The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place

The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes #11

by Arthur Conan Doyle

The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place is a classic Sherlock Holmes story that is included in The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes. Originally published in Strand Magazine April 1927, and Liberty 8 March 1927. Head trainer John Mason from Shoscombe Old Place, a racing stable in Berkshire, comes to Holmes about his master, Sir Robert Norberton. Mason thinks he has gone mad. Sir Robert's sister, Lady Beatrice Falder, owns Shoscombe, but it will revert to her late husband's brother when she dies. The stable has a horse, Shoscombe Prince, who Sir Robert hopes will win the Derby. He would be out of debt if that actually happened. Mason is not quite sure what he wants Holmes to investigate, but a number of odd changes have happened at the stable: Why has Lady Beatrice suddenly forgone her usual habit of stopping to greet her favourite horse? Why does she just ride on by in her carriage? Why has Sir Robert become so wild-eyed lately? Why has he given his sister's dog away to a neighbourhood innkeeper? Why does he go to the old crypt at night, and who is that man that he meets there? Why have burnt human bones been found in the furnace at Shoscombe? Head trainer John Mason from Shoscombe Old Place, a racing stable in Berkshire, comes to Holmes about his master, Sir Robert Norberton. Mason thinks he has gone mad. Sir Robert's sister, Lady Beatrice Falder, owns Shoscombe, but it will revert to her late husband's brother when she dies. The stable has a horse, Shoscombe Prince, who Sir Robert hopes will win the Derby. He would be out of debt if that actually happened.

Genres: Mystery, Short Stories, Classics, Fiction, Crime, Audiobook, Detective

Unknown Binding

First published April 1, 1927

About the author

Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was a Scottish writer and physician. He created the character Sherlock Holmes in 1887 for A Study in Scarlet, the first of four novels and fifty-six short stories about Holmes and Dr. Watson. The Sherlock Holmes stories are milestones in the field of crime fiction.

Doyle was a prolific writer. In addition to the Holmes stories, his works include fantasy and science fiction stories about Professor Challenger, and humorous stories about the Napoleonic soldier Brigadier Gerard, as well as plays, romances, poetry, non-fiction, and historical novels. One of Doyle's early short stories, "J. Habakuk Jephson's Statement" (1884), helped to popularise the mystery of the brigantine Mary Celeste, found drifting at sea with no crew member aboard.

Reviews

[Aishu Rehman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Head trainer John Mason, from Shoscombe Old Place, a racing stable in Berkshire, comes to Holmes about his employer, Sir Robert Norberton. Mason thinks he has gone mad. Sir Robert’s sister, Lady Beatrice Falder owns Shoscombe, but it will revert to her late husband’s brother when she dies. The stable has only one promising race horse, Shoscombe Prince, who Sir Robert hopes will win the Derby, and a win would pay off all his debts.

Mason is not quite sure what Holmes should investigate, but he has noted a number of odd changes around the house. Why has Lady Beatrice stopped greeting her favorite horse? Why does she just ride by in her carriage? Why is Sir Robert acting so strange? Why did he give away his sister’s dog? Who does he meet at the old crypt at night? Why were burnt human bones found in the furnace?

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. This isn’t my favourite of the Sherlock stories, and I always confuse it with The Adventure of the Retired Colourman... but it involves a man up (and over) the ears in debt, a loving sister who suddenly acts mysterious, and a dog given away… I love the Sherlock & Watson element (both being fantastic) and the humour. I used to find it disturbing, but now I just find it fascinating and thought-provoking. I think the villain definitely didn’t get what he deserved…

Content: Language; disrespect to the dead. Violence/Disturbance Level: 3/5 (medium)

A Favourite Quote: “Have you any theory, Holmes?”
“Only this, Watson, that something happened a week or so ago which has cut deep into the life of the Shoscombe household. What is that something? We can only guess at it from its effects. They seem to be of a curiously mixed character. But that should surely help us. It is only the colourless, uneventful case which is hopeless.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Meanwhile, if we mean to keep up our characters, I suggest that we have our host in ... and hold some high converse upon eels and dace, which seems to be the straight road to his affections. We may chance to come upon some useful local gossip in the process.”
In the morning Holmes discovered that we had come without our spoon-bait for jack, which absolved us from fishing for the day.

[Janete on hiatus due health issues · Rating 2 out of 5]

This short story was not for me. I found the plot very confusing and not thrilling at all.

