The Complete Stories of Sherlock Holmes, Volume 1

By: Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrated by: Charlton Griffin

Length: 20 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

First appearing in print in 1890, the character of Sherlock Holmes has now become synonymous worldwide with the concept of a super sleuth. His creator, Conan Doyle, imbued his detective hero with intellectual power, acute observational abilities, a penchant for deductive reasoning and a highly educated use of forensic skills. Indeed, Doyle created the first fictional private detective who used what we now recognize as modern scientific investigative techniques.

Doyle ended up writing four novels and 56 short stories featuring Holmes and his companion, Dr. Watson. All but four are told in the first person by Watson, two by Holmes, and two are written in the third person. Together, this series of beautifully written Victorian literature has sold more copies than any other books in the English language, with the exceptions of the Bible and Shakespeare.

Volume 1 in this series consists of two novels, A Study in Scarlet and The Sign of Four, followed by a collection of short stories entitled The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

Public Domain (P)2009 Audio Connoisseur

More than a book - it's an experience!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, to my friends who love literature, this was one of the first books that I bought on Audible and the narrator is perfect for all 3 volumes. I have read/listened to other books in between finishing his complete works, but this is by far the best paring.

I enjoyed it thorougly and believe others will too. Whether you're on the beach, riding a bike, or laying in bed; the stories and the narrator make you feel like you are curled up in a large, brown leather chair, next to a fire at the end of long mahogany filled library with a glass of scotch and a cigar. Even if none of those things appeal to you in real life (I've never smoked a cigar and I don't like scotch), it doesn't matter. It's pure magic.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Which one? It's the complete works, and, while I liked some better than others, I enjoyed them all. One of my favorities was the Blue Carbuncle, but I'm not sure if it was in this volume. The first story is long and is unlike any of the others. There is a jump in the chronology and a lot more history and description than most. I loved it, but whether you do or not, give at leat the first three a try or skip the first, if you don't like the style because it does change.

Which scene was your favorite?

Now that would give at least one of the plots away... Don't expect much from Moriarty. He is a much more central charater in many movies/tv shows than in the books. He hardly shows up in the books and not to their detriment.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It was witty and surprising at parts, but the stories are more about logic and following the clues to their conclusion. It's engaging for those who like to think along. However, one of the more surprising aspects was Doyle's look at the position of outcasts: the poor, women, etc, and tell their story as part of his own. There were many emotional moments where you feel the plight of Doyle's characters, whether Sherlock is able to help them or not.

Any additional comments?

Buy it, listen to it, love it!

Great!

Carlton Griffin does an amazing job characterizing each character. I never had to wonder who was speaking and at times I had to listen carefully to see if there were different readers. I love Old Time Radio Sherlock Holmes and this is very similar. Great job and the reader has a great voice... I could listen to him read the phone book.

A collection of true classics

While at times quaint, the atmospheric and detailed stories of mr. Holmes are both interesting and amusing. True classics that can be recommended to anyone from their teens and on up. Still as enjoyable now as when I first read the stories some twenty years ago, and re-read them ten years ago.

The dramatic reading is excellent and suits the material perfectly.

Classic Holmes Perfection

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic classic brought wonderfully to life by an excellent, vibrant narration.

C'mon, it's Sherlock Holmes

Would you consider the audio edition of The Complete Stories of Sherlock Holmes, Volume 1 to be better than the print version?

yes, but only from the perspective of ease. I listened to it on a road trip.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Complete Stories of Sherlock Holmes, Volume 1?

Obviously the way Sherlock Holmes explained how he resolved the crimes.

What does Charlton Griffin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His characterization of Sherlock was a bit different than I had pictured in my head, but in a good way.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

spraying lead and crackin' heads

Any additional comments?

Best mystery writer ever

QUAINT AND QUIET

I have just finished listening to all three volumes of this set. I thoroughly enjoyed the quiet and quaint stories and story-telling. While driving, I found myself relaxed and transported to another place and time. Often I was prepared to correctly guess the results of the investigation by Mr S H. Just as often, I was guessing until the end of each story. Doyle's expressions in literature were also amusing and I mused often on what would happen today should a writer use the same expressions. If you get the series, prepare to be entertained in a way that will engage your imagination and relax your mind. This is not a series to criticize but to drink in with slow steady intention like a great brew or a fine wine.

This is a terrific series!

What made the experience of listening to The Complete Stories of Sherlock Holmes, Volume 1 the most enjoyable?

I would highly recomend this entertaining mystery series to everyone. So very well written and wonderfully read.

Have you listened to any of Charlton Griffin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

We enjoyed volume 1 so much we went on to purchase other volumes also!

A Good Book.

I've really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to getting into the book of #2.

AWESOME!

Loved it bunches and can't wait for Volume 2! The readers hit it on the nail! Would suggest to all, was my second listening!

sherlock holmes - volume 1

this is a must listen for anyone who is a fan of Arthur Conan Doyle!

you might have heard abridged versions on the radio, but these blow those away.

a very enjoyable listen