Mystery Collection Discussion Questions

Select a story to view the corresponding discussion questions

A Christmas Fantasy, with a Moral

A Christmas Mystery

The Adventure of the Six Napoleons

The Black Bag Left on a Doorstep

The Blue Sequin

The Mind of Mr. JG Reeder

The Oubliette

The Red-Headed League

The Riddle of the 5.28

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A Christmas Fantasy, with a Moral

1. What were some favorite Christmas gifts from your childhood?
2. Has there been a time that you strongly desired something and then discovered that obtaining it ultimately brought you unhappiness?
3. Do you think our society has assigned too much value to any items or achievements that are not inherently worthwhile? What are some examples?

A Christmas Mystery

1. At the beginning of this story, the three men express negative views of Christmas. In what ways do you agree with their characterization of the holidays? How would you disagree?
2. Describe how this story parallels the Christmas story and the Three Wise Men in the Bible. How does it differ?
3. Would you consider this story a mystery? Why or why not?

The Adventure of the Six Napoleons

1. This story describes the process of artwork being copied and mass-produced for profit. How do you feel about this practice?
2. Do you think this story is one of the best Sherlock Holmes mysteries? Why or why not?
3. Sherlock Holmes is renowned for his deductive skills; where do you see examples of that in this story? Can you think of any time in your own life that you were able to use deductive skills to solve a mystery?

The Black Bag Left on a Doorstep

1. In the Victorian era, it would have been considered inappropriate for a woman to be a detective. Is this still the case today? What, if any, jobs do you think are considered inappropriate for women today?
2. When we first meet Holt, he says that there is trouble at the manor, which has brought trouble onto others. Loveday agrees that this is often the case. Do you agree with this supposition?
3. The thief in this story is a man who appeared to be an affable, fun-loving person. Do you think most criminals have a particular kind of personality?

The Blue Sequin

1. Have you kept any gifts or letters given to you by someone other than your spouse? Do you think it is acceptable to do so?
2. What did you think about the cause of death in this story? Did you find it clever, or did it seem far-fetched?
3. Do you like mysteries that provide enough clues for you to solve on your own, or do you like stories whose solutions are a complete surprise?

The Mind of Mr. JG Reeder

1. In what ways is JG Reeder like Sherlock Holmes? How is he different? Do you prefer one character over the other?
2. Mr. Reeder says that he has a criminal's mind. What does he mean by that, and how might this help him in his job?
3. Mr. Reeder always carries an umbrella, but he never uses it. What do you make of this? Can you find any other details that give us insight into the mind of JG Reeder?

The Oubliette

1. In this story, Philo explains that he is too bashful to tell Syrilla that he loves her. Have you ever been too bashful to admit how you felt about another person? Have you ever been hesitant to discuss your true feelings in other situations?
2. Have you ever signed a contract or made a large purchase that you regretted? Do you think there are times when it is acceptable to break an agreement?
3. The Oubliette is written in a humorous, tongue-in-cheek style. Do you like this, or do you prefer detective stories that are more serious?

The Red-Headed League

1. What are some stereotypes about people with red hair? What about blondes or brunettes? Do you think any of these stereotypes are valid?
2. The red-headed league is an example of something “too good to be true.” Have you ever been scammed by anything that turned out to be too good to be true? Have you ever benefitted from something that you were initially leery about, but it ended up being legitimate?
3. Spaulding builds a tunnel to steal from the bank. Can you think of any other instances (from the news, books, or movies) where tunnels have been used to commit a crime or escape from prison?

The Riddle of the 5.28

1. Many murder mysteries are set on trains. Why do you think that is? How do you feel about traveling by train versus a car, airplane, or ship?
2. The murder victim was determined to pursue a woman who initially spurned him. Why do you think people are inclined to do this?
3. Cleek said he knew the murderer was a woman “from the bungling, unmanlike way that pistol was laid in the dead hand.” How do you feel about that statement? Do you think it is at odds with the detailed planning required to perpetrate the murder?