What do you think?
Rate this book
His Last Bow #5
The Adventure of the Dying Detective - a Sherlock Holmes Short Story
This is not the first time that death and Sherlock Holmes have come close. Do you recall 'The Final Problem' and the story of Reichenbach Falls? In 'The Adventure of the Dying Detective' our favourite genius has caught some strange and deadly disease among the sailors and the filth of the London docks.
Holmes' mind may have been affected and he spews insults at Dr. Watson the like of which his readers have never heard before. But there's one glimmer - can Watson locate Mr. Culverton Smith, the world's leading expert on the disease who is presently in London?
Librarian's note: (from the publisher) 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.
Holmes' mind may have been affected and he spews insults at Dr. Watson the like of which his readers have never heard before. But there's one glimmer - can Watson locate Mr. Culverton Smith, the world's leading expert on the disease who is presently in London?
Librarian's note: (from the publisher) 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.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1913
338 people are currently reading
1088 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
November 11, 2021
Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Adventure of the Dying Detective, relates how Sherlock Holmes is on his death bed, apparently dying from some Eastern fever, caught when he was working a case on the docks. When Holmes’s landlady calls Dr Watson to come, his friend is appalled at the sight of Holmes, how ill he looks, and insists on treating him.
Holmes however, won’t hear of it, he doesn’t want a doctor, he wants a planter from the Far East, who had an outbreak of the disease on his plantation, and who just happens to be in London.
Shocking though it is to hear of Holmes’s terrible illness, there’s quite a twist waiting at the end!
Holmes however, won’t hear of it, he doesn’t want a doctor, he wants a planter from the Far East, who had an outbreak of the disease on his plantation, and who just happens to be in London.
Shocking though it is to hear of Holmes’s terrible illness, there’s quite a twist waiting at the end!
December 12, 2023
I didn't know this short story with Sherlock Holmes. I found it very interesting and enjoyable.
SYNOPSIS: "Dr. Watson is called to check on Holmes, who is apparently dying of a rare Asian disease contracted while he was on a case. Watson is shocked, having heard nothing about his friend’s illness. Mrs. Hudson says that he has neither eaten nor drunk anything in three days. Upon arriving, Watson finds Holmes in his bed looking very ill and gaunt indeed, and Holmes proceeds to make several odd demands of Watson: He is not to come near Holmes, for the illness is highly contagious. He will seek no help save from the man whom Holmes names. He will wait until six o’clock before Holmes names him.
At six o’clock, Holmes tells Watson to fetch Mr. Culverton Smith. Oddly, he also tells Watson to be sure that he and Smith return to Baker Street separately. Smith is not a doctor but is supposedly an expert on the illness that ails Holmes."
SYNOPSIS: "Dr. Watson is called to check on Holmes, who is apparently dying of a rare Asian disease contracted while he was on a case. Watson is shocked, having heard nothing about his friend’s illness. Mrs. Hudson says that he has neither eaten nor drunk anything in three days. Upon arriving, Watson finds Holmes in his bed looking very ill and gaunt indeed, and Holmes proceeds to make several odd demands of Watson: He is not to come near Holmes, for the illness is highly contagious. He will seek no help save from the man whom Holmes names. He will wait until six o’clock before Holmes names him.
At six o’clock, Holmes tells Watson to fetch Mr. Culverton Smith. Oddly, he also tells Watson to be sure that he and Smith return to Baker Street separately. Smith is not a doctor but is supposedly an expert on the illness that ails Holmes."
January 27, 2020
اگه سریال شرلوک با بازی بندیکت تیموتی کارلتون کامبربچ (ماشالا اسم) رو دنبال کرده باشید پس خوندن این کتاب رو بهتون پیشنهاد میکنم
قسمت دوم فصل چهارم اقتباسی از این کتاب است
(اقتباس بهتر از داستان اصلی بود)
لینک ترجمه کتاب رو در کامنت ها قرار دادم
قسمت دوم فصل چهارم اقتباسی از این کتاب است
(اقتباس بهتر از داستان اصلی بود)
لینک ترجمه کتاب رو در کامنت ها قرار دادم
July 30, 2019
Holmes tricks a murderer to confess his deed. Watson is oblivious, as usual.
Not the best SH story. It was okay. 2 stars.
Not the best SH story. It was okay. 2 stars.
February 29, 2020
The Adventure of the Dying Detective' focuses mainly on Sherlock Holmes himself, who claims to be quite ill and about to die from a Sumatran disease. Mrs. Hudson, his housekeeper, is quite worried about him, so she convinces Dr. Watson to visit him in the apartment. Once Watson has seen Holmes, he is also convinced that Holmes is dying, so he leaves to fetch the one person who Holmes claims can save him: Culverton Smith. Watson returns to Holmes's apartment before Smith, and hides behind the bed in order to overhear what Smith and Holmes discuss. Smith admits to Holmes that he killed his nephew, and also that he sent Holmes a package designed to infect him with the same disease. Holmes asks Smith to light the gas, which signals the investigator who is waiting outside to come inside and arrest Smith.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2024
Another interesting adventure of Sherlock Holmes; similar to finding mysteries and ultimately solving them. But this differs slightly from other adventure of Sherlock Holmes as Arthur Conan Doyle emphasizes Watson rather than Sherlock. Sherlock was quite ill and about to die from a Sumatran disease. Is the world's most famous detective on his deathbed? 😱😱
The ending twist surprises its readers and perfectly coincide with the logic of the plot. Read yourself to find it out. It's just a short read; won't take much time
The ending twist surprises its readers and perfectly coincide with the logic of the plot. Read yourself to find it out. It's just a short read; won't take much time
August 8, 2019
Holmes spends most of this story in bed
Review of free Kindle edition
A Public Domain Book
Publication date: May 12, 2012
Language: English
ASIN: B0082XID88
33 pages
This, the 46th Sherlock Holmes story, was published in the U.S. in Collier's November 22, 1913. The first British publication was in The Strand Magazine, December, 1913. Subsequently, it has been sometimes published simply as The Dying Detective. It was later published in a collection of eight short stories entitled His Last Bow, Some Reminiscences of Sherlock Holmes.
It is difficult to say much about this story without spoilers. It illustrates the extremes to which Holmes is willing to go in order to accomplish his ends. Less successful, less mannerly, less generous of spirit and undoubtedly many would have regarded Holmes as an egomaniacal fanatic.
It had been many years since I last read this story so I found it suspenseful. Avoid reading any detailed description of the story and enjoy the suspense for yourself.
Review of free Kindle edition
A Public Domain Book
Publication date: May 12, 2012
Language: English
ASIN: B0082XID88
33 pages
This, the 46th Sherlock Holmes story, was published in the U.S. in Collier's November 22, 1913. The first British publication was in The Strand Magazine, December, 1913. Subsequently, it has been sometimes published simply as The Dying Detective. It was later published in a collection of eight short stories entitled His Last Bow, Some Reminiscences of Sherlock Holmes.
It is difficult to say much about this story without spoilers. It illustrates the extremes to which Holmes is willing to go in order to accomplish his ends. Less successful, less mannerly, less generous of spirit and undoubtedly many would have regarded Holmes as an egomaniacal fanatic.
It had been many years since I last read this story so I found it suspenseful. Avoid reading any detailed description of the story and enjoy the suspense for yourself.
February 13, 2024
هناك قناة على يوتيوب تسمى "إسلام عادل" أعتقد هي منقذة أي شخص لديه أعمال منزلية يريد انجازها و يحتاج تسلية.
June 28, 2022
5 stars & 5/10 hearts. Oh yessss! This story is so 👌🏼!
