I Hear Of Sherlock Everywhere

“Pooh, pooh! Forgery.” [SCAN]  Nicholas Meyer, BSI ("A Fine Morocco Case") is an accomplished storyteller who has made a mark in both the literary and film worlds. He's best known for his 1974 best-selling novel, , which revitalized Sherlock Holmes for a new generation of readers. His other Holmes novels, including , , , and , and have cemented his place as a celebrated perpetuator of Watson’s reports.  Beyond his literary achievements, Nick is a prolific screenwriter and director, credited with directing the iconic films Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. He also directed the landmark television movie The Day After, which remains one of the most-watched television films ever made. Nick's latest novel is . In the book, Holmes and Watson are drawn into a bizarre and deadly case set in the cutthroat world of art. The mystery begins with a seemingly mundane complaint from a landlady about her artist tenant, but quickly escalates as corpses begin to appear. The pair n

“Here is the key. You can look for yourself.” [GOLD]  Imagine having the key to 221B Baker Street, and what it must feel like to open that door. And imagine being trusted to keep Holmes and Watson’s famous sitting room in good order. That rare honor belongs to Roger Johnson, BSI ("The Pall Mall Gazette") and Jean Upton, BSI ("Elsie Cubitt"), a well-known couple among the small community of married Sherlockians.  Jean and Roger have preserved and maintained the sitting room at London’s Sherlock Holmes Pub for 30 years. Join us as we hear how the Northumberland Hotel evolved into the pub, and why Sir Henry Baskerville would have been an unlikely guest.  You'll learn the origin of the sitting room in 1951’s Festival of Britain, how Jean and Roger saved it from neglect, and how it stands today after the pub’s recent renovation. Then we look ahead to Sherlockian gatherings for the last half of September in "The Learned Societies" segment. Madeline Quinones is back with "A Chance of Listening," and the Canonical

“you could just fill that gap on that second shelf” [EMPT]    If you discovered Sherlock Holmes when you were young, you might still recall the joy of your first reading. The world of Baker Street is fun, so much so that some adults still extend the Great Detective's career with their own stories.  Many adults also enjoy LEGO as a nostalgic, relaxing, and creative outlet. That’s why we were eager to talk to LEGO Group Design Master Antica Bracanov and Graphic Designer Crisy Dyment about their creation of the LEGO Sherlock Holmes Book Nook.  Joining us from LEGO’s offices in Billund, Denmark, Antica and Crisy take us through the concept, the process, and the community of designers, engineers, and model-makers who brought it to life. You’ll hear how the key moments and objects Sherlock Holmes fans will recognize were selected, and how they were adapted to fit LEGO’s style and humor. You’ll find there are some self-described “Sherlock Holmes nerds” on the LEGO team, too. Speaking of Sherlockian nerds (guilty)

“a case for personal investigation” [SUSS]    The number of Sherlock Holmes pastiches is endless. They include stories and novels set in any era, any place, and any time. They all bring the Great Detective to new audiences — so how do you go about selecting (just) fifty-two to explore? Join our conversation with Paul Bishop as we explore his new book, . Paul is the author of 15 novels and numerous TV and film scripts — and also a 35-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department. Paul’s new book is a selection of Sherlockian pastiches chosen and recommended by the individual essay writers themselves. Beyond the plots and author bios, Paul’s writers give personal perspectives on why these stories were important to them, and the connection Sherlock Holmes has played in their lives.  Paul also discusses his writing career, which spans multiple genres including screenplays, westerns and other novels. He discusses his journey as an author, and how storytelling has shaped his life. We also talk about connecti

“it's the king of diamonds” [MAZA] It took Laurie R. King six years to find a publisher for her first book, but it was worth the wait. She won the Edgar in 1994 for Best First Novel with A Grave Talent, which launched her Kate Martinelli series, set in San Francisco. That same year, The Bee-Keeper’s Apprentice introduced the impressive, young Mary Russell, who would meet and eventually marry the retired Sherlock Holmes — “the least marriageable man I knew,” according to Mary, in 1921. Since then, Russell and Holmes have traveled the world in eighteen novels, finding mystery and adventure everywhere from the English countryside to Palestine to California. Along the way, Mary’s partnership with Holmes has evolved, usually in plots that mix real events with suspenseful intrigue.  Now Knave of Diamonds, the nineteenth book in the series, brings Mary a case not even Sherlock Holmes could solve: the very real theft of the Irish Crown Jewels from Dublin Castle years before. It comes with the sudden return of Mary’