SYNOPSIS: "Head trainer John Mason from Shoscombe Old Place, a racing stable in Berkshire, comes to Holmes about his master, Sir Robert Norberton. Mason thinks he has gone mad. Sir Robert's sister, Lady Beatrice Falder, owns Shoscombe, but it will revert to her late husband's brother when she dies. The stable has a horse, Shoscombe Prince, who Sir Robert hopes will win the Derby. He would be out of debt if that actually happened.

Mason is not quite sure what he wants Holmes to investigate, but a number of odd changes have happened at the stable:

1. Why has Lady Beatrice suddenly forgone her usual habit of stopping to greet her favourite horse? Why does she just ride on by in her carriage?
2. Why has Sir Robert become so wild-eyed lately?
3. Why has he given his sister's dog away to a neighbourhood innkeeper?
4. Why does he go to the old crypt at night, and who is that man that he meets there?
5. Why have burnt human bones been found in the furnace at Shoscombe?
Holmes decides to investigate on the spot. He and Dr. Watson go to Berkshire posing as anglers and learn some interesting things. "

[Federico DN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good.

This was good, but not going to review it.

For the moment at least.

It’s public domain. You can find it HERE.

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PERSONAL NOTE :
[1927] [30p] [Crime] [Not Recommendable]
-----------------------------------------------

★★★★☆ 1. A Study in Scarlet [3.5]
★★★☆☆ 2. The Sign of Four [2.5]
★★★☆☆ 3. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
★★★★☆ 4. The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes [3.5]
★★★★☆ 5. The Hound of the Baskervilles
★★★★☆ 6. The Return of Sherlock Holmes
★★★☆☆ 7. The Valley of Fear
★★★★☆ 8. His Last Bow [3.5]
★★★☆☆ 9. The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes [2.5] <--
★★★☆☆ 10. The Complete Sherlock Holmes

-----------------------------------------------

Bien.

Esto estuvo bien, pero no voy a reseñarlo.

Al menos por ahora.

Es dominio público, lo pueden encontrar ACA.

-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[1927] [30p] [Crimen] [No Recomendable]
-----------------------------------------------

[Amanda Artist Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost thought it was "The Shoddy Old Place"!

[Rob Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Mason, a horse trainer, approaches Sherlock Holmes. He's worried about his employer's recent odd behaviour. Sir Robert Norberton and his sister Lady Beatrice Falder live on their estate, Shoscombe Hall. Sir Robert is a keen horseman with stables known as Shoscombe Old Place. He has been under a great deal of pressure lately owing to his financial situation. A loan shark, Samuel Brewer, has already visited the manor house once demanding payment but has disappeared. Other peculiar behaviour included Sir Robert giving away his sister's treasured dog. And Lady Falder is now only seen once a day when she goes for her carriage ride with her companion. Holmes and Watson are promptly on site but it is clear that Sir Robert is hiding something.

A decent short story. But it's dialogue, and not action, heavy. Which detracts from the mystery a little. The horse racing element adds a twist, I guess.

[Saman · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unpredictably excitable plot. The story, for a significant part, covers a horse race, though it gets quite spooky towards the end. To all readers who appreciate a well-written mystery story, I recommend this short story.

[eleanor · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was also okay- i think from my reading, the Sherlock stories are better read as a collection rather than individually, as it adds much more context to Sherlock & Watson and just makes all the stories better, but this was fun!! i love seeing Sherlock do random things & Watson is like wtf man... anyway i also read this for the infamous essay hehe

[Elidanora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edicion leida: Aguilar en español que viene con La melena de león y DVD

[Patrícia Pereira · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.10

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bonne enquête avec un fin surprenante

[John Yelverton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the type of mystery that Arthur Conan Doyle told at the beginning of Sherlock Holmes adventures, so it's only fitting to return to familiar ground in the final Sherlock Holmes adventure.

[Joop · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leuk klein SH avontuur waarbij al snel duidelijk is hoe het gaat aflopen.

[Preetam Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

#Binge Reviewing my previous Reads #Holmes

When I first read The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place back in 2000, I did not realize I was encountering Sherlock Holmes’ swan song—the very last story Arthur Conan Doyle ever published in the canon. That fact alone gives it a curious aura. By the time of its release in 1927,

Holmes had been solving cases for almost four decades in print, and Doyle himself was near the end of his long career, wrestling with spiritualism and often irritated at being remembered only for the detective he tried to retire years earlier. Knowing that context lends this story a sense of autumnal melancholy, a weary yet dignified quality—a quiet curtain call rather than a dramatic encore.

