I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere

Nominate Someone for the 2027 Susan Rice Mentorship Award

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 07:19:10 -0400

“A friendly native will surely guide us” [CREE]

Photo courtesy of Will Walsh, BSI

Every profession, every hobby needs mentors. A mentor's job is to help new arrivals understand the context and meaning of the organization they're stepping into. Mentors helpfully point out the guardrails, endlessly encourage curiosity, and consistently communicate the worth and potential of those in their charge.

Mentors are leaders.

And we were blessed to have such a leader in Susan Rice, ASH, BSI, 2s. ("Beeswing") as part of the Sherlockian movement. You can read what our peers had to say about Susan upon her passing four years ago.

Susan was an exceptional writer, and one of her specialties was Vincent Starrett. We had the opportunity to speak with her and Ray Betzner, BSI ("The Agony Column") about Starrett on Episode 61:

And there could be no better example of Susan's mentorship than her involvement with the Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes and the quiet yet determined effort to see women admitted to the Baker Street Irregulars, which we discussed with her and Evelyn Herzog, BSI ("The Daintiest Thing Under a Bonnet") in Episode 89:

So when the Susan Rice Mentorship Award was announced at the 2022 BSI Weekend, it was no surprise that stalwart Peter Blau, BSI ("Black Peter") was announced as the inaugural recipient. [That's Peter pictured above with Susan.]

Other recipients:

Evelyn Herzog, BSI, ASH ("The Daintiest Thing Under a Bonnet") in 2023.
Francine Kitts, BSI, ASH ("Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope") in 2024.
Julie McKuras, BSI, ASH ("The Dutchess of Devonshire") in 2025.
Burt Wolder, BSI ("The Third Pillar From the Left") in 2026.

Nominations for the 2027 Susan Rice Mentorship Award are open until November 13. The winner will be announced and presented with the award during the 2027 BSI Weekend.

What is the Susan Rice Mentorship Award?

The award is 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. The award will be judged on the mentor’s commitment to bringing aspiring Sherlockians into the cause and encouraging them to find ways to keep green the memory of Sherlock Holmes. While those activities could be in the traditional realm of trifling monographs and playing The Game, we would also recognize that the effort could take place in other media and activities.

To sum up who we are looking for in a few words: Someone who is generous, welcoming, and offers encouragement.

Who Is Eligible For The Award?

The Susan Rice Mentorship Award is open to all living Sherlockians who are generous, welcoming, and offer encouragement. They will also need to have a proven record that supports that definition. No current judges or previous winners may be considered for the award. The award is not limited to members of the Baker Street Irregulars.

How Is Someone Nominated?

The award will be given based on nominations. The nominator should complete an essay of 750 words or fewer that answers this question: “Who do you believe should be recognized for their work in mentoring aspiring Sherlockians and why? Please provide specific examples of their guidance, encouragement, and welcoming spirit.”

Qualities to consider when nominating: Welcoming to all Sherlockians; looking out for new Sherlockians to join the ranks; encouraging involvement and guiding people through their participation; connecting new Sherlockians to current members of the BSI; believing in someone even if they don’t believe in themselves; leaving the organization better than when they joined it.

Should someone be nominated in one year and not win, they would need to be re-nominated for consideration in succeeding years.

Where Should Nominations Be Sent?

Nominations should be sent to ricementorshipaward@gmail.com. An acknowledgment email will be sent in reply.

Who Are The Judges?

The current judges are Curtis Armstrong, Jenn Eaker, Ashley Polasek, Rob Nunn, and Madeline Quinones. Again, judges are not eligible for the award.

For a heartfelt reminiscence on Susan Rice's impact from a former mentee of hers, read Curtis Armstrong's essay on the Studies in Starrett blog.

We hope you nominate someone worthy of the award.

Crushed in Time: Mobile Release Announced

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 13:00:07 -0400

“crushed in the press” [ENGR]

Draw Me A Pixel studio has revealed the mobile release date of the Sherlock Holmes comedy adventure Crushed in Time. According to the game's page on the App Store, iPhone and iPad owners will be able to start an investigation on October 19, 2026.

The game is also announced for Android and Nintendo Switch, but the developers have not yet confirmed whether these versions will be released at the same time as iOS.

Crushed in Time follows the absurd adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson within the gaming industry. Shortly before the release of their new game, one of the characters mysteriously disappears, so the detectives have to study different stages of development, moving through space and time. The gameplay is based on the "grab, pull and release" mechanic: users interact with elements of the environment and solve puzzles.

The trailer gives us a sense of the zany adventures afoot:

These are the details from the app store:

Panic at the development studio!

Just as the new Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson video game hit the market, one of its characters mysteriously went missing.

After their memorable appearance in There Is No Game: Wrong Dimension, the extravagant investigators return in their own adventure.

Armed with their iconic ineptitude, they must solve a mystery that transcends the space‑time boundaries of their world — and they won’t succeed without your help.

Travel to the heart of the game’s creation and explore its development stages to unravel the threads of this strange case.

Welcome to a wildly elastic and infinitely meta experience.

Rediscover Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, joined by new endearing characters.
Dialogue recorded by real humans — natural, non‑GMO, additive‑free.
A completely meta time‑travel story exploring the game’s design stages.
Humor, surprises… and probably bugs.
Offbeat point‑and‑click adventure with elastic gameplay.
Loads of puzzles requiring “up to three neurons.”
Beautiful 2D graphics — or was it 3D?

Crushed in Time was released on PC in June 2026 and received 90% positive reviews based on 1276 user reviews. Read more at There Is No Game Wiki.

Episode 342: Star Trek, Stagecraft, and Sherlock Holmes

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

“His face lit up with a boyish enthusiasm” [HOUN]

What happens when the world of Sherlock Holmes collides with the worlds of Star Trek, Shakespeare, and the stage? T. Rick Jones—author, veteran Actors’ Equity stage manager, former Managing Editor of Daily Star Trek News, and prolific contributor to Sherlock Holmes Magazine—brings a unique perspective to Sherlockiana.

We explore what happens when two fandoms meet, comparing the cultures of Star Trek and Sherlockiana, and then turn to the practical question of how the adventures of Sherlock Holmes could be brought effectively to the stage. With his experience in theater production, Rick offers insights into the challenges—and possibilities—of adapting Conan Doyle’s stories for live drama.

