I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere

Baker Street Elementary – Easter Eggs

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sun, 5 Apr 2026 19:03:00 -0400

“so trivial a matter as cooking an egg” [THOR]

One of the great bits of fun when planning a Sherlockian meeting is selecting the menu. The Canon is ripe with references to food and drink in many different settings.

We're keenly aware of Mrs. Hudson's morning cuisine dependably being described as "as good an idea of breakfast as a Scotch-woman," and the rather curious dish that followed in that story.

Here's a fun assignment: at your next meeting, quiz your fellow Sherlockians on this: when it comes to that breakfast staple, the humble egg, which stories did it appear in? We'll give you the quotes, you supply the story. Answers are below.

1. “But you have had enough of the case. Better have your ham and eggs first.”

2. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal.

3. “Good! What are you going to take, Mr. Phelps—curried fowl or eggs, or will you help yourself?”

4. Sherlock Holmes swallowed a cup of coffee, and turned his attention to the ham and eggs. Then he rose, lit his pipe, and settled himself down into his

chair.

5. “I must really apologize, Hopkins,” said Sherlock Holmes; “I fear that the scrambled eggs are cold. However, you will enjoy the rest of your breakfast all the better, will you not, for the thought that you have brought your case to a triumphant conclusion.”

6. “There is little to share, but we may discuss it when you have consumed the two hard-boiled eggs with which our new cook has favoured us.”

7. “Why, this article,” I said, pointing at it with my egg spoon as I sat down to my breakfast. “I see that you have read it since you have marked it.”

8. “My dear Watson, when I have exterminated that fourth egg I shall be ready to put you in touch with the whole situation. I don’t say that we have fathomed it—far from it—but when we have traced the missing dumb-bell—”

9. In the morning I was up betimes, but some toast crumbs and two empty egg-shells told me that my companion was earlier still.

Answers are below.

Let's see what Easter treats await at Baker Street Elementary...

Answers

1. SIGN

2. ENGR

3. NAVA

4. NAVA (again!)

5. BLAC

6. THOR

7. STUD

8. VALL

9. RETI

Baker Street Elementary follows the original adventures of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, as they and their friends work through the issues of elementary school in Victorian London. An archive of all previous episodes can be viewed at the Baker Street Elementary website.

Episode 331: The Amateur Mendicant Society

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:21:00 -0400

“Those were the early days” [VALL]

Join us as we explore the roots of Sherlockian tradition in the Motor City with Christopher Music, archivist and Commissionaire of The Amateur Mendicant Society, and the group's Gasogene, our own Scott Monty. As one of the "Original Eight" scion societies in the U.S., the Mendicants hold a unique place in literary history — from their 1946 founding held on the same night as an early meeting of The Speckled Band of Boston, to producing the first-ever televised Sherlock Holmes performance of a society.

Chris discusses the founding members of the group, including newspaperman Russell McLauchlin, who was welcomed into the BSI by Vincent Starrett himself. You’ll hear about the Mendicants’ evolution, and look ahead to April 25, 2026, when the group will return to their original Detroit meeting site to celebrate 80 years of fellowship.

Our “Learned Societies” segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities coming up in the first half of June. Then, it’s a new edition of “Examining the Pictures,” with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI, as Christian offers a fascinating perspective on the television series Elementary.

Finally, the Canonical Couplet quiz will test your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of something from the IHOSE vaults for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by April 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. DST. All listeners are eligible to play.

As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material. Join us on the platform of your choice (Patreon | Substack).

And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, or if you want to show off your good taste to other Sherlockians, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more.

Download [Save As] | File size: 64.4 MB, 1:05:24

Leave I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; listen to us wherever you listen to podcasts.

Baker Street Elementary – Life After Logic

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 07:41:00 -0400

“For the love of Heaven!” [ENGR]

As Sherlockians, we often observe the irony that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of one of the most widely recognized thinkers in all of literature, put his faith in mediums, seances, and the practice of spiritualism.

It has nothing to do with science or the scientific method of course, but speaks to something deeper: faith. Conan Doyle sincerely believed we could contact those who departed this mortal plane.

But what about his creation? Did Sherlock Holmes believe in the afterlife?

We need look no further than "The Adventure of the Veiled Lodger," where Holmes confronted Eugenia Ronder, who seemed determined to take her own life out of sheer despair and desperation.

In his conversation with her, Holmes expressed some sympathy for her situation and indicated his belief in another plane:

“Poor girl! The ways of fate are indeed hard to understand. If there is not some compensation hereafter, then the world is a cruel jest.”

The only logical conclusion is that Holmes must in fact believe in the hereafter.

Let's check in on the current life at Baker Street Elementary...

Basil Rathbone at the Oscars

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 02:21:00 -0400

“The credit of the execution is due to Monsieur Oscar” [EMPT]

When watching the 2026 Academy Awards (the Oscars), we didn't expect any Sherlock Holmes connections. But then we were pleasantly surprised.

First, the announcer for the evening was Matt Berry (IMDb profile), who was being patched in from London. Matt's smooth British accent provided a sophistication that (let's be generous) isn't quite Conan O'Brien's style. For our purposes, though, Matt's inclusion brought a welcome connection to Sherlock Holmes: in the CBS drama Watson, he voiced Sherlock Holmes in Season 1, Episode 7 ("Teeth Marks").

For a more obscure Sherlock Holmes connection in his resume, Berry played Sherlock Kush in two episodes of Season 2 of Lucas Bros Moving Co: "Tales from the Hoodie" and "Escape from Momma".

What truly caught our attention, though, was a mention of Basil Rathbone during the Oscars. More on that context below.

Basil Rathbone (IMDb profile) was nominated for two Academy Awards as Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Can you name the two films for which he was nominated? We'll give you a moment.

If you guessed The Adventures of Robin Hood or Captain Blood, we're afraid we have bad news for you. Rathbone was nominated for an award in neither.

His first nomination was for his role as Tybalt in the 1937 production of Romeo and Juliet. His competition that year included Akim Tamiroff (The General Died at Dawn), Mischa Auer (My Man Godfrey), Stuart Erwin (Pigskin Parade) and winner Walter Brennan (Come and Get It).

