Brief overview: All short stories about Sherlock Holmes

The stories of Sherlock Holmes are true classics of detective fiction, captivating readers for over a century with their clever plots and unforgettable characters. Created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Holmes remains one of the most iconic figures in literary history — a brilliant, eccentric detective with unmatched powers of observation and deduction. Alongside his loyal companion Dr. Watson, Holmes investigates baffling mysteries, from stolen treasures and cryptic codes to political scandals and bizarre murders. Set mostly in Victorian and Edwardian England, the tales not only deliver intellectual thrill but also reflect the social atmosphere of their time. With each story, readers are drawn into a world of foggy London streets, secret societies, and chilling suspense. Over the years, the Holmes canon has grown to include four novels and 56 short stories, each contributing to the detective’s enduring legacy. The charm of the series lies in its mix of logic, atmosphere, and character depth. This article offers a brief overview of these famous stories, exploring their plots, themes, and evolution.

Please note that although this is a brief overview, some plot summaries may contain spoilers. Readers who haven’t yet explored the original stories might encounter key details or twists revealed in the descriptions. While care has been taken to preserve the overall mystery, certain solutions and endings are mentioned for clarity.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a collection of twelve detective stories written by Arthur Conan Doyle, first published in 1892. The book introduces readers to the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. Watson as they solve intriguing cases across Victorian London. Each story presents a unique mystery that showcases Holmes’s keen observation and deductive reasoning. This collection helped establish Holmes as one of the most iconic characters in literary history.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes contains 12 stories:

1. A Scandal in Bohemia (July 1891)

The King of Bohemia seeks Holmes's help to retrieve a compromising photograph from the clever Irene Adler. Fearing a scandal, the King needs the photo before his marriage. Holmes disguises himself and discovers where Irene has hidden it. However, she outsmarts him and flees the country. Though Holmes fails to retrieve the photo, Irene leaves a respectful letter and promises not to use it. Holmes admires her wit and forever refers to her as the woman.

2. The Red-Headed League (August 1891)

Jabez Wilson, a red-haired pawnbroker, is hired for a mysterious job copying the encyclopedia. Holmes investigates the strange job and its abrupt end. He discovers it was a distraction to get Wilson out of his shop. The criminals had been tunneling from his basement to rob a nearby bank. Holmes and the police catch them in the act. The league was a clever cover for the heist.

3. A Case of Identity (September 1891)

Mary Sutherland is heartbroken after her fiancé disappears just before their wedding. She seeks Holmes’s help to find him. Holmes deduces that the man was a disguise used by her greedy stepfather to prevent her from marrying and taking her inheritance. The stepfather had been impersonating the fiancé all along. Holmes solves the case but advises Mary not to pursue it. He wishes to spare her further pain.

4. The Boscombe Valley Mystery (October 1891)

A young man is accused of murdering his father in a remote countryside. The evidence seems damning, but Holmes notices inconsistencies. He investigates the scene and interviews witnesses. Holmes finds the real killer: a man from the father's past in Australia seeking revenge. The killer confesses, but the son is cleared of charges. Justice is served, though not through the courts.

5. The Five Orange Pips (November 1891)

John Openshaw receives a letter containing five orange pips and soon dies mysteriously. His uncle and father had previously received similar letters before their deaths. Holmes connects the threats to the Ku Klux Klan. He advises the remaining relative to flee, but the man dies before escaping. Holmes identifies the culprits, but they perish at sea before justice can be served. The case haunts Holmes due to its tragic outcome.

6. The Man with the Twisted Lip (December 1891)

Neville St. Clair disappears, and his wife believes she saw him at a window above an opium den. Holmes investigates and finds a beggar named Hugh Boone living there. Holmes notices Boone’s unusual appearance and hygiene. He forces the beggar to wash, revealing he is actually Neville in disguise. Neville had been living a double life, earning more as a beggar than in his real job. The mystery is solved, and the man is reunited with his family.

7. The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle (January 1892)

A valuable gemstone is stolen from a hotel room. Holmes traces it to a goose dropped in a street fight. Through careful deduction, he finds the man who tried to pawn the jewel. Holmes learns the thief is a weak man who was tempted by opportunity. Instead of turning him in, Holmes lets him go, believing justice has been done. The case highlights Holmes’s rare act of mercy.