The tale itself begins with Holmes and Watson being summoned to investigate strange happenings at Shoscombe Old Place, a decaying country estate tied to both the glory of horse racing and the decline of an old aristocratic family. The case revolves around Sir Robert Norberton, a man plagued by gambling debts and increasingly bizarre behaviour. His wealthy, ailing sister, Lady Beatrice, who controls the estate, is kept secluded, while rumours swirl of late-night crypt visits, shadowy figures, and whispers of something being hidden away. Already, we sense Doyle leaning into the gothic atmosphere: a crumbling mansion, family secrets, and the lurking fear of disgrace.

The mystery unfolds in Doyle’s typical manner—observations of tiny details others miss, carefully staged interviews, a sense of dread heightened by Watson’s narration.

But unlike the high-speed chases of earlier tales (The Sign of Four’s boat pursuit, for instance), this story is quieter, more claustrophobic.

The tension lies not in action but in appearances:

Is Lady Beatrice alive, or is something sinister being concealed in her name?

Why does Sir Robert creep around the crypt at night?

And what does it mean for the estate’s prized racehorse,

Shoscombe Prince, poised to run in an important race? Doyle ties together inheritance, deception, and horse-racing with his usual knack for blending the everyday and the uncanny.

When Holmes unravels the puzzle, it proves to be less sensational than some of his past cases but perhaps more human. The mystery does not involve master criminals, international conspiracies, or exotic treasures, but rather a desperate attempt to maintain dignity and solvency in the face of decline. Sir Robert’s deceptions, though morally questionable, stem from survival rather than outright villainy.

This gives the story an almost elegiac tone: we are not dealing with grand evil, but with the small lies people tell to prop up fragile reputations.

As a final published case, it is striking how little Holmes himself has changed and yet how different the mood feels. The detective is still razor-sharp, still capable of dazzling leaps from observation to conclusion. Yet the performance is subdued. Watson, too, feels gentler here, more companion than chronicler, as if both men have settled into a late stage of life where the partnership matters as much as the puzzle. Reading this in 2000,

I did not fully catch the melancholy undercurrent—but revisiting it now, it reads almost as Doyle’s unintentional farewell to an old friend he could never quite let go of.

Stylistically, Doyle leans heavily on atmosphere. The crypt scenes, the gloomy estate, the sense of something decayed yet hanging on by pride—all create a setting that mirrors the story’s thematic core. The late-Victorian obsession with class and inheritance lingers, even though this was written in the roaring 1920s, an era already looking to modernity. Holmes’ world was always half in shadow, half in daylight, and Shoscombe Old Place distills that duality: rational deduction untangles irrational fear.

Of course, as a detective story, it is not the strongest in the canon. There are no brilliant villains like Moriarty or Irene Adler, no pulse-racing finales, no shocking revelations.

It is a modest case, a minor note. However, perhaps that is precisely its charm. After decades of dazzling adventures, Holmes’s last outing reminds us that not every mystery needs to be world-shaking; some are about the quiet tragedies of pride, the fragility of reputation, the decline of old houses, and the people inside them.

When I think back to reading it in 2000, it felt like stumbling on a lesser-known corner of Holmes’ world, a quiet chamber compared to the great halls of The Hound of the Baskervilles or A Scandal in Bohemia. But now, knowing it is the final story Doyle wrote, it feels more significant—like the detective stepping away not with fireworks but with a bow.

The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place may not be the most dazzling Holmes tale, but it is dignified, atmospheric, and tinged with melancholy. As a farewell, it feels just right.

[Realini Ionescu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shoscombe Old Place by Arthur Conan Doyle



On Wisdom and Emotional Intelligence



Sherlock Holmes is a model of bright, clever, ingenious thinking. He could be the epitome of Wisdom.

As described by Martin Seligman –wisdom is a cluster of five strengths including:

1. perspective,

2. street smarts,

3. social Intelligence, Emotional Intelligence

4. love of learning,

5. curiosity,

6. critical thinking

If anyone has all of them in abundant, if not maximum supply, it is Sherlock Holmes. His analytical thinking can perplex any mathematician who deals with the most complex integrals and equations in the world.

That is because Holmes is also a superstar endowed with Emotional Intelligence. Recent psychological research proves that EQ is more important than IQ, which used to be all the rage- the only question was Nurture vs. Nature-

It was well established that a high IQ will result in success; the dispute was over the inherited material and the education- which one prevails?

