Buddy Read - Sherlock Holmes

[Savita]

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

Happy Sunday to you and Sehrish 📖😊

[Bela]

Hey guys, I hope you don’t mind if I barge in on your buddy group.
I have read almost all the works of SH but that was aeons ago . I have no recollection of any of the stories right now. You people inspire me to take it up once again. So if it’s alright with you all , I will join in for the scandal in Bohemia

[Kirti]

I'm glad our discussion inspired you to join us. You are more than welcome to join us. The more the merrier. :)

[Savita]

Bela wrote: "Hey guys, I hope you don’t mind if I barge in on your buddy group.
I have read almost all the works of SH but that was aeons ago . I have no recollection of any of the stories right now. You peopl..."

Most welcome , Bela ! As Kirti says - the more the merrier 😊 !

[Sehrish |]

Welcome Bela! Happy to have you! 😃

[Savita]

Hello everyone ! I've finished A Scandal in Bohemia . It was entertaining and I enjoyed reading it . (view spoiler)[ The end was unexpected ! Irene Adler outwitted Sherlock Holmes !! She walks away , rightly , with all his admiration and sympathy !
As to his Majesty , I couldn't help laughing when S. Holmes tells him coldly , " .... she seems to be on a very different level to your Majesty .... " . Sherlock ignores the emerald snake ring on the king's outstretched hand , and walks away with Irene's beautiful photograph , .... full of admiration and sympathy ! Cheers ! Now no one needs the king's ring ! 😁
Wealth is not everything . Character is important too . (hide spoiler)]
Waiting for all your remarks .... for or against 😊

[Kirti]

Hi. I am done with A Scandal in Bohemia as well.
(view spoiler)[
I liked the shorter version of Sherlock Holmes more than the longer ones that we have read so far. It gives us precisely what we expect from it. The brilliance of Sherlock Holmes and nothing else.
Though I admit it would have been interesting to find out more about the scandal between the King and Irene Adler!
Also, Irene Adler! It would have been more appreciated if Irene Adler was described and included more. Isn't she the type of woman any man would fancy - Beauty and Wit!
I also liked the attribute that the King mentions about her - that if she has given her word, the picture is safer than ever.
On second thoughts I think the mystery itself makes her so special. If we had found out more about her, maybe her flaws, we might not admire her so much. So I think overall, it was well thought of.

Anyway, the end was a good one. I agree with you Savita. The remark that Sherlock makes comparing the king's and Irene's level was a good one. Also, wealth is not everything, the character is important too. But how many of us actually prioritize our behavior or decisions in the same manner?

I also wondered in the beginning as to why Watson was required to Sherlock. It irritated me, to be honest. But him playing a part in creating a fake fire cleared my doubts of his importance in the story. At least in this one.
(hide spoiler)]

Not to forget I simply admire the writing style of the author.

[Bela]

I too have finished the scandal. I have always been a little in awe of Holmes’ deductive prowess. But this time he seemed to have met his match.

[Savita]

Very realistic points about wealth , and about character flaws , Kirti .
(view spoiler)[ Acquiring wealth is no sin , but not at the cost of principles . However , in reality , principles are often sacrificed in the rush to get rich . An occasoinal person does hold back , and he / she sets the others thinking . Humanity is influenced and inspired . Our vision becomes less short sighted . We become focussed on the examination of life and the importance of passing it , if we wish to get Salvation , and acquire the visa for Heaven . Heaven ?! A place where there are eternal bonds of real love , immortal happiness , no disease , no ageing and no death . How brillant are the temporary treasure houses of earth compared with immortal happiness in Heaven ? I think it is worth trying to achieve Salvation and get the visa for Heaven , rather than coming back again and agin to earth . Rebirth and rebirth .... in this difficult and painful environment on earth .
The Upanishads say " To get Salvation is as difficult as to be able to pas over the razor's edge . " . The razor's edge : earthly temptations over which we tend to stumble , slip and succumb !.
But it is not inacievable for an influenced and inspired humanity . (hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

Msg cont'd : About character flaws - (view spoiler)[ To err is human . If Irene's inevitable flaws are forgivable , they should be acceptable . Otherwise , she had so much going for her - beauty , wit and honour . Quite rare . (hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

Bela wrote: "I too have finished the scandal. I have always been a little in awe of Holmes’ deductive prowess. But this time he seemed to have met his match."

(view spoiler)[ Yes , he met his match , Bela 😊 ! (hide spoiler)]

[Kirti]

Savita wrote: "Very realistic points about wealth , and about character flaws , Kirti .
Acquiring wealth is no sin , but not at the cost of principles . However , in reality , principles are often sacrificed i..."

