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B. 24
Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle DL (22 May 1859 - 7 July 1930) was a Scottish physician and writer who is most noted for his fictional stories about the detective Sherlock Holmes, which are generally considered milestones in the field of crime fiction. He is also known for writing the fictional adventures of a second character he invented, Professor Challenger, and for popularising the mystery of the Mary Celeste. He was a prolific writer whose other works include fantasy and science fiction stories, plays, romances, poetry, non-fiction, and historical novels. Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective created by Scottish author and physician Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a graduate of the University of Edinburgh Medical School. A London-based "consulting detective" whose abilities border on the fantastic, Holmes is famous for his astute logical reasoning, his ability to adopt almost any disguise, and his use of forensic science skills to solve difficult cases. Holmes, who first appeared in publication in 1887, was featured in four novels and 56 short stories. The first novel, A Study in Scarlet, appeared in Beeton's Christmas Annual in 1887 and the second, The Sign of the Four, in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in 1890. The character grew tremendously in popularity with the first series of short stories in The Strand Magazine, beginning with "A Scandal in Bohemia" in 1891; further series of short stories and two novels published in serial form appeared between then and 1927. The stories cover a period from around 1880 up to 1914. All but four stories are narrated by Holmes's friend and biographer, Dr. John H. Watson; two are narrated by Holmes himself ("The Blanched Soldier" and "The Lion's Mane") and two others are written in the third person ("The Mazarin Stone" and "His Last Bow"). In two stories ("The Musgrave Ritual" and "The Gloria Scott"), Holmes tells Watson the main story from his memories, while Watson becomes the narrator of the frame story. The first and fourth novels, A Study in Scarlet and The Valley of Fear, each include a long interval of omniscient narration recounting events unknown to either Holmes or Watson. In 1882 he joined former classmate George Turnavine Budd as his partner at a medical practice in Plymouth, but their relationship proved difficult, and Doyle soon left to set up an independent practice. Arriving in Portsmouth in June of that year with less than 10 ( 900 today) to his name, he set up a medical practice at 1 Bush Villas in Elm Grove, Southsea. The practice was initially not very successful. While waiting for patients, Doyle again began writing stories and composed his first novels, The Mystery of Cloomber, not published until 1888, and the unfinished Narrative of John Smith, which would go unpublished until 2011. He amassed a portfolio of short stories including "The Captain of the Pole-Star" and "J. Habakuk Jephson's Statement," both inspired by Doyle's time at sea, the latter of which popularised the mystery of the Mary Celeste and added fictional details such as the perfect condition of the ship (which had actually taken on water by the time it was discovered) and its boats remaining on board (the one boat was in fact missing) that have come to dominate popular accounts of the incident."
34 pages, Paperback
First published November 8, 2013
About the author
Arthur Conan Doyle
16.5k books24.8k 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 21, 2019
First of all, I have no idea what the title means and have been unable to find anything relating to it on the web. The meaning of 24 in numerology does not appear to relate to the plot of the story. Perhaps it has something to do with a British system of case or appeal numbers. I did notice in a photo copy of the story in the March 1899 Strand Magazine, that there is either no period after the B or it copied so faintly that I couldn't see it. Most other references to the story on the internet do have a period. The story was the basis for an episode titled "Red Handed" on BBC television's "Arthur Conan Doyle" in 1967 though some sources state that the episode appeared in 1972.
The entire story consists of a criminal writing an appeal in which he explains why he is innocent of the main part of the crime for which he was convicted. The account of what apparently actually happened is interesting but the story just stops. The reader is not certain that anyone received the appeal much less acted on it.
The entire story consists of a criminal writing an appeal in which he explains why he is innocent of the main part of the crime for which he was convicted. The account of what apparently actually happened is interesting but the story just stops. The reader is not certain that anyone received the appeal much less acted on it.
September 22, 2023
4.25⭐
It is presumed that the title of this story B. 24 most likely refers to the prison cell number i.e., cell block B, cell number 24 of that prisoner. The story opens with the prisoner speaking to a man who is appointed to receive the petitions of convicted prisoners. He is probably speaking to Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons stating that he was wrongfully accused of murder by presenting his side of the story and pleading for an investigation into his case to prove his innocence. He puts forward that "You could use a private inquiry agent or a good lawyer, and you would soon learn enough to show you that my story is the true one." Hmm? Now since Sir Arthur had been writing and publishing Sherlock Holmes stories since 1887 and this story was first published in The Strand Magazine in March 1899 it leaves one pondering which inquiry agent he had in mind. Now, in my opinion I think Sir Arthur knew his readership was mostly Holmesian aficionados who would want Holmes to be on the case knowing he would find the answer and nail the conniving shrewd little actress and would be reading this story as the prelude to a Holmes case. Speaking in the most famous inquiry agent's of all speech it is quite "Elementary, my dear Watson".
