Sherlock Holmes Short Stories: "A Case of Identity – Part Two"
Podcast: Sherlock Holmes Short Stories
Host/Narrator: Hugh Bonneville
Production: NOISER
Date: March 12, 2026
Episode Theme: The revelation of the mysterious disappearance of Hosmer Angel, and Holmes’ unraveling of a cruel family deception.
Episode Overview
This episode concludes the case of Mary Sutherland and the vanishing of her fiancé, Hosmer Angel. Picking up immediately after Mary’s distressed visit to Baker Street, it features Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson discussing the case, dissecting the evidence, and ultimately uncovering a shocking truth about Mary’s stepfather, James Windibank. The episode is a classic display of Holmes' deductive prowess, focusing on detailed observation, human motivations, and the limits of the law against moral wrongdoing.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Holmes’ Process: The Art of Observation
- Holmes is more interested in Mary Sutherland as a "study" than the case itself, noting his appreciation for the "instructive" details she presents.
- He instructs Watson on observation, emphasizing the significance of seemingly trivial details: “I can never bring you to realize the importance of sleeves...or the great issues that may hang from a boot lace.” (03:10)
- Holmes breaks down the clues in Mary’s appearance and behavior, such as the plush on her sleeves (indicating typewriting), the ink-stained, torn glove, and mismatched boots, to deduce that she left in haste after finishing a note.
Watson’s Perspective
- Watson’s attempt to observe Mary is commended for effort but critiqued for missing key clues:
- Notable quote: “You have really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method and you have a quick eye for colour.” (04:39)
- Watson describes his ongoing awe at Holmes' abilities, referencing past cases and his own belief in Holmes’ infallibility.
The Letters and Typewriter Clues
- Holmes scrutinizes the correspondence from Hosmer Angel, finding them "very commonplace" but noteworthily all typewritten, even the signature, which he finds “very suggestive, and in fact we may call it conclusive.” (06:43)
Confrontation with James Windibank
- The dramatic heart of the episode arrives with Windibank’s arrival (12:22). Holmes confronts him directly about the typewritten letters and exposes the identical peculiarities of the office typewriter and "Hosmer Angel’s" letters.
- Windibank’s nervousness escalates as Holmes makes it clear he can prove Windibank impersonated Hosmer Angel.
- Notable exchange:
- Holmes: “I let you know then that I have caught him.”
- Windibank (startled): “What? Where?” (14:39)
- Notable exchange:
Holmes’ Explanation: The Scheme Revealed
- Holmes lays out Windibank's motivations:
- Windibank married an older, wealthy woman and profited from keeping Mary and her income at home.
- To prevent Mary from marrying and taking her income, he invented Hosmer Angel, a persona he played himself, using disguise and typewritten correspondence to avoid detection—exploiting Mary’s poor vision and naivety.
- Disappearance was engineered to “leave a permanent impression… and prevent her from looking upon any other suitor.” (17:53)
- Notable quote: “That fellow will rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad and ends on a gallows.” (21:37)
Morality vs. Legality
- Holmes laments the fact that "there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel," highlighting the gap between legal justice and moral justice.
- Holmes contemplates personal retribution, tempted to strike Windibank, but Windibank flees.
The Case Closed: Holmes’ Reasoning
- Holmes explains how he confirmed his theory—eliminating aspects of disguise, cross-referencing employer records, and analyzing the typewriter’s quirks. (22:30)
- He reflects on the futility of convincing Mary Sutherland: “There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much knowledge of the world.” (24:20)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Holmes on observation: “Never trust to general impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details." (05:33)
- Holmes exposing Windibank: “It is quite too transparent. And it was a very bad compliment when you said that it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question.” (15:02)
- Holmes, frustrated by law’s limits: “There never was a man who deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders.” (21:16)
- Closing insight on delusion: “There is danger for him who taketh the tiger cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.” (24:13)
Important Timestamps
- [00:33] Episode resumes post-ad, Hugh Bonneville sets the Baker Street scene and recaps
- [02:10] Holmes and Watson discuss Mary Sutherland and begin detailed observation lesson
- [07:25] Analysis of Hosmer Angel’s letters and typewriter clues
- [12:22] Windibank arrives at Baker Street
- [14:39] Holmes reveals to Windibank he’s been caught
- [17:53] Holmes reconstructs the scheme for Watson and Windibank
- [21:37] Windibank flees, Holmes’ commentary on character and fate
- [22:30] Holmes details his deductions and investigatory process
- [24:20] Reflection on the difficulty of convincing Mary and the philosophy of delusion
Tone and Style
The tone throughout, delivered in Hugh Bonneville’s classic, measured narration, is reflective of Doyle’s original—sharp, instructional, witty, and tinged with both compassion and exasperation over human folly and evil. Holmes’ dialogue is brisk and incisive, offset by Watson’s earnest curiosity and moral sensibility.
Conclusion & Teaser
The resolution leaves Mary Sutherland in tragic ignorance, her hopes dashed by her own family’s machinations, and Holmes both triumphant and saddened by the unpunished villainy.
Next episode preview: Holmes and Watson tackle academic cheating at St. Luke’s College in "The Adventure of the Three Students."
This summary covers all crucial content and storytelling of "A Case of Identity: Part Two," capturing both the deductive brilliance and emotional depth of the tale.