This is too heavy! I like it.

Principles are sacrificed not only to get rich, but also to secure falsely advertised, short lived happiness. Sometimes, I wonder if principles are extinct. Principles change according to the priority that a change in situation demands. In short, principles are short lived these days according to convenience. People call it living practically.

I loved your line - "Humanity is influenced and inspired".

By the way, do we even know if there is a Heaven? I am neither for or against in this particular matter. And sometimes I do feel that yes, there can be other forms of lives on another planets or galaxies, and that we must pass through the cycle of reincarnation in some form or the other. But my point is that I feel that being human seems better at times. All the emotions that we despise or love are better than to go through robotic measures to achieve salvation.

Hey, these are just my views. I didn't mean to offend anyone if at all I did.

(view spoiler)[
Also, the thought of Irene's faults isn't repelled or disrespected by me. Without flaws one ain't human. Which was exactly my point. Her flaws aren't described which made her angelic and perfect and unachievable. It is just dreamy this way. If someone's flaws are forgiven they should surely be accepted.
(hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

Does Heaven exist ? It is generally believed that we are accountable for our actions . As you have sown , so you shall reap . One of the reasons to believe in Heaven's existence , Kirti .

[Kirti]

Savita wrote: "Does Heaven exist ? It is generally believed that we are accountable for our actions .
As you have sown , so you shall reap
. One of the reasons to believe in Heaven's existence , Kirti ."

I totally believe in Karma. I am just not sure in my own beliefs as to how sophisticated is the system after life. Again, I do not deny in existence of a "Heaven".

[Savita]

Kirti wrote: "Savita wrote: "Does Heaven exist ? It is generally believed that we are accountable for our actions .
As you have sown , so you shall reap
. One of the reasons to believe in Heaven's existence ..."

Your thoughts are perfectly reasonable , Kirti ! ☺

[Sehrish |]

I see some amazing discussions going on here..

I finished The Scandal in Bohemia too.. And I agree with Kirti.. I liked this small but powerful writing more than the longer stories..

I was laughing out loud when Irene just simply walked away.. It was like a 'mike-drop', 'In your face Sherlock Holmes'... Thoroughly enjoyed it.. I wish there was more of her in the book.. Like describing her character more or have some more incidents backing up her witty character!

I hope she comes up in the future books too..!

Will start 'The Red-headed League' tomorrow.. Will share update soon!!

Happy Friday guys!!

[Bela]

These short stories are somewhat more satisfying.. it’s like instant gratification when you are not in the mood for longer novels ( though those are way more meatier in terms of content).

Anyways, I have finished reading the Red headed league. Waiting for you guys .

[Savita]

Started Red headed league . Will catch up soon .
Happy Friday everyone 😊

[Sehrish |]

Finished 'The Red-headed League'.. I think it was an okayish case considering Sherlock's capability... I mean there was some 'masala missing'... (view spoiler)[The moment the red-headed man started talking about how his assistant forced him to get the job and lured him into it, it was very clear he was somehow involved. But how Sherlock deducted everything about John Clay was something I didn't understand...how did he deduce about Vincent's photography, his interest in Cellar, how they are going to dig up a cellar etc... may be I missed something, you guys can help me with this. (hide spoiler)]

[Bela]

Totally agree. This was not up to SH standards.

[Sehrish |]

Done with 'A Case of Identity'. This one was really fun.. 😂

[Savita]

Sehrish wrote: "Finished 'The Red-headed League'.. I think it was an okayish case considering Sherlock's capability... I mean there was some 'masala missing'... [spoilers removed]"

Finished Red Headed League . (view spoiler)[ Sehrish , Mr Wilson tells Sherlock about Vincent's interest in photography and that he ( Vincent ) was constantly using the cellar as a dark room for developing prints . This arouses Sherlock's suspicion . Coupled to this fact was the presence of a large bank next door , SH taps over the front side pavement to detect the presence of a tunnel beneath . He dosen't find any change in the tapping sound , so his interest focuses on the rear side of the building . Further , I think , John Clay was wanted for other bank robberies that SH knew of . He ( John Clay ) had an acid mark over his forehead which served as an identification . (hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

Looking forward to reading A Case of Identity .

[Kirti]

I too finished Red Headed League.

I had already lowered my expectations after Sehrish's and Bella's reviews. So it wasn't a huge disappointed for me.