Rathbone's second and final nomination came two years later in 1939 as Louis XI in If I Were King, when he was up against John Garfield (Four Daughters), Robert Morley (Marie Antoinette), Gene Lockhart (Algiers) and Walter Brennan, returning for a win (Kentucky).

The reason Rathbone's name came up at all? It was an exchange between O'Brien and Berry, when the host acknowledged the announcer's contributions for the evening. Watch:

Transcript

O'Brien: The Oscars are an international event. In that spirit, please welcome live from London, our announcer, Matt Berry.

Berry: Thank you, Conan. It's a huge honor and a thrill to be here tonight.

O'Brien: We're thrilled to have you, Matt. Who are you excited to see tonight?

Berry: I've always been a fan of Benecio Del Toro, Sigourney Weaver, and of course Basil Rathbone.

O'Brien: I'm sorry to tell you, Matt, Basil Rathbone died almost 60 years ago.

Berry: Is that right? Well, that's live TV for you!

Episode 330: And It Is Always 1895

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 14:21:00 -0400

“A collector of obscure volumes” [EMPT]

Today we honor the enduring legacy of Vincent Starrett — the legendary journalist, bibliophile, and founding member of the Baker Street Irregulars — as we approach the 140th anniversary of his birth. To celebrate, the Torists International S.S. will host a landmark conference from October 23-25, 2026, in Starrett’s longtime home of Chicago.

The event's organizers, Jonathan Shimberg and Linda Crohn, share the inspiration behind the gathering and their own storied history within the Sherlockian community. They explain how the conference came together, and why Starrett’s influence remains so vital to readers and collectors today.

Our “Learned Societies” segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities coming up the last half of May. Then, it’s a new edition of “Examining the Pictures,” with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI, as he reviews Guy Ritchie’s new Amazon Prime series, Young Sherlock.

Finally, the Canonical Couplet quiz will test your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of something from the IHOSE vaults for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by March 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play.

Oh, and make sure you stay until the very end of the episode. There's a special audio clip included after the closing theme.

As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material. Join us on the platform of your choice (Patreon | Substack).

And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, or if you want to show off your good taste to other Sherlockians, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more.

Download [Save As] | File size: 64.9 MB, 1:06:24

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Baker Street Elementary – Motherly Love

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sun, 8 Mar 2026 12:24:00 -0400

“by the honour of your mother” [SIGN]

Because of traditional gender roles (and inheritance and property laws) fathers typically commanded the households in the Sherlock Holmes stories — we're looking at you, Grimesby Roylott and Jephro Rucastle.

But here and there, we find mothers who stepped up and took charge. Or at least made their wishes clearly known.

Mrs. Ferguson let Mrs. Mason know what was going on, in order that her baby would be under watchful eyes ("The Sussex Vampire")
Mrs. St. Claire took it upon herself to go in search of her husband in some of the seedier areas of London ("The Man with the Twisted Lip")
Mrs. Munro hid her daughter from her second husband, for fear of rejection ("The Yellow Face")
Mrs. Maberley stood by her decision to remain in her house ("The Three Gables")
And of course, the matronly Mrs. Hudson kept things running at 221B Baker Street

The number of mothers in the Canon is small, as we're not definitely told about whether many of the married women we come across have children. But we can rest assured that they cared deeply about their families.

If you don't believe us, go ask your mother.

221B Con Panels Are Up

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Wed, 4 Mar 2026 15:15:00 -0500

“it is buzzing like an overturned bee-hive” [BRUC]

The game is afoot in Atlanta as Sherlockians of all stripes are preparing for the annual pilgrimage to 221B Con.

The official panel schedule for 2026 has just been released, and it promises a weekend as diverse and intriguing as the index of Holmes’s own commonplace books.

Here are a few selections from the dozens of options that will be available to attendees.

From Baker Street to the Big Screen

This year’s programming leans heavily into the ever-expanding world of Sherlockian media. Attendees can look forward to deep dives into the newest adaptations, including Mark Gatiss’s latest venture, Bookish, and the new Young Sherlock series from Amazon Prime. For those keeping a wary eye on the American landscape, there’s a dedicated session for the CBS Watson series, as well as a fan panel for the podcast that has taken the fandom by storm, Sherlock & Co.

The Scholarly and the Strange

For the traditionalists and researchers among us, the "Most Boring Panel All Con" (their words, not ours!) returns with Sherlockian Chronology 221, where the brave souls of the Chronology Guild attempt to untangle Watson’s notoriously flexible dates. Other historical highlights include Victorian Poisons and Toxic Treatments, a look at the real-life "Napoleon of Crime" Adam Worth, and an exploration of Arthur Conan Doyle’s own supernatural stories.

A Fandom of One’s Own

What makes 221B Con truly unique is its celebration of the community. From the Drunk Canon Book Club to workshops on fanfic craft and representation, there is a space for every kind of enthusiast. And, of course, the weekend wouldn't be complete without the Saturday night Queer Prom, which this year adopts the whimsical theme of "Nautical Nerds."

Special Appearances

Keep a weather eye out for our friends Curtis Armstrong, BSI ("A Fine Actor) and Ashley Polasek, BSI ("Singlestick") who will be hosting their own uniquely entertaining session, as well as a screening of the 1971 classic They Might Be Giants.

221B Con remains one of the most inclusive and vibrant stops on the Sherlockian calendar. Whether you’re a lifelong Sherlockian or a newcomer who just finished their first episode of Sherlock, there is a seat for you at the table.

The convention takes place April 10–12, 2026. You can find the full, detailed list of panels and register for the event over at the 221B Con website.

Will you be in Atlanta this April? Which panel is at the top of your list? Leave a comment below or send us a telegram.

Episode 329: The Epilogues of Sherlock Holmes

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 14:21:00 -0500

“Only one word of epilogue” [DANC]

Today we're joined by Bob Katz, BSI, the founder of The Epilogues of Sherlock Holmes, a scion society that spent over three decades exploring the world of 221B Baker Street. Bob named the group after the subhead of "His Last Bow," observing that an epilogue, after all, is something that follows — and for thirty years, the group followed the Great Detective through meetings dedicated to friendship and story discussions.

All of their meetings were held in the resonant walls of a Quaker meeting house, with the group soon adopting a two-story format, where discussions of two of Watson’s cases were followed by unearthing the hidden links and echoes between them.

