Sherlock Holmes Short Stories – The Adventure of the Reigate Squire: Part Two

Narrated by Hugh Bonneville | NOISER Podcast | December 25, 2025

Episode Overview

In the dramatic conclusion to "The Adventure of the Reigate Squire," Sherlock Holmes recovers from illness just in time to untangle a deadly crime at a country estate. What seems a web of odd clues and an apparent burglary spirals into murder, blackmail, and a desperate struggle for survival. The episode lays out Holmes’s methodical, unconventional approach to crime-solving and culminates in both a clever confrontation and full unraveling of the plot.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recap & Setup (01:02–04:45)

• Background: Holmes, weakened by illness, retreats to Colonel Hayter's Surrey home with Dr. Watson. Instead of rest, they become embroiled in two local break-ins—the second resulting in the shooting of coachman William Kirwan.
• The Evidence: A torn note is found clutched in the dead man's hand, suggesting an appointment.

2. Holmes Investigates at the Cunninghams' Estate (04:46–16:30)

• Meeting the Cunninghams: Holmes, Watson, and local police interview Mr. Cunningham and his son Alec, the prominent neighbors, who witnessed parts of the crime and seem skeptical—or dismissive—of Holmes.
• Staged Illness: Holmes feigns a sudden collapse (“I am liable to these sudden nervous attacks.” – Holmes, 07:45), creating a diversion at a crucial moment.
• Key Quote:
  • Holmes: “Is it not extraordinary that a burglar...should deliberately break into a house at a time when he could see from the lights that two of the family were still afoot? He must have been a cool hand.” (09:31)
• Request for a Reward: Holmes requests the Cunninghams quickly offer a reward, observing their reactions and prompting them to write a note that he covertly examines for handwriting analysis.
• Meticulous Search: Holmes inspects the forced door and inquires about dogs and servants' routines, all while noting inconsistencies in the Cunninghams' accounts.

3. The Dramatic Confrontation (16:31–25:10)

• Holmes's Ruse: Holmes purposely knocks over a tray (dish of oranges and a carafe of water) to create a distraction, accusing Watson of the mishap and drawing attention (20:10).
• Holmes Disappears: Taking advantage of the chaos, Holmes slips away—prompting suspicion from the Cunninghams and consternation among the group.
• Attack on Holmes:
  • A sudden cry for help leads Watson and others to find Holmes being assaulted by both Cunninghams; Alec is strangling him, the elder Cunningham wrenching at his wrist.
  • “Arrest these men, Inspector...on the charge of murdering their coachman, William Kirwan.” – Holmes, gasping after the assault (22:38)
• Attempted Escape: Alec Cunningham tries to brandish a revolver, but Holmes and others neutralize him and recover the missing piece of the torn note—hidden as Holmes anticipated.

4. Holmes’s Method Revealed (25:11–36:45)

• Back at the Colonel’s House: Holmes reconstructs the case in front of Watson, Colonel Hayter, Inspector Forrester, and victimized neighbor Mr. Acton.

• Handwriting Analysis:

  • Holmes demonstrates that two people co-wrote the incriminating note—father and son—by alternating words, the stronger penmanship leading the operation.
  • “My dear sir, there cannot be the least doubt...two persons doing alternate words.” – Holmes (29:26)

• Forensic Reasoning: Holmes discredits the Cunninghams’ alibi based on the distance from which Kirwan was shot and the absence of boot marks in the yard.

• Motive Unveiled:

  • The original Acton burglary was an attempt to retrieve (or destroy) evidence in an estate lawsuit.
  • William Kirwan witnessed the Cunninghams’ break-in and blackmailed them, sealing his fate.
  • Alec Cunningham lured William to his death using the note as bait.

• Key Quotes:

  • “It is of the highest importance in the art of detection to be able to recognize out of a number of facts which are incidental and which are vital...otherwise your energy...must be dissipated instead of being concentrated.” – Holmes (27:45)
  • "It is an art which is often useful," Holmes remarks about his feigned illness and theatrical deceptions. (34:05)
  • Watson, in amazement: “Speaking professionally, it was admirably done...this man is forever confounding me with some new phase of his astuteness.” (34:28)

5. The Trap and the Note (36:46–End)

• The Full Note: Holmes produces the complete note that lured William—inviting him to a late-night rendezvous at the east gate, promising helpful information regarding a certain Annie Morrison.
• The Final Deduction: Holmes traces its composition to both Cunninghams, pointing out “the traces of heredity” in their handwriting—a subtle but damning confession.
  • “The absence of the i-dots in the old man's writing is most characteristic, Watson.” – Holmes (40:15)
• Aftermath: Holmes concludes that the country retreat has indeed been a restorative adventure—and hints at returning to Baker Street “much invigorated.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Holmes on detection:
  • “I make a point of never having any prejudices and of following docilely wherever fact may lead me.” (26:17)
• On crime and motive:
  • “It was a dangerous, reckless attempt in which I seemed to trace the influence of young Alec.” – Holmes, reconstructing the Cunninghams’ plot (34:54)
• Watson’s admiration:
  • “Speaking professionally, it was admirably done…this man is forever confounding me...” – Watson, reacting to Holmes’s fake illness (34:28)
• Holmes’s satisfaction:
  • “I think our quiet rest in the country has been a distinct success, and I shall certainly return, much invigorated, to Baker Street tomorrow.” (41:02)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Episode Recap & Setup: 01:02–04:45
• Inspection at Cunningham Estate: 04:46–16:30
• Confrontation & Holmes’s Stratagem: 16:31–25:10
• Holmes Explains the Case: 25:11–36:45
• Revelation of the Note & Aftermath: 36:46–end

Tone & Style

• The narration is immersive and classic, capturing Conan Doyle’s spirit: dry wit, precise observation, and a touch of theatricality in Holmes’s dialogue.
• The dialogue maintains the brisk, clipped tone of late Victorian England, especially in Holmes’s deductions and Watson’s awed reflections.

For New Listeners

This episode masterfully reveals Holmes’s blend of observation, psychology, and misdirection to force a confession and resolve a country mystery. Even without knowledge of Part One, listeners are caught up with a concise summary and drawn into a tense, plot-driven drama.

If you’re intrigued by clever puzzles, psychological games, and classic detective showdowns, “The Adventure of the Reigate Squire: Part Two” delivers all these—wrapped in a tale of country intrigue and criminal ambition.

Next Episode Teaser

Stay tuned for the next mystery, “The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist,” where Holmes and Watson protect a young music teacher stalked across the Surrey countryside—a case that develops into a race against time.