The Sign of Four

I've read most of Holmes' short stories, but this is only my second novel. Though it's always good to be back with my old friends, I'll admit this wasn't one of my favorites.

The story itself is a rather quick burn. Once the perp/s is/are caught, we get a 25-page backstory of barely relevant names and locations. Afterward, we're given just a few pages devoted to wrapping up the case. Most Holmes stories do a better job in the denouement.

Despite the slow ending, I savored the budding friendship between Holmes and Watson. I also enjoyed meeting *RECURRING CHARACTER* and learning more about their backstory.

There is a rare moment in SotF where Holmes' theory backfires and the characters have to laugh off their time wasted. This felt like a heartwarming touch I haven't seen in too many cases. I also appreciated the depictions of Holmes as a stimulation junkie, going so far as to engage in *DANGEROUS ACTIVITY* when bored and staying up for days when on the scent.

As others have commented, the racism and sexism in this story haven't aged well. Let the reader beware.

Recommended for the world-building, but it's not the most thrilling, clever, or well-developed Holmes case I've read. Like Holmes, I found myself craving the excitement of the unfolding story and struggling to pick the book back up when it lapsed.