30 review for His Last Bow Illustrated

1. 

   5 out of 5

   Jayson – Aug 01, 2013

   (A-) 84% | Very Good Notes: Precursor to the spy genre, it's Holmes, Sherlock Holmes, secret agent, with more consequential and real world plots. (A-) 84% | Very Good Notes: Precursor to the spy genre, it's Holmes, Sherlock Holmes, secret agent, with more consequential and real world plots.

2. 

   4 out of 5

   Ahmad Sharabiani – Oct 03, 2016

   His Last Bow: 8 Stories (Sherlock Holmes, #8), Arthur Conan Doyle Contents: Preface by John H. Watson, M.D. (1917) The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge (1908) The Adventure of the Cardboard Box (1892) The Adventure of the Red Circle (1911) The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans (1908) The Adventure of the Dying Detective (1913) The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax (1911) The Adventure of the Devil's Foot (1910) His Last Bow. The War Service of Sherlock Holmes (1917). عنوانها: ماجراهای شرلوک هولمز: آخر His Last Bow: 8 Stories (Sherlock Holmes, #8), Arthur Conan Doyle Contents: Preface by John H. Watson, M.D. (1917) The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge (1908) The Adventure of the Cardboard Box (1892) The Adventure of the Red Circle (1911) The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans (1908) The Adventure of the Dying Detective (1913) The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax (1911) The Adventure of the Devil's Foot (1910) His Last Bow. The War Service of Sherlock Holmes (1917). عنوانها: ماجراهای شرلوک هولمز: آخرین بدرود؛ آخرین خدمت شرلوک هولمز؛ نویسنده: آرتور کانن دویل؛ تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز سی ام ماه می سال 2017 میلادی عنوان: ماجراهای شرلوک هولمز: آخرین بدرود؛ نویسنده آرتور کانن دویل؛ مترجم: قاسم صنعوی؛ تهران، توس، 1372؛ در 196ص؛ موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان بریتانیائی سده 20م عنوان: آخرین خدمت شرلوک هولمز؛ نویسنده: آرتور کانن دویل؛ مترجم: نوید فرخی؛ تهران، فرهنگ نشر نو؛ 1395؛ در 461ص؛ شابک 9786008547280؛ عنوانهای داستانهای این مجموعه: «ماجرای عمارت ویستریا»؛ «ماجرای جعبه مقوایی (این داستان در بیشتر نسخه‌های بریتانیایی خاطرات شرلوک هولمز وجود دارد)»؛ «ماجرای حلقه سرخ»؛ «ماجرای نقشه‌های بروس-پارتینگتن»؛ «ماجرای کارآگاه در حال مرگ»؛«ناپدید شدن لیدی فرانسیس کارفکس»؛ «ماجرای پای شیطان»؛ «آخرین تعظیم (آخرین بدرود)»؛ این مجموعه داستان نخستین بار در سال 1917میلادی منتشر شد؛ تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 30/03/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی

3. 

