"I think one or two of the later Holmes stories are among the best"

Rex Stout’s appreciation for the later Holmes stories reveals a nuanced understanding of both Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s development as a writer and the enduring complexity of Sherlock Holmes as a character. Many readers and critics tend to focus on the early Holmes adventures, such as those compiled in “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,” viewing them as the height of Conan Doyle’s creative powers. Stout’s remark challenges this consensus, suggesting that the final stories in the canon possess exceptional qualities that deserve recognition.

As the Holmes saga progressed, Conan Doyle’s storytelling evolved. The later stories, written after the so-called “resurrection” of Holmes following his apparent death at Reichenbach Falls, exhibit greater maturity in tone and complexity in plot. Doyle began to experiment with narrative structure, psychological insight, and social themes that were less pronounced in his earlier, often more formulaic tales. Stories like “The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans,” “The Adventure of the Devil’s Foot,” or “His Last Bow” provide intricate puzzles and probe deeper into Holmes’s character, motivation, and even vulnerability.

By suggesting that “one or two” of these later works are among the best, Stout is acknowledging that Doyle was not simply recycling old formulas but was still advancing as a writer. There is an implication that greatness can emerge in the twilight of a career, and that the familiar can still yield fresh surprises when treated with creativity and craftsmanship. Stout, himself a prolific and innovative detective writer, likely recognized the courage involved in evolving a beloved character and series.

Ultimately, the observation stands as both recognition of Conan Doyle’s artistic trajectory and as gentle encouragement to readers and critics alike not to overlook the gems embedded within an author’s later output. It’s a reminder that greatness is not always frontloaded, and wisdom sometimes resides in the works that come after the initial blaze of popularity.