Buddy Read - Sherlock Holmes

[Kirti]

Hi. Is anyone interested in reading the Sherlock Holmes series? I just finished reading A Study in Scarlet. Does anyone want to join me?

[Sehrish |]

I am currently half-way through Matched by Ally Condie.. When do you plan to start?

[Kirti]

I’m ready to start the second book, The Sign of Four. I can wait if you are up for it.

[Sehrish |]

Sounds good.. We can start Sunday? I will finish the 1st one too till then..

[Kirti]

Cool! This is going to be exciting as I have never tried buddy reading. Also, I’m not that fast a reader.

[Sehrish |]

This is my 1st time too.. I am a moderate reader too! Mainly coz of work I am not able to continously read.. But I to dedicate maximum over the weekends.. Let's see how this goes

[Kirti]

Same is the case with me. Because of work, I cannot read too much as well. But I try to read every night even if it is just a few pages. I’m very choosy as a reader so half of the time I spend in picking a book to read. Reading then doesn’t become an issue.
I don’t get weekends. I get half a Sunday. So it’s all the same for me.
I’m receiving volume 1 of the comic Saga tomorrow. By Sunday I shall read that.

[Sehrish |]

Awesome! Let's see how this goes! Good luck to us!

[Savita]

Hello , Kirti and Sehrish ! I would like to join the Buddy Read for The Sign of The Four . At present I am reading The Jungle Book , and am more than two thirds through , so I can join this Buddy Read soon - by Sunday or Monday .

[Kirti]

Hi Savita, you are very welcome to join :) the more the merrier

[Sehrish |]

Heyyyy! Welcome Savita.. I am also going to start Sunday

[Savita]

Thank you Kirti and Sehrish 😊 ! Looking forward to our Buddy Read !

[Savita]

I've reached Chapter 3
Chapter 2 : (view spoiler)[ I wonder who wants to meet Mary Morstan ? It's all a bit scary !
And I wonder whether her father is still alive after all these years ? Fishy situation ! (hide spoiler)]

[Kirti]

Could only manage Chapter 1 today.
It is irritating that Sherlock is portrayed so egoistic (though deservedly so) and yet he tries to sound so humble. And that the same is being acknowledged by the writer as well. The hype about Sherlock Holmes creates a very high regard for him and to witness his pompous nature and dogmatic tone kind of bursts the bubble for me personally.
Also, just reading the first chapter makes me wonder if a romantic chemistry between Watson and Sherlock obviously visible or is it just me?
Having said that I am sure it is going to be an interesting read.

[Savita]

It is true that Sherlock is egoistic and pompous at times , but , still then , I quite like him 😕😏😊 ! He has a single minded devotion to his work , is well read and really good at his work . There is nothing mean and sneaky about him .
I think John Watson has a very comfortable relationship with him . He is tolerant of Sherlock's faults , and they seem to complement each other well .
Hercule Poirot ( Agatha Christie ) is , if I remember right , also a bit egoistic and pompous ! But Miss Marple ( also Agatha Christie ) is really a dear ! Not at all egoistic or pompous !
What a pity Sherlock is a morphine and cocaine addict .

[Kirti]

Savita wrote: "It is true that Sherlock is egoistic and pompous at times , but , still then , I quite like him 😕😏😊 ! He has a single minded devotion to his work , is well read and really good at his work . There ..."

I don't mind him being egoistic or pompous. He has superior qualities. I get irritated because he tries to be humble and calls the train of observations and deduction as simple which surely he couldn't have mastered overnight himself.
As for Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, I am yet to read those. Crime, Mystery, Thriller etc. weren't one of my favorites. So which one is better to start with after this Sherlock series? Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple?

[Savita]

You have a point ( about Sherlock ) , Kirti , but , on the whole , I think you'll get to like the mysteries and the way they are solved .
Scotland Yard ( London's police HQ ) was so impressed by A C Doyle that they asked for his opinion on the possible identity of Jack the Ripper , a case that never got solved satisfactorily .
Miss Marple mysteries are homely , and very enjoyable especially with a cup of good coffee !
Hercule Poirot is a bit like Sherlock Holmes .
I suppose you could choose a Miss Marple book first , if you decide to read more mystery thrillers . But better read after a gap rather than continuously .

[Kirti]

Hey that was an interesting fact to know Savita. Thank you. Your considered and detailed opinion is also appreciated.

Status update: Finished Chapter 4.

[Savita]

Thank you , Kirti .
I hope Sehrish will be able to comment over the weekend .

[Sehrish |]

Hey Guys!! sorry for being AWOL. Weekend was so crazy, I thought I could get some reading done but couldn't 😕

I am starting now and will share an update soon! I see you guys are already having so much fun... 😄

[Savita]

No problem , Sehrish , don't worry ! Please read and make comments at your convenience . This is just for fun . Looking forward to your remarks 😊
By the way , we could use html format for spoilers , or just precede the spoiler by - * spoiler alert * , whichever you and Kirti prefer .

