The Sign of four

The Sign of Four - Arthur Conan Doyle
Rating:6.5/10
Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson accompany a beautiful young woman to a sinister assignation, Mary Marston has received several large pearls – one a year for the last six years – and now a mystery letter telling her she is a wronged woman. Unbeknownst to them all, others stalk London’s fog-enshrouded streets: a one-legged ruffian with revenge on his mind – and his companion, who places no value on human life...


Summary by Goodreads.com


Second novel to the Sherlock Holmes series, I found that it continued with all the wit and skill of technique and precise story telling exhibited in the first novel. Although I enjoyed the novel, I found the ideas and concept of the plot unfortunately clichéd in these modern times. The suspense and mystery therefore could not quite live up to its prequel. Despite the lack of focus I gave the end of the novel I believe this story would still appeal to those who enjoy a mystery/detective novel.


Good Points:

• Written with skill and finesse.
• Not too taxing for a short read.

Bad Points:

• Not as entirely gripping as the first novel.
• Story substantially slowed towards second half.

Buy/Borrow/Avoid: 

Borrow