The Red-Headed League by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Hello Bookworms!,

            During the semesters at college it is hard to be able to read a book on top of all the work, studying, interning, and textbook reading, so to keep me reading during the semester, I have been taking time every so often to read one of short stories from the Sherlock Holmes canon. A few weeks ago, I posted my thoughts on A Scandal in Bohemia. This time I will be examining The Red-Headed League.

Summary:

            A new organization is brewing in London. The red-headed league. The league has a job opening. Only red-heads need apply and only a red-head with the right shade of red hair will be selected. Miraculously, Mr. Jabez Wilson, was perfect for the job. Then, just as soon as it started, the job and the league are dissolved. Something is amiss. Can Sherlock Holmes figure it out and find the culprit? Find out in The Red-Headed League by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

original illustration by Sidney Paget

 

Review:

            The Red-Headed league was an interesting tale. In typical Sherlock Holmes style, it seems that it will be impossible to solve the mystery and then suddenly Sherlock has it and will weave an intricate trap to catch the culprit red-handed! One of my favorite parts of the story though is the intimate look we get into Sherlock Holmes and his love for music. Holmes takes a little time during the story to listen to the music being played at St. James Hall. I find Dr. Watson’s description of watching his friend “wrapped in the most perfect happiness, gently waving his long thin fingers in time to the music, while his gentle smiling face and his languid dreamy eyes were as unlike those of Sherlock Holmes the sleuth hound” is a beautiful and rare glimpse into Sherlock Holmes the man and is likely my favorite part in the whole story. I do recommend this story though for anyone interested in the original Sherlock Holmes works by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

 

**This is the book I am using to read the Sherlock Holmes stories. I like the layout of the book, the only drawback is that it is not a complete version of the original Sherlock Holmes works some of the short stories were not included. However, it does include the whole novel “The Hounds of Baskervilles” and the short stories are published in the same fashion as they originally were in The Strand with all the illustrations by Sidney Paget. At just $10 I recommend it to anyone who wants to become acquainted with the original Sherlock Holmes works for the first time like myself.

You can buy the book here

Until next time,
               Lizzie <3