The Dreadful Business of the Abernetty Family

From The Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia

Fictional case.


In the Sherlock Holmes stories

Untold Story

  • Sherlock Holmes mentioned the dreadful business of the Abernetty family as one of his most classic cases that have had the least promising commencement. (SIXN, 70)


« The affair seems absurdly trifling, and yet I dare call nothing trivial when I reflect that some of my most classic cases have had the least promising commencement. You will remember, Watson, how the dreadful business of the Abernetty family was first brought to my notice by the depth which the parsley had sunk into the butter upon a hot day. » — Sherlock Holmes.