Book review: A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle

When I first opened A Study in Scarlet, I wasn’t quite prepared for how distinctive and gripping the experience would be. This novel, penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in 1887, marks the debut of one of literature’s most iconic figures: Sherlock Holmes. As a reader of mystery and detective fiction, I’ve encountered countless iterations of the brilliant sleuth archetype, but returning to the origin point in Doyle’s foundational work reminded me why Holmes remains a timeless figure in the genre.

A Study in Scarlet is a detective novel, the first to introduce both Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson to the world. Set in Victorian London, the narrative begins with Watson returning from war service in Afghanistan, suffering from both physical wounds and a general sense of displacement. Through mutual acquaintances, he is introduced to Holmes—a peculiar, eccentric man with astonishing deductive capabilities—and soon finds himself drawn into a baffling murder investigation. The two take up lodgings together at 221B Baker Street, initiating a literary partnership that would endure for generations. The mystery they investigate centers around a corpse discovered in an abandoned house, with no visible wounds but with a cryptic message scrawled on the wall in blood. From there, Holmes methodically peels back the layers of deception, following clues invisible to the average eye but perfectly clear to his razor-sharp intellect.

What makes the book particularly striking is its narrative structure. The story is divided into two distinct parts. The first half unfolds through the eyes of Watson, chronicling their investigation in London, while the second abruptly shifts tone and location, transporting the reader to the American West. This shift initially feels disorienting—suddenly we are immersed in a tale of frontier life, Mormon settlements, and long-buried vengeance. But Doyle, ever in control of his storytelling, masterfully ties the seemingly disconnected narratives together. By the end, every strand is woven into a cohesive and compelling resolution that justifies the unusual format.

Doyle’s language is clear, concise, and rich in detail without ever becoming overburdened. His dialogue, particularly between Holmes and Watson, sparkles with wit and intelligence. Holmes’s deductions—so rapid and confident—are presented with a scientific air, reinforcing the theme of logic and observation as the ultimate tools in the pursuit of truth. At the same time, Watson serves as a perfect foil, his earnestness and humility grounding the more flamboyant genius of Holmes. Through Watson’s eyes, the reader is permitted to admire Holmes without becoming overwhelmed by him.

Thematically, A Study in Scarlet is about the relentless pursuit of justice. It probes the tension between law and morality, examining how personal tragedy can drive a person beyond the bounds of legality. There’s also a subtle critique of dogmatic institutions and the power structures that allow certain injustices to fester. Though the story is couched in a genre often associated with entertainment and puzzle-solving, it doesn’t shy away from serious emotional and ethical undercurrents. The depiction of vengeance as both understandable and destructive gives the novel unexpected depth.

One of the more memorable features of the book is Doyle’s use of imagery. London is portrayed with a kind of grimy fascination—fog-shrouded streets, echoing footsteps, gas lamps casting flickering shadows—all of which add to the atmosphere of mystery. The American section is no less vivid, painted with wide-open plains, stifling religious authority, and the harshness of survival in an unforgiving land. These two environments couldn’t be more different, yet Doyle manages to make both feel palpably real, each serving the story in its own way.

If I were to point out a flaw, it would be the abruptness of the narrative shift to America. For a first-time reader, it may feel like an entirely different book has begun, and the connection to the main plot is not immediately apparent. While this structural choice ultimately pays off, the transition is jarring and might alienate readers unaccustomed to such storytelling risks. Moreover, modern readers might find some depictions—particularly of the Mormons—overly dramatized or historically questionable, reflecting the biases of the time.

What impressed me most was how fully formed the character of Holmes is, even from this first outing. His eccentricities, his disdain for mediocrity, his brilliance in deduction—all are present and perfectly calibrated. Watson, too, emerges as more than a mere sidekick; he is a man of compassion and principle, someone we can trust as a narrator and admire as a friend. The relationship between the two, though not yet the deeply affectionate camaraderie of later stories, is already sketched with care and subtle warmth.

Compared to other detective novels of the era, A Study in Scarlet stands out for its intellectual rigor and literary sophistication. It doesn't merely deliver a clever plot—it invites the reader to think, to observe, and to question. There is a quiet thrill in watching Holmes piece together seemingly meaningless details into a coherent, devastatingly accurate conclusion. It’s not about action or violence, but about the power of the mind to reveal hidden truths.

So, A Study in Scarlet is not just a cornerstone of detective fiction but also a richly textured literary work that rewards close reading. It introduced characters who would go on to define an entire genre, and it did so with confidence, originality, and style. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in classic literature, mystery lovers, and especially to those curious about the origins of Sherlock Holmes. As a final verdict: this novel is both a fascinating introduction to a legendary detective and a compelling mystery in its own right, as clever today as it was more than a century ago.

This book review was written using the following references 👇

• Full text A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle at LitArchive
• Audiobook A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle at AudioReads