I really enjoyed this book, although the words were really long. Sherlock Holmes used such ingenuity to solve his cases, proving that the author is also pretty smart. I have some advice for readers, though: don't read it at night. There's a murder in just about every case!

In the early part of the 20th century the spiritual movement had no greater proponent than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who was a famous author and medical doctor. He believed in the principles of spiritualism that encompassed areas that we today refer to as ESP, psychic experiences and metaphysics. It accepted the existence of a soul and eternal life, while offering an intriguing view of existence in relationship to a greater being. Life was considered a continuum, a progression into ever greater knowledge and understanding that connected the souls of all people. He published this book in 1918 as an account of his personal investigation into the world of spiritualism and it became the most influential statement of the movement. His ideas and beliefs are stated in a clear and concise manner as he examines psychic experiences, life after death, mediums, automatic writing and related phenomena. The text includes three separate pieces on specific topics: The Cheriton Dugout, Automatic Writing and The Next Phase Of Life. The introduction by George J. Lankevich provides a short biography of Conan Doyle and a discussion of his literary works, while the afterword illumines Sir Arthur's friendship with the famous magician Harry Houdini with quotes from their personal correspondence. The book contains a useful index, while many classic works on spiritualism are mentioned in the text that thus serves as a type of bibliography. This little book was a pleasure to read and I daresay Conan Doyle was far ahead of his time with his observations on traditional religion and his holistic view of spirituality.

DeChancie always delivers, and he doesn't miss in this first story collection. Delightful stuff. I enjoyed every story. The first one, "Secrecy" is a corker. Top notch storywriting. Recommended.

This is an excellent book for anyone with even a passing interest in Sherlock Holmes. It's a series of essays-- more like discussions, or tributes-- and a few useful lists, with photogrpahs, drawings, and a nice short pastiche (written with as much skill that it might have been written by Watson himself.)
It's currently out of print, but you can easily buy a copy from one of the sellers here on Amazon.[com.] I can't vouch for the harback or first edition copies, but the paperback from 1977 is usually surprisingly [low cost]. Really, you're getting more than your money's worth. The writing is charming and smart. I would say this is a necessary addition to any Sherlockian home library.

In 1886 Oxford, Charles Dodgson hosts Dr. Arthur Doyle and his wife Touie at the school. Charles feels he owes the Doyles who recently entertained him while Arthur hopes his "mentor" will look at his latest manuscript. Both hope to avoid a mystery as has happened on their previous meetings (see the three previous PROBLEM OF ... books).

However, problems exist as someone has robbed sherry, watches, and tie-pins, etc. Charles accuses surly scout Ingram without any evidence. On top of that a coed Dianna Cahill informs Charles and his guests that she has received letters telling her to leave Oxford or else. The latest included a picture of her as a naked little girl taken by Charles years ago. When Charles finds Ingram murdered, the police and the university administration argue over jurisdiction. Everyone wonders whether Charles killed the servant he publicly fired. Arthur and Charles, with some help from Touie, investigate the homicide, the thefts, and the threat.

As with the first three novels in this engaging series, the mystery of THE PROBLEM OF THE SURLY SERVANT takes a back seat to the historical fiction, especially the insight into the two famous authors. The story line is fun to follow as readers see the human sides of Dodgson and Doyle as well as a chance to glimpse at Oxford and understand Touie. The mystery is cleverly designed, but Roberta Rogow's latest pairing is first and foremost a brilliant historical novel.

Harriet Klausner

A modern look at quotations from the Sherlockian Canon, done in an amusing and interesting way. Each group of quotes on a subject is then put under headings such as: "HIS CHOSEN AEROBIC ROUTINE," "JUST ONE OF THOSE DAYS," and "PLEASE CONFUSE ME WITH THE FACTS."

The original Sidney Paget drawings are throughout the book, and the cover looks suitably Victorian/Edwardian. It's a small volume, but it contains, as the back page says: "THE WORLD ACCORDING TO HOLMES."

Keep it close by, as a reference tool, or just a book to thumb through. It's worth it!

A Scandal in Bohemia was a nicely written short story. It was engaging and it is my favorite Sherlock Holmes tale. Its nice to see that for once he went up against someone whose mental capacity was in the same league as his. At first I didn't really like Irene Adler for no reason I can think of now. But she grew on me and by the end of the story, she was my favorite character. The King was an absolute idiot.

I have never been a fan of science fiction but this set of classic tapes (I listend in the car) are among the best "reads" I've ever enjoyed. I didn't want to leave my car. I found myself sitting in the parking lot before work listening to just "a little more". The reader is phenominal. Treat yourself and buy the tapes. You won't regret it.

This book encapsulates some of the best writing available in the Holmes Canon - it ranges from gems like the Speckled Band to the only one where Holmes (almost) lost his heart to a woman - Irene Adler and her Scandal in Bohemia. Holmes has an ageless charm. He is the most portrayed fictional character on film, it is well worth one's while to peruse the Sherlockian Canon, and this book is a great beginning point

For any reader that loves Sherlock Holmes or any type of mystery, this is the perfect book for you. This book has many stories that create intrigue in your mind. Because this is a Sherlock Holmes novel, it has the obvious characteristics of Sherlock Holmes, the keen observation and the bizarre cases. I have read this book twice and the stories still kept my attention. This book is NOT boring. Along with being a great read, this book has English easy enough for younger students to understand. I highly recommend this book for any person who likes mysteries.