The Sign of the Four is a step up in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes Chronicles from A Study in Scarlet, and I’m sure many will agree with me. It is still an introductory novel to the world of Sherlock Holmes and to the main characters, as indicated by the mention of Sherlock’s drug use and Watson’s reaction to it. As for the story, I can see obvious improvements to the narrative structure seen in A Study in Scarlet, indicative of the reception of his first novel, and the improvements he has made show signs of the typical detective novel framework we see today.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson accompany a beautiful young woman, Mary Marston, to a deadly assignation. She has received several large pearls – one a year for the last six years – and now a mystery letter has arrived telling her she is a wronged woman. If she wants justice, she is to meet her unknown benefactor, but fortunately, she may bring two companions. Unbeknownst to them all, others stalk London’s fog-enshrouded streets: a one-legged ruffian with revenge on his mind, and his companion who places no value on human life.

While I can’t fault Sir Arthur Conan Doyle for taking this approach, I will say the sensationalism of exotic locations, peoples and cultures lean not only into the stereotypical but mirrors the colonial mindset in a way that I find excuses the very damaging and racist views of the period. Part of the success of A Study in Scarlet and the Sign of the Four comes from the exotic elements of the novels and the introduction of these aspects of life to an ignorant European reader. The plot itself is engaging and well-narrated, but these is an undeniable focus on the other in his early Sherlock works to garner an audience.

The plot is, as I said, interesting and inclusive of many details and descriptions, making The Sign of the Four a very immersive read. The developing relationship between Watson and Sherlock is evidently still in the beginning stages, but the reliability and trust between them is creating a strong foundation for that friendship. Their willingness to address issues and the attitudes toward vices in each other’s life make their partnership feel authentic and genuine. I will say that Mary’s arrival stirred up some interesting emotions for both Sherlock and Watson, and the sudden development in relationship for Watson and Mary feels jarring.

I am keen to continue with the novels, and I’ve heard The Hounds of Baskerville is the best one of the lot. I don’t know what to expect, but I am hoping the relationship between Watson and Sherlock has a solid base and the normalcy in daily actions has established itself well. I think its safe to say A Study in Scarlet and The Sign of the Four have been 4-star reads and, if all is as promised, The Hounds of Baskerville will receive a 4.5 ranking. I’m not surprised given the establishment stage of the Sherlock Holmes books requires so much exposition for character building and development, and the time in which the books were written leans more toward omniscient storytelling regardless of the perspective choice. I have been pleasantly surprised in that regard, and I wouldn’t be afraid to say the Sherlock Holmes chronicles look like they might be my favourite books written in the colonial period.