The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes, Volume One

Bert Coules' Sherlock Holmes (BBC Radio, 1989-1998) #14

by Bert Coules (Adapter), Arthur Conan Doyle, Clive Merrison (Narrator)

Clive Merrison stars as Holmes with Michael Williams as Watson in these adventures, part of the fully dramatised BBC canon of Conan Doyle's short stories and novels featuring the world-famous sleuth.

The Illustrious Client --
The Blanched Soldier --
The Mazarin Stone --
The Three Gables.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Classics, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Classic Literature

3 pages, Audio CD

First published February 6, 1996

About the author

Bert Coules is an English writer, and dramatist, who has produced a number of adaptations and original works. He works mainly in radio drama but also writes for TV and the stage.

Coules specializes in mystery and science fiction audio and radio drama, and has written a number of adaptations, most notably as the head writer of the Sherlock Holmes radio series (1989–1998) starring Clive Merrison as Holmes and Michael Williams as Watson (the first time the entire canon had been adapted with the same two lead actors throughout). He also wrote original Sherlock Holmes scripts for the following BBC radio series The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, each based on a reference from the original stories. These were first broadcast between 2002 and 2010, and starred Merrison and Andrew Sachs as Watson, following Michael Williams' death in 2001.

He has also written adaptations of several of Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael novels, and of works by Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Isaac Asimov and other best-selling genre authors.

[with thanks to Wikipedia]

Reviews

[Ivy-Mabel Fling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, like all Holmes stories in my view, is entertaining but some of the cases are a bit flimsy, as if the author were running out of steam.

[Monika Thakur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes mysteries are always enjoyable.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually see little need for a review of any Sherlock Holmes book at this point. They are all best summed up in two words: "That's Entertainment". They are a guilty pleasure, a lovely distraction from reality, and a heck of a lot of fun. The edition I am reviewing is actually a Dover Thrift edition simply called "The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes"; it consists of a number of easily read cases apparently released to the public after the whole franchise was considered tapped out by the esteemed writer, who seemed capable of writing these stories in his sleep.
What intrigues me more than the actual stories, or "cases", is the character of Sherlock Holes himself. He is given an almost mythological enigmatic and eccentric presence in these books, which is definitely part of the appeal. His trust-worthy side-kick Watson allows us all to get just near enough to the Holmes character to find him both fascinating and puzzling.
To put it another way, he is presented as a charismatic and brilliant and successful man. So why no woman (or is there one hidden somewhere in all the volumes?) ? To put it yet another way, was Sherlock Holmes just a man so committed to his career he had no sex life, or was he gay without the author spelling it out? He certainly seems tender toward the good doctor sometimes and enjoys hanging out with him a lot. He also seems to look askance at females in general, although he is polite and in their presence, hardly a misogynist. they are just one more "suspect" to him, although he does seem to offer admiring words at times as to their appearance. If he ever feels desire or lust we are not privy to this, as he is, after all, a sort of "super-hero" so the author gives him no such weakness.
In the end I assume my speculations as to the true nature of Mr. Holmes is just plain silly. It's a bit like those who insist that Jesus was gay. Please. And does it matter? Let's face it: there is nothing more fascinating than asexual characters! In Holme's case the reader is left to read between the lines and be teased by the intriguing possibility: if anyone could've lived with nimble ease in the closet in his era and not leave a trace or a clue as to his peccadillo it would be Sherlock Holmes.
If you think you hate "detective books" give Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock a try. You might be delightfully surprised. You might even find yourself hooked like thousands of other readers.

[Monique Boodram · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adapting a book to an audio drama is difficult, and I give Coules credit for his efforts. I have my complaints, but it mostly lies with The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes being the least brilliant collection of stories in the Canon— Doyle was truly fed up with Holmes.

Firstly, I think Mrs Watson's character was unnecessary and had too much involvement. I however, appreciate the imaginative aspect of her introduction to this adaptation. The audio was difficult to follow who's who, and Holmes lacked cunningness. Unlike in their younger days, there were struggles to solve the cases. I don't remember this selection of stories being this unappealing, and I am going to have to revisit them.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? It's Sherlock Holmes BY Conan Doyle. It's all been said before by others much more elegant than myself. You get intriguing stories written by a master. Others may write Holmes stories in any number of varieties - contemporary, Watson only, gender switches, Holmes married, different time periods, etc - forget them. They do not satisfy like the real thing. There is a reason while these stories have been enjoyed, filmed, talked about for all these years.

Rereading for fun.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

The continuing saga of Sherlock Holmes with these Short Stories and Novellas. Some very good, others not so. Within these stories you continue to get sweet glimpses of the ever growing relationship of Holmes and Watson.

Watson is no longer seen as a bumbling idiot that Holmes looks down on. But, by now Holmes sees and views Watson, not just as a colleague, but also an equal.

[Vijay Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book shows Holmes solving some unique but equally puzzling cases using his smart brain. Interesting piece about this book is Holmes writing memoirs of some cases on his own. This easy to read book at many places displays holmes’ talent as a detective. A good read for those who love mysteries being solved with the help of some basic mundane facts and some trivial details.

[gem_reads_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think there's no denying that these books are classics, however they didn't date too well, there were several racist and outdated references and I found it hard to get past these parts. So much so that I've decided not to carry on with volumes 2 and 3.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some stories in the BBC Sherlock are mentioned here which was nice, though the ending was different. I especially like where Sherlock talks about how he is fond of Watson and the value he provides for their tasks.

[Lalit Kumar · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a collection of independent stories. I didn't feel that vibe Holmes is famous for. But as the book progresses, stories keep getting more complex and classic Holmes kind. It is a good simple read though, not very very addictive, short, and easy to read.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories were too short!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arthur Conan Doyle's b-list stories. Enjoyable in the same sense as routine sex or leftover pizza.

[Taya C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this on audiobook while doing runs - multiple short mysteries made it easy to follow and not have to get heavily engaged with the book.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sir Arthur is the man.

[Anandu KP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick chapters that demonstrate the astonishing powers of Dr Watson's friend, Mr Sherlock Holmes. I read this book a while ago. It was really thrilling and at the same time, enjoyable...

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to know Holmes and Watson, read these latter works. Classic Doyle.

[James Speiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick little tales of deduction. Very interesting and doesn't drag on.

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a fun and light read, reminded me just how much I love the characters.

[Charu · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such fun cases. I listened to them.

[ReneeKB]

Loved it, also compared storylines on 'Elementary' tv series with the plots in the book

[Bethy Lansford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as other Sherlocks. Cases lacked depth and interest. Especially disappointed with the one where Sherlock used that secret door.

[Cyriacus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit disappointed

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found audio versions of several Holmes books recorded by LibriVox. Enjoying reading/listening them at bedtime.

[Rosebud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable reading.....late night by the fire or in bed!

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

the great detective

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the audiobook with David Timson as narrator. He's good at distinguishing voices, which makes it easier to listen to.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

used audiobook

[ShihabWaHed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started a SHERLOCKIAN era..

[Susan Forsgren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic.