Podcast Summary: Sherlock Holmes Short Stories
Episode: The Problem of Thor Bridge: Part Two
Host: Hugh Bonneville
Date: October 1, 2025
Narrated by: Hugh Bonneville
Podcast by: NOISER
Episode Overview
This episode continues the investigation into the mysterious death of Mrs. Gibson at Thor Bridge. All evidence seems to point toward the innocent Ms. Dunbar, the family's governess, but Sherlock Holmes is unconvinced by the apparent proof and sets out to unravel the elaborate scheme behind the murder. Through meticulous questioning, careful observation, and a dramatic reconstruction at the scene, Holmes exposes the truth behind the tragedy, demonstrating the detective's unmatched logic and insight.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Case Recap and Emerging Doubts
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[01:22] Host Hugh Bonneville recaps Part One:
- Maria Gibson was found shot on Thor Bridge, and all evidence points to Ms. Dunbar: a revolver in her wardrobe, her handwriting on a note in the victim’s hand, and her presence at the scene.
- Despite this, Mr. Gibson insists on her innocence and seeks Holmes’ help.
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[03:41] Holmes and local Sergeant Coventry review evidence, including the revolver and the incriminating note, discussing whether these facts are as damning as they appear.
2. Examination of the Crime Scene
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[05:20] Holmes and Watson visit Thor Place and proceed to Thor Bridge to examine where the body was found.
- Discussion of the position of Mrs. Gibson's body and how the note was gripped tightly in her left hand.
- The irreconcilable fact: Why would someone still be clutching the note long after receiving it?
- Holmes discovers a fresh chip on the underside of the bridge parapet, raising further intrigue.
“That is of great importance. It excludes the idea that anyone could have placed the note there after death in order to furnish a false clue.”
— Sherlock Holmes [06:32]
3. Insight into the Gibsons and Household Dynamics
- [09:21] At the Gibson estate, Holmes and Watson speak with Bates, the estate manager.
- Bates recounts Mr. Gibson’s violent temper and the troubled relationship with his wife.
- Confirms that on the night in question, Mr. Gibson was in his library during the events, and Ms. Dunbar had admitted to arranging to meet Mrs. Gibson at the bridge.
4. Holmes Questions the Evidence
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[13:10] Holmes analyzes the consistency of the evidence and the logic of the case.
- Holmes points out the implausibility of a calculated killer carelessly hiding the murder weapon in their own wardrobe.
- Introduces the possibility that the revolver was deliberately planted to frame Ms. Dunbar.
"Do you tell me that after carrying out so crafty a crime you would now ruin your reputation as a criminal by forgetting to fling your weapon into those adjacent reed beds... and put it in your own wardrobe, the very first place that will be searched?"
— Sherlock Holmes [14:36]
5. MS. Dunbar’s Testimony and Holmes’ Reassessment
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[20:21] Holmes and Watson visit Ms. Dunbar in her cell, accompanied by her lawyer, Mr. Cummings.
- Ms. Dunbar describes Mrs. Gibson as "a woman who would do nothing by halves" and outlines their antagonistic relationship.
- She recounts the events at the bridge: Mrs. Gibson’s rage, their heated conversation, and her swift departure.
- She swears she never saw the pistol found in her wardrobe and suspects it was planted while she was out or busy.
“She hated me, Mr. Holmes. She was a woman who would do nothing by halves and the measure of her love for her husband was the measure also of her hatred for me.”
— Ms. Dunbar [22:03]
6. The Clue on the Bridge and Holmes’ Revelation
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[29:04] Holmes quizzes Ms. Dunbar on the odd chip discovered on the bridge; she cannot explain it.
- Holmes’s demeanor changes as inspiration strikes, and he abruptly leaves, declaring hope for Ms. Dunbar’s case.
“Mr. Cummings, with the help of the God of justice, I will give you a case which will make England ring.”
— Sherlock Holmes [29:55]
7. The Reconstruction and Exposure of the Real Scheme
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[32:20] Holmes borrows Dr. Watson's revolver for an experiment.
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[35:30] At the bridge, Holmes ties the revolver to a stone with string, recreates the suspected suicide, and demonstrates how the murder weapon disappeared into the water, replicating the chip on the bridge.
“See Watson, your revolver has solved the problem.”
— Sherlock Holmes [36:20] -
Holmes declares Ms. Dunbar’s vindication and explains that Mrs. Gibson's suicide was made to look like murder, with the intent to incriminate Ms. Dunbar.
8. Holmes’ Reflections and Final Insights
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[38:00] Later, Holmes reflects on how the case tested his mix of logic and imagination—blaming himself for not seeing the answer sooner.
- Explains Mrs. Gibson's plot: she used deception and careful planning to frame Ms. Dunbar, with the note, the revolver, and the scene meticulously staged.
- The murder weapon’s disappearance and the incriminating note hidden in plain sight were the plot’s “subtlety.”
“I do not think that in our adventures we have ever come across a stranger example of what perverted love can bring about.”
— Sherlock Holmes [39:14]
Memorable Quotes & Moments
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On the note gripped by the victim:
“That is of great importance. It excludes the idea that anyone could have placed the note there after death in order to furnish a false clue.”
— Sherlock Holmes [06:32] -
On the inconsistency of the revolver:
“Where there is a want of [consistency] we must suspect deception.”
— Sherlock Holmes [14:13] -
On Dunbar’s innocence:
“Therefore it was placed in her wardrobe. Who placed it there? Someone who wished to incriminate her…”
— Sherlock Holmes [15:05] -
Holmes' breakthrough:
“Mr. Cummings, with the help of the God of justice, I will give you a case which will make England ring.”
— Sherlock Holmes [29:55] -
Holmes after the experiment:
“See Watson, your revolver has solved the problem.”
— Sherlock Holmes [36:20] -
On motivation:
“I do not think that in our adventures we have ever come across a stranger example of what perverted love can bring about.”
— Sherlock Holmes [39:14]
Important Timestamps
- 01:22 – Recap of Part One and setup of the case
- 03:41 – Holmes, Watson, and Sergeant Coventry review initial evidence
- 06:25 – Crime scene examination; discovery of the key clue (the chipped parapet)
- 09:21 – Conversation with estate manager, Bates, about household dynamics
- 13:10 – Holmes deconstructs the case against Ms. Dunbar
- 20:21 – Ms. Dunbar’s testimony — her relationship with the Gibsons and events at the bridge
- 29:04 – Holmes identifies the chip clue as pivotal
- 32:20 – Holmes plans a reconstruction with Watson’s revolver
- 35:30 – The experiment at the bridge reveals the truth
- 38:00 – Holmes’ final explanation and reflection on the case
Episode Conclusion
Holmes’ investigation exposes not just a cleverly concealed suicide but also the powerful emotional forces at play within the Gibson household—the “perverted love” driving Mrs. Gibson to orchestrate a crime intended not only to end her life but destroy an innocent rival. The experiment with Dr. Watson’s revolver and the chipped stone reveals the truth in a moment of dramatic, palpable satisfaction.
Next Time
- Preview: Holmes tackles “The Adventure of Black Peter,” investigating a grisly murder of a violent sea captain with many enemies and an unusual weapon—a harpoon.