Beyond the scholarly deep dives, the Epilogues were legendary for their informal, affordable atmosphere, fueled, in large part, by Peter McIntyre’s celebrated homemade ice cream. Having now concluded their own Great Hiatus, the Epilogues will officially kick off a new chapter with their first online meeting later this year.

Join us as we discuss the group's history, the art of finding connections between stories, and their relaunch this coming May, when they invite a new generation of Sherlockians to join the conversation. And sign up to be notified.

We kick off our “Learned Societies” segment with Sherlockian society activities in the first half of May. Then it’s a new edition of “Examining the Pictures,” with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI. This time, Christian explores Bill Condon’s 2015 film, Mr. Holmes, with the script by Jeffrey Hatcher, BSI.

The Canonical Couplet quiz then tests your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of something from the IHOSE vaults for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by March 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play.

As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material. Join us on the platform of your choice (Patreon | Substack).

And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, or if you want to show off your good taste to other Sherlockians, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more.

Download [Save As] | File size: 77.7 MB, 1:23:50

Leave I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; listen to us wherever you listen to podcasts.

Remembering Robert Duvall

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:11:00 -0500

“Why, it might be a description of Watson!” [CHAS]

Over the years, we have had a parade of actors who have done their best to inhabit the persona of the Canon's main character and narrator, Dr. John H. Watson. Some tiptoe around the scenes like polite visitors at 221B Baker Street — competent, forgettable, grateful for the tea.

And then there are those who settle into the basket chair beside the fireplace, and become not only Sherlock Holmes's biographer, but his friend and custodian as well.

Today we mourn Robert Duvall (1931–2026), and for those of us who keep green the memory of Sherlock Holmes, we remember him not only as an American acting titan (in roles such as Tom Hagen, Lt. Colonel Kilgore, or Augustus McCrae, or any of the towering men he embodied) but as a most unusual Dr. John H. Watson.

Because in 1976, in a film as strange and audacious as any pastiche ever put to celluloid, Duvall stepped into Watson’s shoes in The Seven-Per-Cent Solution — and in doing so, gave us one of the most human portrayals of the good doctor ever committed to film.

A Holmes Who Needed Help

“the strain caused by his immense exertions” [‘The Reigate Squire’]

We all know the premise: adapted from Nicholas Meyer’s bestselling novel, was that Sherlock Holmes was not merely eccentric. He was addicted to cocaine. And that dependency led him to an obsession with Professor Moriarty, eventually leading to Holmes's health collapse.

And so it was Watson, not only a physician but Holmes's only friend, who duped him into traveling to Vienna to be treated by none other than Sigmund Freud.

That reversal is what makes Duvall’s performance so essential to Sherlockian history. For once, Watson was not the amiable biographer, the loyal chronicler scribbling in the margins of genius. He was the moral center. The steady hand. The man with the courage to deceive his friend in order to rescue him.

Duvall, despite being an American in London, delivered that moral truth that dedicated Sherlock Holmes fans required of such a role.

A Compassionate Watson

“your affectionate regard for me” [‘The Empty House’]

Robert Duvall did not play Watson as a bumbler. Nor as a foil. Nor as comic relief. He played him as Watson was, first and foremost: a physician.

Duvall's Watson is calculating without being cold, concerned yet restrained, and deeply sorrowful as he watches his friend unravel under the weight of paranoia and narcotics.

He is conflicted about having to deceive Holmes, but resolute in his effort to do so, as this is the only way to save him. Under his stalwart exterior, there is a quiet steel in his performance that modern portrayals often forget: Watson is not merely loyal; he is brave.

In an era of increasingly stylized Holmes adaptations, The Seven-Per-Cent Solution gave us something rare: a Watson whose love for his friend was expressed through admiration and true love as well as action.

Robert Duvall and Samantha Eggar as John and Mary Watson

A Strong Watson

“who is supported... by another who is as clever as himself” [A Study in Scarlet]

Sherlock Holmes has always been the main attraction of the stories. But every enduring Holmes story ultimately depends on Watson — not merely to narrate the adventures, but to humanize them. Watson was our everyman.

It was through his eyes that the world of Sherlock Holmes became a reality to the world. We mere mortals had little hope of acquiring or applying the skills and methods of the great detective. But we could easily relate to his friend, who acted and reacted just as we would have, if we were in Baker Street.

Through Meyer's book and screenplay, the Watson we experience in The Seven-Per-Cent Solution is exactly that, and Duvall picked up on it.

His Watson is the man who chooses compassion over pride. Who risks a friendship to preserve it. Who believes that even the greatest mind in England deserves help.

In an age when portrayals of Watson swing between comic sidekick and action hero, Duvall’s interpretation remains something rarer: restrained, dignified, and human.

Duvall's Watsonian Legacy

“It is with a heavy heart that I take up my pen” [‘The Final Problem’]

Robert Duvall’s career spanned decades and genres, from Westerns to war films to family dramas. But on the Sherlockian screen, he occupies a singular space.

He played the doctor who healed Sherlock Holmes.

And for readers and viewers who understand that Watson is the heart of Baker Street, that matters.

As the lamps dim a little tonight, one imagines Watson closing his notebook, setting down his pen, and offering a final, quiet benediction:

Well done, old friend. Bloody well done.

We have a special offering: a conversation with author Nicholas Meyer, BSI ("A Fine Morocco Case"), author of the book and the screenplay in which he tells the story about how Robert Duvall got the part of Dr. Watson in The Seven-Per-Cent Solution.

It stemmed from wanting the audience to view the characters in a very different light. But it took a good deal of convincing director Herbert Ross to accept Duvall as the appropriate actor for the part.

Listen on Substack or Patreon.

Episode 328: On the Shoulders of Giants

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 14:21:00 -0500

“I cultivate a large number of friends” [WIST]

What does it take to build a legacy that lasts nearly a century? Today we’re joined by Peter Eckrich and Rob Nunn to discuss their new book, On the Shoulders of Giants. It’s a portrait gallery of twenty-one of the influential men and women who founded and fueled the Sherlock Holmes literary scene from its infancy in the 1930s.

We dive into the lives of these bookish, clubbable people, who were all as knowledgeable as they were sociable. Whether you’re a lifelong Sherlockian or a newcomer to the Great Game, our conversation takes a fresh look at the "Giants" whose scholarship and camaraderie created the community we know today.

Our “Learned Societies” segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities in the second half of April. Then it’s a new edition of “Examining the Pictures,” with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI. This time, Christian explores Disney’s 1986 success, The Great Mouse Detective.

Then the Canonical Couplet quiz tests your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of On the Shoulders of Giants for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by February 27, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play.

As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material. Join us on the platform of your choice (Patreon | Substack).

And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, or if you want to show off your good taste to other Sherlockians, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more.

Download [Save As] | File size: 79.6 MB, 1:20:22

Leave I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; listen to us wherever you listen to podcasts.

Baker Street Elementary – DC Comic

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 07:28:00 -0500

“I got them at six hundred” [BERY]

As we celebrate the 600th strip of Baker Street Elementary (you haven't seen all 600 here — for that you need to visit the Baker Street Elementary website), a little numerology is in order.

The number 600 has significant associations dating back to ancient times. In the bible, the number 600 often signified strength and unity: Noah was 600 when he boarded the ark; Moses and the Israelites were pursued by 600 Egyptian chariots. Ancient armies organized in groups of 600 for optimal strategic effectiveness.

In numerology, the number 600 is an "angel number," with the number six signifying unity and harmony, and the number zero signifying infinity. We take that as a sign that the comic strip, which just marked nine years here on the IHOSE site, is in harmony with us (and is evidently slated to remain with us forever). It's been a lovely collaboration.

And it didn't escape our notice that 600 in Roman numerals is DC.

Here's to those characters in the strips, as well as Steve, Joe, and Rusty, the creators of Baker Street Elementary...

Baker Street Elementary – A Glancing Blow

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sun, 1 Feb 2026 09:51:00 -0500

“In glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases” [SPEC]

The "you see but you do not observe" crowd loves a good demonstration of Sherlock Holmes's abilities.

What makes his skills particularly impressive is how he makes mental calculations and draws conclusions in an instant. We certainly know that famous introductory scene, where Holmes casually remarks "You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive," after shaking Watson's hand.

From that impressive first meeting, Watson gave us "the list" in A Study in Scarlet, outlining Holmes's limits, including:

6. Geology.—Practical, but limited. Tells at a glance different soils from each other.

"At a glance." That phrase indicates the instantaneous recognition that so impressed Watson. In fact, in the same story, Holmes later used that phrase to describe a number of his skills and observations:

“I can distinguish at a glance the ash of any known brand, either of cigar or of tobacco.”

But in all of this admiration for Holmes, we sometimes miss the astuteness of Dr. Watson. While Holmes may have chided him for seeing and not observing, his years as a medico left him trained with an eye for details:

“It was clear to me at a glance that he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease.”
[BOSC]

“The candle in his hand shone upon his eager, stooping face and told me at a glance that something was amiss.” [ABBE]

As we'll see at Baker Street Elementary, sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. And sometimes it falls far short.

Episode 327: The 2026 BSI Weekend In Review

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:21:00 -0500

“I was invited to a week-end gathering” [LAST]

Join us as we look back on four whirlwind days of Sherlockian festivities in New York City, when hundreds of Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts gathered for plays, dinners, luncheons, lectures, auctions, and — most importantly — each other’s company, from January 7 to 11, 2026.

We recap the full slate of events, from intimate meals to the grand annual Baker Street Irregulars Dinner, an invitation-only evening that remains the centerpiece of the weekend. Along the way, we share personal travel stories, New York side adventures, and the rich history behind several of the luncheons and receptions, including tributes to honorees and a memorable lecture by the award-winning composer, singer-songwriter, dramatist and author, Rupert Holmes.

Our conversation reflects what makes these gatherings special: not just Sherlock Holmes, but the friendships, traditions, and shared enthusiasm that bring this community together year after year.

Then it’s on to Sherlockian society activities in the first half of April in "The Learned Societies" segment, and we introduce a major new segment: "Examining the Pictures," featuring the prominent film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI. We are delighted to bring Christian’s extensive knowledge of Sherlock Holmes and the cinema to our listeners.

The Canonical Couplet quiz then tests your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a souvenir from the BSI Weekend for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by February 14, 2026 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play.

As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material. Join us on the platform of your choice (Patreon | Substack).

And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, or if you want to show off your good taste to other Sherlockians, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more.

Download [Save As] | File size: 79.6 MB, 1:20:22

Leave I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; listen to us wherever you listen to podcasts.

Baker Street Elementary – A New Wiggins Begiggins

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 07:43:00 -0500

“Wiggins has just been up to report” [SIGN]

A little institutional history lesson today. Earlier this month, Michael Kean, "Wiggins" of the Baker Street Irregulars announced that he would be stepping down and that Steve Doyle would be succeeding him.

When Edgar Smith began administering the Baker Street Irregulars, the leadership was divided into the following roles, according to the BSI's Constitution and Buy-Laws:

The officers shall be: a Gasogene, a Tantalus, and a Commissionaire

While those titles were never used officially, Edgar informally called himself "Buttoms-cum-Commissionaire," and when Julian Wolff took over following Smith's untimely death in 1960, he assumed the title "Commissionaire."

It wasn't until Tom Stix was placed in the role in 1986 that the title "Wiggins" was used. Tom reasoned that it was the perfect selection, as Wiggins was the most senior of the band of street urchins ("One of their number, taller and older than the others" [SIGN]) who regularly helped Sherlock Holmes.

We're introduced to "the Baker Street division of the detective police force" in A Study in Scarlet, as the band of them rush into the sitting room at 221B:

“’Tention!” cried Holmes, in a sharp tone, and the six dirty little scoundrels stood in a line like so many disreputable statuettes. “In future you shall send up Wiggins alone to report, and the rest of you must wait in the street.”

A sensible order. But evidently one that didn't register with the boys, as the scene repeated itself in The Sign of Four and Holmes had to reissue his order:

As he spoke, there came a swift pattering of naked feet upon the stairs, a clatter of high voices, and in rushed a dozen dirty and ragged little street-Arabs...
“In future they can report to you, Wiggins, and you to me. I cannot have the house invaded in this way.”

Evidently, the boys on Baker Street need a little discipline and reminding every now and again.

