Sherlock Holmes, the gaunt, ascetic, ruthlessly logical pursuer of crime and mystery created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle needs no introduction. The adventures of this sharply witty and moody detective and his lovably pedantic and faithful friend Dr. Watson are a perennial source of inspiration to lovers of crime fiction.
Sherlock Holmes a predecessor of a long line of amateur detectives elevated criminal investigation to a fine art. His original and imaginative plot races along like a furious roller coaster, leaving the reader guessing which way it will turn next...
Read on to find out how Holmes and Dr. Watson solve mysteries of
• Wisteria Lodge
• The Cardboard Box
• The Red Circle
• The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax
• The Bruce-Partington Plans
• The Dying Detective
• The Devil’s Foot
About the Author
Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle KGStJ, DL (22 May 1859 – 7 July 1930) was a Scottish physician and writer who is most noted for his fictional stories about the detective Sherlock Holmes, which are generally considered milestones in the field of crime fiction. He is also known for writing the fictional adventures of a second character he invented, Professor Challenger, and for popularizing the mystery of the Mary Celeste. He was a prolific writer whose other works include fantasy and science fiction stories, plays, romances, poetry, non-fiction, and historical novels.
“My dear Watson” – and you know you are all set for
another rollicking adventure.
Such is the magic of Sherlock Holmes, a character so
intriguing and fascinating that you can’t afford to ignore him. Numerous
adventures, resolving mysteries and finding solutions to problems that seem
impossible are the traits of this fictional detective. Described by Watson, his
friend and companion, as eccentric and bohemian, and as the one possessed with
a high degree of logical reasoning, Sherlock Holmes is a legendary creation, a
character that can never be replicated. His dominion over the ‘mystery and
detective’ genre stamps his authority on our minds, and Sir Arthur Conan
Doyle’s hero has thus lived across the ages, attaining fame and immortality
in literature over the years.
‘The Last Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ is a collection
of eight stories. Seven of them are narrated by Dr. Watson, while one follows
the third person narrative style.
‘Wisteria Lodge’ is the first story in the book, and is
divided into two sections – ‘The Singular Experience of Mr. John Scott Eccles’
and ‘The Tiger of San Pedro’. A murder takes place and John Scott Eccles
reports the ‘grotesque’ event to Holmes. The plot has several twists and turns,
and one finds it difficult to jump to a conclusion, until the mystery is
finally resolved. This surely is a well knitted story and will keep you glued.
In ‘The Cardboard Box’, Miss Susan Cushing receives two
severed human ears that are carefully packed. Initially, she suspects this to
be a prank by some medical students. However, upon further investigation, a
darker secret comes to light. What appeared seemingly harmless takes a sinister
shape, and we are mesmerized by the brilliant deduction capability of our
detective.
‘The Red Circle’ describes a mysterious lodger who is
rented a room by Mrs. Warren. However, after the first night, no one catches
sight of him. He insists on having the Daily Gazette on a daily basis, and all
his requests are printed on a slip of paper that is placed outside the room.
Though there appears to be no evil initially, as the plot progresses, the
affair does turn serious. Unexpected happens and you are drawn into the
adventure.
Holmes’s brother Mycroft visits him with ‘The Bruce - Partington
Plans’ case. A secret submarine plan goes missing, with a few pages of it is found
with Arthur Cadogan West’s body, a government clerk. Was he a traitor, who had
stolen the plans for some nefarious motives? The plans are essential for the
security of the country, and Holmes knows he has to deliver. And he does. This
is one of my favorite stories in the book.
Sherlock Holmes is seriously ill and appears to be on his
deathbed in ‘The Dying Detective.’ He has contracted an Asian disease and asks
Watson to fetch Mr. Culverton Smith as he only can cure the disease. However,
Holmes has other motives in mind, and as the events proceed, we are left gaping
wide in amazement and appreciation over the brilliance of this master
detective.
In the next story, Holmes sends Dr. Watson to investigate
‘The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax.’ The case seems more difficult than
the rest, and until the final moment Holmes doesn't have a clue and is still
struggling for the solution. However, it’s never too late, and just at the
right instance, Holmes is able to deduce the entire scene. This is another well
told story.
‘The Devil’s Foot’ is a remarkable adventure
involving Holmes. Mr. Mortimer Tregennis visits him regarding a mysterious case
according to which his two brothers had gone insane, and his sister was found
dead with an expression of fear on her face. The causes of death and insanity
are unknown, and Holmes takes upon himself to find out the solution. With the
assistance of Watson, Holmes finally figures out the events. This story surely
ranks high due to its sheer craftsmanship.
In ‘His Last Bow’, the narration shifts to third person
style. This is a spy story where Holmes comes out of retirement for the benefit
of his country. The story has patriotic sentiments and is a fitting conclusion
to the book.
It’s always a pleasure reading classics, and reading
Sherlock Holmes does boost up your idle mind. The best thing about these
stories is that they can be read anywhere, any time, and any number of times.
The magic of Doyle will never fade, and his legacy will continue in form of his
beautifully crafted words.
‘The Last Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ is a must read
for all, anywhere, everywhere.
Title: The Last Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Authors: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Publisher: Jaico Publishing House
Publication Year: 2013
Language: English
Binding: Paperback
Genre: Short Fiction, Mystery
No. of Pages: 200
Price: Rs 135
My Rating: 4/5
