I think 'The Speckled Band' is among the best. It has a really spooky atmosphere. A young woman comes to Holmes fearing for her life because of strange events in her home. Holmes investigates and discovers a truly devious plot. The use of the setting, the old mansion, and the idea of a strange 'speckled band' add to the overall sense of dread and mystery in the story.
The 'Red - Headed League' is also a great Conan short story. It starts with a very strange premise - a league for red - headed men with a rather large payment for very simple tasks. Holmes quickly deduces that there is something much more sinister going on behind the scenes. It's full of mystery and intrigue and is a classic example of Conan Doyle's ability to create a captivating mystery.
One of the best Conan short stories is 'The Tower of the Elephant'. In this story, Conan shows his courage and cunning as he climbs the tower to face a strange and powerful entity. It has a great atmosphere with its detailed descriptions of the tower and the otherworldly elements within.
In my opinion, 'A Scandal in Bohemia' is a top-notch Conan story. It's interesting because it shows Holmes being outwitted by Irene Adler, a woman who manages to outmaneuver him. This story adds a layer of complexity to Holmes' character and the whole Sherlockian universe.
It's hard to say for sure. Different people have different favorites. But many consider 'The Tower of the Elephant' to be one of the best due to its rich world-building and exciting plot.
One of the highly regarded Conan novels is 'Conan the Barbarian' by Robert E. Howard. It introduced the iconic character of Conan in a vivid and engaging way, with his adventures in a brutal and fantastical world filled with sword - fighting, magic, and ancient mysteries.
It's subjective as different people have different preferences. But 'The Secret of the Black Organization' is highly regarded by many for its thrilling plot and unexpected twists.
Another excellent short story is 'The Five Orange Pips'. It involves a strange case where the recipients of orange pips in the mail start meeting with misfortune and death. Holmes has to figure out the connection between these seemingly random events and the sender of the pips. It's a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat as Holmes races against time to solve the mystery.
Some of the well - regarded Conan the Barbarian novels include 'Conan the Adventurer'. It vividly depicts Conan's adventures in a dangerous and mysterious world filled with magic and combat.
There are also some collections that are carefully curated by fans or scholars over the years. These might include not only the original stories but also some analysis and background information. For example, some collections might have essays on how Conan Doyle was inspired to create certain characters or plotlines. Such a collection can offer a more in - depth understanding of the Conan stories, making it a great addition to the list of the best collections.
Well, 'The Frost Giant's Daughter' is among the top. It showcases Conan's strength and tenacity in a harsh, icy setting against a supernatural foe. 'The Phoenix on the Sword' is a great story too. It delves into Conan's rise to power and the political intrigue surrounding him. And don't forget 'A Witch Shall Be Born'. Conan has to deal with dark magic and a powerful, malevolent witch, which makes for a thrilling read.
I think 'The Time-Bombed Skyscraper' is one of the best. It has a thrilling plot and great character development.