[Kirti]

Hi Sehrish. I hope your crazy weekend was good crazy. Glad you can join us.

Savita, post the spoilers in whichever way convenient to you. Where have you reached in the book? Do share your insights.

Chapter 7 (view spoiler)[ I have reached where Toby the dog is called upon to sniff the handkerchief. To be honest my head is spinning. I know we are taken through the journey from Watson's point of view so he and I cannot jot the dots. There are so many clues and it doesn't add up together so far. Just to show the heroics of our beloved Sherlock Holmes.
And what is this love angle between Watson and Mary Morstan? I bet they won't end up together. Story of all decent men! (hide spoiler)]

The writing style of the author is good. Descriptions in particular.

[Savita]

I agree about the writing style of the author , especially the descriptions .
I've reached half-way through chapter 7 (view spoiler)[ There is a lot of treachery associated with the Agra treasure , and generation of dangerous greed , ruthlessness and vengeance . Among the curiosities are the curious footprints of the accomplice in the garret . Those of a child or a woman ! Coming down from the garret to the ground was really a dangerous job !
The romance between Watson and Mary is really sweet . Let's see how it develops . The prospect of Mary becoming a rich heiress is an unfortunate wall between them . Prefer poor Watson to the fabulous Agra treasure ! Let's see how it develops ! 😏 (hide spoiler)]
Enjoying the story !

[Sehrish |]

I love Sherlock.. It was one of the very 1st books I had read when I was in school.. And Sherlock is also one of my favorite TV series of all time..

Sherlock is by far the most egotistical, narcissistic person I have ever read about.. But I love love love him.... ❤️❤️❤️ Dr. Watson is just such a nice companion to Sherlock..

I love the writing, the way the characters are defined is so damn believable!! It's hard to believe Sherlock and Dr. Watson don't exist in real life..

I will share more details once I read more! ✌❤️

[Savita]

Imagine if Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson had existed in real life !! 😏😊
Looking forward to further comments from you and Kirti 😊

[Kirti]

What if Sherlock and Watson existed in reality?
First of all, court cases would conclude promptly instead of files basking under dust for years.
The convict might actually be caught and punished before he’s long dead or disappeared.
The media wouldn’t web dreamy stories of their own to cover up the truth for their mouths would have been full with bundles of cash and threats. Watson might provide us with a detailed account of the incidents.
Justice and media would get a new and transparent face especially in a country like India. But would it really?

So Sherlock might become a celebrity or just another underachiever. As the limelight is usually stolen by the officials even in the books, even if Sherlock did really exist, he might stay unknown. After-all, Sherlock is a human being with immense knowledge in his field and unbelievable talent and not someone like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson with magical/super human capabilities. Who knows if someone like that already exists!

And if we had to imagine why not imagine if Voldemort existed? Or what if dogs were actually the ones ruling the world? Or what if we could land into the Renaissance Period?

But I’ve got an actual question wondering around the Sherlock topic. How much would Sherlock be earning in that era? We know that Watson didn’t earn much and he could afford the apartment they’re sharing. So how much did Sherlock earn?

[Sehrish |]

Savita wrote: "Imagine if Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson had existed in real life !! 😏😊
Looking forward to further comments from you and Kirti 😊"

I would be living next door to them and seeing all the action in real-life.. 🧐

[Sehrish |]

Kirti wrote: "What if Sherlock and Watson existed in reality?
First of all, court cases would conclude promptly instead of files basking under dust for years.
The convict might actually be caught and punished be..."

You know what!! this question always hovered in my head.. even in "A Study in Scarlet" Dr. Watson had just returned from war and was moving out of the hotel coz he couldn't afford to pay that much, then he moved with Sherlock in this nice house and they have a full-time maid.. 😱 Where is the money coming from??? Plus Sherlock doesn't really "work" for someone, he only takes cases with intrigues him.. so truly, how do they earn? and how much???

[Savita]

Kirti wrote: "What if Sherlock and Watson existed in reality?
First of all, court cases would conclude promptly instead of files basking under dust for years.
The convict might actually be caught and punished be..."

Interesting points , Kirti ! Agree with the points made .
" Who knows if someone like that already exists ! " . Shouldn't let the world trample over you and be gone . Have to be reasonably assertive in this world of ours !
About his earnings - he built up a good reputation with time , and had a good practice . Some of his clients were extremely distinguished and wealthy , and would pay him handsomely .

[Savita]

Sehrish wrote: "Savita wrote: "Imagine if Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson had existed in real life !! 😏😊
Looking forward to further comments from you and Kirti 😊"

I would be living next door to them and seeing all..."

Hey , that would be superb , Sehrish ! 😇

[Kirti]

Savita wrote: "Kirti wrote: "What if Sherlock and Watson existed in reality?
First of all, court cases would conclude promptly instead of files basking under dust for years.
The convict might actually be caught a..."

I would like for you to elaborate on your remarks for the philosophy that interests me. "Shouldn't let the world trample over you and be gone. Have to be reasonably assertive in this world of ours!"

[Kirti]

I'm done with The Sign of Four.

Overall rating 3.5

(view spoiler)[
This seemed like a classic Sherlock. The backstory was thankfully a little shorter than its predecessor. I found it more interesting as well. But to think of it, don't you think the basic plot remains the same? Well, I do understand that murders and theft always have vengeance as its protagonist, but this is why I guess I have been shy of such a genre. The culprit remains a curious aspect but the story always fails to create an identity of its own. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this one. The launch chase especially was the highlight.

An interesting quote I found was, "....but I suppose every one
has some little immortal spark concealed about him.
You would not think it, to look at them. There is
no a priori probability about it. A strange enigma
is a man...".

Watson and Mary end up together. What a bummer! I wonder what will happen to them in the next book. How will Watson participate with Sherlock? Will Mary live with them?

Also, another annoying part was that the treasure was not found.
And that there was no record of the other three of 'The Sign of Four'.

Let me know if I have missed a point.
(hide spoiler)]

More questions will gradually arise once the story is settled in my head. By the time, I shall wait to hear from you two.

[Savita]

Kirti wrote: "Savita wrote: "Kirti wrote: "What if Sherlock and Watson existed in reality?
First of all, court cases would conclude promptly instead of files basking under dust for years.
The convict might actua..."

Actually , there is an old story of a very aggressive snake who lived in a village . He used to go around biting all the villagers , who , one day , all went to the village priest and complained against the snake .
The priest called the snake and counselled him . The snake went back with stout promises to listen to the priest's advice .
However , a week later he came back to the priest and said , " Oh , Wise One , I listened to your advice , but now the villagers are laughing at me and hitting me with stones ! Look at my bruised body ! "
The priest said , " I advised you not to be aggressive unprovoked . I did not tell you not to defend yourself justifiably if provoked or attacked . Don't be aggressive , but don't be a doormat either . "
Gautum Buddha's Middle Pathway

[Savita]

Theodore Roosevelt's words also illustrates this philosophy and human psychology : speak softly and carry a big stick ( body language ) . You will go far .

[Savita]

I've reached chapter 10 , and will comment shortly .
Where are you , Sehrish ?

[Savita]

By the way , thanks for asking , Kirti .

[Kirti]

Savita wrote: "Kirti wrote: "Savita wrote: "Kirti wrote: "What if Sherlock and Watson existed in reality?
First of all, court cases would conclude promptly instead of files basking under dust for years.
The convi..."

I totally agree with you. Thank you for sharing such a simple yet profound story. I haven't heard the story but the message was very clear.
And it was my pleasure to discuss, to hear positive cheering philosophy. It is something that someone like me needs to be reminded from time to time. But to be honest, isn't it a bit sad to have to conduct ourselves in a certain manner? But who doesn't need to in this world! Animals and plants have their own defense mechanisms. That is so for their own survival. For us humans, it isn't just our lives we must protect, but the personality is in grave danger too.

[Kirti]

Sehrish wrote: "Kirti wrote: "What if Sherlock and Watson existed in reality?
First of all, court cases would conclude promptly instead of files basking under dust for years.
The convict might actually be caught a..."

I know right!

(view spoiler)[
Just like in this one, they found the treasure chest but not the jewels. He was actually given the case by Mary. She was herself serving someone else. Plus, deprived of the treasure in the end. So how was Sherlock paid? And now that Mary and Watson have a love angle, would he take the money from someone who is his roommate's love even if she offered? Unless of course, Thaddeus Shoto pays him or if the government grants him some money for his services. But if he had to take the government money, why wouldn't he join the services himself!
(hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

Kirti wrote: "Savita wrote: "Kirti wrote: "Savita wrote: "Kirti wrote: "What if Sherlock and Watson existed in reality?
First of all, court cases would conclude promptly instead of files basking under dust for y..."

Thanks , Kirti !

[Savita]

I've reached chapter 12
Chapter 7 : (view spoiler)[ What a disappointment and a joke at the end of chapter 7 - finding a barrel of creosote 😂 ! (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 8 : (view spoiler)[ I liked Dr Watson's thoughts : True , if I found it ( the Agra treasure ) , it would put her forever beyond my reach . Yet , it would be a petty and selfish love which would be influenced by such a thought as that . (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 8 (view spoiler)[ the identity of the accomplice is interesting . An aboriginal ! A cannibal ! Oh God ! (hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

Chapter 10 (view spoiler)[ What a narrow escape for S Holmes and Dr Watson from those poisonous darts ! They very nearly got killed themselves 😱 ! Dangerous job . (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 11 The Agra treasure (view spoiler)[ So sad and so happy that the treasure was lost ! 😱😁 . What could be better than the removal of the wall between Dr Watson and gentle Mary ? Like Dr Watson said , a treasure lost , a treasure gained !
The treasure was a bad omen . I think no good would have come out of it . (hide spoiler)]

[Sehrish |]

Hello lovely people! Fellow book-lovers!!

how is it going??? 😎

I have finished the 1st and 2nd books ----

1. A Study in Scarlet - 4.5/5 stars: I love this book. Although I love the characters so much, I dived into this as a new-comer, 1st time reader. Sherlock Holmes as a personality itself is a genius and we have already established this fact! This book as an introduction to the world of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson was beautifully written and expressed. I was hooked to this from the beginning. Wasn't too complicated and once the final discoveries were made, I was smiling to myself and clapping in excitement.. 😃 I am sure you guys enjoyed it as much as I did.

2. The Sign of Four - 3.5/5 stars: Straight-up, It was disappointing in the end. All the build-up for nothing...towards the end of Chapter 7, I was literally on the edge of my seat that finally, something is gonna be discovered but was extremely disappointed, the story picked up again in the next 2 chapters and I thought something damn interesting will happen now, biting my nails and waiting for the final reveal. I was more interested in the treasure I guess... 😵 🤑. I loved the start of a love story between Mary and Dr. Watson 😍

I have a feeling, this while treasure thing will come-up again in some other chapter... hmmm!! 😏 what do you both think?

Overall: I sometimes have to re-do a few sentences or sometimes even a complete chapter because the writing style is so different, and also because we don't belong to that generation, its sometimes difficult to follow --- is this just me? or you two also have the same problem?

[Sehrish |]

Also, have you guys started the next book in the series? I haven't yet!

[Savita]

Sehrish wrote: "Hello lovely people! Fellow book-lovers!!

how is it going??? 😎

I have finished the 1st and 2nd books ----

1. A Study in Scarlet - 4.5/5 stars: I love this book. Although I love the characters so..."

Sorry for lagging behind ! I've just finished the book . (view spoiler)[ There is an element of disappointment in the final pages , especially because of the lost treasure . But I felt so happy for Dr Watson and Mary . The treasure would have come between them . That would have been sad and disappointing - more so , I feel
" .. this treasure thing will come up again in some other chapter ... " . Do you mean the Agra treasure , Sehrish ? I think it's lost for good . But can they attempt to retrieve at least part of it ? I really don't know ! Worth trying anyway !
I was irritated with Jonathan Small for calling Indians black fiends ! How rude and mean ! (hide spoiler)]
On the whole I gave the book 4 stars / 5 stars : there is a beautiful message of real love amidst all the treachery , greed and vengeance
(view spoiler)[ The Agra treasure was fabulous . Real love is priceless . (hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

Sehrish wrote: "Also, have you guys started the next book in the series? I haven't yet!"

Which is the next book in the series ?

[Sehrish |]

Hey Savita... that's fine. I started late too, I guess Kirti is the only one reading faster than us both.. 😁

yes, I was thinking about the treasure of Agra reappearing in some other book.. may be.. not sure... you know in the last chapter when Dr. Watson said to S. Holmes... "The division seems rather unfair," I remarked. "You have done all the work
in this business. I get a wife out of it, Jones gets the credit, pray what remains for you?" I seriously thought S. Holmes would say the Agra Treasure.. It would have blown my mind... 😂😂😂😂

The next book according to goodreads is The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes... Kirti, can you confirm?

[Kirti]

Hi guys. Sorry I’ve been away for a while.
I shall resume reading and discussing on this thread from tomorrow or the day after.

While Goodreads show the adventures of Sherlock Holmes as the third in the series I read somewhere that chronologically that is not the case. But I guess we shall stick to the order as it appears here. Sound good?

[Sehrish |]

sounds good Kirti..

Here's a list of all the titles under The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes:

"A Scandal in Bohemia"
"The Red-Headed League"
"A Case of Identity"
"The Boscombe Valley Mystery"
"The Five Orange Pips"
"The Man with the Twisted Lip"
"The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle"
"The Adventure of the Speckled Band"
"The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb"
"The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor"
"The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet"
"The Adventure of the Copper Beeches"

I have them in this same series, we can discuss after each case..

[Savita]

I'll start A Scandal in Bohemia today or tomorrow . Hope both of you will join in soon .

[Kirti]

Okay it's settled then. We shall start with A Scandal in Bohemia. I will also start today. Have a happy Sunday.