The Sign of Four

October 1, 2004
This story contains all the prerequisites of a good mystery: a missing person, murder in a locked room, buried treasure, and an exciting chase. When Doyle added his already popular characters--Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson--listeners knew there was a great tale ahead. He also included historical elements, using the Indian Mutiny of 1857 as a backdrop for the story of the Great Agra Treasure. The author continued to flesh out the personality of Sherlock, little knowing that one day he would come to loathe this literary detective. Musical interludes help create the atmosphere that is an important part of Doyle's writing. David Timson seems attuned to the characters, and his narration seems better with each NAXOS presentation. Highly recommended for libraries with mystery and literature collections.--Theresa Connors, Arkansas Tech Univ., Russellville

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