The Complete Stories of Sherlock Holmes, Volume 2

By: Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrated by: Charlton Griffin

Length: 29 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Volume two in this series consists of one novel, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and two collections of short stories, which include "Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes" and "The Return of Sherlock Holmes" (a total of 23 stories). These creations by Doyle represent the finest work of his Holmes series, and certainly the most famous. They are reproduced here (and in all volumes) in the order in which they were first published.

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.

Public Domain (P)2010 Audio Connoisseur

Classic Mystery with a touch of the Macabre

A masterful tale by a Master of the macabre. Gripping suspense that flows with no let up.

Vol. III due at end of 2010

The publisher's web site says, "Look for Volume III at the end of 2010." I believe that Vol. III should complete the series and include all the stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

These books and stories are in the public domain, but, having them in a collection and with good narration, these volumes (I & II) have been very entertaining and a well worth a credit each.

Wonderful Collection of Doyle's Finest Pieces

There isn't much better than "Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes" and "The Return of Sherlock Holmes". These stories show ACD at the top of his game. Like I mentioned in my review of Volume 1, the brilliance of Doyle's detective stories is they are universal, they are timeless and they are -- elementary.

While Doyle is a master of short stories, he isn't a consistent distance writer, and his previous longer pieces were usually a tad uneven (Study in Scarlet, Sign of Four). However, with "Hound of the Baskervilles", Doyle shows a marked improvement.

All-in-all this is a wonderful collection of some of Doyle's finest pieces. Definitely not to be missed. Griffin is a wonderful narrator for Sherlock Holmes. His range is impressive, yet he still manages to not hog the stage. His narration is varied, but still rather understated.

Excellent Performance!

I have long been a fan of Charlton Griffin, and have loved Sherlock Holmes since I was a boy and was thus thrilled to find he'd recently preformed (for he does far more than simply read) the Sherlock Holmes stories. His performance of these stories was unbelievable. Though the entire recording was some 26 hours, I was terribly sad when it ended...Bravo and thank you to firstly, Aurthur Conan Doyle, Charlton Griffin & Audio Connoisseur...simply fantastic. I now see that Vol3 has been released with-in the past few weeks, and thus my enjoyment can continue for a further 26 hours.

Just As Good (If Not better) Than Volume One

With stories that have stood the test of time as well as these have, the question of their purchase-worthiness does not arise. The only issue, in the case of an audio edition, is whether the reader is up to the task and Charlton Griffin is consistently superb. I was lucky enough the snag all three volumes during sales, but they are well worth full price.

A masterpiece of voice talent!

Some of the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle I had read as a boy, and many I had seen on TV in the Grenada series, starring Jeremy Brett. This took nothing away from my enjoyment of this series of books, masterfully read and performed by your narrator! I look forward to getting the rest of the series in the coming months. Well done!

The most enjoyable audio book I have heard

Would you listen to The Complete Stories of Sherlock Holmes, Volume 2 again? Why?

No mainly because the highlight of each short story is the plot and once you have the solution to each crime it would reduce the listening pleasure the second time

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

Yes.
The structure of each story and the logic of each solution is brilliant

Which scene was your favorite?

It is hard to separate one but the Hound of the Baskervilles is a standout

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No
Because it is so long and is a number of short stories

Any additional comments?

Charlton Griffin has the most fabulous voice and his diction and slow delivery makes the book special

Not for everyone

Detailed and consistent stories that allow you to think along and theorize. If you prefer a fast pace or simpler story then perhaps look elsewhere.

Sherlock at His Best

Where does The Complete Stories of Sherlock Holmes, Volume 2 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It honestly ranks somewhere in the middle. But, that is not to say it isn't very good. Doyle wrote terrifically intricate stories and Griffon does a great job at making the characters come to life.

Any additional comments?

Anyone who enjoys procedural shows on TV will probably love getting a look a where they all began.

Great Long Length Audible Sherlock

If you could sum up The Complete Stories of Sherlock Holmes, Volume 2 in three words, what would they be?

One Great Book

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Complete Stories of Sherlock Holmes, Volume 2?

The music before each story

How did the narrator detract from the book?

His voice seemed to echo/slur which was irritating

If you could rename The Complete Stories of Sherlock Holmes, Volume 2, what would you call it?

Great stories never read