The Speckled Band

"The Speckled Band" is one of the most innovative and intriguing mysteries of all time. The author, Arthur Conan Doyle, considered this his finest work.

"The Speckled Band" contains the best of Sherlock Holmes and his author. He spots a woman across the street from his apartment and describes her background to Watson, who, as usual, is amazed. When Holmes meets the woman, the protagonist, and describes why he came to his conclusions, it then all seems easy. The story evolves in a dramatic way with the villain showing up to threaten Holmes, who releases his usual good humor, and the game is afoot. Holmes demonstrates his ability to let the facts guide him, even when he starts in the wrong direction. Mythic elements of fear with a snake, facts in the story that seem true but are not, and a satisfying triumphant ending.