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Sherlock Holmes Chronicles #19
Der zweite Blutfleck
Der Europaminister persönlich spricht bei Sherlock Holmes vor. Ihm wurde ein wertvolles Dokument entwendet. Eines, das – wenn es in die falschen Hände gelangt – einen Weltkrieg auslösen könnte. Holmes muss handeln – und es herbeischaffen, so schnell wie möglich. Doch es gibt keinerlei Hinweise. Bis ein feindlicher Agent in seiner Wohnung tot aufgefunden wird. Dem Meisterdetektiv ist sofort klar: Das kann kein Zufall sein.
1 pages, Audiobook
Published April 24, 2015
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128 people want to read
About the author
Arthur Conan Doyle
15.9k books24.3k followersSir 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 24, 2017
Among the collection of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's short stories featuring consulting detective extraordinaire Sherlock Holmes, "The Adventure of the Second Stain" is one of the very best. High international intrigue, romance, murder, & Holmes & Watson doing what they do best.
What more could one ask for!
What more could one ask for!
December 11, 2014
In this story, Lord Bellinger, the Prime Minister, and Trelawney Hope, the Secretary of State for European Affairs, come to Holmes in the matter of a document stolen from Hope's dispatch box, which he kept at home in Whitehall Terrace when not at work. If divulged, this document could bring about very dire consequences for all Europe, even war. They are loath to tell Holmes at first the exact nature of the document's contents, but when Holmes declines to take on their case, they tell him that it was a rather injudicious letter from a foreign potentate. It disappeared from the dispatch box one evening when Hope's wife was out at the theater for four hours. No-one in the house knew about the document, not even the Secretary's wife, with whom he will not discuss his work. None of the servants could have guessed what was in the box.
Holmes decides to begin with some spies known to him, and is then astonished to hear from Dr. Watson that one of those that he names has been murdered. Eduardo Lucas of Godolphin Street, near Whitehall, was stabbed to death at his house last night. Holmes is sure that this is beyond coincidence.
Before Holmes has a chance to act, another piece of the puzzle arrives at 221B Baker Street in the form of Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope, the European Secretary's wife. She asks Holmes about the stolen document's contents, saying that it is in her husband's best interest for her to know. Holmes will only reveal that there would be very unfortunate consequences if the document were not found. Holmes reads terror in Lady Hilda's eyes. Lady Hilda also begs Holmes to tell her husband nothing of her visit.
Holmes's spy hunt does not go well. It lasts days without result. As for the murder, the police arrest Mitton, Lucas's valet, but soon release him as he has a solid alibi.
Four days after the murder, a newspaper report from Paris connects Madame Henri Fournaye to Lucas's death. A woman matching her description was seen in London, where Mme Fournaye has recently been. She is, it seems, Lucas's wife, Eduardo Lucas and Henri Fournaye having been the same person, as established by photographs. She is of no use as a witness, however, as she has gone insane.
Inspector Lestrade calls Holmes to the murder scene to examine something odd. Lucas bled over a drugget, and the blood soaked through it, but curiously, there is no bloodstain on the floor under the drugget. However, there is one under the opposite edge of the carpet. It can only mean that the constable guarding the crime scene has been foolish enough to let someone in, and leave them alone while they moved things in the room, including the carpet. Holmes tells Lestrade to take the constable to a back room and obtain a confession, which he does, vigorously.
While Lestrade is remonstrating with his wayward constable, and therefore cannot learn anything about the other investigation involving the document, Holmes pulls the unfastened carpet aside and quickly finds a hiding place in the floor, but it is empty.
Lestrade and the constable come back, and the latter tells Holmes that the unauthorized visitor was a young woman. She apparently fainted at the sight of the blood, and the constable then actually went out to get some brandy to revive her, but she had left before he got back. As Holmes is leaving Lucas's house, he shows the constable a photograph, and he recognizes it as the visitor.
Holmes now knows where the stolen document is, but not why it was stolen. He goes to the Hope household and confronts Lady Hilda with the evidence. At first, she denies everything, but is forced to admit her wrongdoing under threat of certain scandal. She was a blackmail victim. Eduardo Lucas had got hold of a compromising letter written by Lady Hilda years earlier, and demanded the contents of her husband's dispatch box for the return thereof (an unnamed spy within her husband's own office had made Lucas aware of the document). She went to his house to do the business when, as it happens, his wife from Paris showed up and confronted him about his affair, believing that Lady Hilda was his mistress. Lady Hilda hurriedly left.
She returned, however, to fetch the stolen document after her visit to Holmes convinced her that she needed to do this. She hands the document to Holmes. Her only problem is how to return it. Holmes suggests putting it back in the dispatch box using Lady Hilda's duplicate key.
They do this, and when Hope arrives back home with the Prime Minister, Holmes pretends to believe that the evidence has convinced him that the document must still be in the box. It is soon found, and Hope rejoices that it was only a mistake.