8. The Adventure of the Speckled Band (February 1892)

A young woman fears for her life after her sister dies mysteriously. Holmes and Watson stay at the family estate to investigate. At night, Holmes discovers a venomous snake trained to kill on command. The stepfather had planned to use it to murder his stepdaughters and keep their inheritance. Holmes intervenes just in time, and the snake turns on the villain. The case is one of Holmes's most chilling.

9. The Adventure of the Engineer’s Thumb (March 1892)

An engineer is lured to a remote house for a strange job involving a hydraulic press. He is attacked and barely escapes with a severed thumb. Holmes investigates the property and finds evidence of a counterfeit operation. The criminals flee before being captured. The engineer survives but is traumatized. Holmes sees the case as another example of criminal cruelty.

10. The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor (April 1892)

A nobleman’s new bride disappears on their wedding day. Holmes learns that she had previously married a man thought to have died in America. The bride reunited with her first husband on the wedding day and fled with him. Holmes explains the situation to the nobleman, who takes the news with dignity. The case is resolved without scandal or crime.

11. The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet (May 1892)

A banker brings home a precious coronet for safekeeping, but it is damaged overnight. His son is accused of the theft. Holmes investigates and finds that the real thief is the banker’s niece and her lover. The son was trying to protect her. Holmes clears the young man’s name and recovers the stolen gems.

12. The Adventure of the Copper Beeches (June 1892)

Violet Hunter takes a governess job at a strange country house with unusual demands. Holmes becomes concerned and visits the estate. He discovers that Violet was being used to impersonate another woman held captive in the house. Holmes rescues the captive and exposes the family's cruel scheme. Violet escapes unharmed, and justice is served.

The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes is a collection of eleven detective stories by Arthur Conan Doyle, first published in 1893. The book continues the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they solve complex and often dangerous cases. Notably, the collection includes "The Final Problem," where Holmes faces his greatest enemy, Professor Moriarty. These stories further develop Holmes’s character and showcase his brilliant deductive methods.

The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes contains 12 stories:

1. The Adventure of Silver Blaze (December 1892)

A famous racehorse named Silver Blaze mysteriously disappears just before an important race, and its trainer is found murdered. Holmes and Watson travel to Dartmoor to investigate the puzzling case. Clues such as a dog that didn’t bark and strange hoofprints lead Holmes to an unexpected conclusion. The trainer had been accidentally killed by the horse while attempting to sabotage it. The horse had been hidden by a rival trainer hoping to profit from its absence. Holmes finds and returns Silver Blaze, who goes on to win the race. The case showcases Holmes’s brilliance in spotting details others overlook.

2. The Adventure of the Cardboard Box (January 1893)

Miss Susan Cushing receives a mysterious package containing two severed human ears. Inspector Lestrade initially suspects a student prank, but Holmes senses something more sinister. Investigating the woman’s family connections, Holmes uncovers a tragic story of jealousy and betrayal. He learns the ears belonged to her sister and her lover, murdered by the sister’s vengeful husband. The cardboard box becomes a symbol of the brutal consequences of infidelity and revenge. Holmes solves the case with his usual precision, revealing dark truths hidden in a seemingly simple mystery.

3. The Adventure of the Yellow Face (February 1893)

Grant Munro seeks Holmes’s help after noticing his wife’s strange behavior and secret visits to a nearby cottage. Believing she may be hiding an affair, he is filled with suspicion and pain. Holmes investigates and uncovers a very different truth. The woman in the cottage is Munro’s wife’s daughter from a previous marriage to a Black man. Fearing rejection, she had kept the child hidden. Holmes’s conclusion reveals a compassionate and forward-thinking view on race and love. The case ends not with a crime, but with honesty and reconciliation.

4. The Adventure of the Stockbroker’s Clerk (March 1893)

A young man, Hall Pycroft, is offered a better job at a new firm, but the situation seems too good to be true. He notices strange inconsistencies and suspicious behavior from his new employers. Holmes investigates and discovers that criminals used Pycroft’s identity to commit fraud. By sending him on a wild goose chase, they were free to impersonate him at his old firm. Holmes and the police arrive just in time to stop a major financial crime. The case shows how greed and deception often go hand in hand.