“from Portsmouth at midday” [LAST]    The Portsmouth Library is home to the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection, largely made possible by the bequest of Richard Lancelyn Green. This world-renowned collection, the work of one of the foremost Doylean scholars, is a treasure trove for researchers, enthusiasts, and the public. The Collection preserves books, manuscripts, artifacts, and ephemera that illuminate Conan Doyle's life, his beloved Sherlock Holmes, and the cultural impact of his work. Laura Weston is the Education and Learning Officer for the Collection at the Portsmouth City Council, making the collection accessible and engaging to a global audience. Laura joins us to discuss the annual Worldwide Doyle conference, a series of virtual talks by writers, fans, and academics who are passionate about Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes. The program is taking place in June and July; all events take place at 7:00 pm BST and are free of charge, and will be available online. How does a city like Portsmouth turn a lite

“You can file it in our archives, Watson” [RETI]    North America is home to a number of public collections, libraries, museums, and archives that hold treasures related to Sherlock Holmes and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Not least among them is the Toronto Public Library. Home to the famed Arthur Conan Doyle Collection, the TPL is a great friend to Sherlockians and Doyleans everywhere and regularly welcomes visitors to view and research its more than 25,000 items related to Conan Doyle. And curator Jessie Amaolo joined us to talk about the digital offerings of the collection. What can an online researcher find in the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection? What's been digitized already and what's coming up? Jessie talks about all of this, plus some of unique and wonderful surroundings of the Toronto Public Library. Speaking of Sherlockian gatherings, we share June events in "The Learned Societies" segment, Madeline Quinones is back with A Chance of Listening, and the Canonical Couplet quiz tests your Sherlock Holmes kn

“we can bring it to a successful conclusion” [EMPT]    When we discussed the Midwest Canonical Conclave in Episode 308, we weren't exactly sure what to expect. Organizer Steve Doyle, BSI ("The Western Morning News") gave us a general idea of what the aim was and what we might see there, but our expectations were blown away. Unlike any other Sherlockian event we've attended, the inaugural BSI Canonical Conclave (this of the Midwest variety) was a true delight. Burt and Scott reflect on the event and their experiences, consider the benefits of having attended, and muse on the future of Sherlockian gatherings. Speaking of Sherlockian gatherings, we share June events in "The Learned Societies" segment, Madeline Quinones is back with A Chance of Listening, and the Canonical Couplet quiz tests your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with something from the vaults for the winner.  Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock .com by May 14, 2025 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play. Don't forget to beco

“good enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences” [SCAN]  Don't care for Sherlockian chronologies? Well, you're not alone! Neither did our guest today, and he's written a number of books on the subject. Brad Keefauver, BSI ("Winwood Reade") is a member of the Sherlockian Chronologist Guild and author of Holmes In an Hour or Two: A Sherlock Holmes Fan's First Sherlockian Chronology, or Create Your Own Timeline of Sherlock Holmes's Life in the Shortest Time Possible. It's not a matter of simply picking dates or looking for discrepancies; creating a chronology can take into account all sorts of data, and trying to put it all together is truely a thinker's puzzle. We have some Sherlockian society events we share in "The Learned Societies" segment, and the Canonical Couplet quiz tests your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of Brad's book for one lucky winner.  Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock .com by April 29, 2025 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play. Don't for

“grazed the subclavian artery” [STUD]    While the Baker Street Irregulars is the most well-known of Sherlockian societies, it is by no means the only one — nor even the most important. There are gatherings happening every week, in person and virtually, of Sherlockian societies. And just like the Sherlockian societies that sprouted up in those early years of the hobby, Steve Doyle, BSI ("The Western Morning News") thought it might be helpful to bring some of them together in a spirit of building Sherlockian community and creating connections. And that's taking the form of the inaugural BSI Canonical Conclave, taking place in Indianapolis on April 26, 2025. We talk with Steve about what we might expect there and what he expects to come from this unique gathering. Whether you're attending or not, he shares vital information for your own activities. We have some Sherlockian society events we share in "The Learned Societies" segment, Madeline Quiñones tells us about another Sherlock Holmes podcast in "A Chance