Our conversation also explores Rick’s writing about Arthur Conan Doyle and spiritualism, and how subjects that may seem distant from modern audiences can still be fascinating and relevant. He discusses his upcoming essay examining the intriguing connections between Shakespeare and Sherlock Holmes, as well as the wide range of interviews and essays he has produced for Sherlock Holmes Magazine. It’s a conversation about Holmes, theater, literature, fandom, and popular culture—and another reminder that there are always new ways to look at the Great Detective.

Our “Learned Societies” segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities coming up in the first half of November. Then, it’s a new edition of “Examining the Pictures,” with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI, with his review of the third season of the BBC’s Sherlock series. Finally, the Canonical Couplet quiz will test your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of Mystery!: A Celebration. for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock.com by September 29, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. 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: 94.4 MB, 1:25:15

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An Ancestor of Mine

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:21:00 -0400

“as brilliant a record as his famous ancestor” [SILV]

In 2022, Bob Stek, BSI (“The Mysterious Scientist”) wrote a pastiche that connected the worlds of Star Trek and Sherlock Holmes. He wasn't alone in this thinking; as the lone Vulcan on the Enterprise, Spock consistently reminded others that he was governed by logic and did not allow emotions to affect his judgment.

Nicholas Meyer, BSI (“A Fine Morocco Case”), author of The Seven Per-Cent Solution and director of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, previously made connections between Holmes and Spock, as the latter referenced "an ancestor of mine" when using the famous impossible/improbable quote.

More about Spock, Star Trek, and Meyer below.

Meanwhile, Bob Stek's novella, titled An Ancestor of Mine, was originally posted on AO3 (Archive of Our Own) and has been downloaded many hundreds of times. The plot is as follows:

Can Professor Moriarty blackmail Sherlock Holmes? He has evidence that the examination of a cosmic string by Star Trek’s Mr. Spock went horribly awry, and stranded him in Victorian England. In his new home, a surprise onset of Pon Farr leads to an encounter with a Wold Newton descendant — Violet Rutherford, a progressive English adventuress with eclectic interests and friends. Their relationship stretches the Prime Directive to the breaking point and leads to the birth of both Mycroft and Sherlock Holmes.

It could explain so much. Logic in the blood is liable to take the strangest forms.

Bob has kindly agreed to have the volume published on I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere, so we include it here:

Related episodes:

Nicholas Meyer has been a frequent guest on I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere. You can find him featured in the following episodes.

Baker Street Elementary – Say Cheese

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 08:23:00 -0400

“filled with photographs” [CHAS]

Quick — name two canonical villains who claimed photography was a hobby of theirs.

We'll hazard a guess that one came to you quite easily, but you may have had to struggle to think of the other.

If you answered Vincent Spaulding, who kept darting into the basement of Jabez Wilson's pawnshop to develop his photos (why didn't Wilson ever ask to see those photos?) in "The Red-Headed League," you were correct.

And if you also answered Jephro Rucastle, who in "The Copper Beeches," told Violent Hunter that the locked turret contained his dark room, you were also right.

Two villains. One handy excuse to cover up activity they wanted well hidden.

Photography was handy to Sherlock Holmes as well. In "The Second Stain," the identity of Eduardo Lucas and M. Henri Fournaye were determined to be one and the same through "a comparison of photographs."

It was in this same story too that Watson discovered that Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope was much more impressive than her photographs:

“I had often heard of the beauty of the youngest daughter of the Duke of Belminster, but no description of it, and no contemplation of colourless photographs, had prepared me for the subtle, delicate charm and the beautiful colouring of that exquisite head.”

Let's not forget that it was Baron Gruner's "beastly book" that contained photographic evidence against him:

“He had it all in that book. Snapshot photographs, names, details, everything about them.”

For Sherlock Holmes, photography was much more useful than as a hobby. Let's hope they remember to smile at Baker Street Elementary...

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.

June Wyndham Davies, Producer of Granada Sherlock Holmes Series, Aged 97

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:21:00 -0400

“a certain gracious lady” [BRUC]

News reached Sherlockians today that June Wyndham Davies, the Granada Television producer who was a key part of the acclaimed Sherlock Holmes series, passed away on September 9 in Spain.

Fittingly, word came from our friends at The Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes Podcast, whose producers have become close to many of the cast and crew of the series. They wrote:

“We are deeply saddened to share news of the passing of our friend, June Wyndham Davies. Her transition was peaceful and she was with loved ones."

An Eye for Holmes

“Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself; but talent instantly recognizes genius.” [VALL]

Born on June 27th in Cardiff, Wales to Mervyn and Despina Wyndham Davies, June trained at RADA and began her career as an actress before moving behind the camera. She joined the BBC as a director in 1965, working across single-play strands including 30 Minute Theater and Sunday Afternoon Theatre, then went freelance in 1969, directing for the BBC, Anglia, and Yorkshire television as well as Granada — work that included the Emmy-nominated Heidi (1974) and long stretches on Coronation Street and Crown Court.

From 1976 she worked almost exclusively for Granada, producing dark and supernatural drama Shades of Darkness among it — and the Victorian-set Cribb series. It was against that backdrop that she made the recommendation for which Sherlockians can be the most grateful: she suggested Jeremy Brett for the title role in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. By her own account, she was not even particularly fond of Sherlock Holmes. She simply knew talent when she saw it — which, as Holmes himself might have observed, is a rarer gift than it sounds.

Guiding the Canon to the Screen

“A friendly native will surely guide us.” [CREE]

Wyndham Davies went on to produce The Return of Sherlock Holmes, taking over day-to-day running of the series when Michael Cox stepped back to his executive producing duties. When Cox resumed direct control for The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes (1991), she returned to lead the two-hour feature films that followed — among them The Master Blackmailer (1992) — working with screenwriter Jeremy Paul to stretch thinner source material to feature length.

Her fiercest fight came with The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (1994). Having initially been denied airtime, she fought for and won six one-hour episodes — then had to steer the production through Jeremy Brett's advancing illness, a circumstance that led to the decision in one episode to give Holmes this part to his brother Mycroft, rather than abandon the story. It was producing under the most difficult of circumstances, in service of a series she had helped propel.

A Career Beyond Baker Street

“Art in the blood is liable to take the strangest forms.” [GREE]

Holmes was only ever part of her output. In 1997 she won a BAFTA Cymru for Best Drama for August, a Welsh-set adaptation of Uncle Vanya, directed by its star Anthony Hopkins. She had previously received the Chicago International Film Festival's Silver Plaque for The Lady's Maid's Bell (1985). Along the way, she gave early opportunities to actors including Michael Caine, Hugh Grant, and Rhys Ifans — a reminder that her eye for talent was no one time accident of casting Brett, but a career-long habit.

