His Last Bow (1917) by Arthur Conan Doyle is the fourth collection of Sherlock Holmes short stories, featuring seven thrilling mysteries. This collection is significant because it includes the final chronological story in Holmes’ career, where the great detective comes out of retirement for a secret mission in World War I.
For fans of detective fiction, crime mysteries, and Sherlock Holmes stories, this collection offers a mix of classic cases and a patriotic espionage thriller. Below is an in-depth look at every Sherlock Holmes mystery from this book.
1. “The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge” – A Murder in the Countryside
A man visits a mysterious house, only to find it abandoned the next morning—with the owner murdered. Holmes and Watson investigate and uncover a deadly conspiracy involving foreign agents and revenge.
Why Read It?
✔️ A fast-paced and suspenseful Holmes story.
✔️ Features one of Holmes’ rare collaborations with the police.
2. “The Adventure of the Red Circle” – A Secretive Tenant
A landlady grows suspicious of her silent, reclusive lodger. Holmes investigates and uncovers a deadly criminal organization.
Why Read It?
✔️ A classic tale of deception and disguise.
✔️ Features a thrilling international crime plot.
3. “The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans” – A Stolen Military Secret
A government official is found dead, and top-secret submarine blueprints are missing. Holmes races against time to prevent espionage and a national security disaster.
Why Read It?
✔️ One of Holmes’ best espionage stories.
✔️ Features Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock’s brilliant older brother.
4. “The Adventure of the Dying Detective” – Holmes’ Life on the Line
Dr. Watson is summoned to Holmes’ bedside, where the great detective appears to be dying from a mysterious tropical disease. But is Holmes really ill, or is this another masterful deception?
Why Read It?
✔️ One of Holmes’ most dramatic and suspenseful cases.
✔️ Showcases Holmes’ acting and psychological manipulation skills.
5. “The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax” – A Vanished Aristocrat
A wealthy woman disappears in Europe, and Holmes fears she may have fallen into deadly hands. The case leads to a sinister coffin-maker and a shocking revelation.
Why Read It?
✔️ A thrilling international mystery.
✔️ Features one of Watson’s rare solo investigations.
6. “The Adventure of the Devil’s Foot” – Death by Fear
A family is found in a state of terror—one dead, the others insane. Holmes and Watson experiment with a mysterious poison, leading to one of their most dangerous encounters.
Why Read It?
✔️ A chilling horror-tinged Sherlock Holmes mystery.
✔️ Features one of the most unique murder methods in the canon.
7. “His Last Bow” – Sherlock Holmes in World War I
Set on the eve of World War I, this story follows Holmes’ final mission—infiltrating a German spy ring to protect Britain. Unlike other cases, this story is told in third-person, making it feel like a wartime thriller rather than a traditional detective mystery.
Why Read It?
✔️ Holmes as a patriotic British intelligence agent.
✔️ Features his famous final words to Watson:
“There’s an east wind coming… a bigger thing than Germany and France. But it’s God’s own wind none the less, and a cleaner, better, stronger land will lie in the sunshine when the storm has cleared.”
Final Thoughts – A Must-Read Sherlock Holmes Collection
His Last Bow (1917) is a fascinating mix of classic detective cases and an espionage thriller, marking the final chronological story of Sherlock Holmes’ career. With tales of murder, mystery, deception, and international intrigue, this collection is a must-read for any Sherlock Holmes fan.
If you enjoy crime fiction, detective mysteries, and thrilling investigations, this book is perfect for you. Dive into these Sherlock Holmes stories and experience the genius of Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective!
