colleen the convivial curmudgeon’s Reviews > The Complete Sherlock Holmes: All 4 Novels & 56 Short Stories > Status Update

'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.

'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?

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.

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.