Classic Detective Fiction:
* Murders: Holmes was most famous for solving murder cases, often with complex plots and intricate details. He used his keen observation skills and deductive reasoning to unravel alibis, expose motives, and identify the killer.
* Thefts: Robberies, burglaries, and stolen valuables were frequent subjects of his investigations. Holmes could decipher footprints, trace stolen goods, and identify the thief's method of operation.
* Missing Persons: He often took on cases involving individuals who had vanished without a trace, utilizing his network of informants and his ability to piece together clues from seemingly insignificant details.
Beyond the Standard:
* Blackmail and Espionage: Holmes was involved in cases with political undertones, involving blackmail schemes, secret organizations, and international espionage.
* Forgery and Fraud: His sharp intellect allowed him to detect subtle differences in handwriting, forged documents, and fraudulent schemes.
* The "Unnatural" and Supernatural: Although he was a rational man, Holmes sometimes encountered cases with mysterious, seemingly supernatural elements. He always sought a logical explanation, debunking myths and exposing the truth behind the seemingly impossible.
Specific Examples of Crimes:
* The Adventure of the Speckled Band: A murder committed with a venomous snake.
* The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle: The theft of a precious jewel.
* The Adventure of the Dancing Men: A case involving coded messages and a missing person.
* The Adventure of the Hound of the Baskervilles: A haunting and mysterious death on a remote moor.
Key Characteristics of Sherlock Holmes' Crimes:
* Intrigue: Most of Holmes' cases had a high level of intrigue, often with hidden motives, unexpected twists, and a sense of mystery.
* Complexity: The cases involved intricate details, multiple suspects, and layers of deception that required Holmes' extraordinary powers of deduction to solve.
* Social Commentary: Many of Holmes' cases reflected the social issues of Victorian England, including class conflicts, poverty, and the darker side of human nature.
While fictional, Sherlock Holmes' crimes offer a fascinating glimpse into the challenges faced by detectives in the late 19th century. His cases continue to inspire writers and readers today, proving that the classic mystery remains timeless.