Buddy Read - Sherlock Holmes

[Sehrish |]

I agree Kirti.. This case took a very unexpected turn.. And a sad one at that! We can resume now @Savita

[Sehrish |]

I'll share my comments once I am done with the the next case.. I guess we have 3 more left to complete the series

[Savita]

Kirti wrote: "Done with Golden Prince Nez.

Thank you for your appreciation , Kirti ! It is really more fun when we all read together , and compare notes.
(view spoiler)[ I agree about Anna's sad fate - death was better than years of miserable imprisonment. (hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

Sehrish wrote: "I agree Kirti.. This case took a very unexpected turn.. And a sad one at that! We can resume now @Savita"

Yes, let's proceed to The Missing Three- Quarter.

[Sehrish |]

I finished The Adventure of The Missing Three-Quarter:

(view spoiler)[This was one more crime-free but heart-breaking case. I feel sorry for the Staunton to lose his wife, whom he loved so much. I had to actually look up what disease they were talking about that killed Staunton's wife, it seems Tuberculosis as per Wikipedia. I like how Dr. Armstrong was so kind and helpful towards this beautiful couple and how smart he was to avoid SH who was trying so hard to follow him. The conversation between SH and Staunton's uncle was a bit hilarious. Although there was no real crime, but the family being destroyed was a very tragic event (hide spoiler)]

[Sehrish |]

I finished the The Adventure of the Abbey Grange:

(view spoiler)[Oh such a treacherous deed... My heart is aching with this one.. A story of love, of separation and evil... I am glad the evil evil man, Sir Eustace is dead.. Such a evil man he was.. I liked how SH was so persistent and even though the case looked like a simple robbery one, he didn't just dismiss it. He kept thinking about it, turning it over in his head and finally resolved it with such finesse.. SH is just extraordinary.. When all the puzzle pieces fell into place, I was so glad.. How beautiful was the end of the story where SH just let Captain Crocker go and pronounced him "not-guilty" in his own little court with an assurance that the Captain and his beloved can live still dream of a happily ever after.. this was such an adorable gesture... (hide spoiler)]

[Sehrish |]

Just one more case left! Yayyyyy!!! 🥳

[Sehrish |]

Once I start reading, I can't stop.. And the last chapters are not that long too.. Hopefully you guys can catch up soon.. Sorry I went ahead and finished 🤭

I finished The Adventure of the Second Stain:
(view spoiler)[One can never not be amazed at how SH processes information in the big head of his.. Once again, he proved to have amazing deduction skills... It melts my heart to see when SH actually takes sides with the innocent people or people who did a wrong thing to hide something which may cause more trouble.. how tactfully SH protected Lady Hilda's dignity and at the same time protected a country from a war like situation and yet, all this seemed like a simple ordeal for him...I love SH so much.. (hide spoiler)]

The overall series was a 4 🌟 for me.. Some cases was so good, some made my heart ache.. I really really enjoyed reading these with you both... 😊

[Savita]

Sehrish wrote: "I finished The Adventure of The Missing Three-Quarter:

[spoilers removed]"

I've finished The Missing Three-Quarter . (view spoiler)[ Glad to to know that SH has been weaned off his drug addiction by Dr Watson . 🙂
It was a sad, sweet story . The whole case hinged on Pompey being able to follow the trail of the scented aniseed . What a mean miser was Lord Mount- James ! He cared only for his cold money, and knew not the priceless value of good human relationships. A perfect Scrooge! The closing lines keep to the mood of this sad , sweet story- " .... we passed from that house of grief into the pale sunlight of the wintry day . "
Yes , Sehrish , tuberculosis was also called ' consumption ' because of the way it consumed the human body ( especially when anti -tubercular drugs were not available ) . The Bronte sisters died of this disease at very young ages . (hide spoiler)]

[Sehrish |]

Thanks for the insight Savita.. This helps

[Savita]

Most welcome , Sehrish ! 🙂

[Kirti]

Finished Missing three quarters. I totally agree with your comments. indeed a sad one. crime free which is something I liked.
once upon a time I wanted to become a writer myself. and I'd always have the end in my mind before I'd even start writing. and the end was always going to be bitter. I am not a writer but I do see why the end is sad. but as a reader I have understood that not everyone everytime can digest a sad ending. hopefully we'll have happier endings in the future stories.

[Savita]

Kirti wrote: "Finished Missing three quarters. I totally agree with your comments. indeed a sad one. crime free which is something I liked.
once upon a time I wanted to become a writer myself. and I'd always hav..."

