This is not the first in the series but its the first I've read. I decided to read this series as the many films (Sherlock Holmes, without a clue,etc..) have intrigued me to this comical duo. The type of writing is easily understandable and can draw you into the current mystery of Watson and Holmes. This case was unexpected to whom was the culprit, which is why I am ultimately glad for this to be my first read of his.