“able to evolve from their own inner consciousness” [STUD]    Now in its 12th year, 221B Con has become a mainstay of annual Sherlockian events, drawing people from all over the world to Atlanta every April. It was founded as a response to Sherlock on BBC, but has expanded beyond that to include the original stories as well as all forms of media. Last year, the founders announced that this year would be the final 221B Con. As we narrow in on that date, regular attendee and volunteer Johanna Draper Carlson isn't convinced that has to be the case. But the future isn't quite clear at this point. We talk with Johanna about what's changed over the years, how it compares to other major "Cons," what to expect in April 2025, and what she hopes the future will bring.  We have some Sherlockian society events we share in "The Learned Societies" segment, Madeline Quiñones tells us about another Sherlock Holmes podcast in "A Chance of Listening," and the Canonical Couplet quiz tests your Sherlock Holmes knowledge with

“the high opinion formed of him by his contemporaries.” [VALL] When the first Sherlock Holmes short stories came on the scene, they were something of a novelty: non-serialized, self-contained tales that put the Strand Magazine on the map. As with any success story, this one inspired imitators. These contemporaries of Sherlock Holmes inhabited the pages of the Strand and many other magazines of the day. Author Michael Cohen has stepped forward to catalog and categorize them from the years 1891 to 1914. This surprising array of characters includes those who were consciously not trying to be Sherlock Holmes, ranging from the occult to females, bumbling detectives, doctors and scientists, the criminal class and more. In , Cohen gives us a handy and valuable resource; its subtitle indicates it is a Mystery Guide and Finding List. For readers interested in detectives in this golden era, this book is an essential companion to help identify and locate these sometimes famous, sometimes obscure detectives. We also ta

“a wistful look on his wrinkled face” [BLAN]  The first Sherlock Holmes adventure authored by Sherlock Holmes was “The Blanched Soldier.” It tells the tale of a family’s attempt to protect their son, a friend’s dedication to determining the truth, and Holmes’s actions to explain everything. Ira Matetsky, BSI ("The Final Problem") edited this volume and in the process, assembled a group of Sherlockians who have unique talents to apply to the analysis of the story and the manuscript, which was generously made available from the Berg Collection at the New York Public Library. This latest volume in the BSI Manuscript Series offers delights for the eyes as well as the mind, as the digital scan of the original manuscript as well as full color illustrations by Howard Elcock bring the volume to life. Ira tells us a great deal about the book – and listeners will also be treated to stories about a key player from one of the contributors. We'll cover the latest goings-on in Sherlockian societies in "The Learned Societi

“One of the most precious public possessions of the empire” [BERY]    Joel Meadows began what eventually became Sherlock Holmes and the Empire Builders: The Gene Genie in 2002 while working on Tripwire as a quarterly print magazine. He tells us the story of how it took two decades to bring this vision to life with illustrator Andy Bennett, and what the plans are for part two of the story. The initial Kickstarter for part one was wildly successful, and the Kickstarter for the sequel is under way.  The praise has been effusive:  “A darn good romp” – Guillermo del Toro, Oscar-winning director “Classic Sherlock Holmes! You can smell the chimney-smoke and feel the clatter of hooves. Here’s the character we all know and love, given a fresh polish for the 21st century!” – Ian Rankin, Rebus The fusion of history and mystery form Joel's perfect nexus, and he's extending his efforts from graphic novel to a novella next.  We've moved the Sherlockian News to an exclusive monthly bonus track for  (watch for that to d

“the rapidity and noiselessness of a serpent” [STUD]  Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, and Bonnie MacBird are back! In the sixth book in her series, Bonnie once again finds firm footing in London as Sherlock Holmes investigates a strange mystery involving a disfigured body, Windsor Castle, and some rather unpleasant reptilian encounters. We talk with Bonnie about the creative process, including the expert advice she received from two knights, her extensive research, and — wait for it — smoke enemas. No, we're not joking. Discover why The Times called this "a treat for all Sherlockians." We've moved the Sherlockian News to an exclusive bonus track for (watch for that to drop), and added a new segment: "The Learned Societies," all about activities going on in in Sherlockian groups. Of course, Madeline Quiñones is back with another installment of "A Chance of Listening," her review of Sherlockian podcasts. And wind up the year with another Canonical Couplet quiz for you to test your Sherlockian knowledge. The wi

“a combination of events” [3STU]  Keeping track of everything going on in the Sherlockian world is no easy task. And yet, every year without fail, Ross Davies, BSI ("The Temple") oversees a team at The Baker Street Almanac that does exactly that. We first spoke to Ross about the enterprise on , but this time our conversation less about the mechanics and features than it is about some of the worthwhile items of note for Sherlockians in 2024. Ross chooses his top items and neatly divides things into categories: events, societies, publishing, and media. Burt and Scott add in a few points of interest as well. We also have Madeline Quiñones' latest installment of "A Chance of Listening," her review of Sherlockian podcasts. And wind up the year with another Canonical Couplet quiz for you to test your Sherlockian knowledge. The winner, chosen at random from all correct answers, will receive something from the IHOSE vaults. Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock .com by January 14, 2025 at 11:59 a.m. EST. A

“the preparation for submarine attack” [LAST]  Good storytellers transport us to other places and times by virtue of their ability to create interesting characters and pull us along as the plot unfolds. Sherlock Holmes: Leviathan begins with two already interesting characters who are concerned with justice, and through Mike Baron's skillful storytelling that we find ourselves following the two as they unravel a global criminal conspiracy. Illustrated by artist Richard Bonk, it represents what may be the greatest work of both of their professional careers. As an Eisner Award-winning author, Baron has crowdfunded a number of his works before, and is continuing in that tradition with this book. Interested readers can support it at any of the links below. We also have the Sherlockian News and some listener comments, Madeline Quiñones gives us her thirteenth installment of "A Chance of Listening," her review of Sherlockian podcasts. And of course we have a Canonical Couplet quiz for you to test your Sherlockian k

“Holmes’ triumphant expression and the ring of his voice” [STUD] Regular listeners know that when we have an opportunity to speak with other individuals involved in audio productions, we jump at the chance. For our 300th episode, we thought it was appropriate to speak to none other than an audio Sherlock Holmes. In this case, that means in the form of the detective from the Sherlock & Co. podcast, as portrayed by Harry Attwell. While we previously spoke to writer Joel Emery about the show on Episode 275 (link in the notes below), the podcast has taken on an even greater life with each successive episode over the last year. To hear Harry talk about his background, motivations, and inspiration in this episode provides even greater insight into this remarkable production. Harry shares tales from his early days in the theater, describes a tattoo he received as a live art installment, discusses his interpretation of Sherlock Holmes (and reveals the role that inspired it), comments on one of his signature phr

“I listen to their story, they listen to my comments” [STUD]  Trial lawyers are supposed to be experts in conducting interviews and interrogating witnesses. Yet Stephen Chahn Lee discovered that such skills were hardly universal. Yet there was one shining example he could point to for questioning witnesses and getting to the truth. As you've already guessed, it is Sherlock Holmes. But then Lee turned his analysis and research to an eyewitness who he claims misled us—a central character whom we've always regarded as trustworthy and incorruptible. And it led him to discover the silent contest. Don't miss your chance to participate in the Canonical Couplet quiz. The winner, chosen at random from all correct answers, will receive a prize from our vaults. Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock .com by November 29, 2024 at 11:59 a.m. EDT. All listeners are eligible to play. If you become a  of the show, not only will you help to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting costs, production,

“no ghosts need apply” [SUSS]  'Tis the season! The season for monsters and ghosts, that is. And who better to treat us with a discussion of monsters, ghosts, and various biblioventures designed to make our skin crawl than Ed Pettit from The Rosenbach? It's not just the ghosts of Charles Dickens and the monsters of Robert Louis Stevenson, though. Ed also does a deep dive with us on Bram Stoker's Dracula and the wonderful connection between him and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. We also bring you the Sherlockian news, Madeline Quinones’ latest in her "A Chance of Listening" series, and the Canonical Couplet quiz. The winner, chosen at random from all correct answers, will receive something a little recherche from the IHOSE vaults. Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock .com by November 14, 2024 at 11:59 a.m. EDT. All listeners are eligible to play. If you become a  of the show, not only will you help to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting costs, production, and transcription services,