It’s the eve of the First World War, and Sherlock Holmes has retired and taken up beekeeping, or has he? This short spy story is the final tale in the masterful detective’s chronology and reveals new depths to his sleuthing skill. Now past his prime, Sherlock Holmes has retired to the countryside to live a quiet life in his remaining years. Yet as the First World War approaches, British government officials reach out to the once-great detective to ask for his assistance. Pairing up with his loyal companion, Doctor Watson, once more, Holmes embarks on a new career path: espionage. Going undercover, it’s up to the sleuthing duo to infiltrate German intelligence and stop the British security leak. First published in 1917, this short story by Arthur Conan Doyle is the final tale in the Sherlock Holmes chronology. It is often seen as propaganda intended to boost British morale due to its patriotic themes and wartime setting. Read&Co. Books is proud to republish ‘The War Service of Sherlock Holmes’ in a new edition featuring a specially commissioned introduction and an article by the author.