The Granada series she helped shepherd to screen remains, for many, a fixed point in a changing age against which every subsequent Sherlock Holmes is measured. That debt is owed in no small part to a producer who knew a good thing the moment she saw it, and who spent the rest of her career proving it wasn't a fluke.

You can listen to an in-depth conversation with June Wyndham Davies, conducted by The Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes Podcast:

Episode 341: The Illustrious Clients of Indianapolis

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

“All good comradeship and friendship” [ABBE]

The Illustrious Clients of Indianapolis, one of the oldest Sherlock Holmes societies in the United States, is celebrating its 80th anniversary this September. Today, we talk with leaders Shelly Gage and Mark Walters about their own introductions to Sherlock Holmes, and the remarkable history of the Illustrious Clients. It’s a story that begins with the very young Jerry Williamson, who discovered Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce at the movies, sought out the Canon, and began corresponding with prominent Sherlockians.

You’ll hear about “Immortal Thirteen” who joined their first meeting, and the group’s remarkable tradition of writing and publishing, which continues today. Shelly and Mark give us a fascinating look at how an organization founded in the 1940s has preserved its traditions while adapting to a new generation of Sherlockians — and they invite listeners to join the celebration of the Illustrious Clients’ 80th anniversary on Saturday, September 19, at 6:00 p.m.

Our “Learned Societies” segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities coming up in the second half of October. Then, it’s a new edition of “Examining the Pictures,” with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI, with his review of the second season of the BBC’s Sherlock series. 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 September 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. 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: 88.3 MB, 1:20:31

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Baker Street Elementary – That's Life

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 07:19:00 -0400

“The ways of fate are indeed hard to understand” [VEIL]

One of the most philosophical scenes in the Sherlock Holmes story takes place in "The Naval Treaty," when Holmes is reflecting on the existence of a higher power as he focuses on the natural beauty of a flower:

“What a lovely thing a rose is!”

He walked past the couch to the open window, and held up the drooping stalk of a moss-rose, looking down at the dainty blend of crimson and green. It was a new phase of his character to me, for I had never before seen him show any keen interest in natural objects.

“There is nothing in which deduction is so necessary as in religion,” said he, leaning with his back against the shutters. “It can be built up as an exact science by the reasoner. Our highest assurance of the goodness of Providence seems to me to rest in the flowers. All other things, our powers our desires, our food, are all really necessary for our existence in the first instance. But this rose is an extra. Its smell and its color are an embellishment of life, not a condition of it. It is only goodness which gives extras, and so I say again that we have much to hope from the flowers.”

It's probably made more vivid by the accompanying Sidney Paget illustration of Holmes admiring the moss-rose, with the caption "What a lovely thing a rose is."

However, there is another scene in the Canon — a more obscure one — that finds Holmes equally philosophical, although about aging, death, and the results of the way a life is lived.

In this case, we find Watson entering the sitting room at 221B Baker Street after Josiah Amberley made an exit in the opening of "The Retired Colourman." Holmes asks Watson his impression of the man, before pronouncing his view of life:

“A pathetic, futile, broken creature.”

“Exactly, Watson. Pathetic and futile. But is not all life pathetic and futile? Is not his story a microcosm of the whole? We reach. We grasp. And what is left in our hands at the end? A shadow. Or worse than a shadow—misery.”

This is a far less hopeful (dare we say "rosy"?) outlook on the universe. It's at the other end of the tales that Watson has penned: "The Retired Colourman" is the final story in the Strand. Could it be that Holmes was in one of his "fits of the blackest depression" that Watson told us about in A Study in Scarlet?

Perhaps he was feeling the effects of a stinging defeat in a case or considering what he might be leaving behind as retirement loomed.

Things are looking just as bleak at Baker Street Elementary...

Baker Street Elementary – What Is It Good For?

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 08:30:15 -0400

“then so prepare for war” [SECO]

General William Sherman once said, "War is hell." Partly because it's never-ending. In the mid- to late-20th century, historians Will and Ariel Durant estimated that over the past 3,421 years, humans experienced only about 268 scattered years without war.

In the Sherlock Holmes stories, we open with war: Watson introduces himself to us in A Study in Scarlet as a veteran wounded at the Battle of Maiwand. In The Sign of Four, we find ourselves at the Fort of Agra during a rebellion. During another rebellion in "The Crooked Man," one officer betrays another out of jealous love. Soldiers and veterans turn up throughout the Canon.

In fact, it extends to the final story (at least chronologically) in "His Last Bow," set on the very eve of the Great War in August 1914 — in which Holmes delivered his now-famous, almost prophetic line to Watson:

"There's an east wind coming... such a wind as never blew on England yet. It will be cold and bitter, and a good many of us may wither before its blast."

Other clients carry their own war histories: a Boer War veteran searching for a missing friend in "The Blanched Soldier," an admiral's son whose father commanded a fleet in the Crimean War in "The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax," and a Confederate colonel from the American Civil War among the Openshaw family in "The Five Orange Pips," to name a few.

War is always with us. As are its participants and after-effects. Let's just hope we can keep conflict from happening at Baker Street Elementary...

Episode 340: The Six Napoleons of Baltimore

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

“Those of good fellowship” [VALL]

We return to Baltimore and the rich history of one of America’s oldest Sherlock Holmes societies, the Six Napoleons of Baltimore. Greg Ruby and Mike McSwiggin join us to talk about the group’s origins and its upcoming 80th anniversary.

We hear about their first encounters with Sherlock Holmes and then travel back to 1946, when six Baltimore Sherlockians gathered for dinner and founded what would become the Six Napoleons. We also discuss the wonderfully complicated story behind its name, which connects a local Baltimore woman to Napoleon’s family and, of course, to a famous Holmes adventure.

Today, the group continues its traditions of scholarship, trivia, and, above all, fun. We talk about their memorable “inquisition” used to induct new members, its twice-yearly meetings, and its 80th anniversary celebration this September, which features our own Scott Monty as guest speaker.

We also discuss Greg Ruby’s Sherlockians of Baltimore (SOBs), a newer organization that meets quarterly, on Saturdays. It’s a conversation about 80 years of Sherlockian friendship—and a reminder that the game is still very much afoot in Baltimore.

