Publisher's Synopsis
A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle introduces the characters Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson, and is the first of four novels and 56 short stories in the original Holmes canon. It was first published in 1887 in Beeton's Christmas Annual, and released as a separate book the following July (1888). The novel is divided into two segments of seven chapters each. In the original book Part I is unnamed, but claims to be reprinted from the "reminisces of John H Watson, M.D." and is often referred to as such.
Watson narrates the first section of the novel, detailing his brief service in the second Afghan War, his injury and subsequent return to England. Having little to do with his time and few friends to spend it with, Watson soon falls into dire financial straits and decides he must either find cheaper accommodation or leave London entirely.
