Basic Information

Abbreviation: RETI (J. F. Christ, 1947)
Word length: 5,559 (C. E. Lauterbach, 1960)
First published: Liberty, December 18, 1926; Strand Magazine, January 1927

Discussion Questions

• What was it that piqued Holmes’ interest in a case he previously thought was “absurdly simple?”
• Why do you think Mr. Amberley would fabricate a limp?
• What was Mr. Amberley’s reasoning for sending a false telegram to a man he knew wouldn’t be able to explain its existence? Was he being foolish, brazen, or something else?
• Holmes says about Mr. Amberley, “Like all misers, he was a jealous man, and his jealousy became a frantic mania.” Based on this assessment of Mr. Amberly’s character, do you think Dr. Ernest and Mrs. Amberley would have met the same fate even if they weren’t having an affair?
• Did you ever suspect that Mr. Amberley may have been involved in the disappearance of his wife and her lover? When and why?
• Mr. Amberley took several steps to cover his tracks that resulted in others coming close to the truth. Do you think he was being cocky?