Paperback, 153 pages
English language
Published Nov. 10, 2007 by Penguin Books.
A dense yellow miasma swirls in the streets of London as Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson accompany a beautiful young woman to a sinister assignation.
For Mary Morstan 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. If she would seek justice she is to meet her unknown benefactor, bringing with her two companions.
But 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...
the pace is great, story-telling mind blowing.. but the orientalist gaze of the author is so jarring now.
While most Sherlock stories are intriguing, this one stood out to me as perhaps the most interesting. Not because of the crime, but because of all the original stories I have read thus far this one seems the most interested in Sherlock's motivation and character- fleshed him out as it were.
I also can't help but be amused by Doyle's treatment of Sherlock's drug addiction and apparent manic depression. No apologies. I just can't help but feel like Doyle has been trying despretly since day two to convince his audience that Sherlock is not a good guy. Kind of like how J.K Rowling feels about people obsessing over Draco.