It is presumed that the title of this story B. 24 most likely refers to the prison cell number i.e., cell block B, cell number 24 of that prisoner. The story opens with the prisoner speaking to a man who is appointed to receive the petitions of convicted prisoners. He is probably speaking to Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons stating that he was wrongfully accused of murder by presenting his side of the story and pleading for an investigation into his case to prove his innocence. He puts forward that "You could use a private inquiry agent or a good lawyer, and you would soon learn enough to show you that my story is the true one." Hmm? Now since Sir Arthur had been writing and publishing Sherlock Holmes stories since 1887 and this story was first published in The Strand Magazine in March 1899 it leaves one pondering which inquiry agent he had in mind. Now, in my opinion I think Sir Arthur knew his readership was mostly Holmesian aficionados who would want Holmes to be on the case knowing he would find the answer and nail the conniving shrewd little actress and would be reading this story as the prelude to a Holmes case. Speaking in the most famous inquiry agent's of all speech it is quite "Elementary, my dear Watson".
January 12, 2024
B. 24 (or The Story of B 24) is one of Doyle's Round the Fire stories. It was published in The Strand magazine in March 1899.
The narrator of the story, which is actually a plea for help in the form of a letter, is a burglar who is in jail. He readily admits his burglary but not the murder that went with it. At this time, Sherlock Holmes was "dead" so the narrator couldn't address his letter to Holmes, but in another time Doyle would have surely made this into a Holmes story (although the holmesian elements are not nearly as obvious as they were in The Jew's Breastplate).
What I found very refreshing was that Doyle told the story from a criminal's personal point of view. Of course he is a "nice" burglar who never wants to hurt anyone, but a criminal all the same. All in all, B. 24 is a great little story that all ACD fans should read if they haven't done so already.
The version I read was a part of a Kindle compilation.
4.25/5
The narrator of the story, which is actually a plea for help in the form of a letter, is a burglar who is in jail. He readily admits his burglary but not the murder that went with it. At this time, Sherlock Holmes was "dead" so the narrator couldn't address his letter to Holmes, but in another time Doyle would have surely made this into a Holmes story (although the holmesian elements are not nearly as obvious as they were in The Jew's Breastplate).
What I found very refreshing was that Doyle told the story from a criminal's personal point of view. Of course he is a "nice" burglar who never wants to hurt anyone, but a criminal all the same. All in all, B. 24 is a great little story that all ACD fans should read if they haven't done so already.
The version I read was a part of a Kindle compilation.
4.25/5
September 25, 2025
Guilty until proven innocent.
A burglar incarcerated on life for murder (presumably inmate B. 24) retells the story of his innocence, when one unfortunate night, with no penny on his pocket, decided to break-in the mansion of the unscrupulous Lord Mannering, an abhorrent old man said to be the owner of the most valuable and expensive collection of gold coins in the world. The same night that he also met for the first time the innocent and beautiful Lady Mannering, the ruin of his life.
Another enjoyable mystery tale, in a way similar to "The Usher of Lea House School". Not bad, easy to read, short and decent, for something without Sherlock. Good development, suspenseful and twisty, maybe even memorable. Time will tell. Lady Mannering is a sweet-pie.
It’s public domain. You can find it HERE.
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[1899] [15p] [Mystery] [Conditional Recommendable] [Edward]
-----------------------------------------------
★★★☆☆ 10. The Complete Sherlock Holmes
★★★☆☆ The Great Keinplatz Experiment and Other Tales of Twilight and the Unseen <--
-----------------------------------------------
Culpable hasta que se demuestre lo contrario.
Un ladrón encarcelado de por vida por asesinato (presumiblemente preso B. 24) recuenta la historia de su inocencia, cuando una desafortunada noche, sin un centavo en el bolsillo, decidió irrumpir en la mansión del inescrupuloso Lord Mannering, un aborrecible anciano del que se dice es dueño de la colección de monedas de oro más valiosa y cara del mundo. Esa misma noche donde también conoció por primera vez a la inocente y bella Lady Mannering, la ruina de su vida.
