Note: the tab marked "Explanation" reveals the ending of the story. Do not view that if you are reading the story for the first time and do not want to spoil your enjoyment.
| Title: | The Adventure of Black Peter | Collection: | The Return of Sherlock Holmes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year published: | 1904 (February) | Year set in: | 1895 |
| Mystery: | Who killed a former seaman with a harpoon? | ||
| Apparent crime: | Murder | Actual crime: | Shown below (possible spoiler) |
| Summary: | A violent and former sea captain is found dead with a harpoon through him. | ||
- Introduction
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A former seal and whale hunter, Captain Peter Carey, is found dead in a a private outhouse he owned. He had been killed with one of his harpoons through him but there is no apparent motive (although he was a violent and dangerous man). Inspector Hopkins asks Holmes help.
- Actual crime
- Murder
- Explanation (spoiler alert)
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During his sea career, Carey had killed a man to steal some securities and another seaman had met him to blackmail him. When Carey attacked him, the seaman killed him with the harpoon.
- Quotations in this story (2)
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Quote "I understand, however, from the inquest that there were some objects which you failed to overlook?" "One should always look for a possible alternative, and provide against it. It is the first rule of criminal investigation."
- Characters in this story (4)
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Surname First name Title Carey Peter Captain Holmes Sherlock Hopkins Stanley Inspector Watson John Doctor
- Locations in this story (1)
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Location Town/City County 221b Baker Street London
- Other notes
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- Keywords
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Peter Carey Captain Basil Unicorn Stanley Hopkins seal whale harpoon Woodmans Forest Sussex Slater John Hopley Neligan Dawson James Lancaster Hugh Pattins Patrick Cairns