He called it A Study in Scarlet. When it appeared in the shops, I hurried out to buy it, and then sat for hours in a park reading it. The story was excellent - fast -moving, exciting and clever. I ran back to Baker Street. I could not wait to give the book to Holmes.
He looked up quickly as I entered the room.
'You're late, Watson,' he said. 'Were you ashamed to come here with that book in your hand?'
'Ashamed, Holmes?' I cried. 'No! ACD has done well. I see you have read it. Why don't you like it?'
I was soon sorry that I had spoken.
'Like it? It is rubbish, wild and fantastic rubbish. He has been careless with the facts, added all kinds of unnecessary lies, and made the most stupid mistakes.'