Sherlock Holmes Short Stories by NOISER

Episode: The Adventure of the Creeping Man: Part One

Narrated by Hugh Bonneville
Release Date: November 6, 2025

Episode Overview

In this suspenseful installment, listeners are transported into one of Sherlock Holmes’ final, most bizarre cases: “The Adventure of the Creeping Man.” The episode, masterfully narrated by Hugh Bonneville, explores the disturbing transformation of the esteemed Professor Presbury, whose unnaturally animalistic behavior raises alarm among his household and colleagues. As Holmes and Watson investigate, they unravel a deeper tale of scientific hubris, obsession, and the consequences of tampering with nature.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Case (00:45–02:35)

• Holmes’ Invitation: Dr. Watson recounts a familiar, cryptic telegram from Holmes:

  “Come at once if convenient. If inconvenient, come all the same.”

• Watson’s Reflections: He comments on his unique relationship with Holmes, likening himself to something between a companion and an intellectual sounding board:

  “I was a whetstone for his mind. I stimulated him.”

• Holmes’ Focus: Upon Watson’s arrival, Holmes is preoccupied, mulling over a new and complex problem.

2. Holmes on Dogs as Clues (02:36–04:49)

• Insightful Monograph:
  Holmes contemplates writing on “the uses of dogs in detective work,” going beyond the obvious:

  “A dog reflects the family life. Whoever saw a frisky dog in a gloomy family or a sad dog in a happy one? Snarling people have snarling dogs. Dangerous people have dangerous ones…” (03:51, Holmes)

• Watson remains skeptical of Holmes' theory, prompting Holmes to highlight the importance of seemingly trivial details:

  “The gravest issues may depend upon the smallest things.” (04:34, Holmes)

3. Introduction of the Client: Mr. Trevor Bennett (08:21–13:35)

• Bennett's Relation:
  • Assistant to Professor Presbury
  • Lives at Presbury’s house
  • Engaged to Presbury’s daughter, Edith
• Background: Presbury, a celebrated academic, recently became obsessively infatuated with a much younger woman, inciting familial tension due to differences in age.
• The Prague Trip: Presbury left home for two weeks without explanation, only to be quietly discovered (via a letter to Bennett) to have visited Prague—a first in his normally routine life.

4. The Professor’s Changed Behavior (13:36–17:15)

• Personality Shift:
  • Presbury becomes secretive, sly, and notably altered after the trip.
  • His intellect remains unaffected, but his manner and presence are transformed.
• Secret Correspondence and the Carved Box: Bennett recounts that after the professor’s return:
  • Certain letters—marked with a cross under the stamp—are now for Presbury’s eyes only.
  • A peculiar carved wooden box, acquired overseas, is kept locked away and guarded fiercely.

5. The Wolfhound’s Attacks & Deteriorating Atmosphere (17:16–19:05)

• Dog’s Aggression: Bennett notes multiple occasions (all in July) when the loyal wolfhound, Roy, attacks Presbury, despite previously being affectionate.
• Key Detail:

  “It was on that very day, July 2, that Roy attacked the professor as he came from his study into the hall…” (18:31, Bennett)

• Holmes is deeply intrigued by the abnormality and asks Bennett to elaborate on recent events.

6. The Nighttime Incident (19:06–21:20)

• The Creeping Man: Bennett describes being awoken around 2 a.m. by sounds, and witnessing Presbury “crawling”—not on hands and knees, but on hands and feet, moving with animal-like agility:

  “He was crawling, Mr. Holmes… with his face sunk between his hands. Yet he seemed to move with ease.” (20:03, Bennett)

• When confronted, Presbury reacts violently and hurriedly leaves.

• Watson’s Diagnosis: Watson proposes a medical issue, such as severe lumbago, but Holmes dismisses this, noting Presbury's overall good health.

7. Edith Presbury’s Terrifying Encounter (22:00–25:10)

• Edith’s Firsthand Account:

  • Professor Presbury has episodes where he is seemingly not himself.
  • One night, awakened by the dog’s frantic barking, Edith, whose room is on the second floor, sees her father's distorted face pressed against her second-story window:

    “There it was, pressed against the window pane and one hand seemed to be raised as if to push up the window. If that window had opened, I think I should have gone mad.” (24:03, Edith)

  • She is adamant it was not a dream or hallucination—yet there is no way he could have reached the window unaided.

• Holmes’ Immediate Interest:

  “This is the second time that you have alluded to the date, Mr. Holmes… Is it possible that it has any bearing upon the case?” (25:10, Bennett)
  Holmes confirms his tracking of dates is deliberate, but refrains from revealing his full theory.

8. Holmes Outlines the Next Step (25:11–26:40)

• Strategic Approach: Holmes suggests visiting and observing Professor Presbury under the guise of a prearranged appointment, exploiting the Professor’s apparent memory gaps.
• Closing Note:
  The trio (Holmes, Watson, and Bennett) prepares to journey to Camford, with Holmes cryptically positive about the coming investigation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Holmes, on the subtlety of canine behavior:

  “A dog reflects the family life. Whoever saw a frisky dog in a gloomy family or a sad dog in a happy one?” (03:51)

• Watson, detailing his purpose:

  “I was a whetstone for his mind. I stimulated him.” (02:12)

• Bennett, describing Presbury’s shift:

  “All was in vain… always there was something new, something sinister and unexpected.” (13:52)

• Bennett, on the famous Prague trip and secret letters:

  “He told me that certain letters might come to him from London which would be marked by a cross under the stamp. These were to be set aside for his own eyes only.” (15:30)

• Bennett, describing the ‘creeping’ incident:

  “He was crawling, Mr. Holmes, crawling… on his hands and feet with his face sunk between his hands. Yet he seemed to move with ease.” (20:03)

• Edith, on her otherworldly experience:

  “There it was, pressed against the window pane and one hand seemed to be raised as if to push up the window. If that window had opened, I think I should have gone mad.” (24:03)

• Holmes, on strategy:

  “There are reasons why we should come at once. Very cogent reasons. If my theories hold good tomorrow, Mr. Bennett, we will certainly see you in Camford.” (26:05)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:45 – Episode introduction and narrator’s setup
• 02:10 – Watson reflects on partnership with Holmes
• 03:35 – Holmes on the significance of dogs and character
• 08:21 – Mr. Trevor Bennett’s introduction
• 13:40 – Professor Presbury’s changed behavior post-Prague
• 15:30 – The secret letters and the mysterious box
• 18:31 – First dog attack (July 2nd)
• 20:03 – The creeping episode (Bennett’s account)
• 22:00 – Edith’s encounter at her window
• 25:10 – Holmes’ attention to dates and planning next steps
• 26:40 – Preview of Part Two and closing

Tone & Narrative Style

• The narration by Hugh Bonneville maintains the traditional, atmospheric tone of Sherlock Holmes stories: even-paced, subtly suspenseful, with pockets of dry wit.
• Holmes is depicted as intensely analytical, sharp, and a master of understated humor, while Watson is a steadfast, reflective companion.
• The episode’s mood is gradually escalated through the introduction of gothic elements—secret communications, animal aggressions, and uncanny nocturnal events.

Summary for New Listeners

This first part invites listeners into a classic Doyle mystery with a fresh, audio twist. The unsettling behavior of Professor Presbury, the loyalty and alarm of his family and colleagues, and the mounting tension around seemingly supernatural events—such as animal attacks and the professor's inhuman feats—make for a riveting setup. Holmes’ methodical approach and the layering of clues set the stage for a climactic investigation in part two.

Next Episode Preview:
Holmes and Watson’s investigation continues at Camford, as Presbury’s transformation becomes even more unnerving. The lines between human and beast blur—with potentially deadly consequences.