Our “Learned Societies” segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities coming up in the first half of October. Then, it’s a new edition of “Examining the Pictures,” with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI, as he begins a review of the BBC's Sherlock series. 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 August 29, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. 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: 94.6 MB, 1:12:06

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Baker Street Elementary – Ghostbusters

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sun, 2 Aug 2026 08:26:00 -0400

“this agency stands flat-footed upon the ground” [SUSS]

One of the greatest ironies in literary history is that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of the most famous logic-based human thinking machine in literature, was also a committed spiritualist — a devoted believer in being able to communicate with the dead.

This belief spanned his writings, his public lectures, and even crept into the world of Sherlock Holmes after Conan Doyle's death: the 1939 production of The Hound of the Baskervilles was infused with a seance (which was decided not in the book about the so-called spectral hound).

He was thorough in his belief; he wasn't trying to hoodwink anyone, nor was he naively accepting. His belief was a rational and deeply personal decision shaped by childhood religious conflict, scientific inquiry, and the theological tenets of the religion he grew up with (and was conflicted about). In fact, it famously led to the dissolution of his friendship with Harry Houdini when the latter (a committed hoax-buster) felt duped by a seance to communicate with his departed mother.

Conan Doyle's writing on the topic included the novel The Land of Mist, numerous letters and articles, including "The Case for Spiritualism" in 1920. When one conducts a search at the Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia, it returns more than 700 entries for spiritualism.

But the one item that requires additional attention is that of the seance that was held a week after Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's death in July of 1930. Held at Royal Albert Hall, the president of the Marylebone Spiritualist Association (appropriately named "Craze") hosted the event at which Mrs. Estelle Roberts, a noted clairvoyant supposedly passed along a message to Lady Conan Doyle. Read all about it at the Royal Albert website.

It's almost enough to make Conan Doyle sue his estate from beyond the grave.

Let's see who's getting spooked at Baker Street Elementary...

Episode 339: Clubland

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

“The exclusion from his clubs would mean ruin” [EMPT]

Today we are joined by Seth Thévoz, creator of the popular Clubland Substack and author of London Clubland: A Companion for the Curious, among other books. Dr. Thévoz offers a fascinating look inside the traditionally secretive world of London’s private clubs—institutions that have long relied on discretion and exclusivity for their survival.

We explore the evolving nature of club life, contrasting the old model of member-owned institutions with today’s for-profit members’ clubs built around brand, networking, and lifestyle. Despite changes in how people work and socialize, Thévoz makes a compelling case that London clubland is not fading but thriving—adapting to modern needs while preserving its essential character.

Our conversation also touches on the club life of Arthur Conan Doyle, whose memberships included the Athenaeum Club, the Reform Club, and the Authors' Club. We discuss the real-world inspirations behind the Diogenes Club—including Seth’s identification of its most likely historical counterpart.

Our “Learned Societies” segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities coming up in the second half of September. Then, it’s a new edition of “Examining the Pictures,” with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI, as he reviews Enola Holmes 3. 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 August 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. 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 the good news is we have additional conversation with Seth from our interview in this episode. It's available to our paid members (Bonus on Patreon | Bonus on 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: 110 MB, 1:28:38

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Episode 338: Simanaitis Says

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

“As I glanced round I was surprised at the universality of the man’s interests” [3GAR]

We discovered writer and blogger Dennis Simanaitis, a true “Sherlockian in the wild,” whose path to the Great Game developed independently of any local groups. With a background spanning engineering, automotive journalism, and mathematics, Dennis brings a uniquely eclectic perspective to Sherlock Holmes. Like many of us, he suggests Dr. John H. Watson is the real chronicler of Holmes’s adventures, with Arthur Conan Doyle serving as Watson’s literary agent. We explore his admiration for classic Holmes adaptations, including the radio scripts of Edith Meiser and performances by actors such as Richard Gordon and John Stanley.

The conversation ranges from Dennis’s early experiences in 1950s Cleveland radio to the origins of his long-running blog. Along the way, we indulge in a bit of imaginative fun: what car might Holmes drive in a high-speed chase across the English countryside? Dennis makes a compelling case for a machine he has actually driven himself. It’s a lively discussion that blends Sherlockian enthusiasm with a lifelong curiosity about technology, storytelling, and the enduring appeal of old-time radio.

Our “Learned Societies” segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities coming up in the first half of September. Then, it’s a new edition of “Examining the Pictures,” with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI, as he reviews Enola Holmes 2. 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 July 29, 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: 94.4 MB, 1:18:35

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 Pitched Battle

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 10:21:00 -0400

“half-sporting, half-intellectual pleasure” [CROO]

Of the prevailing number of topics we find in the Sherlock Holmes canon — from tobacco to food, the role of women to social hierarchy, weapons to money — we don't often find ourselves considering the world of sport.

We do get a glimpse of sports every now and again; in the opening chapters of A Study in Scarlet, Watson remarks on Holmes's physical abilities: he was noted to be "an expert singlestick player, boxer, and swordsman." Notably, none of these is a team sport. All require the talents of a single participant, matched against one opponent.

As far as team sports go, the Canon provides us very few glimpses, and they are quintessentially British. One —rugby — even lends one of its positions to the title of a story. "The Missing Three-Quarter" concerns the mysterious and sudden disappearance of one of Cambridge's varsity right-wingers. As we sprint through the rest of the stories, we find that Gilchrist played for the rugby team in "The Three Students," and that Watson played for Blackheath when Robert Ferguson played for Richmond in "The Sussex Vampire."

For team sports originating in India, we have polo and cricket. Baron von Bork ("His Last Bow") is said to be a polo player who belongs to the Hurlingham Club. And a young Percy Phelps ("The Naval Treaty") was the victim of cricket bats over the shin and young Lord Saltire's cricket cap turned up ("The Priory School").

But nowhere do we find a mention of association football (that's "soccer" for our American readers), despite England being the birthplace of the first official rules of the game in 1863. Indeed, there is a history of the game that goes back to the twelfth century in England, but it wasn't until the nineteenth century that it rose in popularity.

By 1871, there was a divide in the sport, with those in favor of "hacking" (that's carrying the ball) splintering off to form the Rugby Football Union. Then there was a further split of professional and amateur teams, leading to official recognition of professionalism by the Football Association in 1885.

For a fun look at putting together a team, you might want to listen to Episode 270 of Trifles: "The Missing Three-Quarter One-Third Discovered" (Listen wherever you get podcasts). And check out the the full Games & Sports collections on Patreon and Substack.

Let's see what the field looks like at Baker Street Elementary these days...

