The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb - a Sherlock Holmes Short Story

“I have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what have I gained?' ‘Experience,' said Holmes, laughing.”

First published in 1892, The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb tells a most intriguing Sherlock Holmes adventure.

An engineer, Victor Hatherley, attends Dr Watson's surgery after chopping his thumb off. He relays his tale to Watson and Holmes. Hired for 50 guineas to repair a machine which (apparently) compresses Fuller's earth into bricks. Hatherley is told to keep the job confidential. He is transported to the job in a carriage with frosted glass, to keep the location secret. After seeing the press he notices a "crust of metallic deposit" on the press. He suspects that its not being used for compressing earth. He confronted his employer, who attacks him. During his escape his thumb is chopped off. Holmes deduces the true use of the press. This is to produce counterfeit coins. he then works out its location. When they arrive, the house is on fire, and the criminals have escaped. One of the few times when Holmes fails to bring the villains to justice.

I recommend this book to all readers that love a mystery. A solid and engaging tale.