#56: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Doyle, Arthur Conan: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Ebook.
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SUMMARY: A collection of 12 Sherlock Holmes short stories.
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FAVORITE QUOTE: "'I have come for advice.'
'That is easily got.'
'And help.'
'That is not always so easy.'" - Adventure V: The Five Orange Pips.
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I downloaded this book on my iPad a few months ago, but didn't get around to reading it until recently.  I apologize for the incomplete citation above; the version I downloaded didn't provide any information regarding who created this electronic version, the year it was created, etc.  This post will differ from the usual set-up I have because this book is a compilation of short stories and not a novel.  
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The main thing I liked about this collection of stories: 

• The stories, although short, were each enjoyable because of their brevity.  I like Sherlock Holmes novels in general, but sometimes they have the tendency to drag on.  Each of these stories had a complete beginning, middle, and end.  However... (see below).

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The main thing I did not like about this collection of stories: 

• It would have been nice if, at the end of some of the stories, there was an elaboration of what happened to the criminals and/or victims.  A few of the stories felt like they ended too abruptly.  They got to the point of the mystery and provided the necessary information that proved it had been solved, but some further information about those involved in the case would have been appreciated.

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Here are a thought or two for each story:

1. Adventure 1: A Scandal in Bohemia.  A woman blackmails her ex-lover.  The ex-lover was an ass for breaking things off with her because she wasn't of the same class as him.  I'm glad she was happy at the end.
2. Adventure 2: The Red-Headed League.  The victim in this story is lacking a few files in the upstairs department, and it is unfortunate that people like him can be taken advantage of so easily.
3. Adventure 3: A Case of Identity.  The parents of this victim are EVIL.  And love really can blind even the most level-headed of people.
4. Adventure 4: The Boscombe Valley Mystery.  I liked the way Holmes handled this situation.  Things aren't always black and white, and the fact that Holmes does not reveal who the criminal is to the masses was a noble decision.
5. Adventure 5:  The Five Orange Pips.  This story was the scariest of the 12.  Left me with chills.
6. Adventure 6: The Man with the Twisted Lip.  It's a shame that getting money through deceitful means is sometimes easier than making an honest living.
7. Adventure 7: The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle.  Funny place to hide a diamond...
8. Adventure 8: The Adventure of the Speckled Band.  Another evil step-parent taking advantage of their step-daughter(s).
9. Adventure 9: The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb.  Holmes doesn't find the villain in this story!  Such a rare occurrence.  
10. Adventure 10: The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor.  I felt very sad for the victim in this story.  I understand why his wife did what she did, but doesn't make it any less terrible!
11. Adventure 11: The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet.  This whole family is messed up, and I'm pretty sure that, if Doyle was to continue writing this story, all three of them would have a very sad ending.
12. Adventure 12: The Adventure of the Copper Beeches.  Another case of greedy parents doing horrible things to their children.  This was a theme in a few of the stories in this compilation...

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Short stories are usually not my pick because they tend to leave me feeling unfulfilled.  I prefer longer, detailed stories, but this book is an exception.  I loved each story, and although I was left wanting at the end of a few, I am glad to have read them.
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Recommend?  Yes!  I enjoyed reading this book.