Unhappy endings also may leave behind a great message. In the Golden Pince-Nez (view spoiler)[ Alexis and Anna 's love did eventually triumph. Anna , even in the face of imminent death, does manage to convey the letters to the Russian embassy, through SH and Dr Watson, which would set Alexis free of dreadful Siberia . (hide spoiler)] . Or , in real life , Neerja Bhanot , the Pan - Am air hostess, saved > 300 lives before she was shot down . Surely such shining souls get Heaven 's applause , and become eligible for the elusive Visa for Heaven ! They teach us that inevitable difficulties in life must be faced with fortitude, perseverance, faith in the Almighty and, where applicable , the beautiful quality of selflessness. 🙂

[Kirti]

I know right! Well said Savita. I agree. but wouldn't you sleep better to know that Alex and Anna got together and are having babies! But sad ending surely hits a homerun

[Savita]

They say to get salvation is as difficult as being able to walk over the razor 's edge. If (view spoiler)[ Alexis and Anna (hide spoiler)]get salvation, they will be together for evermore, in a world where suffering and death no longer threaten precious bonds of love . Then , I think , salvation is worth striving for , rather than focusing only on inevitably temporary happiness here on earth . Not that the two are necessarily mutually exclusive. So, if (view spoiler)[ Alexis and Anna (hide spoiler)] had got happily married, what could be more wonderful ?! Agree with you ! 👍😊

[Kirti]

done with Abbey Grange.
(view spoiler)[
Glad Eustace was dead. I knew it that the lady was involved somehow. though I presumed that she made someone do it. but here the lover is doing it himself. a very good attempt at the fact that SH was going to leave the case and then returns again. but the evidences were a little disappointing in sense of drama and sharpness. Also why would one throw away silver(stolen stuff)? no one would have known anyway. it was also unusual of SH to not help Hopkins and feed him the true story. it was indeed a breath of fresh air but still! As much as I pro his actions in the end, there's something in me saying it was not fair. Atleast to Hopkins. Even for love a murder shouldn't be overlooked. doesn't these things send a wrong message? Again, I am pro his actions in a way. But it is unfair. not so typically SH. The case overall became less interesting for me because it was constantly trying to prove it's remarkable nature. Which according to SH standards wasn't. Also the fact that SH was influenced by Lady's account and neglected the eye he has on the site of murder! Do you guys see what I'm trying to say? does it make any sense?
(hide spoiler)]

[Sehrish |]

Kirti wrote: "done with Abbey Grange.

Glad Eustace was dead. I knew it that the lady was involved somehow. though I presumed that she made someone do it. but here the lover is doing it himself. a very good att..."

Agree about your statement that it wasn't fair foe Hopkins but I guess it was a kind of a nice and different twist to AC Doyle's story telling.. I am sure we haven't come across any such case earlier.. SH behavior may not be justified but definitely worth it!

[Savita]

I finished The Abbey Grange . Difficult to pronounce judgment in this case. (view spoiler)[ Flexible justice or rigid law ? The murder was not planned and done in cold blood . It was done in self protection and to protect Mary. Eustace was a beast. Yet Kirti has made disturbing and valid points about its justification. Does it send out the right message? The issue is quite complex. 🤔
I liked Capt Crocker 's character and personality, but I was not too impressed by Mary. She was a little greedy and selfish. Did she deserve Jack Crocker ?
All in all I still liked the end. SH and Dr Watson made the correct decision , I feel. (hide spoiler)]

[Kirti]

Finished.
(view spoiler)[
The case started off gripping me with every word and event. High stakes, high potential, an additional event of the murder of Eduardo. The build up was legendary. unfortunately it didn't live upto my expectations. Just one observation of second stain was the turning point. BUT. BUT. BUT. The SH reasoning and brilliance was missing for me. It was like a spark. While we have seen a constant illumination. Disappointing.
The end was fair enough, the way he saved the Lady.
BUT. BUT. I'd have liked it better if there was more motive to the murder of Eduardo. It's like ACD started on a high and with a stroke of a genius. But then the excitement of the brilliance made him impatient and rushed the important parts. It had enormous potential to shine. I'm so disheartened.
(hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

I finished The Second Stain . (view spoiler)[ I enjoyed the suspense, and loved the manner in which the letter was presented to the PM and the Hon Secretary in the end. It was heart warming to read how SH shielded poor Lady Hilda, I agree Sehrish. Shows a compassionate, sensitive and fair aspect of SH.
Sorry you were disappointed, Kirti. I suppose the author focused not only on deduction skills , but also on other aspects like human nature and the brilliance of presentation at the end, which was truly wonderful. (hide spoiler)]
I give 4 shinning stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ to The Return of Sherlock Holmes . I thoroughly enjoyed reading it with both of you. 😊

[Sehrish |]

Hey.. Thanks Savita.. I enjoyed it too.. Like Kirti mentioned earlier, in classic literature, the language and vocabulary are very different from our regular use of language it sometimes becomes difficult to follow.. But buddy reading surely makes it so easy and enjoyable!

[Kirti]

"Buddy reading makes it so easy and enjoyable."
yoo!
what's next?

[Savita]

Sehrish wrote: "Hey.. Thanks Savita.. I enjoyed it too.. Like Kirti mentioned earlier, in classic literature, the language and vocabulary are very different from our regular use of language it sometimes becomes di..."

Very true, Sehrish , very true ! 👍

[Savita]

Kirti wrote: ""Buddy reading makes it so easy and enjoyable."
yoo!
what's next?"

I think His Last Bow is the next one , or else The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes . Google mentions them in this order . Which should we read ?

[Kirti]

I think his last bow is next in order. We can start with anyone it wouldn't matter.

[Savita]

Okay, Kirti , let's start with His Last Bow .
I hope that's okay with you , Sehrish ?

[Sehrish |]

of course it is. When do you guys plan to start?

[Savita]

Oh great! How nice! Let 's start tomorrow ? Day after ?

[Savita]

Hi Sehrish and Kirti ! Where have you both reached? I've finished The Wisteria Lodge (view spoiler)[ The Spanish names were a bit difficult to follow . I presume the murdered Marquess of Montalva and his secretary were Don Murillo and his secretary respectively, and they met their deserved evil end .
The practices of the Voodoo worshippers were truly odious ! On occasion , they even performed human sacrifice followed by cannibalism ! How horrific! 🙄 !
It was interesting and unexpected that Insp Baynes could work up the case independently, and simultaneously come to the conclusion same as SH . (hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

I've finished The Cardboard Box . SH's line of reasoning was interesting. Everything seemed so simple once he had explained it all ! I was touched by pity by the end of the story , and found the closing paragraph thought provoking .
(view spoiler)[ What a wretched state of affairs at the Browner's home ! They shouldn't have entertained Sarah for so long . She was cunning and vindictive.
I was moved to pity by Mr Browner 's pitiful plea , " You won't put me alone into a cell , sir ? For pity 's sake don't , and may you be treated in your day of agony as you treat me now . " I wonder if they hanged him ?
In the closing paragraph SH says , " What is the meaning of it , Watson? What object is served by this circle of misery and violence and fear? It must tend to some end, or else our universe is ruled by chance , which is unthinkable. But what end ? There is the great standing perennial problem to which human reason is as far from an answer as ever ." (hide spoiler)]
I love this author's language and quick portrayals of human characters and situations.

[Savita]

Sehrish, Kirti : are you reading along ? Where have you both reached ? 🤔

[Sehrish |]

HI Savita.. Sorry f9r not responding earlier.. I will be starting today and will catch up with you soon..

[Savita]

Hi, Sehrish ! Glad to hear from you 😊 ! Yes , you 'll be able to catch up . 😊
No news from Kirti as yet.

[Kirti]

Hi guys. sorry haven't been active or reading. I'm having my 7 month old niece at my place and it's hard to get anything else done. You guys carry on, I shall slowly drag behind as always.

[Savita]

Hi , Kirti! How nice your little niece is around ! Have a nice time! Hope you 'll be able to do some reading as well.

[Savita]

I finished The Red Circle . I liked SH's sleuthing as always . (view spoiler)[ Another shuddering story of a powerful, evil organization. Gennaro got unfortunately involved with it in his " wild and fiery " days . Well , past sins have long shadows. But it wasn't fair that his young and innocent wife should also have been dragged in . Well , I hope Gennaro and his wife were subsequently able to escape clear from the clutches of the Red Circle . (hide spoiler)]

[Sehrish |]

Kirti wrote: "Hi guys. sorry haven't been active or reading. I'm having my 7 month old niece at my place and it's hard to get anything else done. You guys carry on, I shall slowly drag behind as always."

Aww, so cute.. spending time with niece should be a priority for sure.

