The Boscombe Valley Mystery

The Boscombe Valley Mystery, written by Arthur Conan Doyle, is a short story that revolves around the murder of Sir Charles McCarthy and the subsequent investigation led by Sherlock Holmes. The story is known for its unique structure, as it is presented as a series of clues and deductions rather than a traditional narrative. Can I help you with something else?

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1890 · Genre: Mystery, Crime, Detective fiction · 11,450 words

First lines

We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran in this way:

"Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Leave Paddington by the 11: 15. "

What this Textopian page supports

The Boscombe Valley Mystery is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1890 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Short story
• Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Date: 1890 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Mystery, Crime, Detective fiction, Adventure, Thriller
• Length: 11,450 words
• Structure: 1 section, 196 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Boscombe Valley Mystery by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

• What should a reader notice first when entering The Boscombe Valley Mystery?
• How does this short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

• The Adventure Of The Red Circle by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• The Adventure Of The Three Garridebs by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• The Adventure Of The Lions Mane by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• The Adventure Of The Abbey Grange by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• The Adventure Of Black Peter by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
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Genres

• Mystery — The book's title and plot revolve around solving the 'Boscombe Valley Mystery', making it most directly a mystery novel.
• Crime — The mystery at the heart of the book is centered around a crime scene which needs to be deduced and understood.
• Detective fiction — The story involves Detective Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson, who work together to solve crimes, hence falling under the detective fiction genre.
• Adventure — Throughout the plot, Sherlock and Watson undertake an adventure journey to investigate and solve the mystery.

Tags

mystery · detective · Sherlock Holmes · Watson · crime · investigation · suspense · England · 19th century · whodunit · forensics · clues

More by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

• The Parish Magazine (1914)
• The Great Brown-Pericord Motor (1914)
• The Holocaust of Manor Place (1901)
• The Debatable Case of Mrs. Emsley (1901)
• The Love Affair of George Vincent Parker (1901)
• The Disintegration Machine (1927)
• The Bully of Brocas Court (1914)
• The Brown Hand (1914)
• All works by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle