The Sign of Four Audiobook By Arthur Conan Doyle cover art

The Sign of Four

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The Sign of Four

By: Arthur Conan Doyle
Narrated by: Patrick Tull
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Greed, betrayal, and vengeance set the stage for this Sir Arthur Conan Doyle classic. Sherlock Holmes is rescued from boredom by the strange case of Jonathan Small and the tragedy of Pondicherry Lodge. The mystery leads Holmes and Dr. Watson into an intricate plot regarding a lost treasure belonging to four convicts on the Andaman Islands.

Public Domain (P)1986 Recorded Books, LLC Mystery Traditional Detectives Detective Fiction Sherlock Holmes

Editorial reviews

At the outset of Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Sign of Four, the ever-faithful Dr. Watson debates confronting his boss - the brilliant Sherlock Holmes - about his drug problem. The Sign of Four is the second installment in the Holmes series and greatly expands upon the emotional and spiritual sides of the great detective. Performed by British master, Patrick Tull, whose deep voice and impeccable dialect carry the listener, The Sign of Four features a secret pact made between corrupt prison guards and four convicts, and a mysterious string of pearls received by a client of Holmes. While not necessarily a success upon initial publication, The Sign of Four has been dramatically adapted at least 12 times.
Classic Story • Enjoyable Tale • Excellent Narration • Interesting Mystery • Engaging Storyline • Pleasant Accent
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This title was available for free as part of Audible/Amazon's WhisperSync promotion, and the decision to pick up or pass on a classic, free Sherlock Holmes tale was, well, elementary.

The story itself is one of the earlier Holmes books - it's the first to detail his "struggles" with cocaine, and introduces us to Mary Morstan. It's an exciting mystery filled with treasure and villainy that uses the East India Trading Company as a backdrop.

Holmes and Watson themselves are great, of course, and that's in no small part due to the narration of Patrick Tull (of Patrick O'Brien fame). gets a solid handle on the characters of Holmes and Watson, and his narration is very easy on the ears. There are, unfortunately, few minor recording errors that apparently went without noticed (flubbed and clipped lines, etc.), but in general, that didn't detract too much from what was a classic story matched with a very fine reading.

If you like, or are curious at all, about why Sherlock Holmes is now a household name, this is worth checking out. But don't be surprised if, like a drug, it leaves you longing for another fix of the master detective.

The Sign of Sherlock Holmes! And Cocaine!

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Would you consider the audio edition of The Sign of Four to be better than the print version?

Since it is my first. I would say yes, because I do get busy. It is easier to have my headphones in then trying to do things and hold my tablet.

What does Patrick Tull bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I like how Patrick Tull gives a distinguished voice between the characters. There is only a few times that I got confused over Watson and Sherlock.I enjoyed listening to Patrick's english accent too. It adds the touch to the story as I would do when I read out loud or in my mind.

Enjoyed my first audible book!!!

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I really enjoy hearing the story while driving. The reader does a great job and look forward to hearing more Arthur Conan Doyle stories read by Patrick Tull.

What did you like best about this story?

It is a Sherlock Homes story, what is not to like.

My Dear Watson

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Not my favorite mystery but this our go to genre for long drives in the car. Everyone is engaged and gives us a topic to discuss later.

Great for all ages

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Well performed classic mystery well delivered. It was good entertainment while driving.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sherlock Holmes is always interesting with a blend of arrogance and compassion

What does Patrick Tull bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The use of different voices for different characters is brought alive by the narrator.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

What happened in the past that now is affecting the present in the life of one young woman?

Any additional comments?

Good story, good presentation.

Holmes - always good

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The main mystery is fairly uninspired... Conan Doyle used the primary plot as a way to tell a secondary story based in India, which was more interesting.

OK story, very good performance.

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Would you listen to The Sign of Four again? Why?

Patrick Tull is one of my favorite readers - I'd be happy to hear him read the phone book (as they say)!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Sign of Four?

I love Sherlock Holmes stories, so really the whole thing was great, though I love it when he comes in to Baker St in disguise and Watson doesn't recognize him.

What about Patrick Tull’s performance did you like?

His voices were stellar, as is the energy of his reading - he dramatizes without it seeming forced or unnatural

Sherlock is always a winner

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narrator good story moved slow but I enjoyed it always liked sherlock Holmes stories thanks

good

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What made the experience of listening to The Sign of Four the most enjoyable?

I have read this book before but now i enjoy listening to audiobooks because my eyes are letting me down.

What three words best describe Patrick Tull’s voice?

The narrator was not the best i am sorry to say. He was reading a little too fast and sometimes i had to repeat what i heard before to get it all.

Sherlock Holmes is always a good read.

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I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I was only casually familiar with Mr. Doyle's master sleuth through movies and pop culture references. That said, I had no idea what a great writer and storyteller Mr. Doyle was until I decided to get this book. Very entertaining and well narrated by Patrick Tull. I definitely recommend this book. While it's not the first in the series, it's still one of the earlier works and makes for a good introduction to the main characters, Sherlock and Mr. Watson.

Very Enjoyable!

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