5. The Adventure of the Gloria Scott (April 1893)

This story recounts Holmes’s very first case, long before he met Watson. During a visit to a friend’s estate, Holmes notices disturbing behavior in his friend’s father. A mysterious letter causes the man to collapse and die. Holmes uncovers a hidden past involving a mutiny on a prison ship called the Gloria Scott. The man had been a convict who escaped and started a new life, but someone from his past found him. The case reveals Holmes’s early gift for deduction and sets the stage for his future career.

6. The Adventure of the Musgrave Ritual (May 1893)

Holmes is asked to investigate the disappearance of a butler named Brunton, who had been caught snooping through family documents. Holmes discovers that Brunton was trying to decipher an old family ritual. The strange wording of the ritual turns out to be a treasure map. Following the clues, Holmes finds a hidden chamber containing a centuries-old crown. Brunton had been trapped and died trying to steal it. The case mixes mystery with history in one of Holmes’s most atmospheric adventures.

7. The Adventure of the Reigate Squire (June 1893)

While recovering from illness in the countryside, Holmes becomes involved in a burglary and attempted murder at a nearby estate. A local squire seems to be the target of the crimes. Holmes suspects that the seemingly random break-in hides a deeper motive. Through subtle observation, he discovers that one of the household members faked the break-in to cover up blackmail and violence. The guilty party is exposed using a forged note and clever bluffing. Holmes’s mind proves sharp even during recovery.

8. The Adventure of the Crooked Man (July 1893)

Colonel Barclay is found dead in a locked room, and his wife is suspected of murder. Holmes notices unusual footprints and a strange weapon at the scene. He discovers that a deformed man named Henry Wood was involved. Wood had once loved the colonel’s wife, but Barclay had betrayed him during a military campaign, leading to Wood’s torture. When they met again, a confrontation led to Barclay’s death from shock. The case reveals a tale of lost love, betrayal, and twisted fate.

9. The Adventure of the Resident Patient (August 1893)

Dr. Trevelyan shares a curious story about his practice, which involves a mysterious patient and a strange benefactor. Holmes investigates and uncovers a plot involving two escaped criminals seeking revenge. They had posed as patients to gain access to the building. A murder is committed under the guise of medical care. Holmes reveals the elaborate deception and brings justice. The story explores how crime can hide in seemingly respectable professions.

10. The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter (September 1893)

Holmes’s brother, Mycroft, introduces him to a Greek interpreter named Mr. Melas, who was kidnapped and forced to translate during a suspicious meeting. Melas describes a bound Greek man held against his will. Holmes traces the villains to a suburban house. He and Watson arrive too late to prevent tragedy, but the criminals are later punished. The story is notable for introducing Mycroft Holmes and expanding the Holmes universe beyond London.

11. The Adventure of the Naval Treaty (October–November 1893)

A government clerk named Percy Phelps loses a secret naval treaty, threatening his reputation and national security. Holmes investigates the disappearance, which occurred during a short moment when Phelps was left alone. After careful analysis, Holmes discovers the treaty was stolen by a jealous relative who hid it nearby. He stages a clever trap to recover the document. The case shows Holmes’s patience and strategic thinking. Phelps’s name is cleared, and the treaty is returned without scandal.

12. The Final Problem (December 1893)

Holmes is hunted by his archenemy, Professor Moriarty, the criminal mastermind behind numerous unsolved crimes. Holmes plans to bring down Moriarty’s empire but must flee London to avoid assassination. He and Watson travel across Europe while evading Moriarty’s agents. At the Reichenbach Falls in Switzerland, Holmes confronts Moriarty. Both are presumed to fall to their deaths in a dramatic struggle. The story ends with Watson mourning the apparent loss of his friend — a shocking conclusion intended to end the Holmes series.

The Return of Sherlock Holmes

The Return of Sherlock Holmes marks the triumphant comeback of Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective after his apparent death at the Reichenbach Falls. Set three years after the events of The Final Problem, the collection begins with Holmes’s dramatic reappearance in London, much to the shock and joy of Dr. Watson. The stories in this volume explore new and intricate mysteries, ranging from blackmail and forgery to revenge and political intrigue. Holmes’s deductive powers remain as sharp as ever, and his methods continue to baffle both criminals and the police. The cases are more varied and emotionally layered, reflecting a matured and more reflective Holmes. Watson, now more experienced, plays a stronger role in assisting Holmes and narrating the tales with a blend of admiration and personal insight. The collection not only restores the detective’s legacy but also deepens the bond between the iconic duo. With this volume, Doyle rekindles the fascination of readers and reaffirms Sherlock Holmes as a timeless figure in detective fiction.

The Return of Sherlock Holmes contains 13 stories:

1. The Adventure of the Empty House (October 1903)

Holmes returns to London after faking his death to escape Moriarty’s remaining criminal network. He reveals to Watson how he survived the fall at Reichenbach Falls and went into hiding. Together, they devise a trap to catch Colonel Sebastian Moran, Moriarty’s top lieutenant. Moran attempts to assassinate Holmes using an air rifle aimed at a wax dummy in 221B Baker Street. Holmes and Scotland Yard catch him in the act. This story restores Holmes to London society and reopens his practice. It’s a triumphant and dramatic beginning to his return.

2. The Adventure of the Norwood Builder (November 1903)

A young solicitor, John Hector McFarlane, is accused of murdering a wealthy client who had just named him heir. The evidence seems overwhelming: bloodstains, a missing man, and a fire meant to destroy the body. Holmes suspects a setup and investigates the crime scene carefully. He discovers that the victim faked his own death to frame McFarlane and keep his fortune. Holmes reveals the man hiding inside a secret compartment. The case clears McFarlane’s name and demonstrates Holmes’s skill at reading human motives. It’s a tale of greed, deception, and justice.

3. The Adventure of the Dancing Men (December 1903)

Hilton Cubitt seeks Holmes’s help after his wife becomes terrified of strange stick-figure drawings appearing around their home. Holmes deciphers the symbols as a secret code and warns that the danger is serious. Despite precautions, Hilton is shot dead and his wife gravely wounded. Holmes tracks down an American criminal from her past who had sent the threatening messages. The code leads Holmes to the killer and solves the mystery. The story is memorable for its use of cryptography and emotional depth. It’s one of the most tragic and poignant cases in the canon.

4. The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist (January 1904)

Violet Smith is followed by a mysterious cyclist as she travels weekly to teach music in the countryside. She feels threatened and seeks Holmes’s help. Holmes investigates and uncovers a plot to force Violet into an unwanted marriage to gain access to her inheritance. The stalker turns out to be a protector rather than a villain. Holmes intervenes just in time to stop the forced wedding. The story features suspense, deception, and a heroine in danger. It’s a fine example of Holmes’s role as a defender of the innocent.

5. The Adventure of the Priory School (February 1904)

A prestigious schoolmaster hires Holmes to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a nobleman’s son. Holmes and Watson travel to the countryside and find that the boy was kidnapped. The case involves forged ransom demands and suspicious behavior by a duke’s staff. Holmes uncovers that the duke’s illegitimate son was the real target of harm. A clever analysis of bicycle tracks and cow footprints helps Holmes solve the case. The crime is exposed as a jealous scheme to protect family secrets. The case blends social scandal with rural mystery.

6. The Adventure of Black Peter (March 1904)

A violent seaman known as Black Peter is found dead in his cabin, impaled by a harpoon. Holmes investigates the brutal murder, suspecting a link to the man’s criminal past. A young man is arrested, but Holmes doubts his guilt. Using a clever trick, Holmes lures the real killer to try to repeat the harpoon feat. The killer confesses to avenging a betrayal committed years earlier at sea. The story blends maritime themes, brute strength, and careful deduction. Holmes exposes the truth with both cunning and theatrical flair.

7. The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton (April 1904)

Holmes takes on a morally difficult case involving a notorious blackmailer, Charles Augustus Milverton. Milverton threatens to ruin innocent lives by revealing private letters unless paid. Holmes despises him and devises a plan to retrieve the letters through a break-in. During the mission, Holmes and Watson witness Milverton’s murder by one of his victims. They choose not to interfere or report the crime. The story raises ethical questions about justice and law. Holmes’s role is more ambiguous, yet deeply human.

8. The Adventure of the Six Napoleons (May 1904)

Inspector Lestrade brings Holmes a curious case of smashed Napoleon busts across London. At first, the vandalism seems senseless, but Holmes suspects a deeper motive. He discovers that a valuable pearl was hidden inside one of the plaster figures. A criminal is hunting the busts to recover it. Holmes sets a trap at an antique shop and catches the thief. The case is light in tone but shows Holmes’s talent for seeing patterns in chaos. It’s a satisfying mystery with a classic twist.

9. The Adventure of the Three Students (June 1904)

An important exam paper is tampered with just before a major university test. Holmes is called in discreetly to find the culprit among three students. Through careful examination of clues like footprints and pencil shavings, Holmes identifies the guilty party. He gives the student a chance to come forward and confess to the authorities. The scandal is resolved without ruining lives. The story explores honor, youth, and academic pressure. It’s a quieter, more cerebral mystery.

10. The Adventure of the Golden Pince-Nez (July 1904)

A government official is found murdered in his locked study, and the only clue is a pair of gold pince-nez glasses. Holmes studies the physical evidence and deduces that a woman was involved. He reconstructs her appearance and movement through the room. Eventually, the woman is captured and reveals a story of political exile and revenge. The killing was not premeditated but rooted in deep emotion. Holmes handles the case with understanding and discretion. The tale is rich in atmosphere and social context.

11. The Adventure of the Missing Three-Quarter (August 1904)

A star rugby player disappears on the eve of an important match. Holmes traces the man’s last steps through cab drivers, telegrams, and medical clues. He discovers the player went to see a dying woman he loved. Her disapproving relatives had tried to keep them apart. The player had chosen love over fame, staying at her side until the end. Holmes respects the emotional weight of the case. The story focuses more on human feeling than criminal action.

12. The Adventure of the Abbey Grange (September 1904)

A woman claims her abusive husband was killed by burglars during a break-in. Holmes finds that the crime scene doesn’t match the story. He uncovers that the woman’s lover killed the man in defense of her honor. Holmes decides not to expose them to the police, believing justice has been done. The case challenges legal versus moral justice. It’s one of Holmes’s most emotionally complex investigations.

13. The Adventure of the Second Stain (December 1904)

A vital diplomatic letter goes missing, threatening international war. Holmes is called upon to find it quickly and discreetly. He investigates among high-ranking officials and uncovers a tangle of political secrets and personal danger. The letter had been taken by a blackmailer and recovered by the Prime Minister’s wife, who feared scandal. Holmes protects her identity while resolving the crisis. The story shows Holmes’s discretion and patriotism. It’s a high-stakes case with serious consequences beyond London.

His Last Bow

His Last Bow is a later collection of Sherlock Holmes stories by Arthur Conan Doyle, published in 1917. The book gathers eight tales that span different periods of Holmes’s career, including both early cases and events closer to his retirement. These stories often reflect a darker, more mature tone, with greater emphasis on political intrigue, international affairs, and moral complexity. Holmes still displays his signature brilliance, but the mood is more reflective, as he approaches the end of his active life as a detective. Watson remains a faithful companion, though their adventures take on a more serious and sometimes somber atmosphere. The collection culminates in a patriotic story that shows Holmes serving his country on the eve of World War I, offering a fitting farewell to the legendary detective.

His Last Bow contains 7 stories:

1. The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge (September–October 1908)

Mr. John Scott Eccles visits Holmes after experiencing a strange event at a country house. He was invited by a foreign host, but in the middle of the night, everyone in the house vanished without a trace. Holmes investigates and uncovers a plot involving a South American dictator who had gone into hiding. The case leads to a murder connected to political revenge. Holmes works alongside Inspector Baynes, one of the few police officers he respects. The investigation is complex, with multiple suspects and false leads. In the end, justice is served, but the solution is tinged with political undertones.

2. The Adventure of the Red Circle (March–April 1911)

Holmes is asked to look into the behavior of a mysterious lodger who never appears in person and communicates only through signals. The landlady becomes suspicious due to strange sounds and unusual demands. Holmes and Watson investigate and discover that the lodger is a woman hiding from an Italian crime syndicate. She and her companion are part of a secret organization called the Red Circle. A deadly confrontation reveals a story of protection, sacrifice, and underground justice. Holmes navigates a web of signals, surveillance, and hidden identities. The case is notable for its suspense and social tension.

3. The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans (December 1908)

Mycroft Holmes contacts Sherlock when top-secret submarine plans go missing and a young government clerk is found dead beside a railway track. Holmes suspects foul play rather than suicide. Clues lead him to a high-ranking official with foreign connections. Through clever deduction and use of his criminal informants, Holmes recovers the stolen documents. The case exposes espionage at the heart of the British government. It’s one of Holmes’s most politically charged investigations. Mycroft plays a central role, showcasing his influence and intellect.

4. The Adventure of the Dying Detective (December 1913)

Holmes appears to be deathly ill and refuses all medical help, alarming Dr. Watson. In truth, Holmes is faking the illness to lure a murderer into a trap. The suspect is a specialist in tropical diseases who killed a man using a rare infection. Believing Holmes to be dying, the villain lets down his guard and confesses. Holmes then reveals the deception and has him arrested. The story showcases Holmes’s theatrical flair and strategic planning. Watson, though misled, forgives the ruse in light of the successful outcome.

5. The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax (December 1911)

Lady Frances Carfax goes missing while traveling in Europe, and her worried relatives turn to Holmes for help. Watson is sent ahead to investigate in Lausanne and Baden-Baden. Clues point to a suspicious couple posing as spiritualists. Holmes eventually traces Lady Frances to a coffin meant for a fake funeral. He rescues her just in time from being buried alive. The case highlights Holmes’s ability to follow a faint trail across countries. It’s a chilling and suspenseful tale with gothic elements.

6. The Adventure of the Devil’s Foot (December 1910)

While resting in Cornwall, Holmes becomes involved in a case where a woman is found dead and her two brothers driven insane after a quiet evening at home. The crime appears supernatural, but Holmes suspects a rare poison. He tests the substance on himself in a risky experiment. The investigation leads to a man seeking revenge for a past betrayal. Holmes allows the culprit to go free, judging that justice has already been served through suffering. The story is one of the darkest and most psychological in the canon. Holmes’s brush with death adds personal depth to the case.

7. His Last Bow. The War Service of Sherlock Holmes (September 1917)

Set in 1914, this story departs from the usual detective formula and presents Holmes as a spy working for the British government. Disguised and living in retirement, he is secretly preparing to outwit a German agent operating in England. With the help of Watson, he gathers critical intelligence just before the outbreak of World War I. Holmes lures the enemy into a trap and delivers vital information to British authorities. The tale ends with a patriotic tone, as Holmes reflects on England’s future. It’s a fitting farewell to the detective, showing his service to his country in its time of need. The story blends espionage, suspense, and national pride.

The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes

The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes is the final collection of twelve stories about the famous detective, published between 1921 and 1927. These tales explore some of the most unusual, dark, and emotionally complex cases of Holmes’s career. The stories often deal with disturbing crimes, psychological manipulation, and moral ambiguity, showing a more mature and sometimes grim side of the detective’s world. Doyle experiments with narrative voice and structure, even allowing Watson to step aside in some cases. Holmes’s deductive brilliance remains central, but the tone is often more introspective and reflective. This collection marks the end of Holmes’s literary journey, offering readers a last glimpse into his brilliant mind and enduring legacy.

The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes contains 12 stories:

1. The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone (October 1921)

A priceless diamond, the Mazarin Stone, has been stolen, and Holmes suspects a well-known criminal. With the help of a clever ruse involving a wax dummy, Holmes sets a trap in his own apartment. He allows the thief to believe he is away while secretly observing from a hidden room. The criminal and his accomplice reveal their intentions aloud, unknowingly sealing their fate. Holmes bursts in with the police at the perfect moment to recover the gem. The case is theatrical and demonstrates Holmes’s mastery of deception. It’s one of the few stories written in the third person.

2. The Problem of Thor Bridge (February–March 1922)

A woman is found shot by a bridge on a wealthy American’s estate, and the governess is accused of the crime. The evidence seems conclusive, but Holmes suspects a setup. He studies the scene and finds discrepancies in the position of the weapon and the wound. A fragment of stone from the bridge gives him the key to the mystery. Holmes proves the woman died by suicide, having staged it to frame the governess out of jealousy. The case highlights Holmes’s ability to see beyond emotional appearances. His cool logic prevails where others are misled.

3. The Adventure of the Creeping Man (March 1923)

A professor begins to behave erratically, climbing walls and crawling at night like an animal. His daughter and her fiancé seek Holmes’s help. Holmes investigates the professor’s experiments and strange medical treatments. He discovers the man has been injecting himself with monkey gland extract to restore youth. The substance has started to alter his behavior, making him dangerously unpredictable. Holmes intervenes just as the professor becomes violent. The story blends science fiction with psychological horror.

4. The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire (January 1924)

A man believes his wife is a vampire after seeing her bend over their infant son with blood on her lips. Holmes is skeptical and investigates the family. He discovers the wife was actually sucking poison from a wound caused by her older stepson, who was secretly abusing the baby. The case turns out to be one of family jealousy and hidden cruelty. Holmes solves it without any supernatural explanation. He famously dismisses the idea of vampires as "pure lunacy."

5. The Adventure of the Three Garridebs (January 1925)

A man named Garrideb seeks Holmes’s help in finding two other men with the same rare surname to claim an inheritance. Holmes suspects a scam and begins to investigate. He uncovers that the real goal is not money but access to an old man’s property, which hides criminal evidence. During a confrontation, Watson is wounded, triggering Holmes’s rare emotional outburst. The case is solved, but Holmes’s concern for Watson shows their deep friendship. The story is touching as well as clever.

6. The Adventure of the Illustrious Client (February–March 1925)

A nobleman secretly hires Holmes to stop a dangerous Austrian baron from marrying a wealthy young woman. Holmes uncovers the baron’s criminal and abusive past. He enlists the help of a former victim to confront the man. After a violent encounter, the baron is seriously wounded and the engagement is broken. Holmes acts not only as a detective but as a protector of the innocent. The story is darker than most, with themes of manipulation and vengeance.

7. The Adventure of the Three Gables (October 1926)

An old woman receives a strange offer to sell her house and everything in it, which she refuses. Soon, she is intimidated and her house is broken into. Holmes investigates and finds the motive hidden in a private manuscript written by her late son. The mystery leads to a scandal involving an actress and a stolen story. Holmes exposes the criminals and restores peace. The case is driven by vanity, jealousy, and secrets.

8. The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier (November 1926)

Told by Holmes himself, the story involves a soldier seeking help for his friend who has disappeared under suspicious circumstances. Holmes travels to a remote estate and meets a secretive and unfriendly family. He learns the missing man is being hidden because he has leprosy, a fact the family is ashamed of. Holmes arranges for the man to receive proper care and for the truth to be told. The story is emotionally driven, with themes of isolation and fear. It’s rare for Holmes to narrate his own case.

9. The Adventure of the Lion’s Mane (December 1926)

Now retired by the sea, Holmes investigates a bizarre death of a man who appears to have been whipped by an invisible force. The man’s last words, “the lion’s mane,” are his only clue. Holmes interviews locals and eventually discovers that a rare and deadly jellyfish is responsible. The creature had washed into a bathing area and stung the man fatally. The case is solved through natural observation and scientific reasoning. Holmes acts independently, showing his mind remains sharp in retirement.

10. The Adventure of the Retired Colourman (January 1927)

A retired artist believes his young wife has run away with a lover and stolen money. Holmes investigates and discovers the woman has been murdered and buried behind a newly built wall. The jealous husband committed the crime and staged her disappearance. Holmes’s quiet persistence uncovers the truth. The case is grim and psychologically intense. It shows the danger of obsession and control in personal relationships.

11. The Adventure of the Veiled Lodger (February 1927)

A woman with a disfigured face has lived in hiding for years and finally wants to tell her story. Holmes listens as she recounts a tale of circus life, cruelty, and betrayal. She was attacked by a lion during a plot to kill her abusive husband, a ringmaster. Her lover died, and she was left scarred and ashamed. Holmes persuades her to forgive herself and find peace. The story is tragic, with little detective work but much compassion.

12. The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place (April 1927)

A horse trainer notices strange behavior at an old estate, including a mysterious figure in the window and changes in routine. Holmes investigates and suspects that the lady of the house is no longer alive. He discovers that her brother has hidden her death to keep control of her fortune and racing stables. A body is exhumed and identified as hers, confirming the deception. The motive was financial desperation. Holmes exposes the fraud and ensures justice is done.

What do you think of Arthur Conan Doyle's short detective stories about Sherlock Holmes? What is your favorite story (or stories)? Why?