(view spoiler)[
On the contrary, the peculiarity of the case was pretty amusing. A summons/interview for only red headed people!
As Savita pointed it out, it was quite evident that the half wage, over enthusiastic assistant was a suspect right from the beginning.
(hide spoiler)]

[Sehrish |]

Happy Happy Weekend Guys! Hope we all get to do more reading this weekend! 😃

Thank you Savita for your insights.. May have missed that cellar info and hence was very confused about it at the end. However, the case was still below par considering other interesting cases.

I just finished 'The Boscombe Valley Mystery'. It has a mind vs. heart kind of an ending and surprisingly SH used a little bit of his heart, that made me very happy.🤗

I think you all will like this case.. Will wait till you finish to continue further.. Enjoy Reading!📖❤️

[Kirti]

Hello.

I also finished The Boscombe Valley Mystery.
It was another one celebrating the brilliance of Sherlock Holmes and the author himself.

A Case of Identity was an extremely annoying one for me. Even worse than The Red-Headed League.

[Sehrish |]

Finished 'The Five Orange Pips' and 'The Man with the Twisted Lip'. Didn't find these interesting. 🙄

The Five Orange Pips: I think this didn't have a satisfactory ending really. The story felt so long, I was hoping for some definite action at the end, but was disappointed.

The Man with the Twisted Lip: The story was fun at the end really, but didn't need SH kind of investigation.

[Bela]

Whoa! You all seem to be on a roll. Good going.

I have been too tied up with other things these past couple of days. I haven’t done any reading over the weekend. Hope to catch up with you all soon.

[Savita]

I 'm lagging way behind ! 😱 ! I've finished A Case of Identity . (view spoiler)[ It was a bit tranparent , but I enjoyed the story . The nerve of the stepfather ! Cruel and selfish person ! And the mother was involved too ! How terrible ! Poor , poor Mary ! I feel the truth should have been revealed to her by SH , though the Persian saying has a point . Mary needed to be warned against her stepfather and her mother . Really , human behavior , sometimes .... ! 😱 ! What do you all think ? (hide spoiler)]
I gave the case 3.5 🔯s

[Savita]

Bela wrote: "Whoa! You all seem to be on a roll. Good going.

I have been too tied up with other things these past couple of days. I haven’t done any reading over the weekend. Hope to catch up with you all soon."

I have some catching up to do , too , Bela ! 😱😊

[Savita]

I've finished Boscombe Valley Mystery . I liked the story and the ending . (view spoiler)[ I am glad SH followed the course of flexible , compassionate Justice , rather than that of rigid Law . But he also pointed out that , " .... you will soon have to answer for your deeds in a higher court than Assizes . " . (hide spoiler)]
Bela's comment is awaited .

[Savita]

I think I'll skip to the Blue Carbuncle , otherwise I'm lagging too far behind . What about all of you ?

[Kirti]

Savita wrote: "I think I'll skip to the Blue Carbuncle , otherwise I'm lagging too far behind . What about all of you ?"

I haven't been able to read since two days. So don't worry, I will also start The Five Orange Pips tonight.

[Sehrish |]

I have finished the next two in the series.

The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle: This was was not that great for me.

The Adventure of the Speckled Band: I liked this one, the story was interesting and Sherlock's observations and skills were very interesting to read too.. I liked this one better considering the past 3-4 short stories.

@Savita and @Bela, enjoy the books, you don't need to skip any. I will take a pause for now and wait for ya'll to catch-up

[Savita]

Thanks , Kirti and Sehrish 😊 ! I'll start Five Orange Pips tonight then . Happy reading to us all 😊 📖 !

[Savita]

Finished Five Orange Pips . Liked the story (view spoiler)[ Ah ! Precise Divine Justice occurred before human justice could be brought about . The wheels of Divine Justice roll slowly but surely (hide spoiler)]
4 🔯

[Kirti]

Sehrish wrote: "I have finished the next two in the series.

The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle: This was was not that great for me.

The Adventure of the Speckled Band: I liked this one, the story was interesti..."

Very kind of you to wait for us.

[Kirti]

Finished Five Orange Pips and The Man with Twisted Lip

(view spoiler)[

The Orange Pip was an interesting case. Unfortunately, Openshaw couldn't be saved. The spirit displayed by SH to continue with the case even after his client's death was commendable. On first thoughts, I found it incomplete to not get a proper closure. But on second thoughts it was really an apt end. It really shows the brilliance of Arthur Conan Doyle.

Talking about his brilliance, The Man with the Twisted Lip was another example. The simplicity of the cause versus the complexity of the case. Though a chain of reasoning from SH was missing from this one.

Also the different modes of justice in these two different stories is also very much appreciated and joins the list of better characteristic traits of SH.
(hide spoiler)]

I am more amused by the nature and diversity of the cases than the brilliance of SH. Kudos to the writer!

