The Valley of Fear
(Author) Sir Arthur Conan DoyleThe novel starts with Sherlock Holmes receiving a cipher message from Fred Porlock (pseudonym), an agent of Professor Moriarty. After Porlock sends the message, however, he changes his mind for fear of Moriarty's discovering that he is a traitor. He decides not to send the key to the cipher, but he sends Holmes a note telling of this decision. From the cipher message and the second note, Holmes is able to deduce that it is a book-cipher and that the book used for the encryption is a common book, large (with at least 534 pages), printed in two columns per page, and standardised. An almanac fits these conditions exactly. Holmes tries the latest edition of Whitaker's Almanac, which he had only received a few days earlier, and fails; he then tries the previous edition. With this almanac, Holmes is able to decipher the message as a warning that "some devilry is intended against one Douglas," a country gentleman residing at Birlstone House.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a British writer and physician, best known for creating the iconic detective character Sherlock Holmes. His most notable works include the Sherlock Holmes series, featuring novels such as "A Study in Scarlet" and "The Hound of the Baskervilles." Doyle's writing style is characterized by intricate plots, meticulous attention to detail, and clever deductions that have influenced the detective genre for generations to come. His contributions to literature include popularizing the detective story and creating one of the most enduring and beloved fictional characters in history. "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" remains his most famous work, showcasing his talent for crafting compelling mysteries and memorable characters. Doyle's impact on literature is immeasurable, as his works continue to inspire countless adaptations, tributes, and homages in various forms of media.
Other related
The Adventures & Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (Deluxe Edition)
