44 pages • 1 hour read
Arthur Conan DoyleThe Sign of the Four
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1890A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The Sign of the Four, Sherlock Holmes and John Watson investigate the case of Mary Morstan, whose father disappeared years ago and who has been receiving mysterious pearls. Their search leads them through clues involving a hidden treasure, a secret pact among four men, and a complex web of deceit and murder. Along the way, Watson develops romantic feelings for Mary. The story includes outdated and offensive language.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Arthur Conan Doyle's The Sign of the Four is praised for its intricate plot and masterful use of suspense. Readers appreciate the rich character development of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Critics note moments of racial insensitivity characteristic of the period, but the novel remains a seminal work in detective fiction, engaging and thought-provoking.
Who Should Read The Sign of the Four?
A reader who enjoys The Sign of the Four by Arthur Conan Doyle is likely captivated by classic detective fiction brimming with suspense and intricate plot twists. Fans of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes or The Hound of the Baskervilles will appreciate this engaging tale. Perfect for admirers of Edgar Allan Poe or modern adaptations like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, it offers a timeless appeal.
RecommendedReading Age
12-18yearsLexile Level
830LBook Details
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Classic Fiction
Identity: Race
Society: Colonialism
Values/Ideas: Power & Greed