Book excerpt: This handsome collection contains all 56 short stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle about the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. The stories were originally published to widespread acclaim in The Strand Magazine, London's most celebrated illustrated periodical, between 1891 and 1927: they are still just as popular today. These fascinating tales of Holmes' deductive genius will enthral every armchair sleuth but will also fascinate those readers who simply enjoy an exciting adventure mystery.