Basic information

Abbreviation: NORW (J. F. Christ, 1947)
Word length: 9,286 (C. E. Lauterbach, 1960)
First published: Collier's, October 31, 1903; Strand Magazine, November 1903

Discussion Questions

• What role does Moriarty have in the fact that crime has slowed down in London?
• What relation does John McFarlane have to Mr. Oldcare?
• Why did McFarlane go to visit Mr. Oldcare?
• What was unusual about the handwriting on Oldcare’s documents?
• Why does Holmes go alone to talk to McFarlane’s family?
• Why is this case troubling to Holmes?
• What piece of evidence does Lestrade find that causes a turning point in the case?
• What was Mr. Oldcare’s motive?
• Who was Oldcare’s accomplice?

Film Adaptations

• The Norwood Builder (Jeremy Brett, David Burke, 1985)