Sherlock Holmes – Study in Scarlet
You are going to listen and read a summary of the book adjusted to your level. The main aim is to allow you to practise listening and speaking skills. In addition, you will be able to learn and use book-related vocabulary.
At the bottom of each chapter, you will find a list of questions that will help you to prepare to summarise it.

Dr. John Watson is a doctor who has served in the British Army. He worked as an assistant surgeon in Afghanistan, where he was severely injured by a bullet in his shoulder during a battle. The injury was very painful and serious, and Dr. Watson had to return to England to recover. Once back in England, he also got a terrible illness, which made him very weak. He was sent to a hospital in London to get better. After spending many months in the hospital, Dr. Watson was finally well enough to leave.
When Dr. Watson leaves the hospital, he feels very lonely. He does not have many friends or family in London. He is also worried about money because he does not have a job. He needs to find a place to live that is not too expensive. One day, Dr. Watson meets an old friend named Stamford. Stamford is kind and helpful. He listens to Dr. Watson’s problems and understands that Dr. Watson needs a place to stay.
Stamford tells Dr. Watson that he knows someone who is also looking for a roommate. This person’s name is Sherlock Holmes. Dr. Watson is very curious about Sherlock Holmes. He asks Stamford many questions about him, but Stamford does not know much. He only knows that Sherlock Holmes is very clever and works in a laboratory. Stamford thinks that Holmes is a bit strange but very interesting.
Stamford decides to take Dr. Watson to meet Sherlock Holmes. They go to St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, where Holmes is working. When they arrive, they find Holmes in a laboratory. He is doing an experiment and is very excited. Holmes has discovered a new chemical that can show bloodstains. This chemical can help the police find criminals because it makes bloodstains visible, even if they are very old or hidden. Holmes is very proud of his discovery.
Dr. Watson is very impressed with Sherlock Holmes. Holmes is tall and thin, with small eyes and dark hair. He has a quick and lively way of talking. Holmes seems to know a lot about many different things. He is very smart and observant. Dr. Watson finds Holmes to be a very interesting and unusual person. He thinks it might be a good idea to share a flat with Holmes.
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson talk for a while. They get to know each other better. Holmes is also interested in Dr. Watson and asks him many questions. They both think that they can get along well together. Holmes tells Dr. Watson about a flat he knows at 221B Baker Street. It is a nice place, and the rent is not too high. Dr. Watson agrees to go and see the flat with Holmes.
They visit the flat at 221B Baker Street. It is a cozy place with two bedrooms, a sitting room, and a kitchen. Dr. Watson likes it very much. He decides to move in with Sherlock Holmes. They quickly become roommates and start living together. Dr. Watson is happy to have a new friend and a place to live.
As they live together, Dr. Watson learns more about Sherlock Holmes. Holmes has many books and papers in their flat. He spends a lot of time studying. Holmes knows many things about crimes and criminals. He reads a lot about chemistry, medicine, and the law. Holmes is very dedicated to his work. He also plays the violin very well. Sometimes, when Holmes is thinking deeply, he plays the violin to help him relax.
Dr. Watson likes living with Sherlock Holmes. He is happy to have someone to talk to and share his life with. They start to become good friends. Dr. Watson asks Holmes many questions about what he is working on. Holmes enjoys explaining things to Dr. Watson and showing him what he is doing.
Chapter questions
- Why did Dr. Watson leave the army?
- What happened to Dr. Watson when he returned to England?
- Why does Dr. Watson feel lonely when he leaves the hospital?
- Who helps Dr. Watson find a place to live?
- Where do Dr. Watson and Stamford meet Sherlock Holmes?
- What discovery is Sherlock Holmes excited about when Dr. Watson first meets him?
- What kind of work does Sherlock Holmes do?
A Strange Advertisement
After moving in with Sherlock Holmes at 221B Baker Street, Dr. Watson begins to learn more about his new friend. Sherlock Holmes is a very unusual man. He is very clever and knows a lot about many different subjects, but he also has many strange habits. Holmes spends a lot of time doing experiments in their flat. Sometimes he plays the violin for hours. Dr. Watson finds these habits interesting but sometimes confusing.
One day, Dr. Watson is reading the newspaper when he sees a strange advertisement. The advertisement asks for anyone who can solve difficult problems to come to a specific address. Dr. Watson shows the advertisement to Sherlock Holmes. Holmes smiles and explains that he put the advertisement in the newspaper. He is a consulting detective, which means he helps people solve problems and mysteries that no one else can solve.
Holmes tells Dr. Watson that people come to him with very difficult cases. The police often ask for his help when they cannot solve a crime. Holmes is very good at finding clues and putting the pieces of a puzzle together. Dr. Watson is very impressed by this and wants to learn more about Holmes’s work.
Later that day, a visitor comes to their flat. The visitor is a police detective named Inspector Lestrade. Lestrade has come to ask for Holmes’s help with a very strange case. There has been a murder, and the police cannot figure out what happened. Lestrade gives Holmes the details of the case and asks him to come to the crime scene.
Holmes agrees to help and invites Dr. Watson to come with him. Dr. Watson is excited to see Holmes in action and to learn how he solves crimes. They quickly get ready and leave their flat to go to the crime scene.
When they arrive at the crime scene, Holmes immediately starts looking for clues. He examines everything very carefully. Holmes notices things that other people do not see. He looks at the floor, the walls, and the furniture. He also talks to the people who found the body and asks them many questions.
Dr. Watson watches Holmes closely. He is amazed by how quickly Holmes can find important clues. Holmes explains to Dr. Watson that every small detail is important. Even the smallest clue can help solve a big mystery. Holmes also shows Dr. Watson how to use logic and reason to figure out what happened.
As they continue to investigate the crime scene, Holmes finds several important clues that the police missed. He collects these clues and starts to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Holmes tells Dr. Watson that he has some ideas about what happened but needs more information before he can be sure.
Holmes and Dr. Watson return to their flat at 221B Baker Street. Holmes begins to study the clues they found at the crime scene. He spends hours thinking and writing notes. Dr. Watson tries to help by asking questions and making suggestions. Together, they work late into the night, trying to solve the mystery.
Dr. Watson is very excited to be part of this investigation. He is learning a lot from Holmes and is starting to understand how his friend’s mind works. Dr. Watson is proud to be working with someone so clever and talented. He is also happy to have a friend like Holmes who makes his life interesting and full of adventure.
This experience makes Dr. Watson even more eager to learn from Holmes and to be a part of solving many more mysteries together. Their partnership is growing stronger, and Dr. Watson looks forward to many more exciting cases with Sherlock Holmes.
Chapter questions
- What does Dr. Watson learn about Sherlock Holmes’s work as a consulting detective?
- Why does Inspector Lestrade visit Sherlock Holmes?
- What does Holmes do when he arrives at the crime scene?
- How does Dr. Watson feel about watching Holmes investigate the crime scene?
- What does Holmes teach Dr. Watson about solving mysteries?
- How does Holmes find clues that others miss?
- What is Dr. Watson’s reaction to working with Holmes on this case?
Dr. Watson is very curious about his new friend, Sherlock Holmes. After living together for a while, Dr. Watson starts to notice more about Holmes’s unusual habits and impressive skills. Holmes is a very private person and does not talk much about himself, so Dr. Watson decides to observe him closely to learn more.
Holmes has a very busy mind and is always thinking about something. He spends hours doing experiments in their flat, usually related to chemistry. Holmes also reads a lot of books and newspapers. He likes to keep up with the latest news and information. Dr. Watson is amazed at how much Holmes knows about different subjects.
One day, Dr. Watson asks Holmes directly about his work. Holmes explains that he is a consulting detective. People come to him with very difficult problems that no one else can solve. Holmes uses his brilliant mind to find clues and solve mysteries. He tells Dr. Watson that he has developed his own methods for solving crimes. These methods include careful observation, logical thinking, and using science to find evidence.
Holmes is very proud of his skills and enjoys his work very much. He tells Dr. Watson that solving a mystery is like solving a puzzle. He loves the challenge and the excitement of finding the solution. Holmes also explains that he works with the police sometimes. They come to him when they have a case that is too difficult for them. Holmes is happy to help because he wants to see justice done.
Dr. Watson is very impressed by Holmes’s explanation. He asks Holmes if he can join him on his cases to learn more. Holmes agrees and says that having Dr. Watson with him could be very useful. Dr. Watson is excited about this opportunity. He wants to see how Holmes works and help him solve mysteries.
Holmes tells Dr. Watson about some of the cases he has solved in the past. He talks about a case where he found a missing person by studying a piece of clothing. In another case, he discovered a thief by examining a footprint. Holmes explains that every detail is important and that even the smallest clue can lead to the solution of a big mystery.
Dr. Watson realizes that Holmes’s methods are very different from the usual police work. Holmes is very careful and thorough. He never jumps to conclusions and always looks for evidence to support his ideas. Dr. Watson admires Holmes’s dedication and intelligence. He feels lucky to have such an extraordinary friend.
As they continue to live and work together, Dr. Watson sees more of Holmes’s skills in action. Holmes can tell a lot about a person just by looking at them. He can often guess where someone has been, what they do for a living, and what they are thinking. Dr. Watson is amazed by these abilities and starts to write down everything he learns from Holmes.
Dr. Watson also learns that Holmes has a kind heart. Even though he is very focused on his work, Holmes cares about helping people. He wants to solve crimes not just for the challenge, but also to help the victims and bring criminals to justice. Dr. Watson respects Holmes even more for this.
Their friendship grows stronger as they spend more time together. Dr. Watson feels grateful for the chance to be part of Holmes’s exciting world. He is eager to continue learning from Holmes and to be involved in solving more mysteries. Dr. Watson knows that with Holmes, life will never be boring.
This chapter shows Dr. Watson’s growing admiration for Sherlock Holmes and his methods. It also sets the stage for their future adventures together, with Watson eager to learn and help his brilliant friend.
Chapter questions
- What does Dr. Watson notice about Sherlock Holmes’s habits?
- How does Holmes explain his work as a consulting detective?
- What methods does Holmes use to solve crimes?
- Why does Holmes enjoy solving mysteries?
- How does Dr. Watson feel about joining Holmes on his cases?
- What examples does Holmes give of past cases he has solved?
- What does Dr. Watson learn about Holmes’s character and dedication to justice?
The First Case
Dr. Watson is eager to see Sherlock Holmes in action, solving a real mystery. One day, their chance comes. A letter arrives at 221B Baker Street, asking for Holmes’s help with a very unusual case. The letter is from a man named Tobias Gregson, who is a detective at Scotland Yard, the police headquarters in London. Gregson is working on a very difficult case and needs Holmes’s special skills.
Holmes reads the letter carefully and then tells Dr. Watson about the case. There has been a murder, and the police are confused. The body of a man was found in an empty house on Brixton Road. There are no signs of a struggle, and it seems that the man was not robbed. However, the word „RACHE” is written in blood on the wall. This strange clue makes the case even more mysterious.
Holmes and Dr. Watson quickly get ready and go to the crime scene. When they arrive, they meet Detective Gregson and another detective named Lestrade. Both detectives are eager to see what Holmes will do. They hope he can find clues that they missed.
Holmes starts by examining the body of the dead man. He looks very closely at the man’s clothes, hands, and face. Holmes notices some important details that the police did not see. For example, he finds a wedding ring in the man’s pocket. Holmes also examines the room carefully. He looks at the floor, the walls, and the furniture. Holmes also takes out his magnifying glass to look at things more closely.
Holmes then turns his attention to the word „RACHE” written in blood on the wall. He explains that „RACHE” is a German word that means „revenge.” Holmes thinks this clue is important, but he needs more information to understand it fully. He asks the detectives if they have found anything else unusual. Gregson and Lestrade tell Holmes that they found a woman’s wedding ring at the scene. Holmes takes the ring and examines it carefully.
Next, Holmes asks Gregson and Lestrade about the dead man. The detectives say that the man’s name is Enoch Drebber. He was an American who recently came to London. They are trying to find out more about him and why he was in the empty house. Holmes listens carefully and asks more questions. He wants to know everything about the man and his background.
Holmes then asks Dr. Watson to help him examine the area outside the house. They look for footprints and other clues in the garden and on the road. Holmes finds some footprints that he thinks are important. He also finds a cigar end that might belong to the murderer. Holmes carefully collects these clues and puts them in his bag.
After finishing their investigation at the crime scene, Holmes and Dr. Watson return to Baker Street. Holmes spends the rest of the day thinking about the case and studying the clues. Dr. Watson watches as Holmes writes down his thoughts and makes plans. Watson feels that Holmes is getting closer to finding the answer to the mystery.
Chapter questions
- Who asks Sherlock Holmes for help with the case?
- What strange clue is found at the crime scene?
- How does Holmes examine the crime scene differently from the police?
- What important details does Holmes notice about the dead man?
- Why is the word „RACHE” significant in the investigation?
- What does Holmes do after returning to Baker Street?
The Murder Scene
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson continue their investigation into the mysterious murder on Brixton Road. Holmes is determined to find out what happened to the dead man, Enoch Drebber. The clues they found at the crime scene are intriguing, but there is still much to uncover.
Holmes and Dr. Watson examine the body of Enoch Drebber again. Holmes points out several important details. Drebber’s clothes are of high quality, suggesting he was a wealthy man. However, there are no signs of a struggle, and nothing valuable appears to be missing. This indicates that robbery was not the motive for the murder.
Holmes also notices a peculiar mark on Drebber’s hand. It looks like a small, round bruise, possibly made by a ring or a hard object. Holmes thinks this mark might be a significant clue. He tells Dr. Watson that such details can often reveal much about the circumstances of a crime. In the room, Holmes also finds a small piece of paper with some writing on it. The paper seems to be a part of a larger document. Holmes keeps this piece of paper, thinking it might be important later.
Holmes also inspects the footprints they found outside the house. He notices that the footprints suggest two people were involved. One set of footprints is from a large man, while the other set is from a smaller person. This observation leads Holmes to believe that Enoch Drebber was not alone when he entered the house.
Holmes decides to visit the address mentioned in the piece of paper they found at the crime scene. He asks Dr. Watson to come with him. They arrive at a boarding house where Enoch Drebber had been staying. The landlady tells them that Drebber and his secretary, Joseph Stangerson, had been living there for a few days. She also mentions that Drebber was acting strangely the night before he was found dead.
Holmes asks the landlady if she saw anyone unusual around the house. She recalls seeing a tall man with a beard talking to Drebber. This man seemed very angry and upset. Holmes thinks this man might be connected to the murder.
Holmes and Dr. Watson return to Baker Street. Holmes continues to think about the case and the clues they have found. He is determined to find the man who was seen with Drebber. Holmes believes that this man holds the key to solving the mystery.
Chapter questions
- What clues does Holmes find on Enoch Drebber’s body?
- What does Holmes discover about the footprints outside the house?
- What is the small piece of paper found at the crime scene important?
- Who was Enoch Drebber staying with at the boarding house?
- What did the landlady say about the man seen with Drebber?
The Ring’s Secret
When they arrive home, Holmes immediately starts working. He takes out a small tape measure and a magnifying glass. He uses these to examine the wedding ring they found at the crime scene very carefully.
Holmes tells Watson that the ring is an important clue. He explains that it’s not new and has been worn for a long time. This means it probably belonged to an older woman, maybe the victim’s mother or an older wife.
Next, Holmes writes a short advertisement. The ad says they found a gold wedding ring near Brixton Road. It asks the owner to come to 221B Baker Street to claim it. Holmes asks Watson to take this ad to several newspapers in London.
While Watson is gone, Holmes continues to work on the case. He looks at maps of London and writes notes. When Watson returns, Holmes explains his plan. He thinks the killer will see the ad and try to get the ring. If someone comes for the ring, they can catch the killer.
That evening, an old woman comes to their door. She says she’s answering the ad about the ring. Holmes gives her the ring, but he watches her carefully. The old woman thanks them and quickly leaves.
As soon as she’s gone, Holmes jumps up and runs out the door. He tells Watson to follow him. They chase the old woman down the street. But when they turn a corner, they see a young man running away instead of the old woman.
Holmes tries to catch the man, but he’s too fast. The man jumps into a waiting cab and escapes. Holmes is upset that he lost the man, but he’s also excited. He says this proves he was right about the ring.
When they get back home, Holmes explains to Watson what happened. He says the person who came for the ring wasn’t really an old woman. It was the killer in disguise. The killer wanted to get the ring back because it was evidence.
Holmes tells Watson that now they know more about the killer. He’s young, fast, and good at disguising himself. Holmes is sure they will catch him soon.
Watson is amazed at how clever Holmes’s plan was. He’s starting to understand why people come to Holmes for help with difficult cases. Holmes has turned a small clue into a big step forward in solving the crime.
Chapter questions
- What two tools does Holmes use to examine the ring?
- What does Holmes learn from looking at the ring?
- What does Holmes write for the newspapers?
- Who comes to claim the ring at first?
- What happens when Holmes and Watson chase the person who claimed the ring?
- Why does Holmes think the killer wanted the ring back?
- What new things does Holmes learn about the killer from this plan?
Interviewing Witnesses
The next day, Holmes and Watson continue working on the case. They decide to talk to people who might have seen something important. These people are called witnesses.
First, they visit the house where the crime happened. They talk to the policeman who found the body. The policeman tells them he was walking his usual route when he saw a light in the empty house. He thought this was strange, so he went to check. That’s when he found the dead man.
Holmes asks the policeman many questions. He wants to know exactly what time the body was found, what the street looked like that night, and if the policeman saw anyone suspicious. The policeman tries his best to remember every detail.
Next, Holmes and Watson talk to neighbors. They ask if anyone saw or heard anything unusual on the night of the crime. One neighbor says she heard a cab late at night. Another remembers seeing a tall man walking quickly away from the house.
Holmes writes down everything the witnesses say. He thinks some of this information might be important later.
After talking to the neighbors, Holmes and Watson go to the train station. Holmes wants to know if anyone saw the victim, Enoch Drebber, arrive in London. They talk to ticket sellers and porters. One porter remembers Drebber because he was arguing with another man.
The porter describes the other man. He was tall and had a red face. Holmes thinks this might be an important clue. He asks the porter more questions about this man.
While at the station, Holmes also checks the lost luggage office. He finds a suitcase with Drebber’s name on it. This is another important clue. It gives them more information about him.
Later, Holmes and Watson visit the cab company. Holmes wants to find the cab that took the killer away after he got the ring. They look at the company’s records and talk to drivers. One driver remembers taking a passenger who matched the description of the man they chased.
Throughout the day, Holmes asks many questions and listens carefully to every answer. He seems to find clues in things that Watson thinks are not important. Watson is amazed at how much information Holmes can gather just by talking to people.
At the end of the day, they return to Baker Street. Holmes tells Watson that they’ve made good progress. He says that talking to witnesses is very important in solving crimes. Every small piece of information can help build a bigger picture of what happened.
Chapter questions
- Who is the first person Holmes and Watson talk to?
- What did one neighbor hear on the night of the crime?
- Why does Holmes go to the train station?
- What does the porter at the train station remember about Drebber?
- What do Holmes and Watson find at the lost luggage office?
- Why do Holmes and Watson visit the cab company?
- What does Holmes say is very important in solving crimes?
The Arrest
Holmes and Watson continue to work on the case. They keep thinking about the word „RACHE” written on the wall at the crime scene. Holmes believes this word is very important to solving the mystery.
Holmes explains to Watson that „RACHE” is the German word for „revenge.” He thinks the killer wrote this to make the police think the murderer was German. But Holmes doesn’t believe this. He thinks the killer is trying to trick them.
Next day, they go to the library. Holmes wants to look at old newspapers from America. He thinks the victim, Enoch Drebber, came from America, so there might be information about him in American news.
They spend hours reading old newspapers. Finally, they find something interesting. There was a story about a man named Enoch Drebber in a newspaper from Cleveland, Ohio. The story talked about Drebber having problems with another man. Holmes thinks this could be connected to the murder.
While they are at the library, a message comes for Holmes. It’s from Detective Gregson. Gregson says he has arrested someone for the murder. He wants Holmes to come to the police station right away.
Holmes and Watson hurry to the police station. When they get there, Gregson looks very proud. He tells them he arrested a man named Arthur Charpentier. Charpentier was a sailor who had argued with Drebber.
Gregson explains how he found Charpentier. He talked to the owner of the hotel where Drebber stayed. The owner told him about Drebber arguing with Charpentier. Gregson then found Charpentier and arrested him.
Holmes listens to Gregson’s story but doesn’t look happy. He asks Gregson many questions about the arrest and the evidence. Watson can see that Holmes doesn’t think Gregson has the right person.
After talking to Gregson, Holmes asks to see Charpentier. He talks to the arrested man for a while. When he’s done, Holmes looks even more unsure about Gregson’s arrest.
As they leave the police station, Holmes tells W