First off, it’s extremely comedic. I absolutely love Sherlock’s interaction with Watson. It’s hilarious; but also demonstrates the relationship between the two. Sherlock loved Watson, and Watson knew it, and he also knew the cost of being loved by Sherlock—and he was willing to pay it. In spite of his use of Watson for his own ends, Sherlock demonstrates his love for him by having such a deep, implicit trust in him, and I think it was this that kept Watson humbly willing to be used for Sherlock’s purposes…
The plot is fascinating and unique, the characters very interesting, but the dialogue between Sherlock & Watson was the best part. <3
Content: Good G*d; de**l; G*d knows; for He**en’s sake; good he**ens. Includes some trickery/deception/lying.
A Favourite Quote: “Do you suppose that such a consideration weighs with me of an instant? It would not affect me in the case of a stranger. Do you imagine it would prevent me from doing my duty to so old a friend?”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Well, I shouldn’t be surprised, Holmes. I shouldn’t be surprised if it WERE the same. A bad lookout for you if it is. Poor Victor was a dead man on the fourth day—a strong, hearty young fellow. It was certainly, as you said, very surprising that he should have contracted and out-of-the-way Asiatic disease in the heart of London—a disease, too, of which I had made such a very special study. Singular coincidence, Holmes. Very smart of you to notice it, but rather uncharitable to suggest that it was cause and effect.”
First off, it’s extremely comedic. I absolutely love Sherlock’s interaction with Watson. It’s hilarious; but also demonstrates the relationship between the two. Sherlock loved Watson, and Watson knew it, and he also knew the cost of being loved by Sherlock—and he was willing to pay it. In spite of his use of Watson for his own ends, Sherlock demonstrates his love for him by having such a deep, implicit trust in him, and I think it was this that kept Watson humbly willing to be used for Sherlock’s purposes…
The plot is fascinating and unique, the characters very interesting, but the dialogue between Sherlock & Watson was the best part. <3
Content: Good G*d; de**l; G*d knows; for He**en’s sake; good he**ens. Includes some trickery/deception/lying.
A Favourite Quote: “Do you suppose that such a consideration weighs with me of an instant? It would not affect me in the case of a stranger. Do you imagine it would prevent me from doing my duty to so old a friend?”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Well, I shouldn’t be surprised, Holmes. I shouldn’t be surprised if it WERE the same. A bad lookout for you if it is. Poor Victor was a dead man on the fourth day—a strong, hearty young fellow. It was certainly, as you said, very surprising that he should have contracted and out-of-the-way Asiatic disease in the heart of London—a disease, too, of which I had made such a very special study. Singular coincidence, Holmes. Very smart of you to notice it, but rather uncharitable to suggest that it was cause and effect.”
September 9, 2021
Holmes hasn’t had anything to eat or drink for 3 days! He believes he caught Eastern fever on the docks and he looks dreadfully awful. He’s lost in his mind, he’s utterly delirious, babbling, and shouting nonsense: “Isn’t it funny how the brain controls the brain? What was I saying, Watson?”
Loved this short. It was brilliant!
Loved this short. It was brilliant!
May 24, 2016
I love this one even though it is absolutely and utterly predictable, for the mere lengths Sherlock is willing to go to be an ass to Watson.
... and again, Watson just takes it.
... and again, Watson just takes it.
June 12, 2024
هولمز يحتضر!
هولمز يعاني من المرض واحتمالية صموده ضعيفة!
الحلو في الموضوع أني أول مرة اقرأ العدد دا، طبعا العنوان لأول وهلة صدمني وبعدين افتكرت حيل هولمز ومهارته في الخداع.
مالكة منزل هولمز بتروح لصديقه واطسون وتعرفه بمرض صديقه الشديد وطلبه لقاءه في أسرع وقت، يتفاجئ واطسون من حالة هولمز السيئة ويحاول مساعدته ولكن هولمز يرفض تماما لأن المرض معدي ونادر ولن يستطيع انقاذه سوى شخص واحد على واطسون أن يحضره ويلتزم بتعليمات هولمز
طبعا يظهر تفاني وهوس هولمز لإظهار الحقيقة واعتراف المجرم.
استمتعوا...
دمتم قراء… ❤️❤️❤️
February 11, 2024
بقرأ وبسمع شارلوك لأني بتخيل بينيديكت كامبرباتش❤ لكن مش عشان المغامرات جامدة ولا حاجة😂
June 8, 2018
I have come to the end of my admiration of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the character Sherlock Holmes. I found myself almost falling asleep listening to this audio-book, when my mind begins to think of other things it is a sign, it is not a good story.
Sir Arthur seems to use the same template with each story, and after ten or more stories you will begin to see it. Sherlock Holmes is always smarter than who he faces off against apart from in one story which was one of the better stories. Having Holmes smarter than everyone else and yet we never find what he is thinking until the end is tiresome after awhile.
He is a perfect character who can do no wrong, and this bores me. at least my character's have scares and imperfections. now in no ways am i saying my writing compares to this author but i just find character with a past and who is not perfect a whole lot better to read and write about.
To end this review, i would tell people to read other stories this one is lacking.
Sir Arthur seems to use the same template with each story, and after ten or more stories you will begin to see it. Sherlock Holmes is always smarter than who he faces off against apart from in one story which was one of the better stories. Having Holmes smarter than everyone else and yet we never find what he is thinking until the end is tiresome after awhile.
He is a perfect character who can do no wrong, and this bores me. at least my character's have scares and imperfections. now in no ways am i saying my writing compares to this author but i just find character with a past and who is not perfect a whole lot better to read and write about.
To end this review, i would tell people to read other stories this one is lacking.
August 30, 2015
Great story
May 8, 2017
Marvellous.
January 27, 2021
This is a great adventure wherein Sherlock Holmes nearly dies of a rare eastern disease, but ends up tricking his killer. I recommend it to all.
January 7, 2022
Buenísimo 🙌🏻
October 25, 2017
6/5 stars for an excellent performance by Sherlock Holmes (and reading by the exceptional Mr Simon Vance). I knew the story generally already from the BBC Sherlock series but this was better than that. Brilliant and well done ACD.
March 22, 2022
کاراگاه محتضر که اشاره به خودِ شرلوک هلمز دارد در ۱۹۱۳ نوشته شده که در آن به طور خلاقانه شرلوک هلمز بدون اینکه از منزلش خارج شود یک معمای جنایی را حل می کند... هوشمندی آرتور کانن دویل ( خالق شخصیت شرلوک هلمز) در خلق داستانهای جنایی و بیان آن در فقط ۲۰ صفحه جالب توجه و ستودنی است
Read
May 21, 2021I've reread this several times and still enjoy it. Better then the shows too... And I enjoyed those though I didn't like all of the creepiness.
February 10, 2022
Classic I gotchu bitch.
February 9, 2024
Sherlock is at it again
February 6, 2017
He was indeed a deplorable spectacle. In the dim light of a foggy November day the sick room was a gloomy spot, but it was that gaunt, wasted face staring at me from the bed which sent a chill to my heart.
The Adventure of the Dying Detective, Arthur Conan Doyle
Unica lettura in lingua che abbia mai fatto di Sir Conan Doyle. Che bella prosa! Una storia godibile e ben narrata. E Holmes si conferma uno dei personaggi che meno sopporto in letteratura... Veramente irritante! XD
Ma vale la lettura. :)
The Adventure of the Dying Detective, Arthur Conan Doyle
Unica lettura in lingua che abbia mai fatto di Sir Conan Doyle. Che bella prosa! Una storia godibile e ben narrata. E Holmes si conferma uno dei personaggi che meno sopporto in letteratura... Veramente irritante! XD
Ma vale la lettura. :)
June 2, 2021
For three days, Holmes refuses to eat and will only allow Mrs Hudson to ask Dr. Watson for help. The great detective appears to dying from a highly contagious disease. One which is usually found only in Asia. Watson examines things in the room. A curious ivory box draws his attention. When he picks it up to get a better look, Holmes demands that Watson must immediately put it down. Holmes tells Watson to bring a man called Culverton Smith to see him. Culverton Smith has no professional medical training but he knows more about the disease which Holmes claims to be suffering from than anyone else in the world. Holmes admits that he and Culverton Smith are not on friendly terms. This is because Holmes suspects the man had some part in the death of his nephew.
