I Hear Of Sherlock Everywhere

"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 k

"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 bec

"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 fo

"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 Chanc

"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 The Golden Era of Sherlock Holmes and His Contemporaries, 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 so

"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 supporters (watch fo

"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 supporters (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 knowle

"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 Episode 219, 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

"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 ph

"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 supporter of the show, not only will you help to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting costs, p

"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 supporter of the show, not only will you help to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting costs, production, and transcription

"the summit of St. Paul's" [SIGN]    After one episode, we find ourselves back in Minnesota — this time, talking with longtime author Larry Millett about his latest Shadwell Rafferty book, Mysterious Tales of Old St. Paul. Those who have followed the nine previous books will have a good sense of this 1890s-era saloon owner who perished in the ninth book (no spoiler there, as it was titled Shadwell Rafferty's Last Case).  This latest volume gathers three novellas, casting back to Rafferty's beginnings to recount a trio of intriguing cases that honed his skills before he joined forces with Sherlock Holmes. In addition, we take a side-tour to talk about architecture (if that's your kind of thing), and the good old days of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. We also bring you the Sherlockian news, a trifling podcast review in Madeline Quinones' "A Chance of Listening," and the Canonical Couplet quiz. The winner, chosen at random from all correct answers, will receive a copy of Mysterious Tales of Old St. Pau

"You are here as a spy" [ILLU]  In Spy Hunter, it's 1914 and Sherlock Holmes has been murdered. Nobody knows who did it, but Wiggins, former Baker Street Irregular and Holmes' protégée, suspects a German spy. This is where H.B. Lyle's fourth installment in his Irregular series picks up. Ben joined us to share his journey as a writer focused on historical fiction, and how easily the ringleader of Holmes's street urchins turned to spycraft. The early days of MI5 and MI6 hold particular interest, and we learn about an inspiration by George MacDonald Fraser along the way. We also bring you the Sherlockian news, another podcast review in Madeline Quinones' "A Chance of Listening," and the Canonical Couplet quiz. The winner, chosen at random from all correct answers, will receive a copy of Spy Hunter. Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock .com by October 14, 2024 at 11:59 a.m. EDT. All listeners are eligible to play. If you become a supporter of the show, not only will you help to ensure we can keep doi

"two tickets for the theatre" [BRUC]    Jeffrey Hatcher, BSI ("The Five Orange Pips") and Steve Hendrickson have teamed up for a new Sherlock Holmes play in which we find one mystery, separated by 25 years. Holmes has the first crack at it, followed by Hercule Poirot decades later.  Appropriately enough, it is called Holmes Poirot. And it premieres in St. Paul, Minnesota in October 2024. Hatcher is known to Sherlockians for his screenplay for Mr. Holmes as well as two other Sherlockian plays. Hendrickson has played Sherlock Holmes on stage numerous times before with Bob Davis as his Watson. The two of them swap roles in the second act of this play, with Hendrickson assuming the role of Captain Hastings and Davis as Poirot. We talk with Jeff and Steve about their experience creating this innovative new play, about their early starts with Sherlock Holmes, and much more.  We have the latest podcast entries in Madeline Quinones' "A Chance of Listening," and another Canonical Couplet quiz. The winner, chosen a

"there appeared a long telegram" [SECO]  Nicholas Meyer's first Sherlock Holmes book, The Seven Per-Cent Solution, became and remains the high-water mark for Sherlock Holmes pastiches. So when he edits another one of Dr. Watson's recovered manuscripts, it's always worthwhile. The latest is Sherlock Holmes and the Telegram from Hell, published by Mysterious Press, and it takes Holmes and Watson across the Atlantic, dodging German U-boats in pursuit of a coded telegram from Berlin to an unknown recipient in Mexico. We talk with Nick about his choice of setting and time, get into psychological and even philosophical discourses, and get a tantalizing preview of his next book: Sherlock Holmes and the Real Thing. You'll also hear the Sherlockian news, some listener voicemail with an inquiry that you might help with, a dramatic multi-podcast entry of Madeline Quinones' "A Chance of Listening," and another Canonical Couplet quiz. The winner, chosen at random from all correct answers, will receive a copy of Sherlo

"culminated in that moment of revelation" [3GAR]    As an educator, Tracy Revels makes sure her students have fun learning. Which would explain why at her college, students can take one of her classes about Sherlock Holmes. But Tracy's own love of learning and reading gave rise to another outlet for her fascination with Sherlock Holmes: writing. Her Shadow trilogy (Shadowfall, Shadowblood, and Shadowwraith) find Sherlock Holmes in the world of the occult, and her series of 41 short stories, previously published in various volumes of The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories, are due out as a trilogy this fall. We explore these with her, as well as some of the more memorable projects that have sprouted from the creative minds of the students that Tracy inspired along the way. You won't be disappointed with the Sherlockian news, Madeline Quinones' segment "A Chance of Listening," and another Canonical Couplet quiz. The winner, chosen at random from all correct answers, will receive a piece of Sherlockian

"we have our story-teller here" [SIGN]  Glen Miranker is always good for a story. And more times than not, his stories involve fascinating items from his extensive collection. In this episode, we had a chance to talk with Glen about This Work of Storytelling: Arthur Conan Doyle's speech to the Authors' Club, London, June 29, 1896, published by Wessex Press. The book consists of a facsimile manuscript of the speech, together with other letters and documents, essays, and commentary from a variety of Sherlockians. Along the way, a mystery is solved and we have the added pleasure of the writing of Cathy Miranker, Glen's wife and co-conspirator in this and the traveling exhibition of 221 objects from his collection. Also, we have Sherlockian news, Madeline Quinones' segment "A Chance of Listening," and another Canonical Couplet quiz. The winner, chosen at random from all correct answers, will receive a piece of Sherlockiana from our vaults, Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock .com by August 14, 2024 at