Episode 326: But I Digress

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:21:00 -0500

“All good comradeship and friendship” [ABBE]

Bob Sharfman’s first impression of Sherlock Holmes came from Basil Rathbone’s movies. Bob read Watson’s cases later in life, and met others who shared his interest almost accidentally, when he came to a meeting of Hugo's Companions, a Chicago group then led by the legendary Vincent Starrett.

Although Bob became a serious player of the “Great Game” just a few years ago, his gifts for storytelling, research, and writing earned him the investiture of Killer Evans in 2024. His ideas about the canon and its events have made him a popular speaker, and dozens of Sherlockians have embraced him as a fast friend. Join us as we explore his essays, note his upcoming 90th birthday, and discuss his new book, … but I digress, the Musings of a Sherlockian Motormouth.

Then it’s on to Sherlockian society activities in the second half of March in "The Learned Societies" segment, and the Canonical Couplet quiz tests your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a prize from the IHOSE vaults for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by January 29, 2026 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play.

As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material. Join us on the platform of your choice (Patreon | Substack).

And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, or if you want to show off your good taste to other Sherlockians, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more.

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The 2026 BSI Weekend – Awards and Honors

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:21:00 -0500

“a brief review of what had passed” [THOR]

In the next episode of I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere, we'll be covering some of our own personal experiences at the 2026 BSI Weekend that ran from January 7 – 11, 2026, during which some 300+ Sherlockians descended on Midtown Manhattan to celebrate the 172nd birthday of Sherlock Holmes.

For the purposes of this update, we're focused on the accolades from the weekend, which happened over a series of events.

On Thursday, January 8, the ACD Society held its annual meeting at the Mysterious Bookshop, which once again included the running of the Wessex Cup, with 16 entered horses. After seven heats, the winner was Garnet, owned by Karen Ellery.

Click to enlarge

Doylean Honors

The ACD Society also had a more august role, which was the conferring of its annual Doylean Honors.

For Lifetime Service:

Clifford S. Goldfarb, a Toronto lawyer who has had many roles over the years, including Chairman of the Friends of the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection at the Toronto Reference Library and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the ACD Society; author of The Great Shadow (a book on Arthur Conan Doyle’s Napoleonic War writing), editor of Rodney Stone, wrote the introduction to The Complete Brigadier Gerard; and much more.

For excellence in the "Performing Arts" category:

Hal Glatzer for the play, “A Musicale in Mrs. Hudson’s Parlor”

For excellence in the "Fiction and Poetry" category:

Chris Chan for the poetry collection, “Sherlock Poems”
Margie Deck for the story collection, Sherlock Holmes Into the Fire
Laurence Trujillo for the short story, “The Statement of James McCarthy, Criminal”

For excellence in the "Visual Arts" category:

Carla Coupe for “A. Conan Doyle Egg”
Jeremiah Schiek for the illustrations in the graphic novel, “Sherlock Holmes: The Phantom Masquerade #1”

For excellence in the "Scholarly Writing" category:

Richard Fallon and David Hone for the chapter, “Arthur Conan Doyle, Michael Crichton, and the case of palaeontological fiction,” in Palaeontology in Public: Popular science, lost creatures and deep time, edited by Chris Manias (Manchester Univ. Press 2025)
Andrew Singleton and Matt Tomlinson for “Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Wanderings of a Spiritualist: Missionary work in Australia, 1920-1921,” in their book, Let the Dead Speak: Spiritualism in Australia (UCL Press 2025)

Congratulations to all! A recording of the entire awards ceremony will be available soon via Doings of Doyle.

Susan Rice Mentorship Award

On Friday at the Gillette Luncheon, the assembled diners bore witness to the latest recipient of the Susan Rice Mentorship Award.

The Susan Rice Mentorship Award was established in 2022 to recognize the activities of a member of the Sherlock Holmes community who has been a mentor to others, in the spirit of Susan Rice.

This year's honoree, announced at the William Gillette Luncheon, was our very own Burt Wolder, BSI ("The Third Pillar from the Left").

Burt Wolder accepts the Susan Rice Mentorship Award at Connolly's. Photo credit: Will Walsh

Previous honorees of the Susan Rice Mentorship Award:

Peter Blau, BSI ("Black Peter")
Evy Herzog, BSI ("The Daintiest Thing Under a Bonnet")
Francine Kitts, BSI ("Lady Trelawney Hope")
Julie McKuras, BSI ("The Duchess of Devonshire")

Plaudits From the BSI Dinner

As ever, the swirling curiosity and interest are centered on the Baker Street Irregulars annual investitures of new members. But before that, we were greeted with other substantial news.

The Woman

The Woman, an honorific given to the spouse of a Baker Street Irregular was announced at the pre-dinner reception. This year's honoree was Ann Brauer Andriacco, wife of Dan Andriacco, BSI (" St. Saviour’s, Near King’s Cross"). She was toasted and introduced by Robert Sharfman, BSI ("Killer Evans"), who is affectionately known as "Ann's boyfriend." Ann gave her own touching and humorous remarks.

The Morley-Montgomery Award

Each year, one article in the Baker Street Journal (as determined by a panel of judges) is chosen for the Morley-Montgomery Award.

This year, the award was given to Fabienne Courouge, BSI ("Henri Fournaye ") for her article “Edmond Locard, the Forensic Pioneer Inspired by Sherlock Holmes,” appearing in the Summer 2025 issue of the BSJ.

The Honours List (Investitures)

And then we arrived at the announcement of the latest investitures into the Baker Street Irregulars. Membership is granted by Michael Kean, BSI ("General Gordon"), who serves at the BSI's "Wiggins." Each member receives an investiture — a phrase from the Sherlock Holmes canon that is significant or in other ways meaningful to that person.

The BSI's Class of 2026 is a large one, and is as follows:

Michael Barton - "Baron Von Herling"
Matt Hall - "The Earl of Maynooth"
Linda Hein - "The Hotel National"
Jen Kneeland - "The Haymarket Theatre"
Richard Krisciunas - "William Morris"
Max Magee - "Cyril Morton"
Rusty Mason - "John Mason"
Ashley Mayo - "Capital and Counties Bank"
Madeline Quiñones - "Sir Joshua Reynolds"
George Scheetz - "John Clayton"
P.J. Sullivan - "The Ancient Cornish Language"
Tom Ue - "London University"

Evelyn Herzog, BSI ("The Daintiest Thing Under a Bonnet") and Denny Dobry, BSI ("A Single Large Airy Sitting-Room") both received the Two Shilling Award, for service above and beyond.

