Question for the Holmesians

[neadods]

Just because I have about 10 other critical things that require my brainpower and effort doesn't mean that I'm not above asking questions about completely unrelated issues. So:


QUESTION FOR THE HOLMESIANS: Which 1 to 3 short stories would you recommend to people who want to start reading canon? (And why - because you like it, because you think it has specific objective merit, because it's the most exciting, explains the characters the best, etc.)


I have an idea percolating in the back of my head...

Comments

[mme-hardy.livejournal.com]

My favorite as a child was Speckled Band, because who doesn't love trained snakes? Seriously. Anyway, I remember it as exciting, with an action scene. Never forgotten the illustration of Holmes beating his snake with a cane.

[inamac.livejournal.com]

Oh yes - and the mysterious Gypsies in the woods. More horror story than detective. (And you may notice I agree with you about the illustration...)

[benbenberi.livejournal.com]

Yes, Speckled Band was my favorite too. Snakes, and a creepy house!

[neadods.livejournal.com]

Band is proving a popular option.