Episode 337: The Great Game

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

“in league with the thief” [REIG]

Arvind Ethan David is a versatile writer and producer whose career spans theater, television, film, graphic novels, audio, and now his debut novel, The Great Game, a historical thriller set in 1905 London. Blending mystery and suspense, the book marks the return of A. J. Raffles — the famous gentleman thief created by Conan Doyle’s brother-in-law, E.W. Hornung.

Born in Malaysia and educated in England, Arvind’s perspective on imperial rivalry, colonialism, and cultural identity is expressed through the eyes of his narrator Balvinder dev Singh, a law student and military veteran who is funding his education in partnership with Raffles. When a brutal Mayfair murder tangles Bunny and Raffles in a widening conspiracy, it attracts the attention of Holmes, Watson, and even Winston Churchill.

Arvind’s career began when he was still a student, adapting Douglas Adams’s novel Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency as a play. When Adams came to see it, he became a mentor. He has written and produced extensively in television, including Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency for Netflix, Anansi Boys for Amazon, and The Garden of Evening Mists for HBO. He has also written seven graphic novels, including an adaptation of Raymond Chandler’s Trouble Is My Business. Join us as he reflects on his experiences in these different artistic worlds, and on the unique challenges of bringing honored characters to life.

Our “Learned Societies” segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities coming up in the latter half of August. Then, it’s a new edition of “Examining the Pictures,” with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI, as he reviews the first Enola Holmes film. Finally, the Canonical Couplet quiz will test your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of The Great Game for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by July 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: 94.4 MB, 1:18:35

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 – FDS

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 09:54:00 -0400

“I thought you might care to see it” [SIGN]

From Hugo Baskerville’s portrait to the neighborhood of the Priory School, maps and drawings of all sorts were of great help to Sherlock Holmes. And they were just as important to Watson’s publishers.

The Strand Magazine impractically wanted an illustration on every page. While Sidney Paget established Holmes’s look in the United Kingdom, dozens of American artists pictured him in wildly different ways before Frederic Dorr Steele picked up his pencil.

A popular illustrator, Steele was the natural choice to create the iconic American image of Sherlock Holmes when the stories in The Return appeared in Collier’s Magazine in 1903.

William Gillette’s play had been a triumph in 1899, and while the actor never modeled for Steele, he was his inspiration. Steele captured Holmes’s charisma, his presence, his confidence, and he created the portrait that's inspired every drawing, movie, and cartoon that followed.

You can find out more about Steele and see some of his work at fdsteele.org, the website of the Frederic Dorr Steele Memorial.

But now, let's see if young Freddy is breaking any crayons at Baker Street Elementary...

Episode 336: Holmes in the Heartland – Sherlock Haunts

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 02:21:00 -0400

“quite to the heart of the matter” [MUSG]

We head to the Gateway City to preview the "Holmes in the Heartland" conference, coming up on July 24–26 in St. Louis. Organizers Rob Nunn, BSI ("Elementary") and Heather Hinson share the inside scoop on what attendees can expect from this third triennial gathering.

Hosted by The Parallel Case of St. Louis — a BSI scion founded in 1988 — this year's event centers around the eerie theme of "Sherlock Haunts." The planning committee’s lineup of eight speakers includes our own Scott Monty, as well as a dealers' room of Sherlockian treasures from new vendors, and some special events.

You’ll hear Rob and Heather discuss some of the weekend's highlights, including a nearby screening of The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes. There’s excitement, too, around their new venue: The Cheshire, a British-themed boutique inn with Tudor architecture, country manor decor, and rooms dedicated to legendary British authors.

There’s also a raffle for a stay in the hotel's exclusive Sherlock Holmes Suite. When we recorded, the conference was practically sold out, with 80 attendees expecting a memorable weekend.

Our “Learned Societies” segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities coming up in the first half of August. Then, it’s a new edition of “Examining the Pictures,” with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI, as he reviews a cult classic. Finally, the Canonical Couplet quiz will test your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with something from the IHOSE vaults for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by June 30, 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: 73 MB, 1:01:18

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 – Allow Me To Bring This To Your Attention

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 11:43:00 -0400

“When I draw your attention” [REIG]

Dr. Watson's role was much more than Sherlock Holmes's friend, colleague, and sometime-flatmate. Writ large, he was a front-man — Holmes's publicist, bringing to life “those interesting little problems which the complex life of London so plentifully presents.” [EMPT]

Considering that Watson was his own man, with his own practice, and just as widely known as his detective friend, it may seem odd that Watson didn't bring more cases to Holmes's attention. Certainly, fan mail and client visits would naturally gravitate to 221B Baker Street. But shouldn't Watson's notoriety afford him more occasions to make some referrals to Holmes?

The number of cases in which he did is surprisingly low.

In "The Engineer's Thumb," Watson admits that “there were only two which I was the means of introducing” a new case to Sherlock Holmes: that story and an unpublished one (Colonel Warburton's madness).

But there is one other...

An old school associate by the name of Percy "Tadpole" Phelps wrote to Watson asking him to bring Sherlock Holmes down to Woking to hear the case that Watson ultimately wrote up as "The Naval Treaty."

So there we have it. Watson introduced two of the 60 cases to Holmes, and one unpublished case (that we know of).

Let's see if they're teaching common sense at Baker Street Elementary...

New Series on Professor Moriarty Is in the Works

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Mon, 1 Jun 2026 14:21:00 -0400

“as famous among crooks... as he is unknown to the public” [VALL]

By all estimations, Sherlock Holmes is the most-portrayed literary character ever. Appearing in more than 250 films with his trusted friend and colleague Dr. Watson (who himself has had his own series), we frequently see Holmes face off against his archnemesis, Professor Moriarty.

But until now, the professor has never gotten his own series. As Holmes himself exclaimed in "The Final Problem":

“Aye, there’s the genius and the wonder of the thing!”

That wonder is coming to an end.

Fremantle and Archery Pictures have announced Moriarty (working title), a new original crime drama series built around the man Sherlock Holmes called "the Napoleon of crime" — Professor James Moriarty. The announcement, made on May 28, positions the project as "a modern reinvention of the crime procedural, based on the most famous villain in all of detective fiction."

The series will be written by Chris Cornwell (A Discovery of Witches, Strike Back) and Oliver Lansley (Where's Wanda?, Flack). Archery Pictures and Fremantle will co-produce, with Fremantle handling global sales. No network or streaming platform is attached as of yet.

