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 the Cardboard Box | Collection: | The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year published: | 1893 (January) | Year set in: | |
| Mystery: | Why were two ears sent to a quiet woman? | ||
| Apparent crime: | Murder | Actual crime: | Shown below (possible spoiler) |
| Summary: | A quiet spinster receives a parcel containing two severed ears with no idea why. | ||
- Introduction
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Susan Cushing, a quiet and retiring woman, unexpectedly receives a parcel containing two severed ears, one from a man and the other from a woman. Apart from a practical joke from previous tenants (medical students), she has no idea of who they are from or why.
- Actual crime
- Murder
- Explanation (spoiler alert)
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Susan Cushing had two sisters, one with the same initial (Sarah) and the parcel had been meant for her. Jim Browner had been married to the third sister, Mary, but their marriage had been broken by Sarah and her friend who had become Mary's lover. In revenge, Browner had killed his wife and lover, and sent their ears to Sarah.
- Quotations in this story (0)
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Quote There are no quotes for this story
- Characters in this story (4)
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Surname First name Title Cushing Susan Holmes Sherlock Lestrade 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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Susan Sarah Mary Cushing Cross Browner Alec Fairbairn Lestrade Croydon Wallington Belfast Penge medical students sailor seaman Conqueror