The Adventure of the Final Problem published in The Strand Magazine

Publication Context. The story appeared in The Strand Magazine, a periodical founded by George Newnes in 1890 that began publishing in January 1891. Doyle had previously established Holmes's popularity through monthly stories in this magazine starting in 1891. The December 1893 issue featured "The Adventure of the Final Problem," which was also released in the US edition of The Strand in January 1894.

Authorial Intent. Doyle expressed a desire to "slay" Holmes in a November 1891 letter to his mother, aiming to focus more on historical novels. His ambivalence toward the character led to the decision to kill Holmes off in "The Final Problem." The story was included in The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, published in December 1893 in the UK.

Story Setting. The narrative describes Holmes and Professor Moriarty plunging to their deaths at the Reichenbach Falls. Doyle visited the village and stayed at the Park Hotel du Sauvage, where he noted in his diary his intention to kill Holmes at this location. An inscription at the site commemorates the fictional event on May 4, 1891.