As I recall, he had already retired (with the exception of a couple post-retirement cases and of course, the Laurie King novels) by the time the Empty House -- or at least the Return collection -- was published. So, he must have retired around 1904 or so.
That sounds about right to me. I have a vague recollection of it being sometime in the early 20th century in any case.
I forget, in the world of literature versus the Jeremy Brett series, didn't he keep the Blue Carbuncle? That would allow for a particularly early retirement.
Allen
I'm forced to confess that I couldn't remember, so I found the story (http://sherlock.mindcop.net/adventures/blue_carbuncle.html) online. It isn't clear whether Holmes keeps the stone in the end or not. However, I would have thought he'd have to return it in order for Commissioner Peterson to get his reward. Even if Holmes wasn't motivated by generosity, Peterson would know that he has the Blue Carbuncle and surely report Holmes to the authorities if he didn't return it. Well, whether Holmes kept the stone or not, he did well with other clients. For example, he was given a handsome reward at the end of "The Priory School"
no subject
That sounds about right to me. I have a vague recollection of it being sometime in the early 20th century in any case.
I forget, in the world of literature versus the Jeremy Brett series, didn't he keep the Blue Carbuncle? That would allow for a particularly early retirement.
Allen
I'm forced to confess that I couldn't remember, so I found the story (http://sherlock.mindcop.net/adventures/blue_carbuncle.html) online. It isn't clear whether Holmes keeps the stone in the end or not. However, I would have thought he'd have to return it in order for Commissioner Peterson to get his reward. Even if Holmes wasn't motivated by generosity, Peterson would know that he has the Blue Carbuncle and surely report Holmes to the authorities if he didn't return it. Well, whether Holmes kept the stone or not, he did well with other clients. For example, he was given a handsome reward at the end of "The Priory School"