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: | A Scandal in Bohemia | Collection: | The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year published: | 1891 (July) | Year set in: | 1888 |
| Mystery: | Where is the photograph hidden? | ||
| Apparent crime: | Blackmail | Actual crime: | Shown below (possible spoiler) |
| Summary: | The King of Bohemia is being blackmailed by a former lover. | ||
- Introduction
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During his younger years, the King of Bohemia had had a liaison with an opera singer, Irene Adler. Now he wishes to marry and he is being blackmailed by Adler who has a compromising photograph. Holmes is asked by the King to retrieve the photograph.
- Actual crime
- Blackmail
- Explanation (spoiler alert)
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Holmes uses trickery to get Adler to reveal the photograph's location. But she flees with it before he can retrieve it. However, because she has married someone else, she promises the King that she will keep the photograph secret.
- Quotations in this story (2)
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Quote "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts."
- Characters in this story (4)
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Surname First name Title Adler Irene Holmes Sherlock Von Ormstein WIlhelm King of Bohemia Watson John Doctor
- Locations in this story (2)
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Location Town/City County 221b Baker Street London Briony Lodge London
- Other notes
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Holmes keeps a photograph of Adler as a reward.
- Keywords
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Irene Adler Wilhelm King Bohemia Ormstein Kramm opera marriage photograph Clotilda Briony Lodge Johns Wood Godfrey Norton St Monica