The Sign of the Four

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23,953.73

A case involving a missing father, a secret pact among convicts, and a stolen treasure brings Holmes and Watson into a thrilling adventure across London and the Thames.

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Description

The Sign of the Four (1890) is the second Sherlock Holmes novel by Arthur Conan Doyle and a dynamic blend of mystery, action, and exotic intrigue. It opens with Mary Morstan approaching Holmes about her father’s mysterious disappearance and the anonymous gifts of pearls she has received annually since his vanishing. As Holmes, Watson, and Mary dive deeper, they uncover a tale that stretches from colonial India to the heart of Victorian London. At the core of the mystery is a secret pact among four convicts and two corrupt British officers who conspired to steal a vast treasure during the Indian Rebellion. One of these men, Jonathan Small, seeks justice—and vengeance. The investigation takes Holmes and Watson through opium dens, riverside chases, and eerie house calls, culminating in an exciting boat pursuit on the Thames. While Holmes dazzles with his deductive genius, Watson’s role is more emotional, as he falls in love with Mary. The novel explores imperialism, loyalty, greed, and the costs of colonial plunder. Doyle’s portrayal of London’s underworld and his dynamic characters, especially the fearsome Tonga, add layers to the narrative. The Sign of the Four cements Holmes’ legend while revealing the darker consequences of imperial conquest.