   5 out of 5

   K.D. Absolutely – Jul 23, 2012

   The Sherlock Holmes collection that has the fewest number of short stories: 8. It is even a story-less in its British edition. This is called His Last Bow because it shares that title with its anchor (last) story. Other than that reason, I could not associate any of the other stories with Holmes bowing out as they all have the same ingredients or formula as the earlier Sherlock Holmes literary pieces. The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge. John Scott Eccles consults Holmes and Watson regarding the dea The Sherlock Holmes collection that has the fewest number of short stories: 8. It is even a story-less in its British edition. This is called His Last Bow because it shares that title with its anchor (last) story. Other than that reason, I could not associate any of the other stories with Holmes bowing out as they all have the same ingredients or formula as the earlier Sherlock Holmes literary pieces. The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge. John Scott Eccles consults Holmes and Watson regarding the death of his Spanish friend, Aloysius Garcia. Two Scotland detectives, Gregson and Baynes, join. Garcia’s murder happened in a place called Wisteria Lodge in Esher. The murderer turns out to be from another house that Holmes was able to deduce from reconnoitering. I loved the presence of gothic element but the reconnoitering is quite unlikely in my opinion. However, if the area is peopled only by whites and Murillo is the only one from Latin America, then I may be wrong. What I mean is that Murillo’s skin could have made him a highly noticeable target. – 2 STARS The Adventure of the Cardboard Box. Yuck, two severed human ears are inside the parcel sent to an old landlord, Miss Susan Cushing and Inspector Lestrade suspects that that this is a frank by his evicted tenants who are medical student. Holmes, as always, thinks differently and he proves that he is right. Quite ordinary but the straightforward narration plus the emotion of a wronged man made this story disquieting. For a while, I felt for the killer because his wife has a lover. Not that I could emphatize with him but Holmes held back the full information a bit there so I thought that the killer deserved my empathy. – 3 STARS The Adventure of the Red Circle. The kidnapper of Mrs. Warren’s husband is identified using the following facts: messages sent to Daily Gazette’s Agony column, hiding in a boxroom, the lantern signal and the knowledge of Italian language. Underground terrorist activities are also involved. Aside from Pinkerton that was also mentioned in his last novel, the Italian Mafia-like organization, Red Circle, is involved here but there is no connection between Pinkerton and Red Circle. Felt like an ordinary Holmes story. - 2 STARS The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans. This is the last appearance of Mycroft, Holmes’ brother. Arthur Cadogan West is murdered and seven out of ten pages of the secret submarine plans are found with his corpse. If the 3 pages are found, the person can create a submarine that runs from Bruce to Partington. Mycroft provides information that led to the identification of the murderer near the railway. Unlike the first story in this collection, the reconnoitering of the neighborhood is plausible to identify the place where the killing happened. The reason is that the corpse is found by the railway tracks. - 3 STARS The Adventure of the Dying Detective. Would you ever imagine Holmes getting sick? He died but he never got sick in the previous novels and short stories. In this one Holmes is said to have contacted a contagious Asian disease and Dr. Watson is called to tend on him. Watson arrives but Holmes tells him to wait up to 6pm. Holmes asks Watson to fetch Mr. Culverton Smith who Holmes has accused to have killed his nephew, Victor. I felt sad reading this novel at first because I thought all the while that Holmes was sick and could die. It was unthinkable for me and Sir Doyle was able to truly catch my interest. - 3 STARS The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax. Lady Frances is missing but Holmes is busy so he sends Watson to investigate. He proceeds with the investigation and finds out that Lady Frances has gone to Germany, met the Schlessinger couple and a big bearded man. Holmes telegraphs back asking of the condition of Mr. Schelessinger’s ear. Just like “Baskervilles,” this story has Watson in the forefront of action and Holmes relegated to the back burner. Or so I thought. Just like in “Baskervilles” Sir Doyle always keeps surprises up his sleeves. - 3 STARS The Adventure of the Devil’s Foot. Messrs. Tregennis and Roundhay consult Holmes because the former’s brothers (Owen and George) have gone mad and his sister (Brenda) died. During the investigation a cousin of the Tregennises, Dr. Sterndale, postpones his trip for the sake of the investigation. The following day, Tregannis himself is found dead by Dr. Sterndale. Who kills or turns the siblings? Read and find out for yourself. The Devil’s Foot is a chemical from a plant root in Africa. This is one of the best stories in this collection. Very engaging. - 4 STARS His Last Bow. Von Bork is a German spy is leaving Britain for Netherlands bringing with him a lot of valuable information that may be used by German during the first World War. His friend, Von Herling says that those can make him rather a hero. Von Bork is still not happy though. He is still waiting for another tip (naval signal). I will not tell you the rest of the story because as I do not give too much away. This one is very good though. I did not see “it” coming. Also, told in a third person, this felt different because all the other works in the canon are narrated by Watson (first person). This is said to have been written during the World War I to uplift the morale of the British soldiers so this is a spy story rather than the usual detective’s tale. Truly, a breath of fresh air. - 5 STARS On to the last collection of short stories called The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes and I will then be done with the whole Sherlock Holmes canon. Which canon I am planning to read next? I am contemplating between reading the whole works of Samuel Beckett (I have all of them) or maybe read the rest of the 11 books included in Anthony Powell’s A Dance to the Music of Time. I am still collecting, little-by-little, the whole works of William Shakespeare so, even if I want to read him next, I still cannot do that.

4. 

   5 out of 5

   Werner – Jul 11, 2020

   My Goodreads friend Steve Haywood and I agreed, early this year, to read this collection together this month as a buddy read. He wanted to do a story collection; and I suggested this one, since I knew it was the only remaining book in the Holmes canon that I hadn't officially read. So, on turning the last page, I marked another literary milestone, completing an odyssey begun in childhood; there are no more original Sherlock Holmes stories to read for the first time! As it turned out, there probab My Goodreads friend Steve Haywood and I agreed, early this year, to read this collection together this month as a buddy read. He wanted to do a story collection; and I suggested this one, since I knew it was the only remaining book in the Holmes canon that I hadn't officially read. So, on turning the last page, I marked another literary milestone, completing an odyssey begun in childhood; there are no more original Sherlock Holmes stories to read for the first time! As it turned out, there probably weren't any more I hadn't read even before I turned the first page. :-) Of the eight stories in this edition, the only one I possibly hadn't previously read elsewhere was "The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax" --I'm not sure if I'd actually read the story itself or just had very vivid memories of the adaptation on the old PBS Mystery! series, starring Jeremy Brett as Holmes. (In any case, the ending of the actual story differs significantly from that of the adaptation --and I like Doyle's better than the scriptwriters'.) Had I known this, I might not have suggested the book as a buddy read, since I rarely reread books, and the read did prove to be very quick on my end; but I did reread or closely skim most of the stories this time, and that actually proved to be quite worthwhile, because in the years since reading most of these, I'd forgotten a number of significant details, which I enjoyed re-discovering! ("The Adventure of the Cardboard Box" was the only one I didn't reread, having just read it last year and commented on it in my review of The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, where it originally appeared. It wasn't included in the original, 1917 British edition of this collection; but it did appear in the 1917 American edition published by Doran, of which this edition is a quality reprint.) Unlike some reviewers, I find the quality of Doyle's work throughout the Holmes canon pretty consistent, and this collection is much of a piece, in style and quality, with the preceding and following ones. Holmes and Watson are their usual vividly-drawn selves, and their camaraderie and friendship adds to the enjoyment of the stories. The mysteries are solved by the application of rational deduction accompanied by minute observation of detail, but the settings and story elements often, in Romantic fashion, incorporate the exotic, the scary and the "grotesque" --a word which our heroes discuss at the beginning of "The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge," with, as it turns out, good reason. :-) All of these stories are set in England, but they may be very much subject to sinister foreign influences: the past outrages of a Central American dictatorship, the activities of southern Italy's organized crime, poison used by African witch doctors. Even in England, the Gothic and sinister may not be absent; Doyle's evocation of the Cornish seacoast and moors in "The Adventure of the Devil's Foot" would be at home in the Romantic novels of Blackmore or Du Maurier. (Doyle uses description with more skill than readers sometimes notice.) Attempting to comment on the individual stories can be difficult without divulging spoilers (that's particularly true in the case of "The Adventure of the Dying Detective"). I can mention that "The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans" is noteworthy in the Holmes canon as being one of only two in which Holmes' brother Mycroft appears. From the beginning of the title story, set just on the eve of World War I in August 1914, it's obvious that this one deals with pre-war German espionage. Written as it was during the war, its treatment of German characters is colored by wartime attitudes towards the enemy; and in hindsight we can say that it's very unlikely that the German government was consciously planning the war since 1910, and that even its date would have been predictable to their agents! The story is also notable, though, as the only Holmes story I recall with actual explicit references to God (in two places); though Doyle wasn't a Christian, the war --and especially the death of his son in it-- tended to move his thoughts in a more spiritual direction. (Ironically, though, the hope he puts in Holmes' mouth, "...a cleaner, better, stronger land will lie in the sunshine when the storm has cleared," proved to be illusory; the moral and spiritual effects of the Great War on England, and the West generally, were almost entirely demoralizing.) My favorite story in the book is probably "The Adventure of the Devil's Foot," but all of them are well-written and rewarding. This edition is enhanced by an appended Selected Bibliography of Doyle's works (it fills about two and a half pages, since he wrote prolifically, including long and short fiction and nonfiction), and a four and a half page About the Author biographical note, which is worthwhile and informative. A must for Doyle fans, I'd recommend the collection to any fans of traditional mystery stories.

