So far, this collection is my favorite in the Sherlockian canon, which I'm currently making my way through. It is an interesting experience because it is like witnessing the progression of the entire adult lives of both Sherlock Holmes, the character, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the writer.
As for Holmes, I like where he is in this collection. He is a man who no longer lives entirely for the excitement of solving cases. He has been on the run for several years, hunting down Moriarty's men, away from what few friends and family he had, having to be as clever and resourceful and careful as he is capable, and with, I imagine, ample time to consider how dangerous his work is and how much power he wields.
And his character after his return reflects this newfound maturity. He uses his power more judicially, he is less narcissistic, and he cares more overtly for his friends. He invokes his power and reputation to frighten and manipulate villains, but he also refrains from lending his help to the police to aid avengers and victims. He now follows more the spirit of the law than the letter, acting according to conscience rather than to a prideful need to resolve all mysteries.
Though there is still only one Sherlock Holmes, he makes good on his previous assertions that he is not entirely unique in his powers by beginning to train and depend on a protégé, a new Scotland Yard detective, Stanley Hopkins.
Holmes's relationships are also changed. For instance, Lestrade is definitely counted among his friends now. Watching the relationship between Holmes and Watson evolve is, in my opinion, the greatest pleasure of the Sherlockian canon, far more so than the mysteries themselves (which can often either be entirely predictable or entirely obscure). And their relationship has never been stronger than here. In what is perhaps my favorite tale in the whole canon so far, "Charles Augustus Milverton," this exchange occurs:
Watson: When do we start?
Holmes: You are not coming.
Watson: Then you are not going.
For me, this sums up where they are in their friendship. At this point, Sherlock is more concerned than ever about protecting Watson from danger and Watson is more determined than ever to never leave Sherlock's side. And given what they've both been through during the "Great Hiatus," these stances are logical and appropriate.
As for Doyle, I find his writing in this collection to be more mature and of a higher quality than in previous ones. The language is richer, full of many lovely turns of phrase and some very fabulous sarcastic lines. As well, I find the plots more interesting: more full of action and adventure, sometimes on par with the novels.
In fact, my experience of this collection was so positive, I have managed not to be too bothered by the one glaring omission (which I fear I will never get a proper answer to): what EXACTLY happened to Mary Morstan Watson?
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