The Adventure Of The Smith Mortimer Succession

Author : MEENACHISUNDARAM.M
Publisher : MS SOFTWARE LABORATORIES
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 465 pages
Book Rating : 4./5 ( download)

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Download or read book The Sherlock Holmes Returns written by MEENACHISUNDARAM.M and published by MS SOFTWARE LABORATORIES. This book was released on 2024-09-05 with total page 465 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: SHERLOCK HOLMES RETURNS Edited/Added and Translated By : M. Meenachi Sundaram (Original - Arthur Conan Doyle) TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE.. 4 The Sherlock Holmes Returns. 9 THE ADVENTURE OF THE EMPTY HOUSE.. 9 THE ADVENTURE OF THE NORWOOD BUILDER.. 41 THE ADVENTURE OF THE DANCING MEN.. 78 THE ADVENTURE OF THE SOLITARY CYCLIST.. 117 THE ADVENTURE OF THE PRIORY SCHOOL. 147 THE ADVENTURE OF BLACK PETER.. 198 THE ADVENTURE OF CHARLES AUGUSTUS MILVERTON.. 231 THE ADVENTURE OF THE SIX NAPOLEONS.. 257 THE ADVENTURE OF THE THREE STUDENTS.. 289 THE ADVENTURE OF THE GOLDEN PINCE-NEZ.. 318 THE ADVENTURE OF THE MISSING THREE-QUARTER.. 353 THE ADVENTURE OF THE ABBEY GRANGE.. 388 THE ADVENTURE OF THE SECOND STAIN.. 423 ABOUT THE AUTHOR.. 464 PREFACE The Sherlock Holmes Returns is a collection of thirteen detective stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, first published in 1905. After Conan Doyle famously killed off Sherlock Holmes in "The Final Problem" in 1893, public demand for the return of the legendary detective was overwhelming. After nearly a decade, Conan Doyle resurrected his beloved character, much to the delight of readers worldwide. The collection marks Holmes' reemergence, with Dr. Watson narrating his old friend’s cases, chronicling their adventures once again. The first story in the collection, "The Adventure of the Empty House," explains Holmes’ miraculous survival from his supposed death at Reichenbach Falls. In this story, Holmes reveals that he faked his death to evade his enemies, particularly Colonel Sebastian Moran, an associate of the late Professor Moriarty. Watson is thrilled and shocked to see Holmes alive, and together, they take on new challenges in solving the murder of the Honorable Ronald Adair. The story highlights Holmes’ careful planning, disguise skills, and his ability to outwit both his enemies and his closest friends. Holmes’ return was not only significant for the fictional world but also for Conan Doyle’s literary career. The pressure from fans to resurrect Sherlock Holmes was immense, and Conan Doyle eventually caved in. "The Adventure of the Empty House" offers readers a satisfying explanation for Holmes' return and sets the stage for a new series of thrilling investigations. The collection showcases Conan Doyle’s ability to keep his readers engaged while evolving the character of Holmes and his methods. "The Adventure of the Norwood Builder" is another classic tale in this collection, where Holmes’ deductive skills are put to the test in a case involving a young lawyer accused of murder. The accused, John Hector McFarlane, seeks Holmes’ help when all the evidence points against him. This case is a brilliant example of how Holmes pieces together seemingly insignificant details to unravel the truth. Conan Doyle’s ability to weave intricate plots, full of red herrings and false leads, keeps the reader guessing until the end. One of the more interesting stories in the collection is "The Adventure of the Dancing Men," where a series of coded messages, represented by stick figures, leads to a deadly mystery. This case is a showcase of Holmes’ cryptographic skills and highlights how he can decipher clues that others overlook. The story reveals the depth of Holmes' abilities, from logic and reasoning to cryptography, reinforcing his status as the ultimate detective. The theme of deception and disguise is central to many stories in the collection. In "The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton," Holmes and Watson take on one of their most morally ambiguous cases. Milverton, a blackmailer, holds the lives and reputations of many at his mercy, but legal means prove ineffective against him. Holmes adopts an undercover persona to confront this villain, showing his willingness to bend the rules for the greater good. The story dives into the grey areas of justice, as Holmes and Watson face the consequences of their actions. In "The Adventure of the Six Napoleons," Holmes is tasked with investigating a series of seemingly random vandalism incidents involving Napoleon busts. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there’s much more at stake. Holmes demonstrates his keen insight, understanding that every action has a motive, and his relentless pursuit of truth leads him to uncover a hidden jewel smuggling operation. This story emphasizes Holmes' belief that nothing is random, and every crime has a logical explanation. "The Adventure of the Priory School" is another memorable tale, involving the kidnapping of a young nobleman from an elite boarding school. As Holmes investigates, he uncovers a web of lies, greed, and family betrayal. This case showcases Conan Doyle’s talent for constructing intricate mysteries within the rigid social structures of Victorian England. It also underscores Holmes' disdain for the upper class's arrogance and his commitment to justice, regardless of social status. Throughout the collection, Holmes’ interactions with Watson remain a cornerstone of the stories. In "The Adventure of the Golden Pince-Nez," Holmes and Watson investigate the murder of a secretary, leading them to unravel a decades-old Russian political intrigue. Watson’s role as Holmes’ chronicler is crucial, and his admiration for Holmes’ methods adds warmth and humor to the narrative. Their partnership is the heart of the stories, with Watson’s humanity balancing Holmes’ sometimes cold, calculating logic. "The Adventure of the Missing Three-Quarter" sees Holmes take on the case of a missing rugby player, which leads to an emotional and unexpected conclusion. The story highlights Holmes’ empathy, a trait not often associated with the character. This case delves into personal loss and the effects of secrets kept within families. Conan Doyle shows that even the great detective is not immune to the emotional complexities of life, and the story adds depth to Holmes’ character. Holmes’ relationship with the law is another recurring theme in the collection. In "The Adventure of the Abbey Grange," Holmes investigates the murder of a wealthy aristocrat, but as the case unfolds, he realizes that the law may not serve true justice. Holmes’ sense of morality often conflicts with the strict legal system, and in this story, he chooses to let the culprit go, believing that moral justice has already been served. This moral flexibility adds complexity to Holmes' character, making him more than just a solver of puzzles. In "The Adventure of the Second Stain," Holmes is hired to retrieve a stolen government document that could lead to international conflict if made public. This story showcases Holmes' work in political matters, highlighting his role as a protector of national security. The stakes are higher than in typical cases, showing that Holmes’ influence extends beyond London’s criminal underworld and into the halls of power. Conan Doyle uses the stories in The Return of Sherlock Holmes to further explore the detective’s abilities in new and exciting ways. Holmes is shown to be adaptable, constantly refining his methods to solve increasingly complex cases. Whether deciphering coded messages, unraveling family secrets, or confronting moral dilemmas, Holmes remains at the peak of his powers. One of the most unique aspects of this collection is how it explores the duality of Sherlock Holmes—his cold, logical mind balanced by moments of compassion and moral judgment. Holmes is not merely a machine for solving crimes; he is a man shaped by the world around him, and his interactions with society add richness to his character. In "The Adventure of the Three Students," Holmes uncovers a cheating scandal at a university. The simplicity of the case contrasts with the more dangerous and high-stakes mysteries in the collection, but it demonstrates Holmes’ attention to detail and his belief that no case is too small if justice is at stake. Conan Doyle uses this story to remind readers that Holmes is as capable of solving minor domestic issues as he is grand, international conspiracies. Throughout the collection, Conan Doyle also emphasizes the changing nature of crime in the modern world. The cases Holmes faces are not merely violent acts but often involve deception, manipulation, and power dynamics. In "The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist," Holmes investigates a young woman’s mysterious stalker, revealing a deeper plot of abduction and forced marriage. The case highlights the dangers faced by women in Victorian society and Holmes' role as a protector of the vulnerable. The settings of the stories, from London’s foggy streets to the English countryside, play a crucial role in the atmosphere of the collection. Conan Doyle vividly portrays the dark alleyways, grand estates, and isolated villages where Holmes conducts his investigations. This sense of place adds a layer of authenticity and intrigue to the stories, immersing readers in the world of late 19th-century England. Holmes' adversaries in this collection are as varied as the cases themselves. From blackmailers like Milverton to international spies and simple thieves, the criminals Holmes faces challenge him in different ways. In each case, however, Holmes demonstrates his unmatched intellect, solving puzzles that leave others baffled. The return of Sherlock Holmes is not just a revival of the character but a testament to Conan Doyle’s storytelling genius. Each story in the collection brings something new to the table, whether it’s a new type of crime, a moral quandary, or a deeper exploration of Holmes’ character. In "The Adventure of the Devil’s Foot," Holmes and Watson take a much-needed vacation, only to be drawn into a case involving a mysterious poison. The case is one of the darkest in the collection, with themes of madness and death at its core. It shows the psychological toll that the constant pursuit of justice can take on even the greatest detective. Holmes' return also emphasizes the importance of friendship. Throughout the collection, Watson remains Holmes' steadfast companion, documenting their adventures and providing the emotional warmth that contrasts with Holmes' analytical mind. Their bond is central to the success of the stories, and without Watson, Holmes’ character would likely seem much colder and more distant. Finally, The Return of Sherlock Holmes is a celebration of detective fiction itself. The collection reinforces why Sherlock Holmes remains one of the most iconic and enduring characters in literary history. Conan Doyle masterfully balances thrilling plots, complex characters, and moral dilemmas, creating a collection that continues to captivate readers over a century later. The brilliance of Sherlock Holmes lies not only in his intellectual prowess but in his humanity, his flaws, and his unwavering dedication to justice. The Sherlock Holmes Returns THE ADVENTURE OF THE EMPTY HOUSE It was in the spring of the year 1894 that all London was interested, and the fashionable world dismayed, by the murder of the Honourable Ronald Adair under most unusual and inexplicable circumstances. The public has already learned those particulars of the crime which came out in the police investigation, but a good deal was suppressed upon that occasion, since the case for the prosecution was so overwhelmingly strong that it was not necessary to bring forward all the facts. Only now, at the end of nearly ten years, am I allowed to supply those missing links which make up the whole of that remarkable chain. The crime was of interest in itself, but that interest was as nothing to me compared to the inconceivable sequel, which afforded me the greatest shock and surprise of any event in my adventurous life. Even now, after this long interval, I find myself thrilling as I think of it, and feeling once more that sudden flood of joy, amazement, and incredulity which utterly submerged my mind. Let me say to that public, which has shown some interest in those glimpses which I have occasionally given them of the thoughts and actions of a very remarkable man, that they are not to blame me if I have not shared my knowledge with them, for I should have considered it my first duty to do so, had I not been barred by a positive prohibition from his own lips, which was only withdrawn upon the third of last month. It can be imagined that my close intimacy with Sherlock Holmes had interested me deeply in crime, and that after his disappearance I never failed to read with care the various problems which came before the public. And I even attempted, more than once, for my own private satisfaction, to employ his methods in their solution, though with indifferent success. There was none, however, which appealed to me like this tragedy of Ronald Adair. As I read the evidence at the inquest, which led up to a verdict of willful murder against some person or persons unknown, I realized more clearly than I had ever done the loss which the community had sustained by the death of Sherlock Holmes. There were points about this strange business which would, I was sure, have specially appealed to him, and the efforts of the police would have been supplemented, or more probably anticipated, by the trained observation and the alert mind of the first criminal agent in Europe.