The idea of an undersea link between Britain and France dates back to 1802. However, there were powerful and persistent arguments against it. But among those who were in favour of a tunnel was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
“Matilda Briggs was not the name of a young woman, Watson, “ said Holmes in a reminiscent voice, “It was a ship which is associated with the giant rat of Sumatra, a story for which the world is not yet prepared.“
Take a memorable villain. Then add an unusual method of murder, and a midnight vigil at an isolated old Manor House. Finally combine with Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. These are the ingredients for the classic story, The Adventure of The Speckled Band.
“Which is it today,“ I asked “morphine or cocaine?“. So says Doctor Watson to Sherlock Holmes in The Sign of The Four. “It is cocaine,“ he said “a seven-per-cent solution. Would you care to try it?“
“My villa is situated upon the southern slope of the Downs, commanding a great view of the Channel.“ So Sherlock Holmes tells us in the story, The Adventure of the Lion’s Mane.
There are several advantages to being a Detective with the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection. One of them is discovering the lesser known works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Among these is The Poison Belt.