When Smith arries, Holmes orders Watson to hide behind the head of the bed, not to move, and not to betray himself under any circumstances.
Smith promises to cure Holmes if he no longer investigates the death of his nephew. Smith suggests that Holmes received a box in the mail (which Dr. Watson picked up), opened it, scratched it, and contracted a deadly virus. Holmes asks to fulfill his dying request and turn on the light. Now, the police enter the room, and the revived Holmes demands matches and cigarettes.
All in all a decent short tale. But it sees Holmes lying to Watson to achieve his end. In a similar fashion to The Big Lie, where Holmes faked his own death which Watson believed for many years.
September 19, 2019
"Of all ruins, that of a noble mind is the most deplorable."
Holmes was ill with a coolie disease from Sumatra. Only Mr.Culverton Smith could cure him of his illness. Unfortunately, he holds a grudge against him for the death of his nephew, Victor Savage.
Was Holmes responsible for his death? Will Culverton cure him of his illness?
The story despite being short engaged with every aspect thoroughly.
Holmes was ill with a coolie disease from Sumatra. Only Mr.Culverton Smith could cure him of his illness. Unfortunately, he holds a grudge against him for the death of his nephew, Victor Savage.
Was Holmes responsible for his death? Will Culverton cure him of his illness?
The story despite being short engaged with every aspect thoroughly.
April 24, 2020
" ثمة العديد من المشكلات التي تسببها الأمراض، والعديد من الاحتمالات المرضية الغريبة في الشرق يا واطسون."
"لأنه كان يعمل في أحد التحقيقات المهنية التي كان يجريها بين بحارة صينين"
"وحين ننتهي من مركز الشرطة أعتقد أننا يجب أن نحصل على شيء مغذ من محل سيمبسون. "
أمراض من الشرق (الصين)، صندوق لنقل المرض لشارلوك هولمز. ..ثم الذهاب إلى محلات سيمبسون.
بعد عقود، تعرض حلقة لعائلة آل سيمبسون تحتوي على صندوق من الصين ينقل فيروس!
"لأنه كان يعمل في أحد التحقيقات المهنية التي كان يجريها بين بحارة صينين"
"وحين ننتهي من مركز الشرطة أعتقد أننا يجب أن نحصل على شيء مغذ من محل سيمبسون. "
أمراض من الشرق (الصين)، صندوق لنقل المرض لشارلوك هولمز. ..ثم الذهاب إلى محلات سيمبسون.
بعد عقود، تعرض حلقة لعائلة آل سيمبسون تحتوي على صندوق من الصين ينقل فيروس!
February 7, 2016
One of my absolute favorite Sherlock Holmes stories. This is one that Messrs. Gatiss and Moffat desperately need to consider for an upcoming series of Sherlock. It would showcase the brilliance of Cumberbatch, Freeman and co. to the highest levels. Such an incredible story...
April 19, 2019
Mrs. Hudson is very worried about Sherlock Holmes
Mr. Watson went to see his doctor
But why all this ?
Yes Sherlock Holmes is sick
The doctor came and told Sherlock he would die
But what caused the disease ?
Mr. Watson went to see his doctor
But why all this ?
Yes Sherlock Holmes is sick
The doctor came and told Sherlock he would die
But what caused the disease ?
December 30, 2022
A very short quick read for free for Kindle from Amazon.
Yes! The detective in question is Holmes himself....
Yes! The detective in question is Holmes himself....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews