# The Adventure of the Retired Colourman explained — The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes

> Chapter companion for The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle.

## What happens

Holmes and Watson investigate the case of Josiah Amberley, a retired paint manufacturer whose young wife has run off with a chess-playing doctor, taking his life savings. Holmes suspects foul play and uncovers that Amberley himself murdered his wife and her lover, using paint fumes to mask the smell of death. The case is solved with the help of Barker, Holmes's rival detective.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance

Amberley's facade as a victim hides his true nature as a murderer, and the paint smell is used to mask the crime.

### Crime and Punishment

The murder of Mrs. Amberley and Dr. Ernest, and the subsequent investigation and confession, highlight the theme of crime and its consequences.

### Obsession and Its Consequences

Amberley's jealousy and miserly obsession lead him to commit murder, demonstrating the destructive power of obsession.

## Character check-ins

### Sherlock Holmes

Investigates the case of Josiah Amberley, using his deductive skills to uncover the truth behind the disappearance.

### Dr. Watson

Assists Holmes by visiting Amberley's house and later accompanying Amberley to Little Purlington.

### Josiah Amberley

The retired colourman who claims his wife and her lover stole his savings; later revealed to be the murderer.

### Dr. Ray Ernest

The chess-playing doctor who was suspected of having an affair with Mrs. Amberley; later found murdered.

### Inspector MacKinnon

The police inspector involved in the case, who initially resents Holmes's interference.

### Mr. Barker

Holmes's rival detective on the Surrey shore, who assists in the investigation.

## Key lines

> We reach. We grasp. And what is left in our hands at the end? A shadow. Or worse than a shadow—misery.

We strive and achieve, but ultimately we are left with nothing but emptiness or suffering.

_Holmes reflects on the futility of life after meeting Josiah Amberley._

> The old story, Watson. A treacherous friend and a fickle wife.

It's a classic tale of betrayal by a friend and an unfaithful wife.

_Holmes summarizes the apparent situation of Amberley's wife running off with Dr. Ernest._

> I would only ask you to be on hand about three o’clock, as I conceive it possible that I may want you.

Please be available around three o'clock, as I might need your assistance.

_Holmes leaves a note for Watson requesting his presence later in the day._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_casebook_of_sherlock_holmes_se/chapters/the-adventure-of-the-retired-colourman
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_casebook_of_sherlock_holmes_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_casebook_of_sherlock_holmes_se/chapters