[Savita]

Sehrish , have you been able to start reading ? Will you be able to catch up with me ? I 've finished The Bruce Partington Plans . The story was exciting , and deductions by SH were really good . (view spoiler)[ Unfortunately innocent people died , and were in danger of having their good reputations destroyed by these ruthless villains . I presume the emerald tie pin was a present from grateful Violet Westbury. SH well deserved it! (hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

I've finished The Dying Detective This one was surprising and short . (view spoiler)[ I was much relieved and very happy with the ending . Dear, dear SH! In his own words, this is how he did it- " Three days of absolute fast does not improve one's beauty . With vaseline upon one's forehead, belladonna in one's eyes, rouge over the cheek bones , and crusts of beeswax round one's lips, a very satisfying effect can be produced. " ! Great ! 👌 (hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

I finished The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax . Here was a diabolical plot ! (view spoiler)[ Trying to bury a living person! I hope the Peters were caught and severely punished .
I liked the saying : " Thrice is he armed who hath his quarrel just. " (hide spoiler)]

[Sehrish |]

Hi Savita.. I am sorry, last week was crazy with office work. I couldn't get a lot of reading done. I was reading the Clockwork Princess and was only able to focus on one book.

I started His Last Bow on Saturday and finished The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge: (view spoiler)[The main thing I loved about the case was the new entry Inspector Banes, he was kind of an equal to SH and how beautifully impressed SH was with him "You will rise high in your profession. You have instinct and intuition". I felt so sorry for Scott Eccles, if anything would've gone wrong, how miserable his life would be. The voodoo and stuff was so creepy.. overall a very good case and once again, and how SH at the end makes everything clear to Dr. Watson as if it was a very easy theory, I always laugh at such endings (hide spoiler)]

[Sehrish |]

I will continue with the others and update. Happy Reading!

[Savita]

Hi, Sehrish! It's so nice to have you read along ! But don't feel pressurized. Please read at your convenience. Reading is for pleasure. 😊 Happy reading!

[Savita]

Sehrish wrote: "Hi Savita.. I am sorry, last week was crazy with office work. I couldn't get a lot of reading done. I was reading the Clockwork Princess and was only able to focus on one book.

I ..."

Yes , I liked and was impressed by Inspector Baynes too.
I found the Spanish names in the story a bit difficult. English names are easy to remember.

[Sehrish |]

Savita wrote: "Sehrish wrote: "Hi Savita.. I am sorry, last week was crazy with office work. I couldn't get a lot of reading done. I was reading the Clockwork Princess and was only able to focus o..."

And easy to pronounce.. 😉

[Savita]

Sehrish wrote: "Savita wrote: "Sehrish wrote: "Hi Savita.. I am sorry, last week was crazy with office work. I couldn't get a lot of reading done. I was reading the Clockwork Princess and was only ..."

Ah yes! 😊

[Savita]

I finished The Devil's Foot . It was an interesting case. (view spoiler)[ I liked how SH worked up the case. Here again , he opted for flexible justice rather than rigid law in the end. I hope he was justified ?
The experiment with the brown powder was a dangerous one for SH and Dr Watson. Great description: " Vague shapes swirled and swam amid the dark cloud-bank , each a menace and a warning of something coming, the advent of some unspeakable dweller upon the threshold, whose very shadow would blast my soul . " (hide spoiler)]

[Sehrish |]

Savita wrote: "I've finished The Cardboard Box . SH's line of reasoning was interesting. Everything seemed so simple once he had explained it all ! I was touched by pity by the end of the story , and found the ..."

I finished The Adventure of the Cardboard Box:
(view spoiler)[It's sad to see when love/guilt/revenge makes people do things that are unacceptable in every way possible... I feel so terribly sorry for Mary and Jim.. Sarah's planning and plotting ruined not just one but 4 lives, 2 of them will never come back... (hide spoiler)]

[Sehrish |]

Savita wrote: "I finished The Red Circle . I liked SH's sleuthing as always . [spoilers removed]"

I finished The Adventure of the Red Circle:
(view spoiler)[What a sweet couple Emilia and Gennaro... I was so confused when Emilia was so happy when she saw the dead body, I didn't expect it but later when it was made clear, her joy made more sense... Committing a smaller crime in order to stop something more criminal and gruesome shouldn't be a crime in itself I guess... I like how SH was so sly and followed the case till the end.. (hide spoiler)]

[Savita]

Sehrish wrote: "Savita wrote: "I've finished The Cardboard Box . SH's line of reasoning was interesting. Everything seemed so simple once he had explained it all ! I was touched by pity by the end of the story , a..."
(view spoiler)[ Yes , yes ! " Sarah ''s planning and plotting ruined not just one but 4 lives , 2 of them will never come back... " . It was despicable! It was unforgivable ! If only sanity and good sense had prevailed in time ! Instead , there was only unspeakable horror! 🙄 (hide spoiler)]