This is the last story from The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes that I can record this year. The remaining ones (there are 3 I think) are still in copyright in the US. I’ve now recorded three in 2022 and I put this one off till last. Why put this one at the bottom of the pile?

Frankly, I didn’t much like it. I don’t think it feels like Arthur Conan Doyle and I’ve read a lot of Conan Doyle. This is not a new theory by the way: wikipedia gives the bare bones of the debate. There may be more about it online but I haven’t pursued it. For me it’s a gut feeling. What do you think? What makes you think it is ACD, what persuades you that it isn’t? Can you tell I didn’t enjoy recording it? Please comment in the usual way, if you wish.

This adventure was first published in 1926 in Liberty, a US publication, and then in the Strand magazine in the same year. Conan Doyle died in 1930.

WARNING: this story contains racist stereotypes and language not unusual in fiction at the time, but in my view out of keeping with Sir Arthur and the characters he honed and fashioned over a lifetime.

Initially I decided not to record this story, but having made that decision some weeks ago, I have since thought better of it. As I say, I’d be fascinated to hear your thoughts on the matter.

This story is read by Greg Wagland for Magpie Audio.

©Magpie Audio 2022

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