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The Lost Special
This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.
48 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1898
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About the author
Arthur Conan Doyle
15.7k 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 47 reviews
February 12, 2020
A shady South American business man charters a special train to get as fast to Paris as possible. He has incriminating material with him for many high and low politicians. Then the special train vanishes into thin air. What happened here and where was the train brought to? Brilliant mystery tale with lots of interesting traces, a twisted plot and fascinating characters. Highly recommended!
November 8, 2019
Review of Kindle edition
Publication date: February 15, 2014
Language: English
ASIN: B00IHJUHRC
22 pages
An ingenious mystery about the disappearance without trace of a locomotive, a tender, two carriages, a van and five people on a fine June afternoon on a short and straight section of rail line in one of the most heavily populated areas of England. Readers of the Sherlock Holmes adventures may detect the possible involvement of Professor Moriarty and a brief suggestion from a man who could be Holmes.
Published in The Strand Magazine August 1898. Later published in ROUND THE FIRE STORIES, a collection of Conan Doyle's dark tales. The collection is available from Amazon at about the same cost as a single story.
I can not say much more without spoilers. It is worth reading for yourself if you like mysteries.
Publication date: February 15, 2014
Language: English
ASIN: B00IHJUHRC
22 pages
An ingenious mystery about the disappearance without trace of a locomotive, a tender, two carriages, a van and five people on a fine June afternoon on a short and straight section of rail line in one of the most heavily populated areas of England. Readers of the Sherlock Holmes adventures may detect the possible involvement of Professor Moriarty and a brief suggestion from a man who could be Holmes.
Published in The Strand Magazine August 1898. Later published in ROUND THE FIRE STORIES, a collection of Conan Doyle's dark tales. The collection is available from Amazon at about the same cost as a single story.
I can not say much more without spoilers. It is worth reading for yourself if you like mysteries.
July 9, 2024
১৮৯০ সালের ৩ জুন লুই কারাতাল নামে একজন ভদ্রলোক লিভারপুলে অবস্থিত লন্ডনের সেন্ট্রাল রেলওয়ে স্টেশনের পরিচালক জেমস ব্লান্ড এর সাথে দেখা করতে এসেছেন।উদ্দেশ্য যত তাড়াতাড়ি সম্ভব ম্যানচেস্টার এ পৌছাতে হবে।সবকিছু ঠিকঠাক করার পর লুই কারাতাল এবং তার সংগী ম্যানচেস্টার গামী ট্রেনে চড়ে বসলো। কিন্তু? সেই ট্রেন টি আর জায়গামতো পৌছালো না।কোনমতেই হদিশ বের করতে পারে নি কেউ।
কি হয়েছিল সেই ট্রেনের?
স্যার আর্থার কোনান ডয়েল যে ছোট গল্পেও সিদ্ধহস্ত সেটা আগেই জানা ছিল,এখন আবার জানলাম।এক কথায় দুর্দান্ত লেগেছে ছোট পরিসরের গল্পটি। সাসপেন্স থ্রিল সব কিছু ছিল গল্পে।শেষ দিকে তো ভেবেছিলাম ভৌতিক গল্পই লিখে ফেললেন নাকি?!!
গল্পে লন্ডনের বেশ কিছু গোয়েন্দা কে উল্লেখ করেছেন লেখক।মনে করা হয় তাদের মধ্যে নাকি শার্লক হোমস ও আছে যিনি এই কেসের সুরাহা করতে পারেন নি!!
চমৎকার একটা গল্প এক কথায়।
কি হয়েছিল সেই ট্রেনের?
স্যার আর্থার কোনান ডয়েল যে ছোট গল্পেও সিদ্ধহস্ত সেটা আগেই জানা ছিল,এখন আবার জানলাম।এক কথায় দুর্দান্ত লেগেছে ছোট পরিসরের গল্পটি। সাসপেন্স থ্রিল সব কিছু ছিল গল্পে।শেষ দিকে তো ভেবেছিলাম ভৌতিক গল্পই লিখে ফেললেন নাকি?!!
গল্পে লন্ডনের বেশ কিছু গোয়েন্দা কে উল্লেখ করেছেন লেখক।মনে করা হয় তাদের মধ্যে নাকি শার্লক হোমস ও আছে যিনি এই কেসের সুরাহা করতে পারেন নি!!
চমৎকার একটা গল্প এক কথায়।
September 6, 2024
This was a simple murder mystery written in 1898 five years after Doyle got tired of the detective (Holmes) and killed him. One of the writers in the newspaper, a man of logical reasoning is clearly Holmes, oh...how Doyle teased his audience in this short story!
August 18, 2019
Although it's clear Sir Conan Doyle has been incorporating some Holmesian elements, it failed to bring me the excitement that the Sherlock Holmes' stories provide.
Although I enjoy Conan Doyle's writing style, this story lacked fun, but mostly it lacked mystery. Had Conan Doyle written the same case, but obscured details which were only found out by the detective (à la Sherlock Holmes, but not saying it had to be him) this story would have been way more interesting. Right now, it was just the mysterious event, to which every reader could provide an explanation, which was confirmed twice, after which the who/how/why were all explained by one of the culprits.
Had potential, but the execution could've been done better.
Although I enjoy Conan Doyle's writing style, this story lacked fun, but mostly it lacked mystery. Had Conan Doyle written the same case, but obscured details which were only found out by the detective (à la Sherlock Holmes, but not saying it had to be him) this story would have been way more interesting. Right now, it was just the mysterious event, to which every reader could provide an explanation, which was confirmed twice, after which the who/how/why were all explained by one of the culprits.
Had potential, but the execution could've been done better.
March 19, 2019
Depending on who you ask, this is either a Sherlock Holmes story or it is not, but the "methods" are the same as Sherlock's, so if you haven't had enough Sherlock Holmes, feel free to read this one on the side of fence which says that this is indeed a Sherlock Holmes story.
February 8, 2023
A fun mystery story, although I'm never too keen on the story structure where the mystery is detailed and then a signed confession details the solution. It seems a bit too easy - the detective hasn't had to do any work! But this is a cleverly played mystery. The Sherlock Holmes connection is rather over-blown; I do agree it is Sherlock Holmes writing in the newspaper with his iconic catchphrase, but this is merely a fleeting paragraph in the wider narrative. 4 stars.
January 1, 2021
Muy buen relato, corto pero entretenido.
September 27, 2025
Le edición que leí, de Banda Oriental, incluía dos cuentos más, haré algunas observaciones de los tres cuentos por separado, en el orden que se encuentran en el libro:
1) El Señor de Château Noir: Corto, atrapante, muy creativa la ficción.
2) Los tres corresponsales de guerra: El que más me gustó de los tres, divertido, interesante, excelente escritura.
3) El tren espacial desaparecido: El más largo de los tres, aunque son cuentos cortos los tres. Aunque el segundo haya sido mi favorito, este es excelente también. Al principio de la impresión de que será un cuento fantástico, se resuelve con un realismo total, la trama es hábil y cautivadora, tiene toques epistolares (hay una mezcla de narración, con mensajes telegráficos, con notas periodísticas, con cartas, cada uno con sus tonos y estilos propios del formato que expresan).
Es mi primera lectura de Arthur Conan Doyle y me gustó. Muchas veces los autores que ganan la categoría de clásicos lo hacen por la invención de algúna idea o concepto innovador, o por la creación de algún recurso literario inexistente previamente, pero sin embargo, en su relectura en el marco actual pueden ser pesados o aburridos, sin embargo, con este autor me pasó todo lo contrario. Aparte de disfrutar mucho de la trama y la lectura, pude apreciar la calidad en la escritura, incluso leyéndolo en una traducción (donde muchas veces de pierde la calidad literaria del uso del lenguaje en el idioma original, por salvar el sentido de lo expresado a la hora de traducirlo y que en algunos casos se nota en la lectura del texto tradicido, incluso sin necesidad de leerlo en el idioma original para notarlo).
Me dieron ganas de meterme en el mundo literario de Conan Doyle y explorar los textos de Sherlock, que en el terreno cinematográfico me ha gustado desde siempre y ahora puedo comprobar que en el literario no será diferente.
1) El Señor de Château Noir: Corto, atrapante, muy creativa la ficción.
2) Los tres corresponsales de guerra: El que más me gustó de los tres, divertido, interesante, excelente escritura.
3) El tren espacial desaparecido: El más largo de los tres, aunque son cuentos cortos los tres. Aunque el segundo haya sido mi favorito, este es excelente también. Al principio de la impresión de que será un cuento fantástico, se resuelve con un realismo total, la trama es hábil y cautivadora, tiene toques epistolares (hay una mezcla de narración, con mensajes telegráficos, con notas periodísticas, con cartas, cada uno con sus tonos y estilos propios del formato que expresan).
Es mi primera lectura de Arthur Conan Doyle y me gustó. Muchas veces los autores que ganan la categoría de clásicos lo hacen por la invención de algúna idea o concepto innovador, o por la creación de algún recurso literario inexistente previamente, pero sin embargo, en su relectura en el marco actual pueden ser pesados o aburridos, sin embargo, con este autor me pasó todo lo contrario. Aparte de disfrutar mucho de la trama y la lectura, pude apreciar la calidad en la escritura, incluso leyéndolo en una traducción (donde muchas veces de pierde la calidad literaria del uso del lenguaje en el idioma original, por salvar el sentido de lo expresado a la hora de traducirlo y que en algunos casos se nota en la lectura del texto tradicido, incluso sin necesidad de leerlo en el idioma original para notarlo).
Me dieron ganas de meterme en el mundo literario de Conan Doyle y explorar los textos de Sherlock, que en el terreno cinematográfico me ha gustado desde siempre y ahora puedo comprobar que en el literario no será diferente.
August 19, 2024
INCREÍBLE. Me intrigó tanto la situación que inmediatamente me dispuse a verificar su autenticidad, puesto a que lo que se relata en el libro me tenía adictivamente atrapado, no revelaré detalles si halle o no si la historia era veridica. Pero volviéndo al libro me parecio sumamente entretenido, corta pero entregada perfectamente con equilibrio tanto de intriga como de misterio, lo recomiendo por completo, sobretodo si eres fan de este autor. Y también, vi ahí una referencia a cierto personaje muy famoso... averiguenlo por ustedes mismos.
October 25, 2015
Just not sherlock
Since none of the usual characters were in this story, there was no reason to expect it to resemble the original ones. Thus the difference in dialogue was also to be expected. The story itself was also unlike the traditional plot. So ... just not Sherlock.
Since none of the usual characters were in this story, there was no reason to expect it to resemble the original ones. Thus the difference in dialogue was also to be expected. The story itself was also unlike the traditional plot. So ... just not Sherlock.
February 21, 2012
From BBC Radio 4 Extra:
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story of the mysterious disappearance of a train en route from Liverpool.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story of the mysterious disappearance of a train en route from Liverpool.
September 21, 2015
The mystery of the lost train with subtle hints at Sherlock Holmes and James Moriarty.
July 18, 2018
A fantastic railway mystery written by the man who gave the world Sherlock Holmes, who is clearly more than capable of telling a gripping mystery without his trademark character.
January 15, 2025
Este relato cortito que cumple la primera etapa del reto ‘La vuelta al mundo en 12 libros 2025’ que este año tiene la coletilla tributo al tren, lo he escogido sobre todo por su brevedad y porque la trama incluye también dicho medio de transporte.
No es que sea demasiado fan de este autor, a mí me van las tramas policiacas más complejas, aunque su uso de la lógica tiene su aquel. En este caso, además, carecemos de la figura de Sherlock Holmes, a quien han matado cinco años antes. Como no existe la figura del detective invencible, perfecto, como queramos llamarlo, se hace uso de alguien desconocido que emite teorías a través de los periódicos con mayor o, más bien, menor fortuna.
Se ridiculiza al detective que lleva el caso, no sabe por dónde cogerlo, y termina por dimitir. Puede que todo esto, sea una especie de intento, o de llamada de auxilio, acerca de la conveniencia de resucitar al famoso detective, cuyo público clamaba porque así se hiciera. Y, de hecho, terminó haciéndose poco después.
Eso y el giro final inesperado que transforma esta obra corta en algo mucho más valioso. Pues la carta del reo encarcelado con la que llena medio relato explicando con pelos y señales lo que realmente ocurrió con ese tren que ha desaparecido como por arte de magia ocho años antes, resultaría demasiado prosaica si no fuera por el cariz que toma al final y el no-desenlace que desencadena, dejándolo abierto a la especulación del lector.
En fin, los fans de este autor creo que disfrutarán bastante con todo esto, lo mismo que lo hemos hecho quienes no lo somos tanto.
No es que sea demasiado fan de este autor, a mí me van las tramas policiacas más complejas, aunque su uso de la lógica tiene su aquel. En este caso, además, carecemos de la figura de Sherlock Holmes, a quien han matado cinco años antes. Como no existe la figura del detective invencible, perfecto, como queramos llamarlo, se hace uso de alguien desconocido que emite teorías a través de los periódicos con mayor o, más bien, menor fortuna.
Se ridiculiza al detective que lleva el caso, no sabe por dónde cogerlo, y termina por dimitir. Puede que todo esto, sea una especie de intento, o de llamada de auxilio, acerca de la conveniencia de resucitar al famoso detective, cuyo público clamaba porque así se hiciera. Y, de hecho, terminó haciéndose poco después.
Eso y el giro final inesperado que transforma esta obra corta en algo mucho más valioso. Pues la carta del reo encarcelado con la que llena medio relato explicando con pelos y señales lo que realmente ocurrió con ese tren que ha desaparecido como por arte de magia ocho años antes, resultaría demasiado prosaica si no fuera por el cariz que toma al final y el no-desenlace que desencadena, dejándolo abierto a la especulación del lector.
En fin, los fans de este autor creo que disfrutarán bastante con todo esto, lo mismo que lo hemos hecho quienes no lo somos tanto.
September 27, 2023
I quite liked this little mystery story. The way the case was “solved” wasn’t the strong point of the story, but that is rather irrelevant.
The key question regarding The Lost Special – one that has been debated for the past 125 years – is of course whether or not this is a Sherlock Holmes story. I’m no expert but I believe a consensus has not been reached. Thus, I feel free to offer my own opinion: of course it is. It’s actually pretty obvious:
“…an amateur reasoner of some celebrity at that date, attempted to deal with the matter in a critical and semi-scientific manner.” And: “’It is one of the elementary principles of practical reasoning,’ he remarked, ‘that when the impossible has been eliminated the residuum, HOWEVER IMPROBABLE, must contain the truth.’” A bit later the narrator continues: “The suggestion coming from a recognised authority upon such matters created considerable interest...”
Moriarty is also in the story:
“…I soon had one of the acutest brains in England to assist me…” “…he had the command of a band of workers who were trustworthy and intelligent. The idea was his…”
Given that the “recognised authority” failed to solve the case of The Lost Special, it’s no wonder that Watson never mentions it.
In addition, although ACD was rather hopeless with respect to the chronology of Holmes, The Lost Special starts in 1890 and Holmes “died” at Reichenbach falls in 1891, so that at least fits.
Therefore, The Lost Special is essential reading for all Holmes and ACD fans. And it’s a nice little mystery for everyone to enjoy.
The key question regarding The Lost Special – one that has been debated for the past 125 years – is of course whether or not this is a Sherlock Holmes story. I’m no expert but I believe a consensus has not been reached. Thus, I feel free to offer my own opinion: of course it is. It’s actually pretty obvious:
“…an amateur reasoner of some celebrity at that date, attempted to deal with the matter in a critical and semi-scientific manner.” And: “’It is one of the elementary principles of practical reasoning,’ he remarked, ‘that when the impossible has been eliminated the residuum, HOWEVER IMPROBABLE, must contain the truth.’” A bit later the narrator continues: “The suggestion coming from a recognised authority upon such matters created considerable interest...”
Moriarty is also in the story:
“…I soon had one of the acutest brains in England to assist me…” “…he had the command of a band of workers who were trustworthy and intelligent. The idea was his…”
Given that the “recognised authority” failed to solve the case of The Lost Special, it’s no wonder that Watson never mentions it.
In addition, although ACD was rather hopeless with respect to the chronology of Holmes, The Lost Special starts in 1890 and Holmes “died” at Reichenbach falls in 1891, so that at least fits.
Therefore, The Lost Special is essential reading for all Holmes and ACD fans. And it’s a nice little mystery for everyone to enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2020
Conan Doyle was such an excellent storyteller. This little gem could have easily been a Sherlock Holmes story, but for whatever reason he chose not to go that route.
So this, like all his stories, harken back to an earlier era. An era when if you missed the scheduled train, you had to wait for the next, or if you had the means, order a "special". As you can guess from the title, such a special train is lost. Not wrecked along the way, but gone, not to be found. Which was quite the occurrence for the 19th century. Of course the gentleman ordering the special had an menacing attendant with a mysterious case attached to his wrist.
Needless to say Doyle solves the affair in a most satisfying way at the end.
So this, like all his stories, harken back to an earlier era. An era when if you missed the scheduled train, you had to wait for the next, or if you had the means, order a "special". As you can guess from the title, such a special train is lost. Not wrecked along the way, but gone, not to be found. Which was quite the occurrence for the 19th century. Of course the gentleman ordering the special had an menacing attendant with a mysterious case attached to his wrist.
Needless to say Doyle solves the affair in a most satisfying way at the end.
July 8, 2023
Suspending disbelief with how quickly the criminal’s team was able to reapply railway connections strong enough to reroute the train and then remove them… I really like this story.
Another non-Sherlock mystery from Doyle. Probably the best of that small bunch.
There seems to be a little newspaper excerpt from either Sherlock or Mycroft in the story, placing it in the same timeline.
The actual reveal does seem a bit nuts, but that’s fiction for you. I actually had a good time with this one.
Another non-Sherlock mystery from Doyle. Probably the best of that small bunch.
There seems to be a little newspaper excerpt from either Sherlock or Mycroft in the story, placing it in the same timeline.
The actual reveal does seem a bit nuts, but that’s fiction for you. I actually had a good time with this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2023
This almost into Victorian James Bond territory. I can see this being the work of Mycroft and/or Sherlock as it smacks of a cunning plan! It's large scale leger-domain which would fit nicely into the territory of the Diogenes Club. This would make a great movie and (if set in the Victorian period) could be morphed into a really good yarn based at the Diogenes Club. It's a pity A C Doyle didn't tweek it into one himself, but the raw material is there. Well worth reading, another short but sweet read.
April 4, 2020
"Gentlemen, let me tell you how AWESOME I am at making trains disappear, I will recount you with full details the story of my great scheme. By the way, I'm just the BEST."
It's more of an interesting story than a good story, and by no means a waste of time.
It's more of an interesting story than a good story, and by no means a waste of time.
November 20, 2021
Entertaining listening 🎧
A will written British international mystery with out Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle with lots of interesting will developed characters. I would recommend to readers looking for a quick read. 2021 🕵️♂️👍
A will written British international mystery with out Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle with lots of interesting will developed characters. I would recommend to readers looking for a quick read. 2021 🕵️♂️👍
March 11, 2024
Si bien la obra retrata de buena manera el tipo de crimen increíble característicos de Arthur Conan Doyle, siento que la narrativa no presenta una línea de lectura interesante que se desarrolle a través de un conflicto inmersivo para el lector.
June 26, 2024
An interesting premise, but I found the story itself to be a little bit slow. I suppose this could have been my mood, too.
There is a possible Sherlock Holmes cameo in this tale, but it's hard to say for certain.
There is a possible Sherlock Holmes cameo in this tale, but it's hard to say for certain.
August 31, 2018
3.5 out of 5
February 28, 2019
An unlikely and complex solution but it could only be pulled off if there were a lot of people involved.
December 29, 2019
A letter of confession of a mastermind criminal how he vanished a whole train with perfection to assasinate his primary target after years of a closed case
February 26, 2021
A brilliantly written mystery tale with lots of twists and turns to keep the reader invested from beginning to end.
July 20, 2021
3,5 ⭐
September 15, 2021
Interesting short story would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews