About The Adventure of the Copper Beeches

Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson listen to a worried Miss Violet Hunter. This illustration by Sidney Paget originally appeared in The Strand Magazine where ‘The Copper Beeches’ was first published.

The Adventure of the Copper Beeches is packed with sinister characters, strange twists and a violent conclusion that is not for the faint-hearted.

Miss Hunter comes to see Sherlock Holmes with trepidation after accepting a highly paid post as governess to a family that she suspects are not all that they appear.

The father seems pleasant but has warned her that she must cut her hair short, and wear certain clothes on demand.

Sherlock Holmes shares her concerns and promises to be on hand should matters take a dark turn – which they most certainly do.

“Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should dwell”.
– Sherlock Holmes,  in The Adventure of the Copper Beeches