This is apparently the first Sherlock Holmes book. It is an interesting introduction to Holmes and Watson and sort of defines what each character is like and what their relationship is.

Holmes isn't really what I expected him to be. Much more ridiculous and out of control. His actions are rather cavalier and he does a lot of stuff on his own to try to trick the culprit into revealing themselves or walking into a trap. The way he handles himself and the cases appeals to me because of how ridiculous it is.

Half of this book sort of turns into a historical fiction backstory about the Mormons being culty and crazy. I don't know how grounded in reality this is, but it doesn't really add anything to the story and was added in a way that made me wonder if I was still reading the same book. My review would be four stars if this part was deleted from the book.

In the end, the parts with Holmes were very good and I will probably read some more by ACD.