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The Devil and Sherlock Holmes

Tales of Murder, Madness and Obsession
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( 8,702 ratings, 1,059 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Devil and Sherlock Holmes by David Grann is a gripping collection of true stories that delve into the darker aspects of human nature and history. Each story, masterfully reported, explores tales of crime, mystery, and intrigue, offering a fascinating look at real-life events that are as captivating as any fiction.
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Format: Paperback / softback

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you have a keen interest in true crime, gripping mysteries, and fascinating historical events. The collection of real-life stories is masterfully written, providing an intriguing blend of suspense and insightful journalism.

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The Devil and Sherlock Holmes

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Devil and Sherlock Holmes by David Grann immerses readers in a series of twelve real-life stories, each filled with as much suspense and wonder as any fictional tale. Grann takes us on an investigative journey that delves deep into the human psyche and illuminates the contrasting forces of good and evil that shape our world. The collection opens a window to the strange, often startling, realities that lurk beneath the surface of everyday life.

By the author of the international Number One bestsellers KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON and THE WAGER

As Sherlock Holmes once conceded to Dr. Watson, 'If we could fly out of that window hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the roofs and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the strange coincidences, the planning, the cross-purposes, the wonderful chain of events, working through generations and leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and unprofitable.'

With such a spirit for investigation and discovery, David Grann sets out in The Devil and Sherlock Holmes to unravel the truth behind twelve captivating true stories. Although Holmes is the focus of just one narrative, each tale is rife with elements of mystery and curiosity. Many protagonists of these episodes are detectives in their own right: a Polish investigator scrutinising whether an author embedded real murder clues within his post-modern novel; an arson expert racing against time to exonerate a potentially innocent man awaiting execution; a renowned French con artist pondering if he himself is being deceived; and scientists on the hunt for a mythical sea creature.

Unlike the fictional adventures of Sherlock Holmes, these accounts are grounded in reality. The protagonists are ordinary mortals whose quests often leave pieces of the puzzle unsolved. Some are driven to the brink of madness, others to drastic deception and murder. Despite the occasional descent into darkness, these stories ultimately shine a spotlight on the complexities of the human condition. They explore why certain individuals dedicate their lives to noble causes while others succumb to malevolence.

As Holmes himself mused, 'Life is infinitely stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent.' Indeed, Grann's masterful storytelling in The Devil and Sherlock Holmes confirms just that, captivating readers with its genuine, sometimes harrowing, explorations of truth and morality.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Devil and Sherlock Holmes by David Grann is described as horrifying, hilarious, and outlandish, with each straightforward tale gripping the reader similarly to the giant squid in "The Squid Hunter". The book is praised as a gripping read, guiding through the intriguing lives of obsessives. The intricate accounts are rich in intrigue and momentum, inciting both excitement and emotional responses. Grann's focus on storytelling combined with his exhaustive research makes the book compelling and fascinating. His ability to unearth hidden facts and present clear narratives adds to the allure and enjoyment of the book.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781849830669

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 March 2011

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Simon & Schuster Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 352

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About the Author

David Grann is the author of the Number One international bestsellers KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON, THE LOST CITY OF Z and THE WAGER. KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON was shortlisted for the CWA ALCS Gold Dagger for Non-Fiction and won an Edgar Allan Poe Award. He is also the author of THE WHITE DARKNESS and the collection THE DEVIL AND SHERLOCK HOLMES. Grann's storytelling has garnered several honours including a George Polk Award. He lives with his wife and children in Westchester County, New York.

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