His Last Bow (Sherlock Holmes #8) by Arthur Conan Doyle - another brilliant entry in Series / Books Teacup and Reviews

His Last Bow is another brilliant entry in the Sherlock Holmes series. It presents a range of cleverly constructed mysteries, filled with suspense, character depth, and occasional philosophical insight.

His Last Bow

His Last Bow (Sherlock Holmes #8) by Arthur Conan Doyle

Publication Date : October 22, 1917

Read Date : April 29, 2025

Genre : Classic / Mystery

Pages : 242

Source : Own

Previous Books In the Series –

A Study in Scarlet ( Book 1)
The Sign of Four ( Book 2)
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Book 3)
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (Book 4)
The Hound of the Baskervilles (Book 5)
The Return of Sherlock Holmes (Book 6)
The Valley of Fear (Book 7)

Synopsis

This novel begins with a retired Holmes in the English countryside, more interested in beekeeping than solving cases. Only the imminent war with Germany will bring Holmes out of his voluntary retirement, who will put all his ingenuity and skills at the service of his country. These seven stories show us how the brilliant tenant of 221B Baker Street adapts to a changing world, without losing the ability to delight readers.

Review

His Last Bow is another captivating collection of Sherlock Holmes stories that immerses readers once more in the intriguing world of detective work, filled with unique and puzzling cases.

The preface reveals that Holmes has retired to the countryside, living a quiet life indulging in philosophy, agriculture, and a peculiar fascination with beekeeping. Though he has stepped away from crime-solving, he occasionally returns to assist the government during the tense lead-up to war. However, the titular story depicting this phase of his life appears only at the end of the collection. The preceding stories are previously untold cases narrated by Watson, set at various points before Holmes’s retirement.

The collection consists of eight stories, each one gripping and well-narrated, showcasing the enjoyable camaraderie between Holmes and Watson. What stood out to me most was the philosophical undercurrent running through some of these tales, offering subtle reflections on human nature.

Here are my thoughts on each story:

The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge

Told in two parts, this story begins with Mr. John Eccles approaching Holmes with a strange tale: he is invited to stay at the home of a mysterious foreigner, only for his host to vanish the next morning. Soon, Eccles finds himself a suspect in the host’s murder. The story grows darker and more complex as Holmes unravels the mystery. I particularly enjoyed the dual structure and the way the case escalated into something far more sinister. The conclusion tied up the loose ends beautifully and delivered a satisfying resolution.

The Adventure of the Cardboard Box

This case opens with a chilling discovery: a box containing two human ears is delivered to a respectable, middle-aged woman. With no apparent enemies, so the authority turns to Holmes for answers. What starts as a gruesome prank evolves into a tragic tale of jealousy, betrayal, and a ruined family. It was a deeply psychological story that held my attention throughout.

The Adventure of the Red Circle

A landlady becomes concerned about a secretive tenant who never leaves his room and behaves suspiciously. Initially appearing mundane, the case unfolds into a tangled web of danger and deception that Holmes is eager to dissect. This story was a slow burn that built up to an exciting and intricate conclusion.

The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans

One of my favorites in the collection, this case marks the return of Holmes’s brother, Mycroft, and involves the disappearance of critical naval documents. The mystery is layered and politically charged, with multiple twists that complicate the investigation. The ingenuity of the crime and the final reveal were particularly impressive, showcasing Holmes at his best.

The Adventure of the Dying Detective

Another standout, this story sees Holmes feigning a deadly illness to ensnare a murderer. What touched me most was not just the cleverness of the plan, but the deep bond between Holmes and Watson—Watson’s concern, Holmes’s trust, and their mutual respect were beautifully portrayed.

The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax

This case involves a missing woman who travels alone and wears valuable heirlooms. It’s clear she has been abducted for her jewels, and Holmes must act quickly to prevent tragedy. While the ending could have been a masterstroke, I had read a similar twist elsewhere, so it felt somewhat predictable. Still, it’s intriguing to recognize where later author have drawn inspiration from.

The Adventure of the Devil’s Foot

Set against a vividly eerie Cornish backdrop, this was one of the most atmospheric and haunting stories. It deals with a disturbing family tragedy and a toxic secret. The mystery kept me guessing, and the conclusion, driven by themes of greed and revenge, was powerful. I also appreciated the emotional depth and the ever-reliable partnership between Holmes and Watson.

His Last Bow

Surprisingly, the titular story was the least engaging for me. I expected a dynamic espionage thriller, but the narrative begins after the climax, with Holmes explaining his actions retrospectively. While the patriotic tone and clever takedown of a spy was notable, I wished the story had shown more of Holmes in action from the outset.

Overall, His Last Bow is another brilliant entry in the Sherlock Holmes series. It presents a range of cleverly constructed mysteries, filled with suspense, character depth, and occasional philosophical insight. Though the final story didn’t fully meet my expectations, the collection as a whole shows brilliance of Holmes, the genius of author, and the unbreakable bond between Holmes and Watson.