A Study in Scarlet

By: Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrated by: David Timson

Length: 4 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

A Study in Scarlet was the very first Sherlock Holmes novel. Here, in the most remarkably precise manner, Doyle produced two of the most well-known characters in English fiction. Their individual traits and their relationships, their ambitions and foibles are introduced against the backdrop of an exciting story of revenge and persistence, which starts in Victorian England but moves to the American West, and the environment of the early Mormon communities.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2002 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. (P)2002 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd.

Critic reviews

"The whole Sherlock Holmes saga is a triumphant illustration of art's supremacy over life." (Christopher Morley)

Watson Meets Holmes for the First Time

A spectacular narration of at least 5 different accents makes this first adventure of Watson and Holmes together a delight. When one narrator can make two characters' dialogue clear and believeable, without any tags ("said Watson", "Holmes asked", etc.), I am quite impressed. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended. Can you piece it together "analytically," as Holmes describes?

Awesome

I had read all of the Homes stories a long time ago and recall this as one of my favorites. The narration was great and will be on the lookout for other Timson reads

Charmingly read, with a surprising Part 2

I never realized how efficiently charming and engaging the original Holmes book was, nor was I at all prepared for the sudden detour in the second half, which was incredibly thrilling.

The performer is perfect for the material and characters.

Great book!

This was my first audible book and I enjoyed it. I didn't want to stop listening, except for when the suspense was great. I was so afraid of what would happen next, I paused it for a minute - only a minute though. This was a great first listen and I recommend this book.

Sherlock Holmes at his best.

Tells the story of how Holmes and Watson met, and of course, provides a riveting mystery as well. The narrator handles male and female, British and American roles well.

Scarlet?

Title brings it together in the end. Good narration of the story of the famous mystery partnership and their beginning. Kept my interest until Chapter 3 that abruptly into the far past. I thought audible had made a recording error!

All in all a good listen.

A classic for good reason

Sherlock Holmes is an iconic character, and it's great to go back and look at why. The narration is excellent.

The Original

Any additional comments?

After reading this, I have a slightly different sense of Mr. Holmes than how he's been portrayed in movies and such. I suggest reading it and finding for yourself if you've never read the original.

Great Mystery

Excellent story. When the murderer was caught, I thought that there would be a wrap up chapter to reveal how Holmes solved the crime. The second part came as quite a surprise.

As expected

This is your typical first Sherlock Holmes novel: exactly what one would expect, sans sense of humor. I wish there had been more humor and less earnestness. But it's still a good listen. I wasn't a fan of the narrator's voice (he sounded nasally snooty and supercilious) but it got the job done.