5. 

   4 out of 5

   Exina – Jul 31, 2019

   A great collection of Sherlock Holmes stories. I've read four stories: The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans - 4 stars My review. The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax - 4 stars My review. The Adventure of the Dying Detective - 2 stars My review. His Last Bow: An Epilogue of Sherlock Holmes - 4 stars My review. A great collection of Sherlock Holmes stories. I've read four stories: The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans - 4 stars My review. The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax - 4 stars My review. The Adventure of the Dying Detective - 2 stars My review. His Last Bow: An Epilogue of Sherlock Holmes - 4 stars My review.

6. 

   5 out of 5

   Aishu Rehman – Jul 02, 2018

   His Last Bow collects eight Sherlock Holmes stories that first ran in The Strand Magazine from 1908 to 1913, as well as including the eponymous “His Last Bow”, which ran in 1917. (“The Adventure of the Cardboard Box” is included in American editions of this collection; Brits will find that story in The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes.) Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson are on the case yet again, with Watson serving as Holmes’ faithful biographer for seven of the eight stories collected here. The Br His Last Bow collects eight Sherlock Holmes stories that first ran in The Strand Magazine from 1908 to 1913, as well as including the eponymous “His Last Bow”, which ran in 1917. (“The Adventure of the Cardboard Box” is included in American editions of this collection; Brits will find that story in The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes.) Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson are on the case yet again, with Watson serving as Holmes’ faithful biographer for seven of the eight stories collected here. The British government under fire, women vanishing from holiday, severed ears turning up in the post of respectable women, and German spies are just the tip of the iceberg.

7. 

   5 out of 5

   Exina – Jul 30, 2019

   Holmes had retired, but he received one last assignment. Lovely, a bit melancholic story. “There's an east wind coming, Watson.” “I think not, Holmes. It is very warm.” “Good old Watson! You are the one fixed point in a changing age.” Holmes had retired, but he received one last assignment. Lovely, a bit melancholic story. “There's an east wind coming, Watson.” “I think not, Holmes. It is very warm.” “Good old Watson! You are the one fixed point in a changing age.”

8. 

   4 out of 5

   Diane – Jun 12, 2013

   This is the penultimate collection of Sherlock Holmes stories. I have spent my summer going through the Sherlock canon, and I am a bit sad to be nearing the end of my time with the great detective. Even though some of the stories are not the best mysteries, they have a certain charm to them that makes them endearing to read. In this collection, my favorites were "The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans," "The Adventure of the Dying Detective," and "The Adventure of the Devil's Foot." The fina This is the penultimate collection of Sherlock Holmes stories. I have spent my summer going through the Sherlock canon, and I am a bit sad to be nearing the end of my time with the great detective. Even though some of the stories are not the best mysteries, they have a certain charm to them that makes them endearing to read. In this collection, my favorites were "The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans," "The Adventure of the Dying Detective," and "The Adventure of the Devil's Foot." The final piece, "His Last Bow," is unique in that it is actually a spy story set during World War I, and it is told in the third person, instead of from Dr. Watson's point of view. In this book we also learn that Holmes has retired and is now keeping bees at a small farm. Since I have spent so many weeks with Sherlock, I have been contemplating the vastness of his influence. So many modern detective shows and stories can be traced back to Doyle's creation. Why was he so iconic? It's true we appreciate his genius, just as we admire those who can see through the lies to the truth, who can follow the trail amidst the undergrowth, who can find the solution to the mystery. But I think Sherlock would not have been quite so memorable if it had not been for his friendship with Dr. Watson. Watson always helped Holmes -- he humanized him. (He even saved Holmes' life a few times!) Sherlock always gets the praise, but I wish I could give Watson a pat on the back, too.

9. 

   4 out of 5

   RJ - Slayer of Trolls – Jun 25, 2018

   This short story collection is one of the finest and most even entries in the series. Subtitled "Some Reminiscences of Sherlock Holmes," the brief preface indicates that Holmes has retired after his war service. The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge - 4/5 - someone's past comes back to haunt him! No, really! The Adventure of the Cardboard Box - 4/5 - what's in the box? The Adventure of the Red Circle: by Arthur Conan Doyle - 4/5 - insert "circle of trust joke" here The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Pl This short story collection is one of the finest and most even entries in the series. Subtitled "Some Reminiscences of Sherlock Holmes," the brief preface indicates that Holmes has retired after his war service. The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge - 4/5 - someone's past comes back to haunt him! No, really! The Adventure of the Cardboard Box - 4/5 - what's in the box? The Adventure of the Red Circle: by Arthur Conan Doyle - 4/5 - insert "circle of trust joke" here The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans - 4/5 - although somewhat reminiscent of The Adventure of the Second Stain (even including the spy Oberstein) there's plenty for Holmes to do and even a couple of Mycroft appearances The Adventure of the Dying Detective - 4/5 - another fresh plot idea, and no one's past had to come back to haunt them! The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax - 4/5 - Holmes gets it wrong? Or does he...? Adventure of the Devil's Foot - 4/5 - Holmes solves cases even while on vacation His Last Bow -4/5 - Holmes emerges from retirement in support of the war effort

10. 

    5 out of 5

    Kylie🐾 – Oct 08, 2018

    Okay so I own 5 Sherlock books and this is the first one I’ve read. WOW I AM SPEECHLESS! I wish I read them sooner. The adventure of the dying detective was absolutely superb. That story definitely had me hook from the start. Some of the stories were a little harder to get into than most but I really enjoyed them all either way. I really can’t wait to read the other 4.

11. 

    4 out of 5

    James Tivendale – May 11, 2016

    This was pretty enjoyable read consisting of 8 short stories. Although they are arguably not as consitant and entertaining as Adventures of... and Return of... I would say half the stories here are very good. Devil's Foot was one of my favourites which was reminiscent of The Hound of The Baskervilles where Sherlock goes and explores on his own via long walks in strange places and leaves the readers in the dark before the big reveals following the masterful deductions he is famous for. I like the This was pretty enjoyable read consisting of 8 short stories. Although they are arguably not as consitant and entertaining as Adventures of... and Return of... I would say half the stories here are very good. Devil's Foot was one of my favourites which was reminiscent of The Hound of The Baskervilles where Sherlock goes and explores on his own via long walks in strange places and leaves the readers in the dark before the big reveals following the masterful deductions he is famous for. I like the way a couple of the stories; such as the above mentioned - lay the facts out and then you hear the perpetrators point of view and it questions your morality and original viewpoint which adds to the layers and the readers emotions at the finale of the short tale. The Dying Detective is very enjoyable but slightly predictive and I didn't really like The Last Bow - it seemed more of a statement than a story with the impending war approaching Europe. Sherlock and Watson's friendship is great as always (I am sure Sherlock even called it Love in one story!). I like the mechanisms of Watson's autobiographical presentation so the stories never seem repetitive. The cast that around our duo are great such as Lestrade, Mrs. Hudson and Gregson and some of the villians are notorious as would be expected. If you read these, like me - for Sherlock's genius, deduction and bizarre shenanigans mix with his relationship with his army doctor and biographer friend - then you will find a lot here to enjoy. I wouldn't start with this collection though. Adventures of.... and the Four full lengths should come first. Peace. x

12. 

    4 out of 5

    Ali – Dec 04, 2011

    There are times when only certain types of books will do, when one is feeling in need of some consoling literary friend. At such times I often reach for Agatha Christie, although another old and comforting literary companion is Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. This fairly slight volume contains eight fascinating Holmes stories, each of them a fairly decent length, utterly perfect to curl up with on a chilly December evening. I adore the character of Holmes, it matches exactly the mood that Doyle cr There are times when only certain types of books will do, when one is feeling in need of some consoling literary friend. At such times I often reach for Agatha Christie, although another old and comforting literary companion is Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. This fairly slight volume contains eight fascinating Holmes stories, each of them a fairly decent length, utterly perfect to curl up with on a chilly December evening. I adore the character of Holmes, it matches exactly the mood that Doyle creates so perfectly in each story. The tension and fear that lies beneath a rarefied Englishness, the dense fogs that swirl outside the windows of Baker Street, while a great mind is figuring out the unfathomable. In my personal favourite 'The Adventure of the Devil's Foot' Holmes and Watson find themselves in a tiny Cornish village, where a woman has been apparently terrified to death, and two o her brothers left raving mad. In the final title story, a tale not narrated by Watson, the two old friends are brought back together some time after Holmes' retirement, it is August 1914. Although rather different in tome to the preceding stories it is a nice quiet finale.

13. 

    4 out of 5

    Teresa – Mar 19, 2017

    Within this small collection are a few stories in which Doyle seems to have been going through his motions (and who could blame him). But as his most famous creation says more than once in this volume, “We must possess our souls in patience”; and that patience is rewarded, as the collection also contains some of Doyle's finest stories, including a couple that break his own mold. Within this small collection are a few stories in which Doyle seems to have been going through his motions (and who could blame him). But as his most famous creation says more than once in this volume, “We must possess our souls in patience”; and that patience is rewarded, as the collection also contains some of Doyle's finest stories, including a couple that break his own mold.

14. 

    4 out of 5

    Mariah – Dec 22, 2019

    I don’t know what I’m more surprised by in this Holmes reread: His great disdain and general dislike for women, the amount of offensive names used for people of color (I know it’s the 19th century, I still don’t have to like it), Watson calling Holmes’ drug addiction as “an occasional indiscretion” or the fact that I missed most of these nuggets when I was 13 and read SH for the first time. The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge, The Tiger of San Pedro ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Adventure of the Red Circle ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Adv I don’t know what I’m more surprised by in this Holmes reread: His great disdain and general dislike for women, the amount of offensive names used for people of color (I know it’s the 19th century, I still don’t have to like it), Watson calling Holmes’ drug addiction as “an occasional indiscretion” or the fact that I missed most of these nuggets when I was 13 and read SH for the first time. The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge, The Tiger of San Pedro ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Adventure of the Red Circle ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Adevnture of the Dying Detective ⭐️⭐️ The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Adventure of the Devil’s Foot ⭐️⭐️⭐️ His Last Bow ⭐️⭐️⭐️

15. 

    4 out of 5

    David Sarkies – May 27, 2017

    Another Collection of Holmesian Adventures 28 May 2017 Since I’m trying to finish off this massively huge volume of Sherlock Holmes short stories before I go back to Adelaide (namely because it happens to be my father’s), I thought it was time to make my way through the fourth collection. Unlike the other collections, Watson indicated that this collection is actually a collection of adventures that occurred previously, and aren’t actually a new series, namely because in the previous collection th Another Collection of Holmesian Adventures 28 May 2017 Since I’m trying to finish off this massively huge volume of Sherlock Holmes short stories before I go back to Adelaide (namely because it happens to be my father’s), I thought it was time to make my way through the fourth collection. Unlike the other collections, Watson indicated that this collection is actually a collection of adventures that occurred previously, and aren’t actually a new series, namely because in the previous collection the final adventure had Sherlock living in the country tending bees since he had retired of the life of the detective. As such, we jump back to learn of some futher adventures that our consulting detective became involved in. Once again, murder seems to be the major theme throughout these stories, which as I previously mentioned, I found to be a bit of a shame because I actually preferred the adventures that either didn’t involve a murder, or weren’t even a crime afterall. However, I suspect that murder would be Holmes’ bread and butter, and due to the incredibly serious nature of the crime, would be the problem that the police generally approach him with. Not that the police generally approach him because you still get the impression that Lestrade believes that he is the greatest cop in existance and all Holmes ever does is get in the way. The interesting thing is that in my past employment I have worked with private detectives, or more specifically investigators (as they are known here in Australia). As it turns out, the bread and butter of the investigator is generally insurance work, or spying on husbands/wives, to see if they are up to any mischief. Okay, they also do missing person work, but normally because the missing person owes somebody money, and the creditor really doesn’t want to let the debtor off the hook. Once again this is particular with the insurance industry because a simple mistake can suddenly have you owing hundreds of thousands of dollars to an insurance company, and suddenly you find that debt collectors are hounding your every move – and in this interconnected world of Facebook, Twitter, and a mobile phone that wants to share your location with the entire world, hiding from such people has become ever more difficult. One final thought though, other than the fact that I’m going to have to write a blog post about my trip to the Sherlock Holmes Museum in London (though I have so many blog posts to actually write that this one will probably end up falling to the wayside pretty quickly), is the last story. This one actually bucks the trend in that we have the story set not only as a postscript, but also after he has retired. Actually, the final story in the previous volume was the case as well. However, this story is set at the start of World War I and we have some German spies preparing to head back to Berlin. Well, that is until Holmes steps out of the woodwork, reveals himself, and sends them packing (or at least arrests them). In fact this story was probably my favourite story in the whole collection, though it does turn Holmes into a bit of a superhero. I guess it happens to be one of those stories that was written after the outbreak of the war, or at least fairly shortly afterwards. In a way it reminds me a bit of the superhero comics, or even the Hollywood action films, which reveals that deep desire within ourselves for some hero to come out of nowhere and to save us from an external threat – in this case Germany. Okay, while Holmes was not able to single handedly defeat Germany, he was able to bring down a massive spy operation, as well as feeding the Germans false information. Mind you, I always find it funny when Hollywood creates these heroes that go out and save us from the bad people, when in the end what we really need is a hero to come along and save us from ourselves.

16. 

    5 out of 5

    Charles van Buren – Aug 16, 2019

    Includes the last Holmes adventure Review of Kindle edition Publication date: October 12, 2016 Publisher: Wisehouse Classics Language: English ASIN: B01M7P3VEM 147 pages His Last Bow: A Reminiscence of Sherlock Holmes is a collection of 8 Sherlock Holmes stories published in October, 1917. The subtitle of the U.S. Edition was changed to Some Later Reminiscences of Sherlock Holmes. The collection begins with a preface by Watson telling readers that, as of the date of publication, Holmes is long retired Includes the last Holmes adventure Review of Kindle edition Publication date: October 12, 2016 Publisher: Wisehouse Classics Language: English ASIN: B01M7P3VEM 147 pages His Last Bow: A Reminiscence of Sherlock Holmes is a collection of 8 Sherlock Holmes stories published in October, 1917. The subtitle of the U.S. Edition was changed to Some Later Reminiscences of Sherlock Holmes. The collection begins with a preface by Watson telling readers that, as of the date of publication, Holmes is long retired but is still alive and well, living in a rural area and keeping bees. Six of the stories including the first story, The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge (spelled Wistaria when first published) first appeared in The Strand between September1908 and December 1913. The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge was published as A Reminiscence of Sherlock Holmes. It appeared in two parts the first titled The Singular Experience of Mr. John Eccles and the second, The Tiger of San Pedro. The Adventure of the Cardboard Box was also included in the first edition of The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes in 1894, but was dropped from later editions of that book. The last story, His Last Bow. The War Service of Sherlock Holmes, was first published in Collier's in September 1917, a month before the book's appearance in Britain in October. This is a spy story rather than a mystery. Published during WW1, it is regarded by many as a contribution by Doyle in aid of British home front morale. Chronologically it is the last Holmes story. It is also notable as not being narrated by Watson.

17. 

    5 out of 5

    David – Aug 29, 2019

    2.5 stars for the penultimate collection. The title story (as epilogue) is especially bizarre with Holmes and Watson leaving retirement to foil the Germans in 1914.

18. 

    5 out of 5

    Wanda – Jul 28, 2019

    I believe that I have now read all of Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories. Plus I have read a lot of fiction that uses his great detective as a character--largely novels. I am truly impressed with Doyle’s skill--he manages to give such detail and delight in the short story format. We come away from his fiction feeling like we know all about Mr. Holmes and like John Watson would be our friend if we ran into him. No wonder people show up at their iconic address in London, as if expecting the fam I believe that I have now read all of Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories. Plus I have read a lot of fiction that uses his great detective as a character--largely novels. I am truly impressed with Doyle’s skill--he manages to give such detail and delight in the short story format. We come away from his fiction feeling like we know all about Mr. Holmes and like John Watson would be our friend if we ran into him. No wonder people show up at their iconic address in London, as if expecting the famous duo to still be there. In this collection, we get a better sense of Mycroft Holmes and his importance to the government. One wonders what he would think of Boris Johnson and Brexit. No doubt both brothers would have opinions on the matter! Whether they would share those opinions is another question. I’m glad to have read the entire Holmes canon and now I think I may turn my attention to a biography of Arthur Conan Doyle and some of his other fiction.

19. 

    5 out of 5

    Ferdy – May 09, 2014

    A fairly good collection of Sherlock stories - I probably would have enjoyed them more though if I hadn't been binge reading the series as it made them rather predictable and formulaic. The last story was different than the others though, which I liked, but it did feel somewhat odd and out of place as it was set much later than the other cases and instead of the usual telegrams and carriages, it was all telephones and cars. I'm hoping the next lot of stories are set later on as well, it would ma A fairly good collection of Sherlock stories - I probably would have enjoyed them more though if I hadn't been binge reading the series as it made them rather predictable and formulaic. The last story was different than the others though, which I liked, but it did feel somewhat odd and out of place as it was set much later than the other cases and instead of the usual telegrams and carriages, it was all telephones and cars. I'm hoping the next lot of stories are set later on as well, it would make a nice change of pace.

20. 

    4 out of 5

    russell barnes – Sep 04, 2008

    So, as I said previously, Not the last Sherlock Holmes book, although chronologically the last as it finishes at the dawn of The Great War. 'Great' as in 'Huge' rather than 'Spiffing'... Anyhoo... Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are taking a trip across a desert by hot-air balloon. There are not many landmarks; so eventually, they become lost. Luckily, while flying quite low, they see a man. Holmes shouts, "Sir, could you please tell me where we are?" The man looks up, ponders for a moment, and then So, as I said previously, Not the last Sherlock Holmes book, although chronologically the last as it finishes at the dawn of The Great War. 'Great' as in 'Huge' rather than 'Spiffing'... Anyhoo... Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are taking a trip across a desert by hot-air balloon. There are not many landmarks; so eventually, they become lost. Luckily, while flying quite low, they see a man. Holmes shouts, "Sir, could you please tell me where we are?" The man looks up, ponders for a moment, and then answers, "Gentlemen, you are in a hot-air balloon!" At this moment, a burst of wind picks up the balloon and carries it away. Holmes turns to Watson and asks: "My friend, do you know who that man is?" "No, Holmes, of course not!" "He's a mathematician!" "Holmes, that's incredible! But *how* do you know?" "It's very simple, Watson. First of all, the man thought before giving us an answer. Secondly, his answer was absolutely correct. And thirdly, the answer he gave us was of no practical use, whatsoever!" take that maths

21. 

    4 out of 5

    Cindy – Jul 23, 2013

    Classic novel. Available free in eBook or Audiobook form: Librivox.org Gutenberg.org

22. 

    5 out of 5

    Elizabeth – Jul 04, 2019

    Quite a remarkable Sherlock collection. I am amazed at how cohesive a whole is formed from these several separate stories, and I can’t remember the last time I had such an enjoyable experience. I strongly disliked this collection at first, and I am still amazed at how drasticallly my opinion changed as the stories were crafted. The book opens with a preface about how Sherlock retired to the South Downs to keep bees. I don’t know why this book starts out with that image, but I suppose it is partly Quite a remarkable Sherlock collection. I am amazed at how cohesive a whole is formed from these several separate stories, and I can’t remember the last time I had such an enjoyable experience. I strongly disliked this collection at first, and I am still amazed at how drasticallly my opinion changed as the stories were crafted. The book opens with a preface about how Sherlock retired to the South Downs to keep bees. I don’t know why this book starts out with that image, but I suppose it is partly Doyle’s way of assuring his readers that he will not kill off Holmes as he did before. That said, although the idea of a man living peacefully alone with a bunch of bees can be soothing, the preface felt, to me, to be rather melancholic. No matter how successful his career, he has finished with it now. Although he was once young and strong and surrounded by admirers, now he is old and alone, and he takes no interest in the concerns of the police or the mysteries of everyday life. Earlier, his mind rebelled at stagnation, and now he seems to desire it. The stories, then, before they have even begun, have already been presented as historical cases from a now long-retired detective who, as far as we know, has no contact with anyone from his former life at Baker Street. I think retirement can be a beautiful thing, and I don’t blame Sherlock for wanting rest, but his total separation from everything he’s known is described almost as an afterthought, and I found it to be a little depressing. (Plus, I felt a bit cheated dramatically. How can I worry about Sherlock putting himself in danger if I know he’s going to retire to the South Downs?) But then the stories started, and oh! Such stories! Even at this late point in the series, it is easy to see character development, and—was Doyle getting sentimental?—at least two different events in two different stories that demonstrate the genuine warmth between Holmes and Watson. One of the stories begins with Watson explaining that he had just had a message from Holmes to publish one his accounts of their adventures, and this the first occasion to show that even in retirement, Holmes is still in touch with Watson. And these stories are magnificent. There is one that fleshes out his brother Mycroft and showcases the siblings’ cooperation and respect. We get to see Watson’s suffering as he is helpless to save his friend in “The Dying Detective,” and we see a very sick Sherlock trying to recover his health in a completely different milieu in “Devil’s Foot.” These are two of my favorite Sherlock stories, period. They’re definitely in my top five, and possibly in my top three. Sherlock is also definitely thinking with his heart in this collection; his genuine worry about an innocent lady and his desire to protect her drive the “Carfax” story, and his kindness keeps coming to the fore in many of these tales. The tone is softer, the characters (after all these years) are open and trusting, and even poor Lestrade gets to shine. Holmes and Watson have come to rely on his support, and he can be depended on to back them up. It’s a far cry from the awkward and competitive relationship they had early on. And then, at the end of all of it, comes “His Last Bow.” Right from he beginning, this story is different. It’s told in 3rd person, and it takes place post-bees. This is a much older, steadier Sherlock Holmes. No longer is he working to support himself, or even sleuthing “for the game’s own sake”—not here. Now, the stakes are higher, the need is greater, and a threat so terrible in its magnitude has drawn Sherlock out of retirement and plunged him once more into his former profession. And now, the preface finally makes sense for me. Sherlock retires, and then Sherlock keeps going. In this story, we see for the first time the work that he has accomplished during his time on the South Downs. So even then, he has not been idle. And now, afterward, Sherlock comes back when he is needed, so that he can continue to do what he had always done. I like the idea of more, of change, of surprise. Just when you think everything has ended, there is still more to come. I like the idea of Sherlock rising up from obscurity, of standing tall, of doing, of saving, of protecting. He came back from the dead, as it were, in “The Return of Sherlock Holmes,” but this, this is his real resurrection. And it took my breath away. Last of all, three of my favorite Sherlock Holmes quotes are found in this collection: “I play the game for the game’s own sake.” “I thought I knew my Watson.” And finally, “Quick, man, if you love me.” Beautiful moments, all.

23. 

    5 out of 5

    Tarissa – May 05, 2019

    THE ADVENTURE OF WISTERIA LODGE: A bleak tale with ominous clues leading up to the solution -- including a pail of blood. Indeed. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BRUCE-PARTINGTON PLANS: One of my favorites! Includes death by train in a particularly peculiar fashion. THE ADVENTURE OF THE DEVIL'S FOOT: In which Holmes and Watson willingly replicate the method by which other persons have expired. (Thrilling, no?) Also, we see Holmes' moral philosophy in rare form. THE ADVENTURE OF THE RED CIRCLE: A lodger with a sec THE ADVENTURE OF WISTERIA LODGE: A bleak tale with ominous clues leading up to the solution -- including a pail of blood. Indeed. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BRUCE-PARTINGTON PLANS: One of my favorites! Includes death by train in a particularly peculiar fashion. THE ADVENTURE OF THE DEVIL'S FOOT: In which Holmes and Watson willingly replicate the method by which other persons have expired. (Thrilling, no?) Also, we see Holmes' moral philosophy in rare form. THE ADVENTURE OF THE RED CIRCLE: A lodger with a secret. A fun mystery. THE DISAPPEARANCE OF LADY FRANCES CARFAX: A classic trail of clues -- which only the Great Detective himself could trace. THE ADVENTURE OF THE DYING DETECTIVE: Ah! A definite favorite of mine! Holmes, ever so sneaky, so clever, so true. A memorable tale. THE ADVENTURE OF THE CARDBOARD BOX: A gruesome little story. One of the highlights for me was Holmes' deductive mind reading. How does he do it? HIS LAST BOW: A story like no other. From the first sentence... It's just so sinister!

24. 

    4 out of 5

    DJ – Apr 23, 2018

    His Last Bow is a collection of 7 short stories. It is my seventh Sherlock Holmes book and my fourth of the short story collections, and the shortest by far with 5-6 less stories than the previous 3 collections. Unfortunately, it is also probably my least favourite Sherlock Holmes read. It took me much longer to get through than the others. Some stories I did really enjoy, but there were some that just didn't grab me. The 7 stories are: - The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge - The Adventure of the Bruc His Last Bow is a collection of 7 short stories. It is my seventh Sherlock Holmes book and my fourth of the short story collections, and the shortest by far with 5-6 less stories than the previous 3 collections. Unfortunately, it is also probably my least favourite Sherlock Holmes read. It took me much longer to get through than the others. Some stories I did really enjoy, but there were some that just didn't grab me. The 7 stories are: - The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge - The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans - The Adventure of the Devil's Foot - The Adventure of the Red Circle - The Adventure of Lady Frances Carfax - The Adventure of the Dying Detective - His Last Bow

25. 

    4 out of 5

    Charlie-Dee – Apr 24, 2015

    Really enjoyed this set of stories.

26. 

    5 out of 5

    Paul – Mar 03, 2019

    This might be my favorite of the Holmes short story collections so far. Perhaps that's a sign that Doyle was becoming a sharper writer the more he wrote, or perhaps more judicious in which stories he decided to publish. Or it might just be that he wrote with more of a gothic bent, and I really enjoy gothic lit! Brief reviews: Wisteria Lodge – 3* – A lengthy, two-part story that breezes by pretty quickly, but which I apparently didn't find particularly memorable because I struggle to recall detail This might be my favorite of the Holmes short story collections so far. Perhaps that's a sign that Doyle was becoming a sharper writer the more he wrote, or perhaps more judicious in which stories he decided to publish. Or it might just be that he wrote with more of a gothic bent, and I really enjoy gothic lit! Brief reviews: Wisteria Lodge – 3* – A lengthy, two-part story that breezes by pretty quickly, but which I apparently didn't find particularly memorable because I struggle to recall details even after reading Wikipedia's plot synopsis! The Cardboard Box – 4* – This one, on the other hand, is definitely a memorable story, what with the two severed ears that arrive in the titular box. Unusually gruesome for a Holmes story, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The Red Circle – 4* – Another in one of Doyle's favorite genres: the offer that's too good to be true, which goes all the way back to The Red-Headed League and includes excellent stories such as The Solitary Cyclist. Anyway, this one is a solid contributor to the corpus by including another favorite element from other stories: the shadowy international organization. The Bruce-Partington Plans – 5* – One of the all-time best Holmes stories, imo. The Dying Detective – 5* – A particularly unique and excellent example of Holmes' mastery of disguises. The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax – 4* – Casual sexism aside, this story has a thrilling conclusion featuring the last-second interruption of a funeral that would have buried the victim alive. The Devil's Foot – 5* – Another of Doyle's best, with a terrific gothic element in the pall of horror etched on the faces of the dead and the madness of the survivors. His Last Bow: An Epilogue – 3* – An extremely unusual third-person story, and overall not bad. Holmes is such a creature of Victorian London that seeing him interacting with World War I feels disjointed, but that's not Doyle's fault. These later stories show Holmes and Watson increasingly interacting with a mechanized world that was only just coming into existence when they began their adventures.

27. 

    5 out of 5

    Lilli – Jul 15, 2020

    Probably more of a 2.5 for me unfortunately. I think you can really tell that Conan Doyle didn’t want to write about Sherlock anymore at this point because most characters just seem very one dimensional in this one. I hate how Watson kind of has this reverse character development and is back to being super arrogant and doubtful of Sherlock’s theories. I did enjoy “The Dying Detective” but all the other stories fell a bit flat for me. Though the last one had a fun sentence in it haha: “But you ha Probably more of a 2.5 for me unfortunately. I think you can really tell that Conan Doyle didn’t want to write about Sherlock anymore at this point because most characters just seem very one dimensional in this one. I hate how Watson kind of has this reverse character development and is back to being super arrogant and doubtful of Sherlock’s theories. I did enjoy “The Dying Detective” but all the other stories fell a bit flat for me. Though the last one had a fun sentence in it haha: “But you have a quality that’s very rare for a German, you’re a sportsman.” Overall the racist themes with “savage” murderers that kill for “beautiful damsels” just really annoyed me and I’m quite glad I’m almost done with the Sherlock books now.

28. 

    4 out of 5

    Caro Joe – Jan 20, 2021

    It‘s a very gay comfort read.

29. 

    5 out of 5

    Ashley – Nov 26, 2018

    This is the shortest Holmes story collection: only eight stories and a preface written by Watson, explaining that Holmes is now retired to Sussex and keeping bees, and here are some stories he hasn't yet published about their adventures, including their very last one. (All the stories in the last published book, The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes, apparently take place before "His Last Bow" as well.) Because of the shortness, you feel it a little bit more when a story is a dud. In particular, I tho This is the shortest Holmes story collection: only eight stories and a preface written by Watson, explaining that Holmes is now retired to Sussex and keeping bees, and here are some stories he hasn't yet published about their adventures, including their very last one. (All the stories in the last published book, The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes, apparently take place before "His Last Bow" as well.) Because of the shortness, you feel it a little bit more when a story is a dud. In particular, I thought the first, double-length story, "The Adventure on Wisteria Lane," was a bit dull. Though, to be fair, my mind wandered quite a bit and I didn't pay it the strictest attention. I claim this is because it was dull, but I suppooooose it might have been more interesting with more attention paid. I very much enjoyed most of this book. "The Adventure of the Dying Detective" and "The Adventure of the Devil's Foot" were highlights for me. "Dying Detective" has Holmes up to shenanigans (this time faking his own impending demise, tricking Watson in the process) and "Devil's Foot" has an intriguing premise which it doesn't waste. Mostly I just sort of can't believe I'm almost done with the entire Holmes canon. [3.5 stars, rounded up]

30. 

    4 out of 5

    Yibbie – Nov 20, 2018

    These stories are among some of the best short detective stories ever written. I find myself going back to them again and again. There is plenty of mystery, but the focus is always on the solution or rather the solving of tragedies and crimes not the gory details of the crimes themselves. There are several curse words. The "worst" one is in the last story An Epilogue of Sherlock Holmes. These stories are among some of the best short detective stories ever written. I find myself going back to them again and again. There is plenty of mystery, but the focus is always on the solution or rather the solving of tragedies and crimes not the gory details of the crimes themselves. There are several curse words. The "worst" one is in the last story An Epilogue of Sherlock Holmes.