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The Man with the Twisted Lip
Dr Watson documents Sherlock Holmes solving two baffling mysteries in London and in Cornwall: 'The Man with the Twisted Lip' and 'The Adventure of the Devils Foot' respectively.
90 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
3 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Arthur Conan Doyle
15.8k 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 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 21, 2025
Average, as usual, with a minus for the plot (in fact, almost nothing happens...) and a plus for the local color, the fauna and the ambience.
Or maybe I'm to harsh on this gentleman and his products..
Or maybe I'm to harsh on this gentleman and his products..
March 4, 2016
And so I come to the end of my Penguin 60s run, well for now at least.
Now we turn to Conan Doyle and his most famous creation Sherlock Holmes. Now this is where I sit and ponder for a second. Considering the number of stories he wrote genuinely on Mr Holmes the question is how do you choose just two stories to go in to this slim book and two which will fit. That is a question I suspect I will never find out.
But two you get and fit they most certainly do. Both I think show side of Sherlock Holmes not so often played upon, the first who solves a crime but in so doing admits he's been a fool and the second where his idea of justice is not so palatable by todays attitudes (and modern portrays of Sherlock Holmes) would lead us to believe.
And this is where I think the story selection again shows the subtle thought which went in the series, after all everyone knows Holmes or so we think, why not select stories which challenge those preconceptions and yet leave our appreciation of the consulting detective intact.
Now we turn to Conan Doyle and his most famous creation Sherlock Holmes. Now this is where I sit and ponder for a second. Considering the number of stories he wrote genuinely on Mr Holmes the question is how do you choose just two stories to go in to this slim book and two which will fit. That is a question I suspect I will never find out.
But two you get and fit they most certainly do. Both I think show side of Sherlock Holmes not so often played upon, the first who solves a crime but in so doing admits he's been a fool and the second where his idea of justice is not so palatable by todays attitudes (and modern portrays of Sherlock Holmes) would lead us to believe.
And this is where I think the story selection again shows the subtle thought which went in the series, after all everyone knows Holmes or so we think, why not select stories which challenge those preconceptions and yet leave our appreciation of the consulting detective intact.
May 8, 2018
Arthur Conan Doyle seems to have captured my attention and admiration with Sherlock Holmes. Now this story is not as good as a scandal in Bohemia but it's a enjoyable read.
June 14, 2020
I solved this one before Sherlock did. YAY!
July 23, 2018
A couple of weeks ago, we were discussing literary criticism in class and one of my professors said writers like Agatha Christie or Arthur Conan Doyle weren't as good as Raymond Chandler and others - whose names I don't recall now since I'm not into crime/mystery fiction that much - because they didn't focus on the psychological aspect of the mystery, so the narrative became this mechanical¹ thing with similar problems solved by an outstanding intellect. I haven't read much but I see his point. Actions stand out in these kinds of stories but there's little to none psychological depth. Their main purpose is to entertain, which is not a bad thing at all (I'd rather read these at the hairdressing salon than their magazines from 2010), but I gather that after a while and a certain amount of these books, you may find them thoroughly flat.
For instance, The man with the twisted lip includes an opium addict as a simply literary device but he caught my attention. There are no reasons, no explanations, no character development. But this short story did remind me of De Quincey's Confessions of an English Opium Eater - hailed by wondrous Borges - so I may give his book a try this year. Silverlining.
July 22, 18
¹ So mechanical that I wrote almost the same review in both Christie and Doyle's short stories.
* Later on my blog.
For instance, The man with the twisted lip includes an opium addict as a simply literary device but he caught my attention. There are no reasons, no explanations, no character development. But this short story did remind me of De Quincey's Confessions of an English Opium Eater - hailed by wondrous Borges - so I may give his book a try this year. Silverlining.
July 22, 18
¹ So mechanical that I wrote almost the same review in both Christie and Doyle's short stories.
* Later on my blog.
December 24, 2022
With each book, I love these characters more and more.
August 10, 2025
"... but it is better to learn wisdom late than never to learn it at all." - Sherlock Holmes
This one stood out to me not because of the mystery, but because of what a class act Dr. Watson is; a reliable friend that would put himself in danger for a friend. The scene of Watson discovering Sherlock in the den made me laugh for unknown reasons.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
Sherlock Bias: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
Side Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
Mystery: ⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars
This one stood out to me not because of the mystery, but because of what a class act Dr. Watson is; a reliable friend that would put himself in danger for a friend. The scene of Watson discovering Sherlock in the den made me laugh for unknown reasons.
My Rating of all things Sherlock:
(1) A Study In Scarlet: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
(2) The Sign of Four: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.7 stars
(3) A Scandal In Bohemia: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
(4) The Red-Headed League: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.7 stars
(5) A Case of Identity: ⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars
(6) The Boscombe Valley Mystery: ⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars
(7) The Five Orange Pips: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.7 stars
(8) The man with the Twisted Lip: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
March 31, 2014
Semiotics in action. Conan Doyle prefigured this literary and philosophical school; no wonder Umberto Eco named his great monk-sleuth in THE NAME OF THE ROSE William of Baskerville. From the slightest indications Sherlock Holmes manages to unravel astounding mysteries. As I'm working my way through the complete collection of Sherlock Holmes stories, as recorded and narrated by his trusty sidekick Dr. Watson, this small selection of two tales was a delectable side dish. For readers not familiar with the actual tales it should serve as an enticing appetizer.
Die figuur van Sherlock Holmes en sy getroue spanmaat Dr. Watson is populêr bekend, hoewel baie mense dalk nog nie self die stories gelees het nie. Hierdie twee verhale dien as lokaas om meer van Conan Doyle se uiters gewilde tekste te gaan opdiep. Sherlock Holmes se metode is semiotiek in aksie - hy word tereg vereer in Umberto Eco se DIE NAAM VAN DIE ROOS in die naam van die hoofkarakter, William of Baskerville, die Engelse monnik wat so 'n verdekselse goeie speurder is.
Die figuur van Sherlock Holmes en sy getroue spanmaat Dr. Watson is populêr bekend, hoewel baie mense dalk nog nie self die stories gelees het nie. Hierdie twee verhale dien as lokaas om meer van Conan Doyle se uiters gewilde tekste te gaan opdiep. Sherlock Holmes se metode is semiotiek in aksie - hy word tereg vereer in Umberto Eco se DIE NAAM VAN DIE ROOS in die naam van die hoofkarakter, William of Baskerville, die Engelse monnik wat so 'n verdekselse goeie speurder is.
January 9, 2013
This time, Sherlock Holmes solves the mystery without the reader being privy to the process. I prefer stories where I can follow the reasoning as it happens, and where the detective does something more that sit on a bunch of pillows during the night while Dr. Watson sleeps. However, the case is rather unusual, and fun.
September 27, 2018
Not my favorite Sherlock Holmes story. It seems that Holmes manages to find the miracle answer while Watson sleeps. Generally, the reader gets a little more of the deduction process from other Sherlock Holmes stories. Still, interesting enough to read through this short adventure.
September 6, 2015
The Penguin 60s version has two short stories - The Man with the Twisted Lip and The Adventure of the Devil's Foot.
Both short stories are good, both told by Watson, both with twists.
Both short stories are good, both told by Watson, both with twists.
February 27, 2019
It is a rather shocking tale as Sherlock Holmes attempts to find a missing aristocrat and his only clue to the man's whereabouts rests in the hands of a beggar found in an opium den.
July 27, 2025
The first time I encountered The Man with the Twisted Lip, it was in Bengali—translated by the inimitable Manindra Gupta.
I was too young to fully grasp the nuance, but the image of the opium den in Upper Swandam Lane, the disappearing husband, and the grotesque beggar burned itself into memory like a fever dream. Gupta’s translation had that rich literary cadence, and in a way, he handed me Sherlock Holmes wrapped in a Bengali shawl.
I read the English version in 2001, when I was older, wiser—or so I thought. This time, the story unfolded with new textures: Conan Doyle’s crisp prose, the steady pacing, the sudden reveal. What struck me then wasn’t just the mystery, but the social critique hidden underneath—the performance of poverty, the masks men wear, the thin veil between respectability and ruin.
And this morning, I revisited it yet again. More than two decades later, it still holds up. Perhaps even more now. In today’s world of curated identities and digital disguises, Hugh Boone feels strangely prophetic. The story isn’t just about deception—it’s about survival, about what people become when society leaves them no safe place.
Holmes unmasks the beggar, yes. But as a reader, each return to this tale unravels new layers in myself. Some stories don’t age—they deepen.
I was too young to fully grasp the nuance, but the image of the opium den in Upper Swandam Lane, the disappearing husband, and the grotesque beggar burned itself into memory like a fever dream. Gupta’s translation had that rich literary cadence, and in a way, he handed me Sherlock Holmes wrapped in a Bengali shawl.
I read the English version in 2001, when I was older, wiser—or so I thought. This time, the story unfolded with new textures: Conan Doyle’s crisp prose, the steady pacing, the sudden reveal. What struck me then wasn’t just the mystery, but the social critique hidden underneath—the performance of poverty, the masks men wear, the thin veil between respectability and ruin.
And this morning, I revisited it yet again. More than two decades later, it still holds up. Perhaps even more now. In today’s world of curated identities and digital disguises, Hugh Boone feels strangely prophetic. The story isn’t just about deception—it’s about survival, about what people become when society leaves them no safe place.
Holmes unmasks the beggar, yes. But as a reader, each return to this tale unravels new layers in myself. Some stories don’t age—they deepen.
September 23, 2023
The faithful Dr Watson records two of Sherlock Holmes' cases, the first, 'The Man with the Twisted Lip' set in the south east, London and Kent, the second 'The Adventure of the Devil's Foot' set in Cornwall.
In the first, Sherlock Holmes is discovered by Watson in a den of iniquity, to which Watson has been called by a friend's wife who is concerned about her husband who has not been home for two days. It is to Watson's utter surprise that he is spoken to by one of supposed down and outs but he eventually is alerted to the fact that he is indeed a well disguised Holmes.
Thus begins a tale that leads the twosome into a complicated and intriguing situation but Holmes' powers of deduction manage to sort it out as he shows his sense of reasonableness at its conclusion.
In the second, Holmes summons Watson to accompany him to a small cottage near Poldhu Bay, 'at the extreme of the Cornish Peninsula'. Here they uncover 'a series of events which caused the utmost excitement not only in Cornwall but throughout the whole West of England.
Needless to say Watson is bemused at how Holmes solves the problem, telling Watson in ding so, 'I will not offend your intelligence by explaining what is obvious' and then goes on to do so!
They are not two of the most sensational tales of Holmes but they do showcase Conan Doyle's talents in the Penguin 60s series.
In the first, Sherlock Holmes is discovered by Watson in a den of iniquity, to which Watson has been called by a friend's wife who is concerned about her husband who has not been home for two days. It is to Watson's utter surprise that he is spoken to by one of supposed down and outs but he eventually is alerted to the fact that he is indeed a well disguised Holmes.
Thus begins a tale that leads the twosome into a complicated and intriguing situation but Holmes' powers of deduction manage to sort it out as he shows his sense of reasonableness at its conclusion.
In the second, Holmes summons Watson to accompany him to a small cottage near Poldhu Bay, 'at the extreme of the Cornish Peninsula'. Here they uncover 'a series of events which caused the utmost excitement not only in Cornwall but throughout the whole West of England.
Needless to say Watson is bemused at how Holmes solves the problem, telling Watson in ding so, 'I will not offend your intelligence by explaining what is obvious' and then goes on to do so!
They are not two of the most sensational tales of Holmes but they do showcase Conan Doyle's talents in the Penguin 60s series.
May 8, 2020
''A broad wheal from an old scar ran right across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned one side of the upper lips, so that three teeth were exposed in a perpetual snarl.''
The case begins in an opium den while Watson is trying to help Mrs. St. Clair retrieve her addict husband. Upon finding Neville St. Clairs belongings in a room with a beggar man who has no alibi, the mystery deepens. Where has Neville St. Clair gone and what connection does he have with this beggar man.
" The Man with the Twisted Lip " is the sixth of twelve short stories, appearing in The Adventures of Sherlock Homes. This compilation of stories or cases is the third overall work, featuring the extraordinary detective Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Part of what makes Sherlock Holmes tales so gripping and fun to read is how skilfully the story is revelled to the reader. There are more than a few distractive points that mislead you as a reader and Sherlock as a detective which help you invest in the tale more. Its an enjoyable tale with a great conclusion!
The case begins in an opium den while Watson is trying to help Mrs. St. Clair retrieve her addict husband. Upon finding Neville St. Clairs belongings in a room with a beggar man who has no alibi, the mystery deepens. Where has Neville St. Clair gone and what connection does he have with this beggar man.
" The Man with the Twisted Lip " is the sixth of twelve short stories, appearing in The Adventures of Sherlock Homes. This compilation of stories or cases is the third overall work, featuring the extraordinary detective Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Part of what makes Sherlock Holmes tales so gripping and fun to read is how skilfully the story is revelled to the reader. There are more than a few distractive points that mislead you as a reader and Sherlock as a detective which help you invest in the tale more. Its an enjoyable tale with a great conclusion!
September 28, 2025
That … was so funny, oh my gosh. I couldn’t stop thinking about Sherlock Holmes in disguise jumping out at Watson, all mischievous. Reminds me of my cat doing the same to me. They just love to make us scream in surprise. Anyways, this was a fun one! I liked it and I rather find it hilarious how he really does trust a woman’s intuition over analytical reasoning sometimes. There’s a whimsy to him that belies the impression of a cold deductive (I mean detective, no, wait, deductive works). It was a really fun read even if I guessed some of it along the way. It’s just fun to go along with Holmes, and I see why Watson does.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2020
An intriguing story by Arthur Conan Doyle. This story revolves around a wife who sees her husband in an unusual part of London and has apparently been done away with. His overcoat has been found in The Thames with a large amount of coins 8n it. But, why just the coat, where is the body, what’s with all the coins? Surely Sherlock Holmes can get to the bottom of this.
April 5, 2023
I FINALLY FIGURED OUT A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY!!! It was fairly obvious, but I will still give myself credit for it! The story was interesting and had all the charming elements of a classic sherlock mystery. My only criticism is the repeated use of the word "cripple", which is why it remains at four stars, but I enjoyed the rest of the story very much.
April 20, 2023
Wasn't one of my favorites of Sherlock Holmes. Can't really say why. Just seemed to be much like his other Sherlock Short stories. Still had some originality. It had a great way of discussing the opium addiction side affects, how time escapes those who use it and they don't realize it.
December 12, 2025
I recently bought a Sherlock Holmes collection and will be updating as I finish each short story. Although it was written over 130 years ago, Arthur Conan Doyle's writing is still extremely accessible and captivating.
April 13, 2020
Not going to lie, the idea of being able to use acting talent, makeup, and Shakespearean quotes to make a living has seemed profoundly tempting in recent years.
November 2, 2020
Sherlock Holmes does it again. And in record time.
January 29, 2021
Quite a clever twist - so to speak - in this one. Enjoyable.
June 16, 2021
A nice pocket sized book featuring two of Holmes' lesser known mysteries..
July 10, 2021
I figured out the mystery in this one pretty quick. Quicker than Sherlock. Great story though. Sherlock was just a bit slow on this one.
August 23, 2022
A very unexpected ending!
March 16, 2023
ok nice plot twists just two funny little stories for the mrt
March 19, 2023
Entertainingly classic
April 16, 2023
19th century opium-adjacent fun times
May 13, 2023
Nice easy Sherlock story - nothing special mind you but a nice little sleuth situation. Sherlock being Sherlock basically.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews