Detective Stories: Sherlock Holmes 01.14.10

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote “The Adventure of the Speckled Band” as a narration of multiple interrogatory dialogues between Holmes and the people involved in the case. Throughout the story, Doyle shows how Holmes uses the information he gains from investigations and questioning to logically come to a conclusion of the case presented to him.

In this story, there are some traditional conventions of detective stories. For example, Holmes interviewed Miss Stoner about her concerns. She described the scene, the house that she shared with her sister, and what happened to the best of her knowledge. In most detective stories, initially, there is problem identification. That is, in modern times, usually in the form of a 911 call. But considering the setting of this story, it was a house visit to the detective personally. Secondly, there is a gathering of background information relevant to the case. Holmes asked Miss Stoner to recount with much detail the events of the night her sister died. Then, there is active investigation. Holmes and Watson went to the manor in Stoke Moran to first investigate and later stakeout the scene. Finally, there should be case resolution. Holmes used his information to find a logical conclusion.

“The Adventures of the Speckled Band” had certain components that remind me of modern day shows like “The First 48” or “Criminal Minds”. Holmes recommended Miss Stoner to find another place to stay if she felt as if she were in danger, much like a witness protection program in some TV shows.

I expected there to be more investigation and verification of facts in this story. It seemed that Holmes had a hunch and followed it to the end. While his hunch was correct, in an investigation, it’s better to follow the evidence and let it reach its own conclusion than to have a conclusion in mind and find evidence to prove it.