I hadn't read this book before, and so my abridged and simplified version (which I wasn't able to find on the Internet, but it looked similar to the one depicted here) was an odd experience: the characters are so terse in their interactions that they appear to be rude, and I was always wondering how much of that would be found in the original version.

The story itself is a little constructed for today's taste, but overall, it's a pleasant read, and the Great Detective's exploits are always fun.

I'd recommend this version only for learners.