A mysterious light in a strange valley leads to danger - and more... The mystery of the Mary Celeste - solved ... An ailing and paranoid General threatens his daughter's marriage.. These are the first two short stories, and first novel for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, which started one of the most successful writing careers of all times Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle died on July 7, 1930, in his home, Windlesham Manor, in Crowborough, East Sussex. He was 71 years of age, having had a long and successful life and career. But his stories have lived on, reprinted again and again, as these three firsts are here. We hope you enjoy them.