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Cut to reading the first two Sherlock Holmes novels “A Study in Scarlet” and “The Sign of the Four”. Both are great tales.

A Study in Scarlet marks the first appearance of our favorite detective duo Sherlock and Watson as they uncover the mysterious murders of two Americans. For me, this story was a 4 out of 5.

The Sign of the Four was much more intriguing for me. We pick up eight years after the first novel. The plot centering around a stolen treasure and a pact among four convicts. This novel also introduces Mary Morstan, Watson’s future wife. It also introduces Holmes issues with drugs ie cocaine. This was a 5 out of 5 read.

Also fun fact about the backdrop of the photo. In 1980, Don Knotts and Tim Conway parodied Sherlock and Dr. Watson in the film “The Private Eyes”, which was filmed at The Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina. Knotts’ character Inspector Winship wears the trademark Sherlock deerstalker hat but smokes a cigar instead of a pipe. Both, however, are detectives for an official law enforcement body whereas Holmes and Watson were both in the private sector. The Tart character is also a doctor like Watson.