The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Hello bookworms!,

          I’ve been blogging about reading through the original Sherlock Holmes stories (after being a fan of the Granada Series and The BBC series Sherlock, I wanted to explore the original writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle). While I have been trying to read them in order, after the grand finale of Series 3 of Sherlock, I went back to watch the Granada version of The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton, and I became curious as to what the original story looked like compared to the two incarnations I’ve watched.  So, I skipped ahead to The Return of Sherlock Holmes, found the story, and now I want to share my thoughts on it!

Summary

       Lives are being ruined left and right in England. The elite are suddenly being blackmailed by a ruthless man. Who is he? Charles Augustus Milverton. A young lady is in danger of having her marriage ruined by this man and she has now entrusted herself to the care of Mr. Sherlock Holmes. But how is Sherlock to stop a man who makes the issue very black and white: give me what I want, or face ruination. Sherlock will go to new lengths to put an end to Milverton’s reign of terror, and it could cost him everything.

Review

          This is one of the most famous Sherlock Holmes cases. This is the villain that, after Moriarty, every adaptation of Sherlock Holmes must pay tribute to. It is also one of the shortest stories. So much of the details that you see in television, movie, and theater adaptations is actually not written down in the original story. However, it is still a very enthralling story to read.

          You really feel like there is no way out of the situation. Sherlock’s only solution is absurd and has little chance of working. And then, BANG!! The resolution comes and it doesn’t come in a way that the reader will have expected.

 

A note on the adaptations:

          If you do want to watch one of the adaptations, I recommend the one from the Granada Series with Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes. For me, they did the best job of bringing and the details, both implicit and explicit to life and it’s a thrill to watch.

 

          If you’ve already seen that and you’re interested in what other adaptations have been done, another one that I enjoy is the recent retelling from BBC’s Sherlock, His Last Vow. While it is vastly different from the original, it is still very recognizable and absolutely thrilling.

 

This is the book I'm currently reading from. Its missing some of the stories, but it does include the illustrations and the text as it appeared in The Strand Magazine so its really a gem!

Purchase it here

 

 

This is the box set that I bought to complete my Sherlock Holmes novels/stories collection. the two volumes in the box are small and portable making them perfect for travel or dropping one in your bag for those opportune moments of down time to read wherever you are! You can buy a copy here

Until next time,

                Lizzie <3

And Furthermore by Dame Judi Dench

Hello Bookworms,

            I have a new book review for you! Today’s book is nonfiction. It is a memoir about the life and career of Dame Judi Dench written by none other than the lady herself Dame Judi Dench (granted she only goes by Judi Dench on the cover but I want to give her the proper respect and add Dame. She’s earned the title J)!

Summary

            Have you ever wondered what it was like for actress Dame Judi Dench in her many years as theater and film star? Did you ever see her in a play or movie and wonder what she thought about the role or wish you could see behind the scenes? In “And Furthermore” you get the chance to have your questions answered!

Review

            And Furthermore was an absolute pleasure to read. Dame Judi’s writing style is like having a real conversation with her. As I read I thought to myself, this must be what it would be like to get so sit down to tea and listen to Mrs. Dench tell her story. I loved her stories of the successes and especially the stories of the jokes and pranks shared backstage.

            I love Judi’s honesty as well. She tells you the whole story and is not afraid to tell you what she’s really thinking and yet she does it in a way that doesn’t humiliate or demean. That’s class.

            If you’re a fan of Dame Judi Dench (like I am) this is a wonderful book to find out what roles she may have played that you haven’t gotten to see yet. For me, I tried to make notes on what television programs and movies Dame Judi was in that I didn’t already know about. It’s a perfect cross-reference book as well as she often names her co-stars.

            For aspiring actors and actresses, in the final chapter of the book, Dame Judi gives tips. She tells a little about what she’s learned that works, as well as a little about what routine she uses now to prepare her voice for the stage. Also, Dame Judi mentions that she is honored when young actors ask her questions about how to improve and want to know the answers from her. So, if you are a budding actor or actress and you are ever blessed with the opportunity to ask Dame Judi Dench a question, do.

            I highly recommend And Furthermore to fans of Dame Judi Dench as well as fans of the stage and screen. This book will be a pleasure for you. Also, for those who are looking to learn a little more about acting, this would be a good book for you as well.

 

You can purchase And Furthermore here

Until next time,

               Lizzie <3

Last Bus To Woodstock: An Inspector Morse Mystery by Colin Dexter

Hello Bookworms,

          Recently, I received something wonderful! The entire collection of Colin Dexter’s Inspector Morse novels including Morse’s Greatest Case and other Short Stories (a huge thanks to my family for this generous gift!! J They know how much I love PBS’s Endeavor and Inspector Lewis). I’ve already started the set and today I’m going to review the first novel in the series: Last Bus to Woodstock!

Summary

          When a woman is found murdered outside of a pub, the case seems pretty normal. All that needs to be done is to find out who killed Sylvia Kaye. But as Inspector Morse and his new partner Sargent Lewis begin to inspect the clues, this case is more twisted that they thought. Rather than narrowing down their list of suspects, it just keeps growing. Morse is really going to have to employ his mind if he’s going to find the killer and close the case.

Review

          This is the first Colin Dexter book that I’ve read. Some of the things I like about it are:

First, it’s the original Inspector Morse. I am one who loves to go back to the original stories if I find I like to television adaptations. I always like to know what qualities the original writer gave the character. What were the original thoughts of the author?

Second, the way Mr. Dexter changed from character to character. There are moments in the book where there are several short paragraphs back to back. This is Colin Dexter’s way of showing you what happening “meanwhile” and giving you the whole picture! I like that!

Finally, the solution. Wow! I will admit I could not see where we were going with the case! Every time I thought I knew who it was, it would change again! In two sentences it all became clear and I had to stifle a massive gasp! You’ll love it!

What didn’t I like?

The case itself. I’m not one to love rape/sex centered cases and unfortunately this was one. And sometimes, the author was WAY too graphic. This isn’t Fifty Shades of Morse’s Suspects it’s an Inspector Morse Mystery. I wouldn’t recommend the first book for younger audiences. Adults, read at your own risk. That was a massive disappointment to me because Colin Dexter is hailed as one of the best but, it wasn’t so bad as to scare me away from all Inspector Morse novels. I’m proceeding with the second and I think it might be better than the first!

 

Buy Last Bus To Woodstock

Until next time,

                      Lizzie <3