The Mystery of Cloomber

Book Review

«The Mystery of Cloomber» is one of Arthur Conan Doyle's early novels, which, despite its relative obscurity compared to the Sherlock Holmes series, deserves attention for its atmosphere and intrigue. Critics note that in this work, the author demonstrates his skills in creating a tense and mysterious atmosphere that keeps the reader on edge until the very end. The story revolves around the enigmatic General Heatherstone and his fears related to events in India, giving the novel an exotic and mystical touch. Doyle masterfully uses elements of the gothic novel, such as an isolated estate and an impending threat, to heighten the sense of anxiety and uncertainty. While some critics believe the plot may be predictable for modern readers, they acknowledge that «The Mystery of Cloomber» is an important milestone in Doyle's literary career and showcases his early experiments with the detective and mysticism genres. Overall, the novel is recommended for those interested in Doyle's early works and who wish to see how his style and themes evolved before creating the famous Sherlock Holmes stories.