Arthur Conan Doyle was an incredible literary luminary renowned for creating timeless works that continue to delight readers worldwide today. Revisiting some of Arthur Conan Doyle‘s finest pieces not only takes us through thrilling narratives but is a way of paying our respects to classical literature. This article seeks to bring forward those masterpieces which remain captivating today!
Silver Blaze
“Silver Blaze,” one of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective tales first published in 1892, features one of his best-known creations – Sherlock Holmes. Set against the serene English countryside setting and following Silver Blaze, a racing horse, as it mysteriously goes missing and trainer John Straker dies, “Silver Blaze” makes for captivating reading!
At Colonel Ross’ request, Holmes and Dr. John Watson travel to Dartmoor to investigate Silver Blaze’s disappearance just hours before an important race, along with the murder of its trainer – sending shockwaves through racing circles around Britain and Ireland alike.
Holmes undertakes his investigation with characteristic attention to detail and keen powers of observation. At first glance, local police suspect Fitzroy Simpson of involvement; however, Holmes follows another path during his inquiry.
As is typical for Doyle stories, the story contains numerous red herrings and intricate clues – such as the “curious incident of the dog in the night-time,” which is essential to Holmes’s deduction process. Through his investigation, he uncovers events involving deceit, jealousy, and cunning, leading to an innovative solution to his mystery.
The Adventure of the Empty House
“The Adventure of the Empty House,” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is an unforgettable Sherlock Holmes tale set in London that marks his reemergence following what many believed was his supposed demise at Reichenbach Falls. Published in 1903 and first read aloud for publication that same year, its stunning revelation that Holmes faked his demise at Reichenbach Falls to outwit enemies is sure to entertain readers for many more adventures ahead!
Dr. John Watson continues to mourn his close friend when puzzling events unfold that prove puzzling for himself and the police alike. One mystery involves the murder of Ron Adair – an established card player – found deceased under mysterious circumstances inside an empty room locked from outside by several unknown individuals; these peculiarities of Adair’s case, including its lack of motive or weapon use, remain puzzling to both parties involved and to Watson alike.
Watson was amazed when Sherlock Holmes made an abrupt and stunning return from death and explained his elaborate scheme designed to protect himself from Professor Moriarty and his criminal network. Together, they investigate Adair’s murder case, where Holmes discovers its link with Colonel Moran – an agent under Moriarty.
Doyle masterfully weaves this tale of suspense with clever disguises, deductive reasoning, and deliberative tactics used by Holmes himself. Doyle skillfully builds up an intricate plot designed by Holmes that unmasks Adair’s death mystery and explores the emotional depth of Holmes and Watson’s friendship. Finally, an elaborate trap set by Holmes captures Colonel Moran using an empty house across from 221B Baker Street as its anchor point in their plotting strategy.
The Adventure of the Dying Detective
“The Adventure of the Dying Detective” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stands out amongst his Sherlock Holmes collection for being more psychological than action-driven, specifically delving deeper into Holmes and Watson’s relationship dynamics. Published the first time around 1913.
Mrs. Hudson, Holmes’s landlady, summons Dr. Watson immediately. Upon arriving, Watson finds Holmes suffering from an unusual and deadly tropical disease and appears weak and disoriented; instead, he demands Dr. Watson retrieve Mr. Culverton Smith – someone familiar with said disease but with whom Holmes shares an unpleasant history – before seeking medical help for himself or himself.
As the story develops, it becomes evident that Sherlock is staging his illness to lure Culverton Smith away – whom Holmes suspects of murdering Victor Savage – into being caught. Part of Holmes’ plan requires Watson’s unwitting participation as well; Holmes needs him to appear alarmed by Holmes’ plan but unaware of its details.
Doyle’s “The Adventure of the Dying Detective” excels due to Doyle’s masterful portrayal of Holmes’s manipulative yet brilliant mind, creating an intricate psychological drama depicting just how far Holmes will go to achieve justice. This case stands out by emphasizing more on mental crime solving rather than physical evidence or action taken on its behalf.
At its dramatic climax, Holmes’s plan comes to fruition when Culverton Smith, believing Holmes to be on his deathbed and without witnesses present to witness any further crime, confesses his crime of murder against Watson and Holmes himself. Holmes’s fake illness becomes the catalyst for solving the case quickly and successfully.
The Lost World and Other Thrilling Tales
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Lost World and Other Thrilling Tales” is an engaging anthology that deviates beyond London and Sherlock Holmes’s world. At its center is “The Lost World,” one of Conan Doyle’s classic adventure/science fiction works first published in 1912. Accompanied by other captivating tales, this anthology highlights Conan Doyle’s versatility and creativity.
“The Lost World” introduces Professor Challenger as one of its main characters – one as memorable and larger-than-life as Sherlock Holmes himself. Challenger leads an expedition led by skeptical journalist Edward Malone and Lord John Roxton with Professor Summerlee as their leader to search out prehistoric creatures said to inhabit an Amazon basin plateau where prehistoric creatures may still reside – to test belief against science on an epic quest through space and time.
As soon as they arrive at the plateau, the group discovers a world that time forgot, full of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures that pose an imminent danger to survival and test the wits and courage of each party member. Their journey becomes one of adventure, discovery, and clash of personalities, all within Doyle’s vivid imagination and creative storytelling style.
Beyond “The Lost World,” Doyle’s collection includes other tales that showcase his versatility as a writer. Though their themes and settings vary considerably, all stories explore something unfamiliar or extraordinary, featuring characters who confront moral quandaries, supernatural challenges, or incredible adventures that push their limits to their absolute limit.
The Complete Sherlock Holmes
The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle provides an exhaustive compilation of stories and novels featuring legendary detective Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson written over his celebrated writing career that have defined and transformed the detective fiction genre. This complete volume gathers together all his celebrated works that have helped define this subgenre of literature.
This collection comprises four full-length novels: “A Study in Scarlet,” where Holmes and Watson first meet; “The Sign of Four,” featuring murder plots with treasure hidden somewhere; “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” which blends mystery with horror; and “The Valley of Fear,” an adventure tale featuring revenge against secret societies. Additionally, there are five short story collections: “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,” “The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes,” “The Return of Sherlock Holmes,” “His Last Bow,” and “The Case Book of Sherlock Holmes”, which feature cases that demonstrate Holmes’s ingenuity while Watson assists from behind closed doors; these novels feature cases which showcase both characters compared with each other.
Each story and novel in this collection transports readers back to Victorian-era London with foggy streets filled with puzzles and threats of every variety, where Holmes and Watson encounter simple domestic matters to complex international plots that unfold into locked room puzzles, encrypted messages, disguised identities or criminal strategies of many sorts.
Best Arthur Conan Doyle’s Books: Conclusion
Arthur Conan Doyle’s works remain timeless, transcending time and culture barriers. His stories feature intricate plots with memorable characters who provide suspenseful reading experiences that remain relevant today – whether longtime fans of Doyle’s world or newcomers. Reading one or all of these selected works guarantees an engaging reading experience!
Are you looking for more great reads after exploring the works of Arthur Conan Doyle? Keep an eye out for our upcoming articles, where we’ll be sharing top picks from acclaimed authors: best Nicholas Sparks Books, best Kurt Vonnegut books, and Anne Lamott books.
