Book review of Round the Fire Stories

by Arthur Conan Doyle (Author)

Updated at: 19/01/2025

Step back in time with Arthur Conan Doyle's "Round the Fire Stories," a captivating collection of tales that showcase the author's masterful storytelling beyond his iconic Sherlock Holmes. This anthology plunges readers into a world of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural, featuring intricate plots and unforgettable characters. From chilling ghost stories to perplexing enigmas, each narrative is meticulously crafted, leaving you breathless until the final twist. Experience Doyle's signature blend of clever deductions and vivid imagery, revealing his versatility and solidifying his position as a pioneer of detective fiction. Whether you're a seasoned Doyle enthusiast or a newcomer to Victorian-era literature, "Round the Fire Stories" offers an enthralling evening of suspenseful storytelling.

4.2 / 183 ratings

Review Round the Fire Stories

I absolutely devoured Arthur Conan Doyle's Round the Fire Stories! As a long-time admirer of his Sherlock Holmes tales, I was thrilled to discover this collection, which showcases a different, equally compelling side of his writing. While the meticulous logic and sharp deduction of Holmes are certainly present in some stories, Round the Fire Stories delves much deeper into the realm of the uncanny and the unsettling. It's a journey through Victorian-era anxieties, exploring themes of the supernatural, psychological manipulation, and even a touch of the darkly humorous.

The book is a diverse mix, offering a satisfying variety of narratives. Some are genuinely chilling ghost stories that sent shivers down my spine, especially those with their eerie settings – desolate moors, creepy manor houses, and even the chilling atmosphere of a colonial outpost. These tales masterfully build suspense, leaving you guessing until the very last line, a testament to Doyle's skill in crafting unforgettable twists. Others are more focused on intricate mysteries, similar in style to his famous detective work, albeit often with a darker, more morally ambiguous edge. I especially appreciated how Doyle explored the perversities of human nature, revealing the unsettling depths of human psychology lurking beneath seemingly ordinary lives.

One story that particularly stood out was the one involving the drinking funnel used in water torture – the way Doyle used a seemingly mundane object to carry the weight of a horrific crime was both brilliant and unsettling. Another, concerning a devoted wife's fight for her husband's soul, resonated with me because of its emotional depth. The contrast between the supernatural and the intensely human drama made it incredibly memorable. Even the stories that might initially seem less impactful contribute to the overall atmosphere, creating a satisfying tapestry of fright, intrigue, and suspense.

While some of the stories are more overtly creepy than others, the overall quality is consistently high. The writing itself is easily accessible, despite the book's Victorian origins. The language is rich and descriptive, painting vivid pictures of the settings and characters, making it easy to immerse yourself in each story. I read this on my Kindle, and the format worked perfectly for me. It felt like a perfect way to enjoy these tales, one at a time, letting each story sink in before moving on to the next.

While it might not reach the same heights as the Sherlock Holmes canon for everyone, Round the Fire Stories is a wonderful exploration of Doyle’s range as a storyteller. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys Victorian-era fiction, supernatural thrillers, or simply a good, well-crafted short story. It's a book that stays with you long after you've finished reading it, and it definitely solidified my admiration for Doyle's versatility and skill. The only slight disappointment was discovering one story was missing from the version I read (The Usher of Lea House), a minor inconvenience considering the overall enjoyment I got from the collection.