A Study in Scarlet - Arthur Conan Doyle

This is the first of the magnificent Holmes and Watson mysteries, which I unabashedly adore. This is one of only a few which could be said to be novel-length (novella, really) and is a real joy to revisit. Most of the expected Holmes trademarks are there from a start – the drugs, the brilliant deductions, the violin – whilst the plot keeps you guessing nicely. There is a long middle section set in Utah likely to offend Mormons, who are portrayed as a villainous bunch, but I’m sure everyone would enjoy the London-based parts. What’s not to love?

Does anybody know of any other genre fiction of this era which they would suggest? Cheers!