The Adventure of the Speckled Band

“The Adventure of the Speckled Band” is one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous short stories. Doyle dabbled in several genres and forms, including historical fiction, plays, and poetry, but his Sherlock Holmes mysteries are the chief reason his writing has been beloved around the world for over a century. Doyle’s work has had a profound influence on the genre of detective fiction, and the author considered “The Adventure of the Speckled Band” the best of all the Sherlock Holmes mysteries. Originally published in The Strand Magazine in 1892, the story explores the themes of greed, power, and loyalty.

This study guide refers to the February 1892 edition of The Strand Magazine.

Content Warning: The story contains incidents of domestic violence and abuse.

Dr. John Watson reviews his notes and shares the details of a case that occurred back in 1883. He prefaces the narrative by clarifying that he has not previously spoken of this case because he was sworn to secrecy. However, the unnamed woman he has promised is now deceased.

Early one morning in April 1883, Helen Stoner, a young woman dressed in black mourning clothes, comes to 221B Baker Street in London, the home of Sherlock Holmes and Dr.