Sherlockian Musings: Thoughts on the Sherlock Holmes Stories

By: Sheldon Goldfarb

Narrated by: J.T. McDaniel

Is Sherlock Holmes really as rational as he seems?

He talks about the importance of reasoning and logic, but why then does he sometimes seem like a “strange Buddha”?

On the other hand, why in The Sign of the Four does Watson smash a Buddha?

What is going on in The Sign of the Four, that strange tale of Empire?

What is going on in all the original 60 stories in “the canon”?

In this study of the stories, Sheldon Goldfarb explores questions like these, from the significance of the eggs in “Thor Bridge” to the reason Watson keeps leaving Holmes for an insubstantial wife.

What meanings lurk beneath the surface of these detective stories?

Why is there an obsession with Napoleon in this story or an article on free trade in this other?

Can we find answers to these questions?

Perhaps.

In any case, in this collection of essays (or musings) on each of the 60 stories, Dr. Goldfarb, an award-nominated mystery writer himself and the holder of a PhD in English literature, light-heartedly tries out a variety of perspectives, allowing listeners to come to their own conclusions about such matters as the nature of the angel in “A Case of Identity” or the reason Holmes abandons his magnifying glass for binoculars in “Silver Blaze”.

Who brings binoculars to a horse race?

Indeed.

©2019 Sheldon Goldfarb (P)2020 MX Publishing

Enjoyable and insightful

This book gave me a lot to think about as it went through the entire ACD Sherlock Holmes Canon. I think I have to reread a number of books! The narration was excellent.

A Good Book for a Dedicated Sherlockian

This book can only truly be appreciated if the listener has read the entire Sherlock Holmes canon first. Without this background much, if not most, of this book will be meaningless.

Sheldon Goldfarb takes the reader through not a summary of each novel and story, but places each work into the historic, cultural and occasionally political context of its time. Sometimes the essays are fascinating, sometimes they are repetitive, but all bring a nugget or two of some unique information or insight.

I found that this is not a book to play in one sitting. I listened to about half of it, listened to another book, and went back to it to finish. In my opinion this was the best way to appreciate it.

Finally, reader J.T. McDaniel has the perfect voice for this work. His manner of speech reminded me, in a way, of Nigel Bruce. He has a great ability to communicate much in a sigh, a pause or sarcastic remark. His verbal devices ensured that this book did not make me tire, but rather find a level of amusement in the midst of the scholarly commentary.

Literary Approach

The author provides the reader 60 essays, so called "Musings" on the various stories found within the Sherlockian Canon. Insightful and intelligent, the author plies us with critical insights and perspectives. The only fault might be his continual reference to the "curious incident of the dog in the nighttime," for for a bit everything is "another curious incident..." If you enjoy Sherlock Holmes, this is a pleasant read.

Nice approach

Really enjoyed the structure of the book and the way each adventure or story was chronologically handled.