Following a decade-long hiatus after his supposed death, Sherlock Holmes reappears in London to resume his investigative partnership with Dr. John Watson. Holmes must navigate the complexities of a changing society while applying his rigorous deductive methods to solve a series of baffling criminal cases. Opposed by cunning adversaries and the limitations of early twentieth-century forensic science, the protagonist relies on his keen observation and Watson's loyal documentation to restore order. The narrative framework consists of a collection of short stories, primarily presented through Watson's retrospective accounts of their shared investigations.

Readers frequently highlight the seamless transition of the characters into a new century while maintaining the established tone of the earlier adventures. Discussion often centers on the ingenuity of the individual puzzles and the enduring chemistry between the two leads. Critics often note that while the stories vary in complexity, they remain foundational examples of the detective genre. The collection is widely regarded as a successful revival that solidified the status of the protagonist in popular culture. Readers appreciate the balance between the procedural elements of the investigations and the character-driven moments that define the partnership.