To start, thank you for the welcomes.
I have seen the film (in HD too), and to be fairly honest, I got bored most of the way through, I cannot remember if I saw the end. Robert Downy Jr. as Sherlock just did not fit. Jude Law was a good Watson, however it felt very strenuous as to his acting.
You will find The Stand a good read, big but a good read.
His writing isn't to everyone's taste I shall give you that, however he has written some good books which may be up your alley. You may try shifting through second hand book bins and finding a little one on the cheap to give a more thorough image of his writing abilities.
In answer to you both about the television series. I am currently working my way through the ITV series which stars Jeremy Brett as Sherlock. I have to admit, the man knows how to actually pull off a decent Sherlock, I'm sure Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would be happy as well.