BSI Class of 2026. Photo credit: Will Walsh

We're particularly pleased to note that listeners of I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere will recognize the names Rich Krisciunas and Madeline Quiñones, who have appeared on and contributed to the show. Rich appeared on Episode 236: The Legion of Zoom, and of course Madeline was our special correspondent who reviewed podcasts in her "A Chance of Listening" segment in over 30 episodes.

Transitions

One of the charms of the BSI is it is "one fixed point in a changing age," with traditions of decades that continue apace. This necessarily requires a change in leadership from time to time. While Mike Whelan held onto the title of "Wiggins" for 25 years, Michael Kean decided to pass the torch after six short but very momentous years (having led the organization through the pandemic).

"Just one more thing..."

In doing so, he named Steve Doyle, BSI ("The Western Morning News") as the new Wiggins, as Kean takes on the mantle of Wiggins Emeritus.

The Two Wigginses

One of the other traditions of the BSI Weekend is the auction in support of the Dr. Watson Fund at the BSI Luncheon Reception. The Watson Fund provides a means of support for those who might not otherwise be able to afford events at the BSI Weekend. It is anonymously administered, and tax-deductible donations are made throughout the year, as well as at the auction and the raffle each year.

This year's raffle prize was donated by Danna Mancini, BSI ("McMurdo") and it was a model of the Bruce-Partington submarine.

But, the real news came after the auction, when Peter Blau decided it was time to hang up his gavel. Except, Peter never used a gavel...

It is difficult to capture all of the activities of the BSI Weekend, due to so many small groups branching out to honor their own traditions, including named events such as ASH Wednesday, Lost in New York with a Bunch of Sherlockians, and the ASH Brunch. Not to mention other events like the Vendors Room, the BSI Reception, and the dozens of planned and unplanned informal gatherings.

A comprehensive report of the events will be in the Spring issue of the Baker Street Journal. Check your subscription to make sure you're on the list. You won't want to miss it.

As ever, the game's afoot!

Happy 172nd Birthday, Sherlock Holmes!

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Tue, 6 Jan 2026 02:21:00 -0500

“your celebrated friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes” [NAVA]

Today is January 6th — and that marks the date on which we traditionally celebrate Sherlock Holmes's birthday.

We say "traditionally," because there is no definitive statement of his actual date of birth in the Canon, but beginning with Christopher Morley, the date of January 6th has become the de facto accepted date for Holmes' birthday. Why? Well, there are a couple of reasons.

Of all of the quotes in the Canon, William Shakespeare was the most oft-quoted author. There is but one Shakespearean play that Holmes quotes twice: Twelfth Night. In The Sign of the Four, Holmes concludes, "All is well that ends well." This is from from Act IV, Scene 4. And in "The Empty House," Holmes states "'Journeys end in lovers meetings,' as the old play says," from Act II, Scene 3.

The reason the date was chosen is that in Christianity, January 6th is the Feast of the Epiphany, or officially the twelfth day of Christmas. I suppose if we were being truly technical about it, the twelfth night of Christmas would fall on January 5th...

[Erik Deckers was technical about it, and wrote a good case for the 5th]

In addition, William S. Baring-Gould in his The Annotated Sherlock Holmes, posited that because Holmes was a little cranky on the morning of January 7th — the date on which The Valley of Fear began — he had a hangover, induced by birthday celebrations the evening prior.

And why 172? Scholars have fixed the year of Sherlock Holmes's birth to 1854 by virtue of a line in "His Last Bow" when he was described as "a tall gaunt man of sixty." And as we know, that story took place in the weeks leading up to the start of World War I in 1914.

Additional Thoughts

In an episode of Trifles, our weekly show where we discuss some of the minutiae in the Sherlock Holmes stories, we cover this in greater detail, and with some additional research material. Do check it out on the podcast streaming service of your choice, the embedded file below, or at ihose.co/trifles210.

Sherlock Holmes: Trifles · Sherlock Holmes's Birthday

And by all means, share the news that today is Sherlock Holmes's birthday. But whatever you do, don't try to throw him a surprise party. It's an exercise in futility.

We hope you'll take a moment and wish Sherlock Holmes a happy birthday in your own way. If you'd like to join in here, please feel free to leave a birthday comment below.

Baker Street Elementary – Resolved

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sun, 4 Jan 2026 10:27:00 -0500

“full of energy and resolution” [GLOR]

January 1st always begins with hope for the New Year: a clean slate is offered up, and it is ours on which to write our intentions for the year. These often take the form of resolutions.

It has been long posited that Sherlock Holmes and John H. Watson met on New Year's Day, 1881, as told in A Study in Scarlet. While there are no dates mentioned in the text, there are clues that lead us to believe this may be the case:

Watson runs into an old friend Stamford at the Criterion Bar; that he was at or outside such an establishment indicates he may have been trying to drown his sorrows (we later learn his brother was an alcoholic, so it's not out of the question that Watson might share some of those habits).
When they find Sherlock Holmes, he is alone in the laboratory. It could indicate that it was a holiday, since he was the only one there.
The entire purpose of Watson looking for a roommate is because he was taking stock of his finances and knew he needed "some less pretentious and less expensive domicile" than his hotel. He tells us: "On the very day that I had come to this conclusion..."
This is anecdotal, but of the 13 appearances of the word "resolute" in the Canon, five of them appear in A Study in Scarlet. Such language must have a deeper meaning, particularly of Watson's and Hope's commitments to making things happen.

Given all of those facts, it is not unlikely that Watson was making a resolution on New Year's Day to change his habits and his lifestyle.

We should be grateful for his commitment to improving himself. That fateful decision has improved the world (or at least the world of Sherlockians).

Let's see who's committed to improving the experience at Baker Street Elementary...

Episode 325: The Unexpurgated Sherlock Holmes

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 14:21:00 -0500

“Holmes took it with admirable good-humour” [PRIO]

For years, Holmes and Watson have served as a blueprint for an "odd couple" dynamic, usually by poking fun at the detective’s ego, and the doctor’s struggle to keep up. Humor can humanize these literary giants, making them feel less like statues and more like friends.

