I was kind of quietly dreading this one, mostly because my last year’s bingo classic was such a flop for me. Call me pleasantly surprised, though – I genuinely enjoyed this! I’d actually never read a Sherlock Holmes book (though I did own the Wishbone version of Hound of the Baskervilles on VHS) and had always kind of assumed that modern adaptations (Guy Ritchie, Steven Moffat) had taken creative liberties with an older character. Nope! Those are some OG Sherlock brass balls.
I clearly didn’t read this in time for Cannonball Book Club but what really matters is that book club got me to read it and I really genuinely enjoyed the whole thing! Holmes isn’t as abrasive on paper as he is as Benedict Cumberbatch or Robert Downey, Jr. Plus the mystery was awesome.
I also like it as an introduction to a iconic character that isn’t an origin story. This is a Dr. Watson origin story, if anything – Holmes is just someone who happens into his life. Maybe in future books we get more backstory, but not here.
I will admit that the Part 2 threw me for a loop and it took me way too long to realize what we were getting was the novelized motivations for the murdered. Turns out they totally had it coming (obviously) and also the American West was super dangerous. It was a fascinating interlude that I really appreciated.
Oh but I am super mad about the dog I mean WHAT.
Bingo Square: Classic
