A Study in Scarlet

How well do you know Sherlock Holmes? I will admit that my knowledge of the famous sleuth comes almost entirely from movies, including The Great Mouse Detective and Shanghai Knights. So I was intrigued by this chance to read the story that started it all, complete with fresh illustrations in Gris Grimly’s signature gothic style.

In London in 1881, Dr. Watson decides he needs to live within his means, and is introduced by a mutual acquaintance to Sherlock Holmes—who is looking for someone to help split the cost of a place at 221B Baker Street. Watson soon discovers a good many of Holmes’ quirks—especially his amazing ability to deduce the details of a person’s life from no more than a cursory glance. When Scotland Yard is stumped on a case, they call in Sherlock Holmes to consult.

Though Holmes solves the case in just a couple days, the book continues, telling a love story decades old and set in Mormon territory. Astonishingly accurate in many details (despite other wild inaccuracies), this was probably the most surprising part. It took me a while to connect the dots, linking two very different stories, but it was definitely an unexpected twist.