In this way, the lost document is restored without Lady Hilda's part in the affair being revealed - though at the possible price of making her husband look a bit stupid. The Prime Minister, however, is no fool. He can see that there is an underlying story, but Holmes simply responds, "We also have our diplomatic secrets."
Nothing is mentioned furthermore about the unnamed spy in the office of the European Secretary of State.
Another excellent plot! I recommend this book to all readers who enjoy a well written mystery.
Holmes decides to begin with some spies known to him, and is then astonished to hear from Dr. Watson that one of those that he names has been murdered. Eduardo Lucas of Godolphin Street, near Whitehall, was stabbed to death at his house last night. Holmes is sure that this is beyond coincidence.
Before Holmes has a chance to act, another piece of the puzzle arrives at 221B Baker Street in the form of Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope, the European Secretary's wife. She asks Holmes about the stolen document's contents, saying that it is in her husband's best interest for her to know. Holmes will only reveal that there would be very unfortunate consequences if the document were not found. Holmes reads terror in Lady Hilda's eyes. Lady Hilda also begs Holmes to tell her husband nothing of her visit.
Holmes's spy hunt does not go well. It lasts days without result. As for the murder, the police arrest Mitton, Lucas's valet, but soon release him as he has a solid alibi.
Four days after the murder, a newspaper report from Paris connects Madame Henri Fournaye to Lucas's death. A woman matching her description was seen in London, where Mme Fournaye has recently been. She is, it seems, Lucas's wife, Eduardo Lucas and Henri Fournaye having been the same person, as established by photographs. She is of no use as a witness, however, as she has gone insane.
Inspector Lestrade calls Holmes to the murder scene to examine something odd. Lucas bled over a drugget, and the blood soaked through it, but curiously, there is no bloodstain on the floor under the drugget. However, there is one under the opposite edge of the carpet. It can only mean that the constable guarding the crime scene has been foolish enough to let someone in, and leave them alone while they moved things in the room, including the carpet. Holmes tells Lestrade to take the constable to a back room and obtain a confession, which he does, vigorously.
While Lestrade is remonstrating with his wayward constable, and therefore cannot learn anything about the other investigation involving the document, Holmes pulls the unfastened carpet aside and quickly finds a hiding place in the floor, but it is empty.
Lestrade and the constable come back, and the latter tells Holmes that the unauthorized visitor was a young woman. She apparently fainted at the sight of the blood, and the constable then actually went out to get some brandy to revive her, but she had left before he got back. As Holmes is leaving Lucas's house, he shows the constable a photograph, and he recognizes it as the visitor.
Holmes now knows where the stolen document is, but not why it was stolen. He goes to the Hope household and confronts Lady Hilda with the evidence. At first, she denies everything, but is forced to admit her wrongdoing under threat of certain scandal. She was a blackmail victim. Eduardo Lucas had got hold of a compromising letter written by Lady Hilda years earlier, and demanded the contents of her husband's dispatch box for the return thereof (an unnamed spy within her husband's own office had made Lucas aware of the document). She went to his house to do the business when, as it happens, his wife from Paris showed up and confronted him about his affair, believing that Lady Hilda was his mistress. Lady Hilda hurriedly left.
She returned, however, to fetch the stolen document after her visit to Holmes convinced her that she needed to do this. She hands the document to Holmes. Her only problem is how to return it. Holmes suggests putting it back in the dispatch box using Lady Hilda's duplicate key.
They do this, and when Hope arrives back home with the Prime Minister, Holmes pretends to believe that the evidence has convinced him that the document must still be in the box. It is soon found, and Hope rejoices that it was only a mistake.
In this way, the lost document is restored without Lady Hilda's part in the affair being revealed - though at the possible price of making her husband look a bit stupid. The Prime Minister, however, is no fool. He can see that there is an underlying story, but Holmes simply responds, "We also have our diplomatic secrets."
Nothing is mentioned furthermore about the unnamed spy in the office of the European Secretary of State.
Another excellent plot! I recommend this book to all readers who enjoy a well written mystery.
February 6, 2015
I didn't think I'll like any other story as much as
Silver Blaze
... but that's until I read this one!
The Adventure of Second stain , as intriguing as the title sounds, the story was remarkable!
On an Autumn morning the Detective and the Doctor find distinguished visitors in their room who put forth a delicate case where their country's safety is at stake. then follows a series of interesting events - a Murder, a confession.. and Holmes manages to join all the missing links and hits upon the right spot in his own typical way!
Also liked the lighter moments where Holmes gets to pull his friend's leg, like saying "Now, Watson, the fair sex is your department" :D
This one's TOTALLY worth a read!
The Adventure of Second stain , as intriguing as the title sounds, the story was remarkable!
On an Autumn morning the Detective and the Doctor find distinguished visitors in their room who put forth a delicate case where their country's safety is at stake. then follows a series of interesting events - a Murder, a confession.. and Holmes manages to join all the missing links and hits upon the right spot in his own typical way!
Also liked the lighter moments where Holmes gets to pull his friend's leg, like saying "Now, Watson, the fair sex is your department" :D
This one's TOTALLY worth a read!
November 12, 2017
البقعة الثانية هي آخر قصص مجموعة عودة شارلوك هولمز
كالمعتاد مع ترجمات شارلوك العربية بأنني لا بد أن أتفاجئ كل فترة
أجد أنها آخر الأعمال المترجمة ولا أعلم حقيقة لماذا لم يتم ترجمة بقية المجموعة شئ غير مفهم لكن حينما تجد انه قد تم ترجمة جزء فقط من دراسة في اللون القرمزي (أولي الروايات الطويلة) و ترجمة واد الخوف بتغيير أسماء الأبطال لأسماء إيطالية الأصل فلا تستغرب شيئا.
قصة ظريفة أهميتها تنبع من أنها القصة الأخيرة فقط لا غير.
كالمعتاد مع ترجمات شارلوك العربية بأنني لا بد أن أتفاجئ كل فترة
أجد أنها آخر الأعمال المترجمة ولا أعلم حقيقة لماذا لم يتم ترجمة بقية المجموعة شئ غير مفهم لكن حينما تجد انه قد تم ترجمة جزء فقط من دراسة في اللون القرمزي (أولي الروايات الطويلة) و ترجمة واد الخوف بتغيير أسماء الأبطال لأسماء إيطالية الأصل فلا تستغرب شيئا.
قصة ظريفة أهميتها تنبع من أنها القصة الأخيرة فقط لا غير.
March 4, 2015
Another breathtaking adventure of Sherlock Holmes ... This is not one of my favorites but its so twisted and as usual, didn't see that ending. Every time I read a Sherlock Holmes story, I try to solve the problem myself before Holmes, but every time I end up charging the wrong person. Lestrade is way ahead of me..
November 2, 2015
Another selection for my Sherlock Holmes class. Sherlock has tired of sleuthing and is delving into bee keeping, but Watson entices him to check out a diplomat's intrigue that could end in war!!!! BUT, not with the boys on the case - solved in time to prevent war and to help salvage a marriage!
November 20, 2013
A wonderful conclusion to The Return of Sherlock Holmes. The state of European affairs and stability is on the line as Holmes and Watson race gains time to track down a classified document. Overall, the story was fast-paced and the conclusion was very satisfying. A great finish!
April 4, 2015
This was indeed quite interesting story of, Sherlock, that expanded the magnitude of the book,
Return of Sherlock. However the writer endeavored to make it a interesting by making it a
political story, which was actually a poor thinking.
Return of Sherlock. However the writer endeavored to make it a interesting by making it a
political story, which was actually a poor thinking.
August 24, 2015
Sherlock Holmes will never cease to impress me. Not only was he able to link two cases that seemed to have no connection at first sight, but he achieved to solve this complex mystery and to shield the guilty. Why he did that I don't really understand, but he handled the case with tact.
October 20, 2015
Kisah terakhir ini memang pantas buat jadi cerita penutup untuk Buku Kembalinya Sherlock Holmes.
Garis ceritanya rapi dan tetap luar biasa untuk diikuti, dan bagaikan bisu, aku tidak bisa mengatakan apa apa lagi.
Chapter ini luar biasa!!!
Next Salam Terakhir Sherlock Holmes
Garis ceritanya rapi dan tetap luar biasa untuk diikuti, dan bagaikan bisu, aku tidak bisa mengatakan apa apa lagi.
Chapter ini luar biasa!!!
Next Salam Terakhir Sherlock Holmes
October 8, 2016
It is very enjoyable story, but I give it only 4 stars for two reasons: first, it was based, contrary to Holmes's expectations and mine, on merely a lucky coincidence!
Second: i don't understand holmes's compassion towards that stupid un trust worthy woman. She is such a moron!!
Second: i don't understand holmes's compassion towards that stupid un trust worthy woman. She is such a moron!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2013
Clever story, I enjoyed the twists and turns of the tale :)
January 1, 2016
This is the first time I managed to understand the mystery before Holmes explained it all. Another brilliant, short story. Do I need to say more?
February 12, 2021
I hate the ones where someone is being blackmailed with something purely embarrassing. I mean, seriously, a few days of shame vs. the safety of the nation? How is that even a question?
March 27, 2017
Have read all of Doyle's Sherlock Holmes and probably others as well, just never bothered to put them in to amazon or goodreads, so dates wrong. Some KU some paperback some hardback some collections.
June 5, 2017
Holmes solves a case by not solving it.
February 12, 2018
It's a no story. Then again if you can guess what is going to happen it decreases the excitement tremendously.
July 30, 2020
Zwei Mal wird Holmes hier in äußerstes Erstaunen versetzt und das ist empfinde ich als äußerst charmant. Wer die Papiere gestohlen hat, war für mich jedoch sehr früh klar.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews