colleen the convivial curmudgeon > Recent Status Updates

So, the thing I thought was going to be the big reveal which I'd figured out last night is *not* the big reveal, and they've figured it out. So yay!

The dialogue is still really unnatural, though, especially for kids. I mean, I know it's trying to evoke the whole "olde timey talking" thing, but it's just kinda awkward.

So, I've pretty much figured this book out, which is disappointing. Also, the voice and dialogue are really unnatural.

I should probably find racing from an alien invasion on a carriage a bit more exciting than I do... But this section seems more silly than anything.

Fast paced with lots going on, but I'm having trouble remembering some of the names and who's who, which makes it a bit hard to follow at times.

I was just about to put this book on pause, being rather bored with Part 2, but decided to give it on more day... and it did pick up a bit this morning, so I'll stick with it for now.

So, I discovered this morning that I only just finished part 1, and what I'd previously referred to as Part 1 was actually the Prologue. So...

While I think the middle of Part 1 dragged, it was interesting how he tied in "Allan" and how that played out.

Ok, that little narrative glitch was just weird. Also, I totally guessed who Allan would be, though it doesn't ring remotely true that he would use that name.

I remember from the first book that these stories are sort of meandering - and that's fine, as long as I'm interested; however, while I found the first part interesting, the the beginning of the second part interesting, I'm now at the point where I wish the second part would get a move on already.

'Yellow Face' was interesting, but a bit too reminiscent of an earlier story. I knew right away it had to be either ***** SPOILER ***** the husband or the daughter.

workout read

'Silver Blaze' was a good one - they set the clues in one direction, then give us the twist. Not as predictable as the last few - though I zoned a bit on the racing/betting details.

'Copper Beeches' was ok, though I guessed the ruse easy enough. Not exactly a tricksy case. Have to be amused at how weak women are meant to be... ***** spoiler ***** and this has got to be at least, what, the third where it was a ploy for the chick's money?

I'm more intrigued than engaged, as it were... but it's picking up.

Ditto wit the 'Beryl Coronet'. Whatsherface's behavior was obviously suspicious.

'Noble Bachelor' was ok, but I easily guessed what was going on. I've said before that some of the stories seem to be less about how clever Holmes is and how thick everyone else is. This was kinda one of those.

This is an interesting book - I like it, but I'm not entirely compelled. I can't explain what I mean. Anyway - things are coming together, and I'm definitely curious to see what happens.

The 'Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb' was really an adventure - or misadventure - for the engineer only. Most of the story is his telling us what happened to him. There's not much in the way of deduction, except where the house is, but that all becomes a moot point anyway. Definitely *not* one of the better stories...

The 'Speckled Band' is one of the few I remembered semi-clearly from my first read. Not all the details, per se, but the culprit, as it were, stuck out. One of the better stories, I think.

'Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle' is an interesting one. It's kinda cool to see Holmes get annoyed with the criminal types. I have to say, though, I found myself left wondering what happens to the reward money. I think it should go to H.B., but they never really say...

'The Man with the Twisted Lip' was interesting. The opening seemed very familiar for some reason - like something I'd watched recently. ^_^ The rest of the story had an interesting, erm, twist... I think I'd be pretty pissed if I was the wife in this, but I'm sure, in this world, she'll just be overjoyed and wifely. *grin*

'Five Orange Pips' was only so-so. ***** SPOILER ***** I was kind of annoyed with Holmes for sending Openshaw home alone.

I liked the case of the 'Boscombe Valley Mystery' a fair deal. I liked how we were presented with a case which seemed obvious on the surface, and how Holmes easily picks it apart by digging a little. Not too belabored in the reveal, either. I have to laugh a bit at the conceit of the stories, though, as we're meant to believe them real and they talk about private matters published by the good doctor for all to see...

'Case of Identity' - used in passing in ye old BBC, it seems more believable when modernized. That aside, us poor, feeble women don't make out so well, do we? That last quote? Ouch.

'Red Headed League' has an interesting premise with so-so execution.

'Scandal of Bohemia' and the introduction of 'the woman'. One of the things i enjoy in this reread is seeing whoch pieces are used in the BBC version - like the clergy disguise and the fire. As to the story, the short stories seem to work better than the novellas.

Really enjoying this. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Finished 'Sign of Four'. I'd forgotten how schmaltzy the Watson/ Mary thing was.

Starting 'Sign of Four'