The Premise

"Sometime when you have a year or two to spare I commend to you the study of Professor Moriarty." [FINA]

The show's concept has a pleasing irony to it. In the canonical stories, Holmes famously deduces Moriarty as the unseen organizing intelligence behind London's criminal world — he tells Watson:

“He is the organizer of half that is evil and of nearly all that is undetected in this great city... He sits motionless, like a spider in the center of its web, but that web has a thousand radiations, and he knows well every quiver of each of them.”

This new series updates the double life of professor / master criminal and moves it out of London. The official synopsis reads:

James Moriarty is a Professor of Criminal Psychology at Durham University but leads a secret double life as the mastermind behind every crime of sophistication in the North of England. When a rival criminal begins an assault on his underground empire, Moriarty will have only one choice: to join the police as a consultant, using the law as a weapon to dismantle his foe while keeping his true identity hidden from the police. Paired with Detective Imogen Burrows, a stoic Yorkshire detective, they'll form a fearsome team, but Moriarty will soon realise that the real threat isn't the rival criminal faction he's dismantling, but Imogen's increasingly perceptive suspicions…

The update from mathematics to criminal psychology is a neat one. Doyle's Moriarty holds a mathematical chair at “one of our smaller universities" before dark rumors force his resignation, and his academic cover as a retired army coach gives Holmes the occasion for that famous put-down: “ex-Professor Moriarty...the retiring mathematical coach.”

The new version swaps the subject matter while keeping a similar structure: the professor who should be above suspicion, the criminal genius hidden in plain academic sight.

The procedural concept — because what would a modern Sherlockian series be without being reimagined as a standard police procedural? — is Moriarty embedded in a police consultancy against his will, with a sharp-eyed detective partner threatening to unravel everything. It also echoes the dynamic Holmes himself describes in The Valley of Fear, where he compares Moriarty to Jonathan Wild, the eighteenth-century criminal mastermind who controlled London's underworld while maintaining a veneer of respectability:

“The old wheel turns, and the same spoke comes up. It's all been done before, and will be again.”

The Production Team

Archery Pictures was founded in 2014 by producer Kris Thykier, whose credits include Operation Mincemeat, Netflix's Fate: The Winx Saga, and the Bradley Cooper comedy Is This Thing On? Thykier expressed enthusiasm for the project:

“We are thrilled to be working with Fremantle to bring to life the original and character driven spin off from the Sherlock Holmes universe that Chris Cornwell has created. Moriarty will show audiences what it takes to be a criminal genius, combining genre thrills with a playful, dark, and thrilling dive into the psychology of villainy.”

Rebecca Dundon, SVP Scripted Content at Fremantle, added:

“We've been looking for a project to work with Archery on for a while and when Kris brought this to us, we instantly saw huge potential for a commercial, returning franchise that brings to life one of the more allusive characters in the Sherlock world: Moriarty. It's exciting to collaborate with Kris and the team at Archery to bring a premium, propulsive, contemporary drama to screen that will not only be clever and hooky, but also give us a fresh spin on the procedural crime format with an unconventionally brilliant protagonist at the heart who will constantly surprise and frustrate viewers in a highly entertaining manner!”

Fremantle's interest in a “commercial, returning franchise” signals ambition beyond a limited series. The partnership with Archery is one of several creative collaborations Fremantle has forged, alongside deals with the likes of Kristen Stewart's Nevermind Pictures, Emma Stone and Dave McCary's Fruit Tree, and Rachel Weisz and Polly Stokes' Astral Projection.

Casting and the Shadows of Recent Moriartys

No casting has been announced, but the role has inevitably invited comparisons to previous screen incarnations. Andrew Scott's portrayal in the BBC's Sherlock — manic, mercurial, disturbingly likeable — remains the most culturally vivid recent version. Others to have taken on the role include Ralph Fiennes, Jared Harris, Eric Porter, and, in Prime Video's current Young Sherlock, Dónal Finn.

(See entries from Deadline and AV Club, if you dare.)

Moriartys, left to right top row: Eric Porter in the Granada series, Jared Harris in Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows, Andrew Scott in Sherlock on BBC; bottom row: Natalie Dormer as Jamie Moriarty in Elementary, Randall Park in Watson, and Donal Finn in Young Sherlock.

A Crowded Field

The announcement lands in a moment of notable Sherlockian abundance on television. Young Sherlock on Prime Video recently earned a second-season renewal. The CW's Sherlock and Daughter is expected back for a second season. CBS's Watson, which put Morris Chestnut in the doctor's chair after Holmes's death, was cancelled earlier this year. This is, of course, after 154 episodes of Elementary from 2012–2019.

"A Sherlockian Analyzes Some of the Early Episodes of Elementary"

As AV Club notes, all of those shows had their own Moriartys — but this will be the first time in the modern television era that the Professor himself gets top billing.

The Moriarty of the stories appears surprisingly sparingly in the original 60 stories. His most significant appearances are in "The Final Problem", where Holmes describes him at length to Watson and they face each other at Reichenbach; The Valley of Fear, a prequel in which Holmes explains Moriarty's criminal network to Inspector MacDonald; and the flashbacks in "The Empty House" and two others where he is discussed in retrospect. (Do you know which stories?)

The relative scarcity of canonical Moriarty — compared to his enormous cultural footprint — has always left room for imaginative expansion. A man of good birth and excellent education, compelled by a "criminal strain" in his blood that his extraordinary intelligence only amplifies, who builds the most sophisticated criminal organization in Europe while maintaining an aura of complete respectability: Doyle sketched him in broad, brilliant strokes and left the canvas largely blank.

Someone has finally taken him up on it.

We at IHOSE Media have naturally taken up the topic over the years. Here are some worthy episodes and articles about Professor Moriarty worth exploring

Articles:

Episodes:

Episode 245: Moriarty's Game — an interview with show creator and writer Charles Kindinger
Episode 265: Ken Ludwig's Moriarty — an interview with the playwright and Ashely Polasek, executive director of the Ken Ludwig Company, on his latest play
Trifles Episode 160 - Army Coaches
Trifles Episode 219 - Moriarty's Mathematics
Trifles Episode 472 - Professor Moriarty
Trifles Episode 481 - Mr. Moriarty

Netflix Releases Enola Holmes 3 Trailer

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Mon, 1 Jun 2026 07:28:00 -0400

“But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!” [COPP]

When a film's unexpected and runaway success leads to a franchise, it becomes difficult to disengage from the momentum. Arthur Conan Doyle found this out when The Strand Magazine, not to be robbed of more Sherlock Holmes stories following the success of The Hound of the Baskervilles, bid $25,000 for six new Sherlock Holmes stories, or $30,000 for eight, or $45,000 for a set of thirteen and a promise of £100 per thousand words. (Source: Teller of Tales: The Life of Arthur Conan Doyle by Daniel Stashower, 1999)

Buoyed by the success of the two previous entries in the Enola Holmes series, Netflix has announced that Enola Holmes 3 arrives on July 1, 2026, providing an enticing trailer.

The official summary sets the stage with characteristic economy: "Adventure chases detective Enola Holmes to Malta, where personal and professional dreams collide on a case more tangled and treacherous than any she has faced before." Sun-soaked Mediterranean intrigue, then — though the franchise's signature charm has always been less about the geography of its cases and more about the particular geography of its protagonist's interior life.

The Facts

“the essential facts of the case” [SILV]

Millie Bobby Brown returns as Enola alongside Henry Cavill as Sherlock Holmes, Sam Claflin as Mycroft, and Helena Bonham Carter as their mother Eudoria. Himesh Patel, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, and Louis Partridge complete the principal cast. Partridge's Lord Tewkesbury figures rather prominently in the new chapter: wedding bells are ringing for Enola and Tewkesbury, as Netflix's first-look images confirm the engagement has progressed toward the altar.

The film is loosely based on Nancy Springer's young adult book series The Enola Holmes Mysteries. Philip Barantini takes the directing reins from Harry Bradbeer, who helmed the first two films. Jack Thorne returns to write the screenplay. The film runs 105 minutes and was produced by Legendary Pictures and PCMA Productions.

Don't miss our interview with Enola Holmes author Nancy Springer on Episode 200:

A Darker Turn

“no sister of his should ever have accepted such a situation.” [COPP]

Those expecting more of the breezy, fourth-wall-breaking energy of the first two films should prepare for a shift in tone. Barantini has compared the sequel to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban — that telling moment when a beloved franchise acknowledges that its audience has grown up and that the story must grow with them.

Brown herself described Enola as stepping into a version of herself that "feels much more defined but still evolving," noting that "she's built something for herself, which is amazing, but she's also questioning what she wants next."

The Enola Holmes franchise has, perhaps more than it is given credit for, done something quietly remarkable: it has taken one of literature's most celebrated figures of pure logic and reason and asked what it might mean if that same gift of observation were housed in someone for whom Victorian society had arranged a rather different set of expectations. Enola doesn't just solve cases. She insists, persistently and with considerable style, on embracing her unique talents and being seen. She is a Holmes, after all.

In "The Greek Interpreter," Holmes told Watson:

"I cannot agree with those who rank modesty among the virtues. To the logician all things should be seen exactly as they are, and to underestimate one's self is as much a departure from truth as to exaggerate one's own powers."

Enola Holmes, in three films now, has taken that dictum to heart — and then, characteristically, gone her own way with it.

Watch the trailer:

Enola Holmes 3 premieres on Netflix, July 1, 2026.

Image credits: John Wilson / Netflix

Baker Street Elementary – Nonsensical

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sun, 31 May 2026 08:08:00 -0400

“systematized common sense” [BLAN]

In "The Blanched Soldier," we find a quote from Sherlock Holmes that makes it clear that his way of thinking — as impressive and strange as it is to the reader — is second nature to him:

“By cunning questions and ejaculations of wonder he could elevate my simple art, which is but systematized common sense, into a prodigy.”

Systematized common sense? Well, if one has taken the trouble to memorize data about crimes past and to observe what others don't, it might be systematized.

More often than not, we see Scotland Yard inspectors calling their approach "common sense" when it is more like systematized ignorance.

For example, in The Valley of Fear, Inspector MacDonald challenges Holmes's theory about an outside killer, declaring:

“It's clean against common sense!”

His argument was that no rational man would choose a noisy shotgun as the weapon for a murder he needed to commit quietly and escape cleanly.

And in The Sign of Four, Inspector Athelney Jones (who famously called the detective "Mr. Sherlock Holmes the theorist") uses the phrase twice while trying to theorize about the crime at Pondicherry Lodge, first dismissing the steps on the window sill:

“Well, well, if it was fastened the steps could have nothing to do with the matter. That’s common sense. Man might have died in a fit; but then the jewels are missing. Ha! I have a theory. These flashes come upon me at times.—Just step outside, sergeant, and you, Mr. Sholto. Your friend can remain.—What do you think of this, Holmes? Sholto was, on his own confession, with his brother last night. The brother died in a fit, on which Sholto walked off with the treasure. How’s that?”
“On which the dead man very considerately got up and locked the door on the inside.”
“Hum! There’s a flaw there. Let us apply common sense to the matter.”

Oh, poor Athelney Jones...

Let's see if they're teaching common sense at Baker Street Elementary...

Episode 335: Brettcon 2 – The Return

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

“the affair which you have commemorated” [MUSG]

We welcome back Gus and Luke Holwerda, hosts of The Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes Podcast, along with their producer, David Youell, to discuss Brettcon 2: The Return. Scheduled for September 19, 2026, at the Dancehouse Theatre in Manchester, this second conference in the series continues to celebrate the 40th anniversary of legendary Granada Television series and the incomparable Jeremy Brett.

Following the success of their first conference in 2025, they reflect on the extraordinary sense of community the event inspired, bringing together fans from around the world with actors and crew members who shared memories of Jeremy Brett — a brilliant actor, and an admired and generous human being whose presence still resonates.

We discuss Brettcon 2’s star-studded lineup, which includes actor Michael Siberry, BAFTA-winning costume designer Esther Dean, actor and stuntman Kiran Shah, and an exclusive for IHOSE of a very special pair of guests. From screenings of classic episodes to displays of original, unseen costumes, it’s a salute to the artistry and community that defined the Granada era.

Beyond the main event, Gus, Luke and David also discuss the weekend extravaganza that takes fans into the heart of the show's production history, including a Friday meal at the former Granada Studios back lot, the original site of Baker Street. And they highlight the charitable mission at the heart of Brettcon, with all proceeds benefiting the mental health charity MindUK, in honor of Jeremy’s own journey.

And you'll want to make sure you listen to additional bonus material as our conversation continued.

Our “Learned Societies” segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities coming up in the second half of July. Then, it’s a new edition of “Examining the Pictures,” with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI, as he reviews a cult classic from the 1970s. Finally, the Canonical Couplet quiz will test your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of something from the vaults for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by June 14, 2026 at 11:59 a.m. EDT. 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: 102 MB, 1:26:36

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When Google Gave Sir Arthur Conan Doyle a Birthday Gift

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Fri, 22 May 2026 14:21:00 -0400

Today marks 20 years since its first appearance

“a man of good birth and excellent education” [FINA]

On May 22, 1859, Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was born. And it is still celebrated by Sherlockians and Doyleans around the world, who, at the very least, pause to honor the man who created Sherlock Holmes.

Hopping on that trend on May 22, 2006 — 20 years ago today — Google presented one of its famous “Google Doodles” to honor his Conan Doyle and his famous creation. (Technically it was launched the evening before, but it was up all day on the 22nd).

This was before the Google Doodle became a near-daily thing.

There are scores of reasons to honor Sir Arthur every day, since his name is still associated not only with the immortal Sherlock Holmes, but the likes of Brigadier Gerard, Professor Challenger, poetry, politics, speeches, divorce law reform, the defense of the wrongly-accused, his friendship with Harry Houdini, his avid love of many sports, spiritualism, and much more.

Happy birthday, Sir Arthur! Thank you for the eternal gift of Sherlock Holmes.

Baker Street Elementary – Prodigious Playing

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Sun, 17 May 2026 07:55:00 -0400

“I shall try over the Hoffman ‘Barcarole’ upon my violin” [MAZA]

Sherlock Holmes's ability with the violin was introduced in the very first story Dr. Watson brought before the public. In A Study in Scarlet, as each man is listing his peculiarities to the other, Holmes offers this question to his would-be roommate:

“Do you include violin-playing in your category of rows?”

Watson tells us Holmes asked “anxiously”. But why anxiously?

It could be that Holmes was a mere amateur and was self-conscious about his playing. Or that he practiced frequently, in order to improve his skill, and in doing so, he might not sound the best. To a perfectionist like Holmes, that may have been a vulnerability. His response indicates some sensitivity there:

“It depends on the player,” I answered. “A well played violin is a treat for the gods—a badly-played one—”
“Oh, that’s all right,” he cried, with a merry laugh. “I think we may consider the thing as settled—that is, if the rooms are agreeable to you.”

When Watson wrote up his famous list, he gave Holmes positive marks for his musical talents:

10. Plays the violin well.

It is our supposition that Holmes as a virtuoso and not at all an unskilled, practicing amateur. Later in the story, Watson observes Holmes leaning back in his chair, where

“he would close his eyes and scrape carelessly at the fiddle which was thrown across his knee.”

That, ladies and gentlemen, is not the behavior of a new violin student or someone who is anxiously attempting to master a craft. No, that is the action of someone extremely familiar with the instrument and quite confident in his own level of performance.

Could it be because Holmes got his start at music lessons at Baker Street Elementary?

Listen to Trifles Episode 40, where we discussed a true virtuoso whom Holmes admired: Sarasate.

Episode 334: Remembering David Burke

comment@ihearofsherlock.com (Scott Monty & Burt Wolder) — Fri, 15 May 2026 01:58:47 -0400

“I fear that it is at a cost which will give pain to my friends” [FINA]

This special emergency episode of I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere serves as a tribute to actor David Burke, the first performer to play Dr. Watson in the Granada television series, who passed away a few days ago at the age of 91.

Burt is away, but Scott is joined by Gus and Luke Holwerda, co-hosts and creators of The Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes Podcast. Ironically, we had recorded a regular episode with Gus and Luke earlier this week, but upon the news of David's passing, we pre-empted that show.

Gus and Luke share their personal reminiscences about David, stemming from their visit to David's home, revealing how nervous he was at that meeting. We analyze Burke's unique portrayal, highlighting the many deeply human qualities he brought to the role in the 13 episodes in which he starred with Jeremy Brett, laying the groundwork for a well-rounded, three-dimensional Watson

And we share and comment on a number of clips from those episodes. Listen to hear if a favorite scene of yours comes up and if you name the episodes from which they're drawn before we do.

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.

I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere

Nominate Someone for the 2027 Susan Rice Mentorship Award

“A friendly native will surely guide us” [CREE]

What is the Susan Rice Mentorship Award?

Who Is Eligible For The Award?

How Is Someone Nominated?

Where Should Nominations Be Sent?

Who Are The Judges?

Crushed in Time: Mobile Release Announced

“crushed in the press” [ENGR]

Episode 342: Star Trek, Stagecraft, and Sherlock Holmes

“His face lit up with a boyish enthusiasm” [HOUN]

Download [Save As] | File size: 94.4 MB, 1:25:15

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

Links

Explore more here.

An Ancestor of Mine

“as brilliant a record as his famous ancestor” [SILV]

More about Spock, Star Trek, and Meyer below.

Related reading:

Related episodes:

Baker Street Elementary – Say Cheese

“filled with photographs” [CHAS]

June Wyndham Davies, Producer of Granada Sherlock Holmes Series, Aged 97

“a certain gracious lady” [BRUC]

An Eye for Holmes

“Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself; but talent instantly recognizes genius.” [VALL]

Guiding the Canon to the Screen

“A friendly native will surely guide us.” [CREE]

A Career Beyond Baker Street

“Art in the blood is liable to take the strangest forms.” [GREE]

Episode 341: The Illustrious Clients of Indianapolis

“All good comradeship and friendship” [ABBE]

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Baker Street Elementary – That's Life

“The ways of fate are indeed hard to understand” [VEIL]

Baker Street Elementary – What Is It Good For?

“then so prepare for war” [SECO]

Episode 340: The Six Napoleons of Baltimore

“Those of good fellowship” [VALL]

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Baker Street Elementary – Ghostbusters

“this agency stands flat-footed upon the ground” [SUSS]

Episode 339: Clubland

“The exclusion from his clubs would mean ruin” [EMPT]

Download [Save As] | File size: 110 MB, 1:28:38

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Episode 338: Simanaitis Says

“As I glanced round I was surprised at the universality of the man’s interests” [3GAR]

Download [Save As] | File size: 94.4 MB, 1:18:35

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Baker Street Elementary – A Pitched Battle

“half-sporting, half-intellectual pleasure” [CROO]

Episode 337: The Great Game

“in league with the thief” [REIG]

Download [Save As] | File size: 94.4 MB, 1:18:35

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Baker Street Elementary – FDS

“I thought you might care to see it” [SIGN]

Episode 336: Holmes in the Heartland – Sherlock Haunts

“quite to the heart of the matter” [MUSG]

Download [Save As] | File size: 73 MB, 1:01:18

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Baker Street Elementary – Allow Me To Bring This To Your Attention

“When I draw your attention” [REIG]

New Series on Professor Moriarty Is in the Works