Yes you could read this like someone who doesn't like context, in which case it's fine but clearly not the strongest detective story going around, Holmes and Watson and their relationship aren't fully formed, and the salacious shift to the foothills of Utah feels a little disjointed.

Or you can read this as the invention of entire genre, like Dracula. It's hard to pick between Sherlock Holmes and Dracula for who is more culturally significant. What's bigger, detectives or vampires? Impossible to answer. But the point is that is where this book sits in the history of culture.

It's definitely not as good as Dracula but, lets face it, few things can be. It's still fun, and if you read it as someone experiencing the concept of a detective for the first time it's even better. All the elements of all detective stories are there, the experienced but cynical genius, the police claiming the glory, the extended reveal at the end, it's great!

Plus as a 19th Century resident of England think how exciting and exotic the Mormons would sound like, it helps explain that extended detour.