Mystery fans, I have a Christmas treat for you today! In January, 1892, The Strand magazine published Arthur Conan Doyle’s one and only Sherlock Holmes story set at Christmastime.
“The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle” is one of my own favorite Sherlock stories, featuring a twisty tale of jewel thieves, ill-fated Christmas dinners, and some of the best banter between Holmes and Watson in the Sherlockian canon. (There is some animal violence, as a goose meets a sad fate in the tale, so reader discretion is advised.)
Sidney Paget’s illustration sets the stage for the curious puzzle facing Holmes this Christmastide…
I have several ways for you to enjoy this tale, depending on your mood.
First, read the original story here, at the official Arthur Conan Doyle website (scroll down PAST the plot summary to where it says “text”).
Or you can listen to a delightful audio recording from LibriVox here.
Or if you have the BritBox streaming service, I highly recommend watching the 1984 BBC/Granada production starring Jeremy Brett.
So pour yourself a mug of eggnog, serve up a slice of plum pudding, and settle in to learn what happened when Christmas was coming and one particular goose was getting fat…
Happy Holidays!
