Perfection"

Derek Jacobi narrating and performing Sherlock Holmes is a match made in heaven. And I have so enjoyed it. Previously I had A Study in Scarlet and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes read by Derek Jacobi and are equally just as good. This particular group of stories I was less familiar with than in the Adventures. The last story at the Reichenbach Falls is well known and yet still it tugs at the heart. "Don't leave him Watson!" this time.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Absorbing listen

This was my second listen to these most absorbing stories. It kept me listening for many hours, unable to tear myself away. Beautifully narrated once again by Derek Jacobi.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Fabulous performance of these classic tales

Jacobi is the perfect narrator for these stories and all the other Holmes stories, after listening to these it is very difficult to hear them in any other voice. There are other volumes well worth the free cost

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Jacobi brings Holmes to life

Would you consider the audio edition of The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes to be better than the print version?

Derek Jacobi is a legend and his uncanny ability to bring to life each and every character is wonderful. His voice is opulent in tone and his acting prowess ensures that his narration is world class. I have listened over and over again. I love it.

What other book might you compare The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes to, and why?

All of the Sherlock Holmes stories undertaken by Derek Jacobi

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Excellent

The older British public seem to prefer their “classics” read in deep, resonant, “classic BBC” voices, out of a belief that it lends gravity to our profound literary heritage. Factors influencing that preference would be the regular diet of recordings of Shakespeare plays received in school, and the popular costume dramas seen at the cinema, on TV, and heard on the radio. Ironically, we also have a love of authenticity, but only when it suits us ! From an audio book perspective, we should want the narrative of Dracula read with an Irish accent, and the Count’s dialogue a la Bela Lugosi : “Leeson to zem, ze cheeldren of ze nat. What mewsic zay mek !” But contrary as ever, most of us want the lot Christopher Lee style.

So how do we want our Sherlock read, then ? In the rich Edinburgh accent of Conan Doyle ? In the very English tones of Basil Rathbone or Jeremy Brett ? I have to admit a personal fondness for the voices of Basil Rathbone, and the bumbling Watson of Nigel Stock. But as the vast majority of the narrative is from the notebooks of Doctor Watson, a comic, Stock-like voice might begin to try one’s patience after a while. Would an American accent seem inappropriate ? Of course it would, just as you would not expect Stephen Fry to attempt re-makes of John Wayne movies ! ( That would indeed be the day ! ! )

If money is no object, and you love Sherlock, get all three ! Realistically, prioritising your requirements is the best way forward : cost, completeness, or sound.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

A fine memoir!

If you could sum up The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes in three words, what would they be?

Holmes. Watson. Moriarty.

What about Derek Jacobi’s performance did you like?

Every word.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, because it's good to savour the stories.

Any additional comments?

This was intended to be the final Sherlock Holmes collection, though this was not to be. There are some excellent stories in this collection: Silver Blaze, the Musgrave Ritual and the Greek Interpreter to name a few. Yet it is the final story, the Final Problem, that everyone knows. It introduces Professor Moriarty, providing Holmes with an adversary who is his equal, and possibly his end...

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

It's obvious after he's explained it.

More great stories from Conan Doyle. This volume contains a series of twelve short stories which are excellently read by Derek Jacobi. It contains the second collection of stories (collated over period 1892-1893), after 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1891-1892 collection). I stupidly read the third collection ('The Return Of...') before 'The Memoirs..'. At least now I know where he is returning from! Where he goes is covered in the last short story of this book - 'The Adventure of the Final Problem'. Holmes came back due to popular pressure on the author. Highly recommended book.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

Brilliant

You know Sherlock Holmes. You've seen adaptations on TV, you know his stories. But, listening/reading the books is just wonderful. By reading, you gain a deeper understanding of Holmes, of Watson, of Victorian England and Derek Jacobi is an amazing narrator. He is perfect for the job. So even though you may be familiar with the stories, have a listen and instead of being preoccupied with 'who done it' (cos you probably know already), enjoy the journey and allow Holmes to lead you there in his own unique way.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Well presented short stories

I often find myself being hyper critical of any story which paints a character as a genius and then, in order to progress the plot, has them make some sort of obvious mistake. So it was with some trepidation that I began the Sherlock Holmes stories. I have now completed them all, purchasing this one mainly for the Reichenbach falls story.
The plots are beautifully woven, the characters are very interesting and the so the stories make great reading whether you are listening for pleasure or trying to beat Holmes to the solution.
I will admit that Derek Jacobi is not my normal Holmes reader and I do prefer Charlton Griffin, but that's not to say this isn't a solid performance.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Perfect

Wonderful stories as any Holmes fan knows, excellently narrated by Derek Jacobi who puts on different (but not stupid) voices for each character, top marks.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!