The Sign of Four

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Back to Victorian London we go for the second Sherlock Holmes mystery. As it opens, we have the classic scene of Holmes injecting a seven percent solution of cocaine into his arm, to Dr. Watson's continued disgust. But, Holmes explains, it's his only solace when his mental faculties are not employed in the art of deductive crime-solving. This may be a reason why The Sign of Four isn't assigned reading in a lot of schools.

Fortunately for them both, the lovely Mary Morstan arrives at 221B Baker Street. Watson is immediately smitten <spoiler>by his future wife</spoiler>; Holmes is immediately intrigued by her tale of her missing father, and the mysterious yearly gifts she's been receiving: lustrous and valuable pearls. Now she's been called to a meeting with the shady gift-giver—will Holmes and Watson accompany her?

Well, sure they will. Before it's over, we have a locked room mystery, plenty of colorful characters, an exciting chase on the Thames, a lurid tale of betrayal and murder in India, and much more. Lots of fun.


Last Modified 2024-01-31 5:20 AM EDT