AZE Reviews a Classic

​Welcome back book friends!
Last week I told you all about my haul from the bookstore, but I didn't go into depth on the two novels I picked up at the library. After reading Six Stories, I decided to dive right into my library picks. This week, I'm back with two book reviews for all of you. Both of these reviews are based on my own personal liking. I absolutely understand if you agree or even disagree! Just remember, if we all liked the same things, life would be boring... With that in mind, let's get to rating!

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
(3 stars)
In this collection of short stories, readers embark on a journey of truths alongside renowned Detective Sherlock Holmes and his trusted companion Dr. Watson. Will the detective be able to solve such puzzling cases?
Review
This was my first time picking up any work of Doyle's. I was so eager to read this collection, but ended up feeling very disappointed. While I completely understood his style of writing, it simply wasn't enjoyable for me.
Throughout the stories, Doyle incorporates figurative language. His writing is largely composed of metaphors and similes- this results in extremely detailed and unnecessary descriptions. For example, when describing the weather, Doyle writes "It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that even here in the heart of great, handmade London we were forced to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and to recognize the presence of those great elemental forces which shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilization, like untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in the chimney," (The Five Orange Pips).
Instead of dragging on with such detailed information, Doyle could have easily just mentioned the condition of the weather. The last sentence from the previous excerpt: "the storm grew higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in the chimney" would have been more easily understood and would have achieved the same purpose.
Unfortunately, every single story in the collection was told in this manner, making it mundane and very tiresome. There are many classics which I've enjoyed immensely- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes was not one of them.

Appointment with Death (Hercule Poirot #19) by Agatha Christie
(4.5 stars)
​Among the captivating cliffs of Petra lays the dead body of Mrs. Boynton, a puncture mark on her arm raises suspicion of foul play. Detective Hercule Poirot is told of the misfortune and feels compelled to investigate- clearly opposing the family's wishes. Are they hiding the truth? The detective has hours to solve the case.
Review
I was so happy when I began reading this novel right after Sherlock Holmes; it felt like taking in a breath of fresh air. Unlike my previous read, which had been dull, Appointment with Death was exciting and such an easy read. Christie did a great job at creating an enticing story and such vivid characters. Nonetheless, the ending felt a bit rushed and left one or two questions unanswered. Because of this, I gave this novel 4.5 out of 5!

Have you read either of these novels? Let me know down in the comments!