The Return of Sherlock Holmes (1905) by Arthur Conan Doyle is the third collection of Sherlock Holmes short stories, marking the legendary detective’s dramatic return after his supposed death in The Final Problem. This collection features thirteen thrilling mysteries, with Holmes solving complex cases involving murder, blackmail, secret societies, and espionage.
For fans of detective fiction, crime mysteries, and Sherlock Holmes stories, this collection is a must-read. Below is a breakdown of every Sherlock Holmes case featured in this book.
1. “The Adventure of the Empty House” – Sherlock Holmes Returns
After three years of being presumed dead, Sherlock Holmes shocks Dr. Watson by revealing he faked his demise at Reichenbach Falls. Together, they solve the murder of a nobleman killed in a locked room, exposing Colonel Sebastian Moran, Moriarty’s second-in-command.
Why Read It?
✔️ Holmes’ dramatic return after The Final Problem.
✔️ Features the first major villain after Moriarty.
2. “The Adventure of the Norwood Builder” – A Man Framed for Murder
A young lawyer is accused of murdering his wealthy client, but Holmes suspects a far more elaborate deception. His deductions reveal an ingenious trick involving a hidden passage.
Why Read It?
✔️ A classic Sherlock Holmes whodunit.
✔️ Showcases Holmes’ keen eye for deception.
3. “The Adventure of the Dancing Men” – A Mysterious Code
A woman is terrorized by strange stick-figure drawings appearing around her home. Holmes deciphers the code, revealing a deadly secret from her past.
Why Read It?
✔️ A brilliant example of Holmes’ code-breaking skills.
✔️ Features a tragic love story with a deadly twist.
4. “The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist” – A Woman in Danger
A young governess is mysteriously followed by a shadowy figure on a bicycle. Holmes unravels a sinister plot involving kidnapping and forced marriage.
Why Read It?
✔️ A gripping story of suspense and danger.
✔️ Highlights Holmes’ ability to read human behavior.
5. “The Adventure of the Priory School” – A Kidnapped Aristocrat
The son of a wealthy duke vanishes from an elite boarding school. Holmes tracks him down, uncovering a shocking betrayal within the family.
Why Read It?
✔️ A classic kidnapping and ransom mystery.
✔️ Features a thrilling chase on horseback.
6. “The Adventure of Black Peter” – Murder by Harpoon
A retired sea captain is brutally murdered with a harpoon. Holmes investigates and uncovers a deadly scheme of revenge and stolen treasure.
Why Read It?
✔️ A grisly crime scene with a unique murder weapon.
✔️ Showcases Holmes’ forensic investigation skills.
7. “The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton” – The Master Blackmailer
Holmes faces one of his most dangerous enemies, the ruthless blackmailer Charles Augustus Milverton, who destroys reputations for profit. Holmes and Watson resort to burglary to stop his evil schemes.
Why Read It?
✔️ One of the most thrilling Holmes stories, featuring espionage.
✔️ A rare case where Holmes takes justice into his own hands.
8. “The Adventure of the Six Napoleons” – A Bizarre Obsession
Someone is smashing plaster busts of Napoleon across London. Holmes follows the trail and uncovers a hidden jewel, a murder, and an international thief.
Why Read It?
✔️ A brilliant Sherlock Holmes treasure hunt.
✔️ Features a clever twist on an ordinary crime.
9. “The Adventure of the Three Students” – A University Scandal
A crucial exam paper is stolen, and three students are suspected. Holmes solves the mystery using his sharp observational skills.
Why Read It?
✔️ A classic locked-room mystery.
✔️ Showcases Holmes’ ability to solve everyday crimes with logic.
10. “The Adventure of the Golden Pince-Nez” – A Cryptic Clue
A man is found murdered in his study, the only clue being a pair of gold-rimmed glasses. Holmes deduces the killer’s identity from this single object.
Why Read It?
✔️ A classic murder mystery with forensic deductions.
✔️ Features a clever twist involving a foreign revolutionary.
11. “The Adventure of the Missing Three-Quarter” – A Vanishing Athlete
A famous rugby player disappears before an important match. Holmes follows the trail and uncovers a heartbreaking love story.
Why Read It?
✔️ A unique sports-related mystery.
✔️ A touching and emotional ending.
12. “The Adventure of the Abbey Grange” – A Murder with a Twist
A wealthy man is killed in his home, and the evidence points to a gang of burglars. Holmes discovers that things are not what they seem.
Why Read It?
✔️ One of the few cases where Holmes lets the guilty go free.
✔️ A suspenseful crime of passion.
13. “The Adventure of the Second Stain” – A Stolen Government Document
A top-secret diplomatic letter is stolen, threatening to plunge Europe into war. Holmes investigates, uncovering espionage, deception, and a deadly cover-up.
Why Read It?
✔️ A high-stakes international mystery.
✔️ One of Holmes’ most politically sensitive cases.
Final Thoughts – A Must-Read Sherlock Holmes Collection
The Return of Sherlock Holmes (1905) is one of the best detective fiction collections, featuring thrilling mysteries, international intrigue, and unforgettable deductions. This collection is particularly significant because it marks Sherlock Holmes’ return after his supposed death, making it a must-read for any fan of classic detective stories.
If you love crime fiction, whodunit mysteries, and brilliant detective work, this book is perfect for you. Dive into these Sherlock Holmes stories and experience the genius of Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic detective!