The Lost Special by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1898) A Sherlock Holmes story?

This is a short story first published in The Strand Magazine in 1898, as part of the Round the Fire series. It seems to me, and many others, that Sherlock Holmes features in this story, although his name is never mentioned.

The story is about the disappearance of a 'special', a privately hired train. Much public debate ensues and one of the letters published in The Times is described as being from "an amateur reasoner of some celebrity at that date". What did Conan Doyle intend here? It's written in the style of Holmes, don't you think?

Anyway, it's a great story, with South Americans, northerners, a rather cocky Frenchman and a cameo appearance by the man himself.

It is read by Greg Wagland for Magpie Audio.

©Magpie Audio 2020

[elizebethpenington]

Huge gratitude for this treat helping a restless patient make it through the evening with ease. Three more big cheers for the ever wonderful G.W. Illuminating A.C.D.

[philipchurchill]

As an ex petty criminal and addict of multiple drugs for decades these stories have been very important to me for a couple of reasons firstly as a wholesome evening entertainment but also if I have trouble winding down or waking too early they can relax me so much as to make me get back off to sleep much easier . I have made Audiobooks of various kinds a bit of a hobby of late and have sampled many great readers including the likes of Stephen FRy reading some of these tales, though I am a big fan of Stephens I have come to love Gregs interpretations so much that it just wasn`t the same it not being him, when itt comes to reading fiction and of Sherlock Holmes he is without doubt my personal favourite, his reading of Black Peter the Reigate Squire and the tales especially of "chickens coming home to roost from abroad type" as I call them are my favourites .

[infinifties]

Thank you for all your hard work! Seasonal depression has me down in the dumps lately, but having you read Doyle's wonderfully calming stories to me always helps.
You're really doing some of the Lord's work here!

[virginia]

Excellent story, and excellently told! I have never heard this one before, but I will never forget it. Thank you Mr Wagland!

[Hacienda_]

A railway enthusiast from liverpool, a sherlock holmes/ ACD enthusiast, A Magpie audio Enthusiast, it’s hard to believe I’ve discovered this one by accident on a different page, relieved to find Mr Wagland has given this beauty of a recording

[bidhancb]

This could so easily have been a Sherlock Holmes story. Sir ACD was a true genius, and wonderful narration from Greg

[lookitup]

Hearing about lil Sherlock extras like this that I wouldn't have ever known about are EXACTLY why I subscribe to this channel. Love it! 💙

[SDW]

I’m continually astonished at how timeless these stories remain. Wonderful -thank you!

[Lander]

I hope everybody is having a splendid Saturday so far. Greg, thank you for brightening my day with this SH story.

[thevoid]

I've been much enjoying the Sherlock Holmes series, and now, with all listened to, I'm listening to these Conan Doyle stories. Imagine my surprise to hear my little insignificant town of St Helens and local districts appear in this story, joy of joys. Thank you Mr Conan Doyle, I never thought it possible :-D And thank you for the readings and the uploads 👍

[missdetaiwan]

Absolutely love your stories!!! The way you read them ... everything. Thank you 😊

[richteahoyle]

One of my favourites, not least courtesy of Lord Wagland's narration. Splendid! Thanks as ever Greg.

[oakdew]

This could only happen in a different age. I can't see anything this big going missing in our age. Well read sir.

[sloanfrakes]

Thank you!!! For your time and talent.

[yme]

Love this, how can anyone dislike it??,

[GavinSweet]

Greg, thanks for this and all your pitch perfect SH readings. Love em! Keep it up.

[Bethabara]

Read so well, I had to put my knitting down, to listen. Enjoyed this, immensely!

[HeavyH]

A truly intriguing narrative. A big thank for sharing this great unsung ACD story. Thank you!!

[mlrich]

Wow my first "members only" advance story and one I've never heard of before. Off-piste: Do you remember a popular jacket from the 1980's/1990's called "Members Only"? Black, light material, long-sleeved. It was considered to be very, very cool at the time and very exclusive. A bit like the Greg Wagland/Magpie Audio members only releases. Love it!

[sarahstrong]

Thankyou very much. It is very good to have these to listen to during lockdown.