46 pages • 1 hour read
Arthur Conan DoyleA Study in Scarlet
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1887A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle, Dr. John Watson, a war surgeon, meets Sherlock Holmes and becomes his flatmate and chronicler. Together, they investigate the mysterious murder of Enoch Drebber in a vacant London house, uncovering a complex tale of love and revenge that leads them from the streets of London to the American West and a relentless, decades-long quest for justice. Note: This novel contains depictions of a religious sect portrayed with era-specific prejudice.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle is praised for introducing the iconic character Sherlock Holmes and his innovative detective methods. Positive reviews highlight the compelling narrative and memorable character dynamics. Negative feedback mentions the slower pace of the second half and potentially dated viewpoints. Overall, it remains a foundational work in the mystery genre.
Who Should Read A Study in Scarlet?
A reader who enjoys A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle likely adores classic detective fiction, intricate mysteries, and sharp analytical thinking. Fans of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express or Edgar Allan Poe’s Dupin stories will find similar pleasure in Doyle’s meticulous plotting and Holmes’ deductive prowess.