Otro entretenido cuento de misterio, en cierto modo similar a "El Ujier de la Escuela Lea House". Nada mal, fácil de leer, breve y decente, para algo sin Sherlock. Buen desarrollo, suspenso y giro de trama, tal vez incluso memorable. El tiempo dirá. Lady Mannering es una dulzura.
Es dominio público, lo pueden encontrar ACA.
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[1899] [15p] [Misterio] [Recomendable Condicional] [Eduardo]
-----------------------------------------------
A burglar incarcerated on life for murder (presumably inmate B. 24) retells the story of his innocence, when one unfortunate night, with no penny on his pocket, decided to break-in the mansion of the unscrupulous Lord Mannering, an abhorrent old man said to be the owner of the most valuable and expensive collection of gold coins in the world. The same night that he also met for the first time the innocent and beautiful Lady Mannering, the ruin of his life.
Another enjoyable mystery tale, in a way similar to "The Usher of Lea House School". Not bad, easy to read, short and decent, for something without Sherlock. Good development, suspenseful and twisty, maybe even memorable. Time will tell. Lady Mannering is a sweet-pie.
It’s public domain. You can find it HERE.
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[1899] [15p] [Mystery] [Conditional Recommendable] [Edward]
-----------------------------------------------
★★★☆☆ 10. The Complete Sherlock Holmes
★★★☆☆ The Great Keinplatz Experiment and Other Tales of Twilight and the Unseen <--
-----------------------------------------------
Culpable hasta que se demuestre lo contrario.
Un ladrón encarcelado de por vida por asesinato (presumiblemente preso B. 24) recuenta la historia de su inocencia, cuando una desafortunada noche, sin un centavo en el bolsillo, decidió irrumpir en la mansión del inescrupuloso Lord Mannering, un aborrecible anciano del que se dice es dueño de la colección de monedas de oro más valiosa y cara del mundo. Esa misma noche donde también conoció por primera vez a la inocente y bella Lady Mannering, la ruina de su vida.
Otro entretenido cuento de misterio, en cierto modo similar a "El Ujier de la Escuela Lea House". Nada mal, fácil de leer, breve y decente, para algo sin Sherlock. Buen desarrollo, suspenso y giro de trama, tal vez incluso memorable. El tiempo dirá. Lady Mannering es una dulzura.
Es dominio público, lo pueden encontrar ACA.
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[1899] [15p] [Misterio] [Recomendable Condicional] [Eduardo]
-----------------------------------------------
July 8, 2021
The story was straightforward enough...but the ending left me flat. And what the hell is B.24??
November 13, 2020
This is one of Arthur Conan Doyle’s short stories that appeared in the Strand Magazine in 1899. It is one of the stories that appear in the Round the Fire book series. I have not been able to verify it, but I presume that B 24 is the narrator’s prison number. It is not a Sherlock Holmes story but is a very fine tale of a man wrongfully (if he is a reliable narrator) accused of murder. In this story, the narrator presents his side of the story to the Inspector of Prisons, begging him to investigate his case and prove him innocent.
December 23, 2019
(Audible)
A criminal tells his side of the story, claiming innocence. Yet the story reveals his guilt.
Doyle's writing keeps things tense and the reader is engaged, but you know where this is heading from the beginning.
Sort of Recommend.
I'm more of a Sherlock Holmes fan.
A criminal tells his side of the story, claiming innocence. Yet the story reveals his guilt.
Doyle's writing keeps things tense and the reader is engaged, but you know where this is heading from the beginning.
Sort of Recommend.
I'm more of a Sherlock Holmes fan.
January 11, 2015
There's a little bit of mystery going on in this story but have to say, this must be one of the most weakest stories by Arthur Conan Doyle. Apparently, B 24 is the worst Conan Doyle story I came across and this is coming from a reader who has rated 'Sherlock Holmes' and 'Lost World' very highly. The ending was pretty pretty bad to me.
November 27, 2017
Brilliant story from a brilliant man.
The smooth transitions set you at ease — and the author does well to keep you intrigued. For the keener eye, you'll be more than happy to hear that there's skillful use of rhetorical devices: linking of the introduction to the conclusion, fresh comparisons and metaphors, occasional (if not permanent) break of the fourth wall. No story is born perfect, however — and I did find the narrative a little predictable.
Spoiler: This is your usual criminal is accused of a murder story, pleas to the jury by telling (from his POV) the chronologies of the events — herein you will finally hear of the character that was actually responsible for the murder— and questions your conscience if you will not see that he is indeed an innocent man.
Arthur Conan Doyle does — to my undying satisfaction — excite your imagination with skillful prose:
"But if you fail me, then I give you my solemn promise that I will rope myself up, this day month, to the bar of my window, and from that time on I will come to plague you in your dreams if ever yet one man was able to come back and to haunt another."
"Might I suggest," said he, in the same mocking kind of voice, "that a good conscience is an excellent aid to sleep?" "That cannot be true," she answered, "for you sleep very well."
Anil now I'll take that night, the 13th of September, 1894, and I'll give you just exactly what occurred, and may God's hand strike me down if I go one inch over the truth.
The smooth transitions set you at ease — and the author does well to keep you intrigued. For the keener eye, you'll be more than happy to hear that there's skillful use of rhetorical devices: linking of the introduction to the conclusion, fresh comparisons and metaphors, occasional (if not permanent) break of the fourth wall. No story is born perfect, however — and I did find the narrative a little predictable.
Spoiler: This is your usual criminal is accused of a murder story, pleas to the jury by telling (from his POV) the chronologies of the events — herein you will finally hear of the character that was actually responsible for the murder— and questions your conscience if you will not see that he is indeed an innocent man.
Arthur Conan Doyle does — to my undying satisfaction — excite your imagination with skillful prose:
"But if you fail me, then I give you my solemn promise that I will rope myself up, this day month, to the bar of my window, and from that time on I will come to plague you in your dreams if ever yet one man was able to come back and to haunt another."
"Might I suggest," said he, in the same mocking kind of voice, "that a good conscience is an excellent aid to sleep?" "That cannot be true," she answered, "for you sleep very well."
Anil now I'll take that night, the 13th of September, 1894, and I'll give you just exactly what occurred, and may God's hand strike me down if I go one inch over the truth.
July 14, 2017
3.5 something i guess
I read it somewhere that this short story is really good, but ill say it was just not that bad.
I like the text level, in spite of being a classical it was easy to read and I enjoyed reading it alot. The concept was new, somewhat. I believe i have not read such type of short story. However the story turned out to be predictable by the end and I knew how it will turn out. The character were good, and acting nicely in their place. The best thing about it was that it was written in such a way as a letter to a lawyer and telling the story of his innocence.
nice story
I read it somewhere that this short story is really good, but ill say it was just not that bad.
I like the text level, in spite of being a classical it was easy to read and I enjoyed reading it alot. The concept was new, somewhat. I believe i have not read such type of short story. However the story turned out to be predictable by the end and I knew how it will turn out. The character were good, and acting nicely in their place. The best thing about it was that it was written in such a way as a letter to a lawyer and telling the story of his innocence.
nice story
June 3, 2018
It is well written, I don't know what I was expecting, it was a simple account of a prisoner revealing his side of his own case which he thinks is the truth. The story is intriguing and you do feel tense as it moves forward.
I would love to know what happens next, this story needs a part 2.
I would love to know what happens next, this story needs a part 2.
January 14, 2020
So good!
September 5, 2020
Well written, but not a lot of payoff. Nicely narrated by Brian Cox.
March 28, 2021
A criminal's romance?
March 19, 2022
Sherlock Holmes vibes!! I just hope the defendant is talking to him directly.
September 30, 2022
a bit confusing but a good read
January 7, 2023
Loved this one!
January 30, 2021
I am so sorry, but he is so fucking stupid.
I don't even care, it made me laugh.
I liked how Doyle attempted some talk about the society: once a criminal, always a criminal in everyone's eyes.
I also liked how clearly he shows the cunningness of the murder, and how fucking moronic is the narrator.
I truly appreciated it, and it's very short.
Personally, he's too much of an idiot to be allowed out in society again lmfao
I don't even care, it made me laugh.
I liked how Doyle attempted some talk about the society: once a criminal, always a criminal in everyone's eyes.
I also liked how clearly he shows the cunningness of the murder, and how fucking moronic is the narrator.
I truly appreciated it, and it's very short.
Personally, he's too much of an idiot to be allowed out in society again lmfao
September 24, 2015
Heard on audiobook. An interesting confession by a burglar professing his innocence in a murder. Decently crafted.
March 23, 2018
Short, not illustrated but an engaging crime story even though predictable... Hard not to like Conan Doyle ...
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews