Why are Sherlock Holmes stories so enjoyable?

That question is definitely a three pipe problem

Sherlock Holmes, by Terry Freedman

Every time I read a Sherlock Holmes short story, I have the same reaction:

“Gosh! It never occurred to me to think about the vital clue that was introduced in the final paragraph.”

The stories were written before authors thought that perhaps readers might like to try and spot the clues as well., in order to have an equal …