The Final Problem by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Name: The Final Problem
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The story revolves around Sherlock Holmes, a renowned detective, and his arch-nemesis Professor Moriarty, a brilliant mathematician and crime lord. The two men engage in a fierce battle at the Reichenbach Falls, where they ultimately meet their demise. The story begins with Holmes and Dr. Watson visiting the Reichenbach Falls, where they are approached by a Swiss lad who hands them a letter from an English lady who is dying of consumption. The letter requests that Holmes return to Meiringen to attend to her. However, upon returning to Meiringen, Holmes is nowhere to be found, and his Alpine-stock is still leaning against the rock. Watson searches for Holmes but finds no sign of him. He then discovers a torn piece of paper with a message from Holmes, which reveals that he had anticipated Moriarty's plan and had deliberately left the letter to Watson as a ruse. The message also contains instructions for Inspector Patterson on how to convict Moriarty's gang. The story concludes with an examination by experts confirming that Holmes and Moriarty died in a personal contest at the Reichenbach Falls, their bodies lost forever in the swirling waters.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1893 · Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Crime · 8,307 words

First lines

It is with a heavy heart that I take up my pen to write these the last words in which I shall ever record the singular gifts by which my friend Mr. Sherlock Holmes was distinguished. In an incoherent and, as I deeply feel, an entirely inadequate fashion, I have endeavored to give some account of my strange experiences in his company from the chance which first brought us together at the period of the "Study in Scarlet," up to the time of his interference in the matter of the "Naval Treaty" -- an interference which had the unquestionable effect of preventing a serious international complication. It was my intention to have stopped there, and to have said nothing of that event which has created a void in my life which the lapse of two years has done little to fill. My hand has been forced, however, by the recent letters in which Colonel James Moriarty defends the memory of his brother, and I have no choice but to lay the facts before the public exactly as they occurred.

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The Final Problem is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1893 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Date: 1893 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Crime, Adventure, Thriller
Length: 8,307 words
Structure: 1 section, 145 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Mystery — Arthur Conan Doyle is known for his mystery novels and stories, especially those featuring Sherlock Holmes, the protagonist of 'The Final Problem'. This story revolves around solving a mystery which is a trademark element of this genre.
Detective Fiction — The story features Sherlock Holmes, a famous detective character, who spends the entirety of 'The Final Problem' trying to outwit his nemesis, which is a key feature of detective fiction.
Crime — 'The Final Problem' deals with criminal elements such as murder and blackmail, making it a story within the crime genre.
Adventure — The protagonist, Sherlock Holmes, travels across Europe to control and win the battle against his nemesis Professor Moriarty, involving action and adventure elements.