The Valley of FearThe Valley of Fear is the fourth and final Sherlock Holmes novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Similar to A Study in Scarlet, it is divided into two distinct parts The Tragedy of Birlstone and The Scowrers. The first is the murder mystery while the second brings to light the motive behind the murder. However, there is also an epilogue with an unexpected twist that will certainly keep readers on their toes.Interestingly, the novel is loosely based on the actions of undercover operative James MacParland who inflitrated and helped dismantle the Molly Maguires coal miner's organization in Pennsylvania. It starts with Sherlock Holmes receiving a cipher message from Fred Porlock, a pseudonymous agent working with Professor Moriarty. After sending the message, however, Porlock changes his mind fearing Moriarty's retaliation and decides not to provide the key to the cipher, sending Holmes a note telling of this decision.Using the cipher message and the second note, however, Holmes manages to decipher the letter and learn that someone at the Birlstone House is about to be murdered. Just a few minutes later, Inspector MacDonald arrives at Baker Street with the news that Mr. John Douglas has been murdered.Thus begins the spellbinding and riveting mystery of The Valley of Fear. While Sherlock and Watson wrestle with the devious and dangerous mind of Professor Moriarty, the English and American police are confronted with blackmail, murder, finance, romance, and social injustice.Illustrated by Frank Wiles, The Valley of Fear is a masterfully written murder mystery filled with suspense, nail-biting thrills, and unforgettable characters. If you enjoy classic British whodunnit mysteries with witty dialogue and suspenseful twists then Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson fit the bill. |