It turns out that you can have a wonderful IQ, but if you score low in social, personal and Emotional Intelligence, your success would be compromised.

It makes sense- for you can find amazing chemical formulae and be antisocial. If you stay away from the world, your discoveries will burn out in the fireplace and failure will be the sure destiny.

Sherlock Holmes has a brilliant partner in Doctor Watson and their endeavors are a proof of what team work can achieve. Indeed, the two of them could be called friends and the support of friends is essential for life satisfaction and achievement.

The glorious detective has an extraordinary curiosity- he wants to know all about the victims, suspects, environments, timing…anything under their sun.

Critical Thinking – the analysis that Holmes and Dr. Watson make the rest of us wonder, open-mouthed. The connections escape a mere mortal, but are made by the brilliant mind of a genius like Sherlock Holmes, or more like it- its inventor Conan Doyle.

There is a surge in the number of movies and series inspired by the mastermind, from Guy Richie (I don’t know the exact spelling and I am not going to search for it- he was Madonna’s husband, in case you’re wondering) to a latest adaptation which is nominated for one or more Emmy prizes.

I for one generally stay away from crime stories, but reading one good short tale of Doyle has encouraged me to repeat the test and go for more sagas, but in the short format, I am not denying my long held belief that assassins are not worth reading about, I am just making a concession, when we are dealing with a small number of pages.

And the challenge to the mind is obvious: these stories make you curious, use critical thinking, EQ and what professor Seligman calls the crucial strength- perspective.

Funny that trying to avoid detective novels, I stumble upon two, one after the other…a Kiss Before Dying is the novel I will write notes on next, in case you are…Curious.

[Omar · Rating 2 out of 5]

في مغامرة شوسكوم أولد بليس، نقترب من أواخر مغامرات شيرلوك هولمز، حيث يحتفظ آرثر كونان دويل بأسلوبه الكلاسيكي في بناء الغموض، ولكن من دون تلك اللمسة المدهشة التي ميّزت بعض أشهر تحقيقاته. الأجواء التي يرسمها الكاتب في القصر الإنجليزي العتيق تُبقي القارئ في حالة ترقب، فهناك ما يوحي بأن شيئًا غير طبيعي يحدث خلف الأبواب المغلقة، وأن القصة ستقود إلى كشف مقلق.

تبدأ القصة من خلال صديق قديم يلجأ إلى هولمز، بعد أن لاحظ سلوكًا غريبًا من رجل نبيل يرتبط بقصر شوسكوم وأسرته الثرية. القصة تسير بخطوات هادئة، لا تخلو من الحوارات الذكية والملاحظات الحادة التي اشتهر بها هولمز، إلا أن وتيرتها أقل إثارة من قصص أخرى في السلسلة. التحليل المنطقي حاضر، لكن الكشف الأخير لا يأتي بمفاجأة مدوية، بل يترك انطباعًا بأنه معقول ومتوقع، وليس عبقريًا بالضرورة.

كونان دويل هنا لا يبتعد كثيرًا عن إطار القصة البوليسية التقليدية، لكنه يعتمد بشكل كبير على الأجواء المريبة والرموز النفسية أكثر من الاعتماد على الحبكة المحكمة أو العقدة المفاجئة. التوتر موجود، لكن الحل لا يرضي تمامًا الحاجة العاطفية أو الفكرية للقارئ، خاصة لمن تعود على براعة هولمز في جرائم معقدة تثير الذهن وتدفع القارئ للتفكير.

هي قصة جيدة بلا شك، خاصة لمحبي هولمز، لكنها ليست من أعمال كونان دويل التي يمكن أن تُدرج ضمن أفضل ما كتب. تحمل ملامح الأسلوب، وتوفر بعض التشويق، لكنها تفتقر إلى الدهشة.


In The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place, we approach one of the final cases of Sherlock Holmes, where Arthur Conan Doyle retains his classic style of mystery-building, but without the striking brilliance that characterized some of Holmes’s most famous investigations. The atmosphere of the old English manor keeps the reader in suspense—there’s an underlying sense that something unnatural is happening behind closed doors, and that the story is heading toward a disturbing revelation.

The narrative begins with an old friend seeking Holmes’s help after noticing strange behavior from a nobleman connected to Shoscombe and his wealthy household. The story unfolds at a calm pace, filled with clever dialogues and sharp observations typical of Holmes, but its rhythm is less thrilling compared to other tales in the series. The logical analysis is there, but the final reveal doesn’t deliver a dramatic twist—instead, it feels plausible and expected rather than truly ingenious.

