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A Study in Scarlet

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A Study in Scarlet

By: Arthur Conan Doyle
Narrated by: Derek Jacobi
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About this listen

 Originally named A Tangled Skein, this is the first Sherlock Holmes story. The real strength and the unique quality of the novel lies in the introduction of Holmes and Watson to each other - and those dark early scenes when a corpse is discovered in a derelict house in southeast London. The ultimate crusader against crime and criminals, Holmes' genius is revealed here for the very first time.Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Mystery Fiction Crime Sherlock Holmes Short Stories Classic Mystery

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All stars
Most relevant  
A very unusual structure to the story in that a major part did not centre on Holmes himself.
Derek Jacobi is a superb narrator and I follow his work more than the various authors. He ranks highly, alongside Timothy West

Superb narration

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Derek Jacobi does a brilliant interpretation/reading of this book. His ‘Sherlock’ is growing on me with each book I listen to. Highly recommended.

A Brilliant Read/Listen

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The first story where we meet Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson is a great read wonderfully narrated by Derek Jacobi.

Great first Sherlock Holmes story

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good book, a little short. nice reading by derek. love the sherlock holmes books

an interesting listen

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my ever increasingly interest in Shelock and Watson stories. the narrator pulls into the story . I'm onto the next book

Top quality

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This first Sherlock Holmes mystery shows how Holmes and Watson met and embarked on their first mystery.

As other reviewers have said, it's a book of two halves, with the second half giving the background to the murder and, in my view, is the more interesting.

The trouble I have with these stories is that the reader has no real ability to assess the clues and guess the perpetrator. Holmes just plucks the solution out of the air. It's frustrating.

Derek Jacobi gives a spirited and enjoyable reading.

A Pleasant Diversion Very Well Narrated

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sherlock is well known for a reason. this is a true classic. though the narration is not great, but not bad either. the narrator's voice is good, but its difficult to know whoch character is talking at times

a true classic

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You know Sherlock Holmes. You've seen adaptations on TV, you know his stories. But, listening/reading the books is just wonderful. By reading, you gain a deeper understanding of Holmes, of Watson, of Victorian England and Derek Jacobi is an amazing narrator. He is perfect for the job. Also, by reading some of the books you get the added bonus of the second part of the story which gives you the background to the current case. So even though you may be familiar with the stories, have a listen and instead of being preoccupied with 'who done it' (cos you probably know already), enjoy the journey and allow Holmes to lead you there in his own unique way.

Brilliant

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If you could sum up A Study in Scarlet in three words, what would they be?

Meeting, Murder, Investigation

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Study in Scarlet?

There so many, it's difficult to pick one.

What about Derek Jacobi’s performance did you like?

He was just so natural and brought every character to life.

Any additional comments?

I remember reading this one years ago and especially The Adventures of Sherlock Homes, which was my first foray into this amazing character. This is the best book to start with, as it tells of how Watson and Holmes met, began to live together and Watson's first experience of assisting him in a myrder investigation.

It can often be so easy to laugh at the blunders the police make, but that's really because we often know the stories. Gregson and Lestrade certainly make blunders in this book and especially Gregson in his arrest of the wrong person. However, we must look at it from the point of view of the police. Gregson's arrest was understandable at the time, but Holmes, although he wins in the end, doesn't sneer at the police, in fact, before the criminal is revealed, he assures Gregson and Lestrade that he is fully prepared to take responsibility if he messes up. But you do feel for the police as they get more frustrated. They want their man, which is natural.

This is an excellent book and if you haven't tried Sherlock Holmes, I urge you to begin.

The Beginning of it All

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No matter how much you try to remember that he is doing the narration, you won't. Every single character is distinct and fully formed. It's like a full cast performance.

Derek Jacobi is simply godlike.

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