Now Nicholas Sercombe’s The Unexpurgated Adventures of Sherlock Holmes series goes down this path, suggesting Watson’s reports were just too risque for the morals of Victorian England. Join us as he shares the facts Watson really discovered about Holmes’s family, Mrs. Hudson’s real estate empire, and much more, and the live-action and animated television series under development.

Don't miss our round-up of Sherlockian society activities in the second half of February in "The Learned Societies" segment, and the Canonical Couplet quiz that tests your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of one of N.P. Sercombe's books for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock.com by January 14, 2026 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play.

As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material, such as additional conversation from this episode. Join us on the platform of your choice (Patreon | Substack).

And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more.

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The Second Morning After Christmas

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 10:01:00 -0500

"the second morning after Christmas" [BLUE]

Today traditionally marks the date on which "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle" took place. The seventh in the series of stories that make up The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, "The Blue Carbuncle" is the sole Christmas story in the Sherlock Holmes canon.

Watson sets the stage for us by opening the tale with this paragraph:

"I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable hard felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the purpose of examination."

Until 2022, it had become something of an annual tradition at I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere to acknowledge December 27th with a favorite reading (after which it fell by the wayside for s bit). Just as the Wall Street Journal annually reproduces a 1949 editorial written by Vermont Royster called "In Hoc Anno Domini," we saw no reason to avoid replication here.

If this is new to you, please feel free to share and use this at your own Sherlockian society holiday meetings. The only thing we ask is that you attribute the poem to its rightful author. If you'd like to listen to it, we also produced a special episode of I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere in December 2007 in which we read the verse:

I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere · Compliments of the Season

So, we bring you "Two Days After Christmas," a tribute to "The Blue Carbuncle" in the style of Clement Moore's "A Visit from St. Nick."

This year marks the 30th anniversary of this holiday classic.

Two Days After Christmas

Looking back over both of our Sherlockian podcasts (I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere and Trifles), we pulled together four more holiday-themed episodes for a full playlist: a discussion of "The Blue Carbuncle" and Christopher Morley's lovely essay "A Christmas Story Without Slush"; an interview with Peter Blau concerning his Sherlockian Christmas tree, bedecked with Sherlockian ornaments; a discussion of peace in the Sherlock Holmes stories (when we can find it); and an investigation of what went wrong in the botched jewel heist; the path across London traversed by the blue carbuncle.

The playlist is available on SoundCloud and is embedded below for your convenience:

I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere · Compliments of the Season

Enjoy. And this holiday season, may all of your carbuncles be blue.

Baker Street Elementary – Working Out Some Problems

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 11:24:00 -0500

“Puerile as such an exercise may seem” [STUD]

In "The Yellow Face," Watson tells us "Sherlock Holmes a man who seldom took exercise for exercise’s sake," yet we know he had some athletic pursuits. More on that in a moment.

But first: what do we know about the exercise habits of others in the Canon?

There were some clients or minor characters who regularly took exercise. Among them:

Violet Smith was an ardent cyclist: "Yes, I bicycle a good deal, Mr. Holmes." [SOLI]
Fitzroy McPherson was a swimmer: "Summer and winter he went for his swim." [LION]
Elias Openshaw regularly walked: "He had a garden and two or three fields round his house, and there he would take his exercise" [FIVE]
Blessington habitually took short walks before dinner. [RESI]

Then of course there were those who were avowed couch potatoes:

Alexander Holder was not a workout fan: "That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who takes very little exercise." [BERY]
Mycroft Holmes kept to his habits, going from his Pall Mall lodgings to Whitehall and to the Diogenes Club. "From year’s end to year’s end he takes no other exercise." [GREE]
Nathan Garrideb was described as "man to whom exercise was unknown." [3GAR]

Back to "The Yellow Face." After telling us that Holmes didn't take exercise for its own sake, Watson shared this observation:

"Few men were capable of greater muscular effort, and he was undoubtedly one of the finest boxers of his weight that I have ever seen; but he looked upon aimless bodily exertion as a waste of energy, and he seldom bestirred himself save when there was some professional object to be served. Then he was absolutely untiring and indefatigable. That he should have kept himself in training under such circumstances is remarkable,

Aside from boxing, we know about Holmes's ability with a singlestick and his study of "baritsu" which saved his life in his encounter with Professor Moriarty in Switzerland. And we learn in "The Lion's Mane" that Holmes was a swimmer himself.

Perhaps it's that Holmes viewed exercise strategically — as with a purpose. In "Black Peter," returning to Baker Street with a harpoon under his arm like a piece of athletic equipment, Holmes remarked,

"There can be no question, my dear Watson, of the value of exercise before breakfast."

More about Sherlock Holmes's athletic abilities in Trifles Episode 156 - Sherlock Holmes, Sportsman. And if you like, you can binge the entire collection of episodes on Games & Sports in the Canon on Patreon or Substack, ranging from rugby to tennis to shooting, boxing, swimming and more.

Now off to the exercise books of Baker Street Elementary...

A Merry Little Mystery

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 13:19:00 -0500

“I eagerly hailed the little mystery” [STUD]

Looking for something festive and loosely Sherlockian for the youngest readers? A Merry Little Mystery is an adorable board book for ages 0-3. It's written by Layla Sutton and illustrated by Noel Clark.

The detective, named on the back cover, is Little Sherlock, and his dog is, of course, Watson.

Through the twelve page spreads, the two find a tree, lights, ornaments, presents, and more Christmas items. Rhyming couplets make up the text, and each spread has a flap to open to reveal something, as shown here.

It seems like it would be a fun read with a child or grandchild.

Available on Amazon and Bookshop.org.

Young Sherlock Trailer: A Very Active Holmes

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:21:00 -0500

“What a rosy-cheeked young rascal!” [SIGN]

For fans of the Robert Downey, Jr. version under Guy Ritchie's direction — Sherlock Holmes (2009) and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) — we were given an active, combative, and subversive Sherlock Holmes.

A new television series Young Sherlock is coming to Prime Video trods familiar territory. Based on Andrew Lane's Young Sherlock Holmes book series, this new version is grittier, irreverent, and action-packed.

Not to be confused with the Oscar nominated Young Sherlock Holmes directed by Chris Columbus that debuted 40 years ago, we find Holmes at university rather than at public school, and in this origin story, rather than an early meeting of Holmes and Watson, we have an early meeting of Holmes and Moriarty.

