I am not ashamed to say I was riveted to the reading of this biography about one of the best writers of the 19th century (and into the 20th). The writing style of Stashower is unmatched by any of the numerous biographies read (by myself) in the past. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who would have their interests (on the life of Conan Doyle) met and satisfied on many different levels. I think it is the author's way of taking what could have been a very straightforward and boringly told story, and then offering it up in a way as to hold the attention.
To top it all, this is a wonderful period piece, a bonus.