Success Secrest of Sherlock Holmes - David Acord

Success Secrets Of Sherlock Holmes

Life Lessons from the Master Detective
David Acord
Perigee
 
Nonfiction/Self-Help
 
As the author states, up front, you don’t need to know anything at all about Sherlock Holmes in order to read or understand this book.  Which begs the question: why would you read the book if you didn’t know Holmes?  But that’s a small quibble, I suppose, really.  Just something I couldn’t help wondering.
 
This book takes the major traits of Sherlock Holmes (and some of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, his creator) and uses them as examples of how to succeed in life.  There are chapters devoted to such things as attention to detail, finding your passion in life, and taking credit where credit is due.  All characteristics well known to fans of Holmes.

For fans, this is an interesting way to look at Holmes; as a sort of Successful Person Template.  There are a few quotes and excerpts from various stories, and a couple of spoilers for the uninitiated.  Whatever your interest, this is a very fast read.  Chapters can be read out of order, since they’re all basically stand-alone concepts.  I’m honestly not a huge fan of self-help books, but I do love Holmes and his partner, Watson.  If you’re a fan and someone looking to improve some aspect of your life, it’s worth a look.  And if you’re not yet a fan, and this leads you to read some of the best detective fiction ever written, so much the better.
 
Rating: 5
November 2011
ISBN# 978-0-399-53698-4 (trade paperback)