The Five Orange Pips

“Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the mud stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime records unique, violin player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the main points of my analysis.” - Arthur Conan Doyle

The best part of the story is that it gives an insight into the kind of information Sherlock values most. The story doesn't have a happy end meaning that the genius Sherlock isn't perfect. This add a dimension of realism to his character.

The story starts with a visitor, John Openshaw. He tells Holmes about two strange deaths in his family. In 1883, his uncle died two months after receiving a letter from India. The letter had the inscription: "K.K.K." with five orange pips enclosed. In 1885, Openshaw's father received a similar letter, and died three days afterwards. Openshaw recently received a similar letter and asks for advice. Holmes tells Openshaw to do as the letter asks and leave a diary page on the garden sundial. Holmes deduces a connection to the Ku Klux Klan. Openshaw is killed before he can do so, but Holmes discovers the killers have been travelling on a sailing ship. He sends the captain a letter with five orange pips. The ship is lost at sea.

All in all a satisfactory short tale.