Sherlock Holmes cannon rather than secrets. I don't fault the author for this. It's the marketing department. The chapters are concise. I give the author credit for not overwriting in order to fill someones's expectation of length. He does a good job of dissecting Holmes' skills, selecting appropriate quotes and then explaining the link between them. They only reason I didn't give the book five stars is because the author seems to run out of steam about three quarter of the way through and I feel a few of the last "secrets" are a bit of a stretch.
May 30, 2012
A short, fun read for Sherlock Holmes fans full of some of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous quotes all put together in a "self-help"(how to be more successful,etc) book. What a great idea to take a such a timeless, interesting & successful character & breakdown all the aspects of him. I also enjoyed learning about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's life & influences & how they played such a huge part in creating Mr. Holmes. I'm definitely looking forward to implementing some "Holmsian" ways into my life after reading this book. Thanks FirstReads Giveaway!
December 7, 2011
This book has the feeling of a persuasive college thesis. The author cites so many examples to support his findings, it seems desperate, and somewhat cheerleader-ish ("Come On! You Can Do It!"). Because my career is in quality assurance, however, I was able to correlate many of the author's points to those in a good Quality Management System. I'm also a big Sherlock Holmes fan, which is why I suggested my library buy this book. It offers some valuable lessons which many could benefit from, and is an easy read.
January 2, 2013
This self-help book masquerading as a secrets of Sherlock Holmes guide suffers from several unfortunate ideas, starting with the inability of the author to recognize that Holmes is a fictional character. None of the things that happen in the series of stories is actually true! The author does credit Doyle with a number of accomplishments, but then goes on to forget that Doyle created Holmes. Also, it's amazing how insulting to a character (Watson) you can be while attempting to pay tribute to them.
October 16, 2013
Although the book does offer many suggestions for success and fulfillment in your career and personal life as the title indicates, it reads like a weak college essay and gets a little preachy in some places.
I was disappointed because I'd hoped it would teach you how to be more observant and how to master deductive reasoning like Sherlock but to quote Conan Doyle's great detective, "You know a conjurer gets no credit once he shows you his trick; and if I show you too much of my method of working you will come to the conclusion that I am a very ordinary individual after all."
I was disappointed because I'd hoped it would teach you how to be more observant and how to master deductive reasoning like Sherlock but to quote Conan Doyle's great detective, "You know a conjurer gets no credit once he shows you his trick; and if I show you too much of my method of working you will come to the conclusion that I am a very ordinary individual after all."
October 28, 2011
This was a quick, easy read. The author lays out what he feels are Holmes' secrets to being successful and encourages the reader to apply those prinicpals to their own life.
Nothing very deep, but at least it reminded me how much I enjoyed the Holmes' stories years ago. I'll have to dig out the collection this winter and peruse a few.
P.s. Thanks to Goodreads and all involved for an ARC through the giveaway/first reads program!
Nothing very deep, but at least it reminded me how much I enjoyed the Holmes' stories years ago. I'll have to dig out the collection this winter and peruse a few.
P.s. Thanks to Goodreads and all involved for an ARC through the giveaway/first reads program!
October 23, 2011
I enjoyed reading about the habits and methods of the famous detective that made him such a success. Acord applies Holmes' rules for detecting to general success in life in this remarkable little self-help manual on how to succeed. I really enjoyed learning more about Holmes and his creator, Arthur Conan Doyle.
June 1, 2012
A decent book. I enjoyed the background tidbits about Conan Doyle much more than the self help part of the book.
Actually, the self help section seemed rather week, with an attitude of "why not try this" instead of a more researched methodology.
Still it is a quick and interesting read and definitely leads you to appreciate the details that Conan Doyle went to when writing the character.
Actually, the self help section seemed rather week, with an attitude of "why not try this" instead of a more researched methodology.
Still it is a quick and interesting read and definitely leads you to appreciate the details that Conan Doyle went to when writing the character.
February 19, 2014
This was an interesting book!
Some good lessons in here, but for me, the best part was the history of Conan Doyle and some of the people Holmes may have been based on!
This also makes me want to read ll of the Holmes books (of which I have only ever read very few. Okay, one, in school, a long time ago!).
Some good lessons in here, but for me, the best part was the history of Conan Doyle and some of the people Holmes may have been based on!
This also makes me want to read ll of the Holmes books (of which I have only ever read very few. Okay, one, in school, a long time ago!).
March 4, 2012
This book is mostly a waste of time. A person wanting the kind of information it promises would be much better off reading "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" and reviewing Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's wikipedia page.
July 8, 2012
Had I actually read this because it's a self-help book and I wanted self-help, I would probably have thought it was awesome. But since I just read it for Sherlockian pleasure, it wasn't quite as cool. Still not a bad read, though.
August 10, 2014
Quick read for fans of Sherlock Holmes stories that shows how you can apply some of Sherlock's traits to your own life to achieve success. Not a particularly deep book and there are some spoilers regarding the end results of some of the stories, but still a entertaining enough read.
March 25, 2015
This book uses Sherlock Holmes and his approach yo work and life as a role model that we can learn important lessons from. You don't have to know the Holmes stories to make use if the advice. But( it is more fun if you are familiar with the Holmes stories
January 3, 2017
I won this book in a good reads contests and I'm really looking forward to reading this book. I can't wait for it to get here.
December 17, 2011
Quick read with great lessons and Holmes quotes.
December 9, 2011
A brief summary of the personality traits the author thinks made Holmes such a success. I'm not normally a fan of self-help books, but who doesn't want to be more like Sherlock Holmes?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews