The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place

John Mason, a horse trainer, approaches Sherlock Holmes. He's worried about his employer's recent odd behaviour. Sir Robert Norberton and his sister Lady Beatrice Falder live on their estate, Shoscombe Hall. Sir Robert is a keen horseman with stables known as Shoscombe Old Place. He has been under a great deal of pressure lately owing to his financial situation. A loan shark, Samuel Brewer, has already visited the manor house once demanding payment but has disappeared. Other peculiar behaviour included Sir Robert giving away his sister's treasured dog. And Lady Falder is now only seen once a day when she goes for her carriage ride with her companion. Holmes and Watson are promptly on site but it is clear that Sir Robert is hiding something.

A decent short story. But it's dialogue, and not action, heavy. Which detracts from the mystery a little. The horse racing element adds a twist, I guess.