[Savita]

I've finished The Man with the Twisted Lips . Amusing and amazing ! (view spoiler)[ Amazing double life ! (hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

Hello folks ! Due to my time limitation , I've decided to read The Engineer's thumb next , when Kirti and Bela have caught up . 😊

[Sehrish |]

Hi Ladies and Gent! 😇

I haven't started "The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb" yet. Will do it shortly and hoping to finish the remaining 3 Adventures during the weekend (4 including the Engineer's Thumb).

Also, I wanted to share another bookish related info with you guys... I will be participating in a 'Reading Rush Challenge' during the week of July 20th (Starts July 20 and Ends July 26) which is hosted by BookTubers - Ariel Bissett and Raeleen Lemay (This challenge was earlier called BookTubeAThon). I can share more details and my potential TBR for this challenge if you guys are interested. Let me know!!! 😄

I will pick up the Sherlock Holmes books post this week. 👍

[Bela]

Hello lovely people,
I have just started The man with the twisted lip . So hopefully, I will catch up with you all soon.

@Sehrish, your challenge sounds interesting. What is it all about ?

[Savita]

@ Sehrish , good luck for your challenge ! What is it all about ?

[Bela]

Done with the twisted lip and the blue carbuncle. The first one , I did not find up to SH standards. In fact, I deduced the mystery behind it quite early on ;). Maybe we are turning out to be amateur sleuths now. 😊
The blue carbuncle was a better read though .

[Sehrish |]

Thank you @Savita and @Bela! :) I hope to have fun and get lots of reading done too during this challenge.

So basically, this challenge is done once every year. Its a week-long readathon and everyday has a different challenge where the hosts ask you read a book based on a theme they have picked out. You could chose 1 book per challenge or 2 or 3 or even just a single book if it fits all the criterion of the challenge. You will see below the challenges for this year and what I have put on my potential TBR for this challenge --- I have listed 1 book for each challenge which seems like a push but I am going to make use of audiobooks so I can get more reading done, I also chose some smaller books.

I am also adding a link to their page so you could find more information and join in if you'd like.

My TBR for the challenge:

1. Read a book with a cover that matches the color of your birth stone - Where the Crawdads Sing (my birthstone is Topaz/Citrine)
2. Read a book that starts with the word “The” -
The Prophet (finally going to read this classic, has been on my TBR for 2 yrs now)
3. Read a book that inspired a movie you’ve already seen - The Silver Linings Playbook (loved the movie and Bradley Cooper in it, hoping to enjoy the book too!) 🥰
4. Read the first book you touch -
A Half Baked Love Story (my sister helped pick this one --- I picked a few books, asked my sister to place my finger on anyone she liked while my eyes were closed)
5. Read a book completely outside of your house - The Sun and Her Flowers (not sure if I will be able to go outside completely, but planning to read this one outside my room, in the lawn, on my swing!) 😊
6. Read a book in a genre that you’ve always wanted to read more of - All Boys Aren't Blue (I have hardly read 1 or 2 books with LGBTQ so I chose one for this challenge)
7. Read a book that takes place on a different continent than where you live - Eliza and Her Monsters (I am sure any international book/author I picked would've been fine but this one has been on my TBR for a while and really wanted to read it, this book deals with mental-illness)

Here is their page: The Reading Rush
Check out their Insta page too!

P.S. This is not a promotion. I really liked their challenges so trying to spread the joy... 😆

Also, I am a loner who has a lot of friends but none that enjoy reading 😕 so trying to make more "bookish" friends!!

[Bela]

Wow... that’s a stupendous challenge ahead of you!!
The different categories are amazing. Would have loved to take up this one but unfortunately I have a lot on my plate right now.
But all the best to you. I hope you complete your whole book list and enjoy it too😊

[Savita]

It is a difficult challenge , Sehrish . Requires very good reading speed . However , you're a fast reader , so you 'll be able to do it successfully 😊 ! Once again , good luck and enjoy !

[Aniket]

Hello, could I join in? I've already read A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of Four, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, and The Hound of the Baskervilles.

I read them many years ago, so while I remember a lot of it, I can re-read starting from wherever you folks are currently at.

[Bela]

Hi Aniket, you are welcome to join us.
At present , we are about halfway through The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Most of us have read till The adventure of the speckled band . So you can join in from there if you want or you can start from the beginning.
Happy reading !

[Sehrish |]

Hi Aniket.. Welcome!

Yes.. We have the last 4 chapters left from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.. You can join us..

@Savita and @Bela..thanks!