A Scandal In Bohemia

The main characters in this story is Sherlock Holmes, the King, Watson(Author) and Irene Adler. Sherlock Holmes is very smart in all his adventures. However, in this adventure/case, it was the first and last time he got "bluffed" by a woman called Irene Adler. Irene Adler had a photo which she used to threaten the King. As the king is marrying a princess, he could not afford to let this photo reach the princess hands. The king had no choice but to ask Sherlock Holmes for help. Sherlock used a trick where Watson will throw an ordinary plumber's smoke rocket fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting and shout fire so that Irene Adler as assumed will take her most valuable item which is the photo, while Sherlock Holmes will act as if he is injured and get himself inside the house. Sherlock Holmes planned this trick as he had experience seeing a pregnant woman taking her baby(most precious thing) when there is fire. Unfortunately, this trick could not work because Irene Adler was an actress an could see through Sherlock Holmes act. On top of that, she was already warned that the king would definitely find Sherlock Holmes for help. Therefore, Irene Adler was aware that Sherlock Holmes may go to her house any time. Irene Adler was taken in at the first, but realised that what Sherlock Holmes did was a trick and thus, she quickly took the photo and took flight. Although Sherlock Holmes was outwitted(for the first time), Irene Adler promised that the photo will be used only to safeguard herself and from any steps which the king might take in the future. I feel that this adventure is very well-written as it is the first time Sherlock Holmes got outwitted. I must say that Irene Adler is indeed shrewd and intelligent.

My favourite character is Irene Adler as she is pretty(stated in the book), she is very smart(outwitted Sherlock Holmes) and she is kind(promised not to let the photo get into the hands of others).

Comparing this adventure to the 2nd adventure which is A case of identity, this adventure is definitely better written as it is the only time Sherlock Holmes is outwitted, making it very interesting.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle(22 May 1859 – 7 July 1930) is the author of this book. He is a Scottish physician and writer and was most noted for his stories on the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. He "killed" Sherlock Holmes in "The Final Problem" but was forced to resurrect Sherlock Holmes due to the public outcry. Indeed, Sherlock Holmes has a great impact on the readers.