The plot summary, from the official description:

"Sherlock Holmes is a disgraced young man – raw and unfiltered – when he finds himself wrapped up in a murder case that threatens his liberty. His first ever case unravels a globe-trotting conspiracy that changes his life forever. Unfolding in 1870s Oxford and adventuring abroad, the series will expose the early antics of the anarchic adolescent who is yet to evolve into Baker Street's most renowned resident."

The series stars Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Sherlock Holmes, Dónal Finn as James Moriarty, with Zine Tseng, Joseph Fiennes, Natascha McElhone, Max Irons, and Colin Firth.

The trailer, released by Prime Video, was released today. Watch it here:

Don't expect too much faithfulness to the Canon — partly because this is all speculation and fantasy, and also because it's Guy Ritchie. He forges his own path.

However, the scenes will be lavish (likely with an assist from CGI making up shots of 1870s Oxford), the humor will be blunt, and the action scenes will be... quite action-packed.

The series premieres on March 4, 2026.

Episode 324: Sherlockian Road Tripping

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:21:00 -0500

“Important issues might hang upon our journey.” [SIGN]

Join us as we speak to Steve Mason and Greg Ruby about their adventure this past summer — a whirlwind, five-day odyssey through the rugged landscapes of Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico, tracking down 39 locations with hidden ties to Baker Street. Decades after a simpler, four-stop Texas road trip set the precedent, our intrepid investigators clocked 2,414 miles in heat of the last week of August, all to prove that the Great Detective’s influence knows no borders.

You’ll hear how they bridged the gap between the dusty plains and the foggy streets of London, and found Holmesian echoes in the most unexpected places. It’s all about imagination, and how their “Great Sherlockian Whimsical Tour II” transformed the American Southwest into a sprawling map of Victorian mystery.

We also give you a glimpse of Sherlockian society activities, this time in the first half of February in "The Learned Societies" segment. Then we announce an exciting new segment launching in 2026, and the Canonical Couplet quiz will test your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a prize from the IHOSE vaults for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by December 29, 2025 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play.

And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more.

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A New Holmesian Christmas Carol

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 12:03:00 -0500

“her wits turned at the singing” [HOUN]

We know that Watson cared enough about Sherlock Holmes to call upon him "the second morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the compliments of the season." [BLUE]

While there is no mention of Christmas caroling in "The Blue Carbuncle," a close reading of A Study in Scarlet finds some surprising singing happening in a rather unusual location:

"Leaning back in the cab, this amateur bloodhound carolled away like a lark while I meditated upon the many-sidedness of the human mind."

We also know that Watson cared enough about Mary Morstan to make her his wife following the events in The Sign of Four.

So it would stand to reason that there ought to be some caroling in honor of Mrs. Watson. That's the thought of Paul Thomas Miller, who has written and performed a new holiday standard, "Have Yourself a Mary Morstan Christmas" — a loving homage to the original "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."

As Paul describes it: "Believe it or not, this is how it sounds with auto-tune. Imagine how flat I was before I tried to fix it."

While the video is captioned, here are the lyrics for those not brave enough to listen:

Have yourself a Mary Morstan Christmas.
Sleep alone at night.
From now on, your husband will be out of sight.
Have yourself a Mary Morstan Christmas.
Wonder if he's gay.
From now on, your husband will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days.
Lonely single days are of yore.
Faithful friends of those dear to us.
Steal the cheer from us once more.

Through the years we'll sometimes be together
When Sherlock allows
And a lonely star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a Mary Morstan Christmas now.

Here we are as in olden days.
Lonely single days of yore.
Faithful friends of those dear to us.
Steal the cheer from us once more.

Through the years we'll sometimes be together
When Sherlock allows.
Hang a lonely star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself a Mary Morstan Christmas now.

Compliments of the season, we suppose.

You can listen to Paul Thomas Miller regale us with all sorts of wonderful humorous insights on Episode 172: Watson Does Not Lie / Doyle's Rotary Coffin:

I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere

Baker Street Elementary – Easter Eggs

“so trivial a matter as cooking an egg” [THOR]

Answers

Episode 331: The Amateur Mendicant Society

“Those were the early days” [VALL]

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Baker Street Elementary – Life After Logic

“For the love of Heaven!” [ENGR]

Basil Rathbone at the Oscars

“The credit of the execution is due to Monsieur Oscar” [EMPT]

Transcript

Episode 330: And It Is Always 1895

“A collector of obscure volumes” [EMPT]

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Baker Street Elementary – Motherly Love

“by the honour of your mother” [SIGN]

221B Con Panels Are Up

“it is buzzing like an overturned bee-hive” [BRUC]

From Baker Street to the Big Screen

The Scholarly and the Strange

A Fandom of One’s Own

Special Appearances

Episode 329: The Epilogues of Sherlock Holmes

“Only one word of epilogue” [DANC]

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Remembering Robert Duvall

“Why, it might be a description of Watson!” [CHAS]

A Holmes Who Needed Help

“the strain caused by his immense exertions” [‘The Reigate Squire’]

A Compassionate Watson

“your affectionate regard for me” [‘The Empty House’]

A Strong Watson

“who is supported... by another who is as clever as himself” [A Study in Scarlet]

Duvall's Watsonian Legacy

“It is with a heavy heart that I take up my pen” [‘The Final Problem’]

Related:

Episode 328: On the Shoulders of Giants

“I cultivate a large number of friends” [WIST]

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Baker Street Elementary – DC Comic

“I got them at six hundred” [BERY]

Baker Street Elementary – A Glancing Blow

“In glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases” [SPEC]

Episode 327: The 2026 BSI Weekend In Review

“I was invited to a week-end gathering” [LAST]

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Baker Street Elementary – A New Wiggins Begiggins

“Wiggins has just been up to report” [SIGN]

Episode 326: But I Digress

“All good comradeship and friendship” [ABBE]

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The 2026 BSI Weekend – Awards and Honors

“a brief review of what had passed” [THOR]

Doylean Honors

Susan Rice Mentorship Award

Plaudits From the BSI Dinner

The Woman

The Morley-Montgomery Award

The Honours List (Investitures)

Transitions

Happy 172nd Birthday, Sherlock Holmes!