Here, Conan Doyle stays within the bounds of the traditional detective story, relying more on eerie ambiance and subtle psychological hints than on tightly wound plot twists or explosive climaxes. There is tension, yes, but the resolution doesn’t fully satisfy the reader’s emotional or intellectual curiosity, especially for those familiar with Holmes’s brilliance in more intricate and mind-bending crimes.

It is undoubtedly a decent story, especially for Holmes enthusiasts, but it doesn’t stand among Conan Doyle’s finest works. It carries the signature style and offers a measure of suspense, yet lacks the element of surprise.

[Mary Pagones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm tempted to give this another star just for having cross-dressing and horses in it, but there just isn't enough in the way of Holmesian character and detail, or banter with Watson. Also, much of the story is recounted dialogue rather than physical action, and the world of the story doesn't spring to life as much as say, "Silver Blaze," one of the canon's finest tales.

I know this sounds like damning with faint praise, but as someone who is on the record for not liking much of The Casebook, this wasn't nearly as bad as I remembered it. The Granada adaptation also has some nice moments, although Brett was quiet ill when it was filmed.

[Amelia Bujar · Rating 1 out of 5]

FULL REVIEW ON MY WEBSITE
https://thebookcornerchronicles.com/2...

To be fully honest here the plot in this one was very weak, but it was still somehow enjoyable but not so interesting as some other stories about Sherlock Holmes in my humble opinion.

The characters here are okay but when it comes to Sherlock Holmes and doctor Watson they are an amazing due and I loved they both because they have something in them which makes us relate to them.

The writing style here was okay but I think that sir Arthur Conan Doyle could have done better in this book.

[Elysa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite a fun one! Shoscombe Old Place is a racing stable. The head trainer hires Holmes to investigate the recently peculiar behavior of his master, Sir Robert, and his sister, Lady Beatrice.

Sir Robert doesn't visit his sister anymore and gave away her favorite dog. He's been visiting a crypt at night with a mystery man and charred human bones have been found in the stable furnace.

Lady Beatrice has only been seen lately when she drives out with her maid. Now, she no longer stops to greet her favorite horse and she's been drinking excessively.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather excellent mystery for Holmes to solve. A brother and sister live on a family estate. The estate is renowned for dogs and breeding horses. One such horse is to be entered into The Derby. Soon, it is noted Sir Roberts movements are a bit strange, the sisters dog is removed and a human bone found in the cellar furnace. What is going on? Time for Holmes and Watson...... and a wee little fishing trip.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sir Robert has quarreled with his sister, has been hanging out in an old church crypt, and has given the dog away. What's going on? In the guise of fishermen, Holmes and Watson investigate.

Good story, with touches of humor.

Screen history:

1968 -- BBC --Peter Cushing/Nigel Stock -- lost episode

1991 -- Granada -- Jeremy Brett/Edward Hardwicke --have added a sub-plot about one of Sir Robert's creditors gone missing,

[Marcus · Rating 3 out of 5]

My final story in the Sherlock universe. Sir Robert lives at his sister's leisure in the titular home, he has huge debt "in the hands of the Jews" and is relying on fixing the odds in a horse race for salvation. There are problems afoot though when his sister is seen to act strangely and bodies are dug up from the crypt. Cue Sherlock...

[midnightfaerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this one. I couldn't come up with any explanations for the two sets of bones which I loved. The dog I kind of figured out and knew it tied into the bones but couldn't figure out how. I think this is one of his best stories. Highly recommended.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining Sherlock Holmes short story.

I read this first in 2019. It is a very much Holmes and Watson solving a mystery.

I listened to this for the second time in 2023. It was just a good as the first time.

I would highly recommend the Casebook of Sherlock Holmes

[Andy Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place.
I was mentored by a John Mason, however I am pretty sure he is a different guy to the character in this story.
"Sherlock Holmes had been bending for a long time over a low-power microscope. Now he straightened himself up and looked round at me in triumph."

[An-Nisa Nur'aini · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last story I read of Doyle's Sherlock.

So cool. Thumbs up.

[Redwan Hasan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story is not good but not what I have expected either.

[Darinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The eleventh short story in The Case Book of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle. A mystery at a horse racing stable. Interesting and entertaining.

[Azuma-chan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh, it was okay.

[Hank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could be one of his best short stories.
Here ends my reading of the full canon of Doyle's Sherlock Holmes' adventures.