A superb addition to this superlative collection
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Clive Merrison and Michael Williams are, for me, the essential Holmes and Watson of any dramatised versions. The fact that these are audio adaptations simply means that the pictures (in your mind) are better. If the BBC were to be praised for nothing else (and these days it's hard to praise them for anything!) then they should be heartily congratulated for having had the vision and foresight to commission a full rendering of the entire Sherlock Holmes canon, keeping the same pair of actors throughout. I don't think this has ever been done anywhere else.
This particular volume, the second set of three comprising "The Memoirs", contains four of the better stories from that period in Conan Doyle's writing: "The Musgrave Ritual", "The Reigate Squires", "The Crooked Man" and "The Resident Patient". Originally broadcast in 1992, two are directed by Patrick Rayner, the other two by Enyd Williams, both being involved in the entire project throughout. "The Crooked Man" is a particularly affecting tale with a stunning performance by Brian Blessed, far superior to that he gave in "The Sign of the Four". Everything about these audio versions, from script to casting, from background atmosphere to Leonard Friedman's haunting violin playing of the theme, speaks of class and quality.
If you cannot obtain or afford the complete collection, then this volume alone will make a superb stand-alone addition to any audio collection. It is highly recommended for any lover of BBC Audiobooks.
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The second selection of Holmes and Watson adventures.
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After the (unexpected) success of the serialisation of "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" in the Strand magazine, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle progressed to this collection, the "Memoires". Included are some of the greatest Sherlock Holmes stories, one may even say greatest detective stories. Silver Blaze, and The Final Adventure, being the two high-points. This is before Watson becomes an bungling incompetent and is actually showing signs of learning from his mentor. We have an ideal master/apprentice relationship laid out for us, wherein we also find the more important relationship of friendship. Prehaps, it is this which prolongs the endearing touch of the tales for the modern reader. If you consider yourself a Holmes fan and have not yet read this, shame on you. If you are being introduced to the master, run on in and buy this masterpiece, This is, perhaps, the zenith of the detective fiction art.
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