A discharged revolver, a damning note, and a mysterious chip in a stone balustrade... Sherlock Holmes’ remarkable powers of observation are challenged in this captivating mystery. When a former US senator, Neil Gibson, approaches Sherlock Holmes with a case that appears to have been solved, the consulting detective is convinced that things aren’t all as they seem. Gibson’s wife, Maria, is found dead on Thor Bridge with a bullet hole in her head and a note in her hand. The note appears to be from the family’s governess, asking Maria to meet her at that spot. But despite a recently discharged revolver being found in the governess’ wardrobe, Gibson is convinced that she isn’t guilty. Holmes and Watson work together to unveil the truth. First published in 1922, ‘The Problem of Thor Bridge’ is an enthralling short crime story by Arthur Conan Doyle. This edition features a specially commissioned introduction.

本作は、晩年のドイルが到達した物理的トリックと人間心理の闇が交錯する傑作です。橋の高欄に残された小さな傷から真実を導き出すホームズの観察眼は芸術の域に達しています。そこには嫉妬が生んだ死後の復讐劇という凄惨なドラマが潜んでおり、冷徹な論理が狂気を解体していく過程は読者の心を激しく揺さぶるでしょう。 映像化作品では、物理的な仕掛けの妙が鮮烈に再現され、視覚的な説得力を与えています。しかし、原作にはホームズの沈思黙考や緊迫した心理描写がより重厚に綴られており、映像の躍動感と文字の深みを併せて味わうことで、この悲劇の真髄はより鮮烈に脳裏に刻まれるはずです。