Welcome to a review of all the Sherlock Holmes stories which are collected in the work, “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.” The appeared in the Strand Magazine from July 1891 to June 1892. Over 12 episodes, I will be reviewing each story and mine them for leadership, compliance and ethical lessons. “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle” was first published in the Strand Magazine in January 1892 and is included in the collection ‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’.

Summary

The story begins on Boxing Day, when Holmes receives a peculiar old hat from Peterson, the commissionaire. The hat was found next to a Christmas goose, abandoned after its owner had a skirmish with some ruffians. Peterson also found a blue gem in the goose’s crop which turns out to be the “Blue Carbuncle,” a precious stone which was reported missing a few days earlier.

Intrigued by this series of events, Holmes and Watson embark on an investigative adventure. They start by tracing the goose back to a local poultry shop, which leads them to the supplier, who had given the goose as part of a group to a hotel. The hotel staff recognizes the goose and tells Holmes it was given to a Mr. Henry Baker.

When Henry Baker arrives to claim his hat and goose at Baker Street, Holmes realizes that Baker knows nothing about the Carbuncle. Further investigations lead Holmes to James Ryder, a hotel attendant, who confesses his crime after being confronted.

Ryder had persuaded a maid at the Countess of Morcar’s hotel to let him steal the Blue Carbuncle. Fearing detection, he had hidden the gem inside a goose at his sister’s poultry shop, but the bird had gotten mixed up with others, thus ending up with Baker.

At the end of the story, Holmes lets Ryder go, considering him a small, terrified man who will likely not survive a prison sentence. The Blue Carbuncle, a jewel of great value, is recovered, but the story concludes without stating whether it was returned to its rightful owner.

Leadership Lessons

1. Attention to detail: Sherlock Holmes is known for his attention to detail, and this is evident in “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle.” He can solve the mystery by paying close attention to small details that others have overlooked. Leaders can learn from this by focusing on the details and not overlooking anything that could be important.
2. Problem-solving skills: Holmes is a master of problem-solving, and this is demonstrated in the story as he unravels the mystery of the missing gemstone. Leaders can learn from this by developing their problem-solving skills and approaching challenges with a creative and analytical mindset.
3. Teamwork: Although Holmes is the main detective in the story, he works with others, including Dr. John Watson, to solve the case. Leaders can learn from this by recognizing the importance of teamwork and building strong relationships with their colleagues.
4. Adaptability: Throughout the story, Holmes demonstrates his ability to adapt to changing circumstances and adjust his approach as needed. Leaders can learn from this by being flexible and open-minded, and by recognizing that there may be multiple solutions to a problem.
5. Honesty and integrity: Despite the temptation to keep the valuable gemstone for himself, Holmes returns it to its rightful owner, demonstrating his honesty and integrity. Leaders can learn from this by being honest and transparent in their dealings with others and by upholding their ethical principles.

Resource

The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes