The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (1893) by Arthur Conan Doyle is the second collection of Sherlock Holmes short stories, following The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1892). Featuring eleven gripping mysteries, this collection showcases Sherlock Holmes’ brilliant deductive reasoning, his thrilling encounters with dangerous criminals, and his fateful clash with Professor Moriarty in The Final Problem.
For fans of detective fiction, classic mystery books, and Sherlock Holmes stories, this collection is an essential read. Below is an overview of all eleven Sherlock Holmes mysteries in this thrilling volume.
1. “Silver Blaze” – The Case of the Missing Racehorse
One of the most famous Sherlock Holmes mysteries, this story revolves around the disappearance of Silver Blaze, a champion racehorse, and the murder of its trainer. Holmes solves the case by uncovering a surprising culprit—the curious incident of the dog in the nighttime holds the key.
Why Read It?
✔️ A brilliant detective story featuring one of Holmes’ most famous deductions.
✔️ A perfect example of logical reasoning and misdirection.
2. “The Adventure of the Cardboard Box” – A Sinister Parcel
A woman receives a disturbing package—two severed human ears. Holmes investigates and uncovers a tragic tale of love, jealousy, and murder.
Why Read It?
✔️ One of the darker Sherlock Holmes stories.
✔️ A tale of betrayal and deadly consequences.
3. “The Adventure of the Yellow Face” – A Lesson in Compassion
A man suspects his wife is keeping a terrible secret, possibly involving blackmail or infidelity. Holmes investigates, only to find a heartwarming and unexpected twist.
Why Read It?
✔️ A rare Sherlock Holmes story with an uplifting ending.
✔️ Explores themes of love, race, and acceptance.
4. “The Adventure of the Stockbroker’s Clerk” – A Familiar Trick
A man is offered an extremely high-paying job under suspicious circumstances. Holmes quickly recognizes the scheme from a previous case (The Red-Headed League), leading to an exciting confrontation.
Why Read It?
✔️ A clever and suspenseful crime story.
✔️ Showcases Holmes’ keen memory and pattern recognition.
5. “The Adventure of the Gloria Scott” – Holmes’ First Case
Holmes recounts his very first case, which he solved during his university days. A cryptic note leads to the unraveling of a hidden past involving a mutiny on a prison ship.
Why Read It?
✔️ A fascinating look at Sherlock Holmes’ early detective work.
✔️ Features a gripping backstory of crime and redemption.
6. “The Adventure of the Musgrave Ritual” – An Ancient Riddle
Holmes investigates an old family ritual that leads to a shocking discovery—a long-lost royal treasure hidden beneath a stately home.
Why Read It?
✔️ A brilliant treasure hunt mystery.
✔️ One of Holmes’ most intellectual and historical cases.
7. “The Adventure of the Reigate Squire” – Holmes’ Recovery Interrupted
While recovering from exhaustion, Holmes stumbles upon a country house burglary that turns into a murder case. His sharp wit helps expose the real criminals.
Why Read It?
✔️ Features Holmes solving a case while seemingly at his weakest.
✔️ A well-paced detective story with an exciting climax.
8. “The Adventure of the Crooked Man” – A Tale of Revenge and Betrayal
A British officer is found dead, seemingly murdered by his wife. But Holmes uncovers a tragic backstory involving a long-lost friend, a brutal betrayal, and a shocking reunion.
Why Read It?
✔️ A hauntingly emotional detective story.
✔️ Features one of Holmes’ most surprising suspects.
9. “The Adventure of the Resident Patient” – A Doctor’s Strange Lodger
A physician takes in a mysterious lodger who insists on seclusion and secrecy. When the lodger is found dead, Holmes uncovers a deadly conspiracy.
Why Read It?
✔️ A classic locked-room mystery with a medical twist.
✔️ A brilliant unraveling of hidden identities.
10. “The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter” – The First Appearance of Mycroft Holmes
This story introduces Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock’s even smarter but lazier older brother. Together, they investigate a chilling case of kidnapping and extortion involving a Greek interpreter.
Why Read It?
✔️ First appearance of Mycroft Holmes, a fan-favorite character.
✔️ A tense, suspenseful story featuring international intrigue.
11. “The Adventure of the Naval Treaty” – A Stolen Government Secret
A top-secret military treaty is stolen from a government office. Holmes must recover it before it falls into enemy hands, leading to a high-stakes international crisis.
Why Read It?
✔️ A political and espionage-driven Sherlock Holmes mystery.
✔️ A thrilling conclusion with a satisfying resolution.
12. “The Final Problem” – Sherlock Holmes vs. Professor Moriarty
In this legendary story, Holmes faces off against his greatest enemy, Professor Moriarty, the criminal mastermind behind London’s underworld. Their battle leads to a fateful confrontation at the Reichenbach Falls, where both appear to plunge to their deaths.
Why Read It?
✔️ Features the epic showdown between Holmes and Moriarty.
✔️ One of the most famous Sherlock Holmes stories, setting up The Return of Sherlock Holmes (1905).
Final Thoughts – A Must-Read Sherlock Holmes Collection
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (1893) is one of the best detective fiction collections, filled with thrilling mysteries, clever deductions, and unforgettable characters. With Professor Moriarty’s first and only direct confrontation with Holmes, this book is essential reading for any Sherlock Holmes fan.
If you love classic detective stories, crime fiction, and whodunit mysteries, this collection is perfect for you. Dive into these Sherlock Holmes short stories and experience Arthur Conan Doyle’s masterful storytelling!
