The Chess Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes: Fifty Tantalizing Problems of Chess Detection (Dover Math Games & Puzzles)

Excellent condition and arrived earlier than promised- thank you

Even if you don't know a thing about logic, this book is very fun, and especially fun and interesting for chess enthusiasts. Like many books of this type, you will be really surprised by what you can *know* about a situation given seemingly very little information and a fat dose of rigorous logic. Highly recommended.

Those who enjoy puzzles that require logical thinking but are bored by standard "logic puzzles" and chess problems will find this book a sheer delight. Each puzzle presents an innocuous-looking chess position and a seemingly impossible-to-answer question about it, such as, "What was White's previous move?" or "Is it legal for Black to castle now?" or "On which square must the White pawn be located?" The questions can all be answered by pure deduction; although some of the problems are in some sense "trick questions," there are no silly answers involving outright cheating of the kind commonly found in inferior puzzle books. The puzzles are fresh, original, entertaining, and deep. My only complaint is that in the first half of the book, there is no clear demarcation between the statement of the puzzle and the solution, so that the reader who likes tackling puzzles without any hints has to guess the point at which he should stop reading. This flaw does not occur in the second half of the book, however. Readers who enjoy this book may also want to buy the companion volume, "Chess Mysteries of the Arabian Knights," although as of this writing (July 2000) it is out of print.

I'm a fan of Smullyan's books. This book of problems of retrograde analysis in chess is fun and good mental exercise for those who enjoy that sort of thing. Could be a horrible experience for those who do not like chess or logic problems. Best or worst of both domains.

This was a really fun book to read, and a nice change of pace compared to usual chess puzzles. The plot itself wasn't that enticing, but the fun problems made up for it. I especially enjoyed the 2-3 "troll" problems near the end of the first section.

The second is 'The Chess Mysteries of the Arabian Knights'This one is much easier than the second.The use of chess puzzles to demonstrate deductive and inductive logic is quite the feat. Great read for those who like chess or logic.

Bought this for my father who loves Sherlock and chess. It was like Christmas came early! He is very happy with it!

You have to be somewhat knowledgeable in chess and also like puzzles but a great book.

I really enjoyed these retro chess puzzles and those in the sister book “Arabian Knights”.There are a couple of errors where the solution doesn’t work - including the final puzzle - which is surprising given it’s such an old book. But it’s definitely a must-buy if you enjoy chess puzzles.

I'm pleased with this book. Interesting! Quick delivery. Very good. Thanks.

Great fun for chess players & puzzle solvers. Sherlock Holmes storyline works better in some contexts than others. Shame about 1 flaw (I think) in what is otherwise one of my favourites "You Really can't You Know". But some are great to use at school chess clubs for the more able students.

Interesting concept for the Holmes lover and chess player.

Very good