Sherlock Holmes: "Rensburg's Will"

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Aired: September 26, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features a classic Sherlock Holmes mystery set in the English countryside during a punishing summer heat wave. Holmes and Watson, seeking relief from London’s oppressive weather, soon find themselves entangled in the suspicious events surrounding Rensburg Manor and the mysterious will of its late owner. What begins as a holiday quickly turns into a tangle of attempted murder, identity switch, and inheritance intrigue, with Holmes employing his keen deductive skills to uncover a devious plot.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

1. Escape from London and the Initial Incident

• Holmes and Watson decide to take a countryside holiday to escape the London heat (01:11–03:30).
• Approaching Little Sutton, they witness a carriage accident caused by a gunshot startling the horses (05:05–05:57).
• Dr. Watson suffers minor injuries but is cared for at the Dappleduck Inn.

Notable Quote:
"Let's hire ourselves a pony and trap, pack a few things in a rucksack and take to the open road... just relax and enjoy the sunshine."
— Sherlock Holmes, 01:30

2. Setting Introduced: Rensburg Manor and its Inhabitants

• Mary Cook and Reva Low, recent arrivals from South Africa, introduce the manor and explain Reva is the new heiress per her uncle’s will (07:00).
• Watson and Holmes are invited to Rensburg Manor, meeting the lawyer Harley Albright, Squire Newman, and local farmer Robert Higgins (09:31–10:49).
• There is an air of unease: the will’s conditions are odd, and the local community is tight-knit.

Notable Quote:
"The terms of my uncle's will are very strange. They require that I shall stay at the manor for a whole year before the estates are legally mine…"
— Reva Low, 14:22

3. Mysterious Accidents and Growing Suspicion

• Holmes voices suspicion that the carriage accident was a deliberate attempt on someone’s life, not a random act (12:14–13:46).
• Reva confides the full will’s requirements and describes unsettling "accidents" since her arrival:
  • The suspicious death of her uncle
  • A cat unexpectedly dying, possibly poisoned (16:08–17:04)
  • A heavy flower pot nearly killing Reva

Notable Quote:
"There is someone trying to cause me bodily harm."
— Reva Low, 18:31

4. Holmes Investigates and Sets a Trap

• Holmes insists on free access to the manor and inquires about details of the poisoning and the guests (18:41–19:17).
• Reveals suspicion of a murder plot, noting failed accidents as potential attempts (21:06).
• Holmes orchestrates a nighttime stakeout inside the manor during a thunderstorm, suspecting the killer would strike that night (22:16–22:25).

Notable Quote:
"The fact is that I was right. There is a murder planned. So far, a few attempts have been made under the cover of accident, but those have all failed."
— Sherlock Holmes, 21:06

5. Climactic Confrontation and Reveal

• Holmes and Watson catch the lawyer, Harley Albright, attempting to murder Mary Cook, who was actually the real Reva Low in disguise (23:33–24:02).
• Holmes reveals the women switched identities upon arrival due to suspicions raised by a letter from Reva’s uncle warning that someone was trying to kill him.
• The motive: Albright had been swindling estate funds and needed to eliminate the rightful heir to cover his tracks (24:11–25:21).

Notable Quote:
"You killed to cover up for all the money you've been swindling out of the estate. Isn't that right, Albright? Oh, yes. There's no need to reply. You'll have plenty of opportunities for that at your trial."
— Sherlock Holmes, 24:11

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On Country Life:
  "Ah, golden corn and the sweetest breeze bring peace and quiet to an English heart."
  — Sherlock Holmes, 04:20

• On Holmes’ Suspicion:
  "If I stay, I may put a stop to a miscarriage of justice. I may be able to prevent a murder."
  — Sherlock Holmes, 12:14

• On the Identity Switch:
  "This is really Riva Low. And this lady who poses the heiress is a hired protector. You are a brave woman."
  — Sherlock Holmes, 24:11

Important Segment Timestamps

• 01:11–03:30 – Holmes and Watson decide to leave London for the countryside.
• 05:05–05:57 – Carriage accident; Watson injured.
• 07:00–08:12 – Meet Mary Cook and Reva Low; suspicion raised about shooting.
• 09:31–10:49 – Introduction to Rensburg Manor and its principal characters.
• 12:14–13:46 – Holmes voices suspicion about will and possible danger.
• 14:22–15:07 – Reva Low reveals the odd terms of the will.
• 17:04–18:29 – Flowerpot incident narrowly avoided by Reva.
• 21:06–22:16 – Holmes reveals a murder is being plotted; prepares for stakeout.
• 23:33–24:02 – Holmes and Watson capture Harley Albright in the act.
• 24:11–25:21 – Holmes explains the true events and motive.

Tone and Style

The episode balances the tranquility of the English countryside with underlying menace, shifting from leisurely banter between Holmes and Watson to escalating tension and classic deductive unraveling. The story captures the genteel yet suspenseful feel of Golden Age detective radio.

Summary

"Rensburg's Will" is a tightly-woven mystery blending country charm with dark family intrigue. Holmes’ astute observation and logical reasoning unravel a plot involving switched identities, poisoned milk, and a murderous lawyer desperate to cover his embezzlement. Watson’s steadfastness and the women’s bravery are central to the resolution. The episode showcases Holmes at his deductive best, turning a countryside convalescence into a gripping case of inheritance and treachery.