I Hear Of Sherlock Everywhere

"The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan" [REDH]    The wonder and magic of the Sherlock Holmes stories is that they were set, for their contemporary audience, in a city and its surroundings that were very familiar and very real. Alistair Duncan set out to capture that in his book Close to Holmes, taking us on many journeys by foot and other conveyances, with wonderful photographs supported by vivid descriptions. Even though we weren't alive when the stories were written, we can feel as if we were there. We discuss the impetus for this book, as well as Alistair's four other Sherlockian books — the first of which was the impetus for MX Publishing to focus on Sherlock Holmes. We have news from the Sherlockian world and another easy-peasy Canonical Couplet. Did you win last time? Will you win this time? The winner will receive a copy of one of Alistair's books.  Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock .com by October 14, 2023 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play.   If you

"For three hours we strolled about together" [RESI]    As we continue our look at some of the early Baker Street Irregulars associated with The Baker Street Journal (we began with its publisher Ben Abramson in Episode 269), we turn to Christopher Morley. Morley was the right man at the right time with the right attitude, and Steven Rothman, BSI, 2s. ("The Valley of Fear") is the foremost expert on this legend of the BSJ. We look at Morley's early life, his influences, his literary works, and his popularity leading up to and through the time of the establishment of Sherlockian societies. There are Sherlockian news headlines and the ever-present Canonical Couplet. Did you win last time? Will you win this time? The winner will receive something Morley-esque.  Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock .com by September 29, 2023 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play.   If you become a Patron of the Arts, not only will you help to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting

"put the papers on the sundial" [FIVE]    David Marcum is still at it. When we last left this prolific author and editor, he was 28 volumes into The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories. Now, he is approaching the 40th volume and has edited over 1,000 Sherlock Holmes pastiches. His own stories — now at 113 — can be found in multiple volumes of The Collected Papers of Sherlock Holmes, and he continues to dedicate his time to related characters such as Solar Pons and Nero Wolfe. We spoke with David about his editing process, the ideal settings for Sherlock Holmes, chronologies, the money raised by MX Publishing for Undershaw, and much more. There are Sherlockian news headlines and the ever-present Canonical Couplet. Did you win last time? Will you win this time? The winner will receive one of David's books.  Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock .com by September 14, 2023 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play.   If you become a Patron of the Arts, not only will you help to ensure

"read twelve hours a day at the annals of crime" [VALL]    We all come to Sherlock Holmes in our own way. And Olivia Rutigliano is the first on this program to discover the detective in one particular fashion. We won't spoil it (you have to listen to find out), but suffice it to say it was enough to propel her not only into the world of detective fiction but an education and career in writing. Olivia is Associate Editor of CrimeReads, a vertical of LitHub and she is pursuing her doctorate at Columbia University, where her dissertation is "The Performing Detective: Investigation, Audience, and Acting in Victorian Entertainment."  As if that isn't enough to talk about, we also discuss the trajectory of crime fiction, the overlap of film (she studied film as an undergrad), and how there is a need for more intermingling of the worlds of academia and popular culture. We also bring back the Sherlockian news and have our usual Canonical Couplet. Did you win last time? Will you win this time? A prize awaits.  S

"my strange old book-collector" [EMPT]  Ben Abramson with Vincent Starrett at a signing event for 'Books Alive' Circa 1940. Location Unknown / Photographer Unknown (Source: A Road of Intangible Inclinations)   There are some Sherlockians we wish we could have interviewed for this program — individuals long gone but fondly remembered — whose unique perspectives would be a boon to our listeners. Unfortunately, most of them are beyond our reach. In this case however, we have one who is available to us but comes to us in a prepackaged interview. Ben Abramson, BSI ("The Beryl Coronet") was a bookseller and the first publisher of The Baker Street Journal. And he sat for an interview on the radio in 1954. We share Ben's background, his early days as a bookseller, his move from Chicago to New York City, his association with some of the Sherlockian greats such as Vincent Starrett, Edgar W. Smith, and Peter Blau, and trace the rise and tragic fall of the BSJ and of Ben himself.  The winner of the previous

"Out came the official notebook" [WIST]    As we know from experience with Jonas Oldacre, when a builder puts his mind to something, he can really go far. In the case of Raymond Farney though, it concerns something that began as a personal project but ended up becoming a book — a reference book of more than 600 pages: A Study in Sherlock - Watson's Notebook. This unique tome is a wonderful companion to anyone who's reading the Sherlock Holmes canon, either for pleasure or for research purposes. We highlight some uses, ponder with Ray over the amount of time Watson spent at 221B Baker Street, and consider the possibilities of a follow-up work. We announce the winner of last episode's Canonical Couplet (a LEGO figure and book are headed their way) and introduce another one. Some material from the bulging vaults at IHOSE headquarters will go to the winner of yet another couplet we share in this episode. Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock .com by July 29, 2023 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are

"a cascade of children's bricks" [TWIS]    Sherlock Holmes has been given form thanks to artists like Sidney Paget, Frederic Dorr Steele, Howard Elcock, Frank Wiles, and Arthur Twidle. He has sprung to life from the stage and screen through the magic of William Gillette, Eille Norwood, Basil Rathbone, Peter Cushing, Jeremy Brett, and Benedict Cumberbatch. But James Macaluso has made a world where Sherlock Holmes is universally relatable: through the Re-Imagined Sherlock Holmes in LEGO building bricks. His imagination and ingenuity have combined to transform some of Sidney Paget's iconic illustrations into LEGO scenes that are remarkably faithful to the original. How did he do it? Where did he find the pieces? James tells us his story and takes us through his creations which include works inspired by Edward Gorey, other non-Sherlockian stories that he has similarly illustrated, and what we might expect next. We have a straightforward Canonical Couplet this time. You ought to play, because the winner, who

"an event of extreme importance" [SIGN]    There seems to be an explosion of Sherlock Holmes events of late. And the second outing of Holmes in the Heartland is an excellent entry in that horse race. Rob Nunn, BSI ("Elementary") and Heather Hinson of the Parallel Case of St. Louis join us to talk about this pandemic-delayed event that is taking place July 28–30, 2023 at the Sheraton Westport Plaza Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. The clever theme for this second entry in the Heartland series is "Arch Enemies," and features a wide array of Sherlockian speakers, vendors, and plenty of activities for all attendees. Listen to this funny and informative interview to hear what to expect and how to participate. This episode's Canonical Couplet is an easy one! If you can't solve this, you shouldn't call yourself a Sherlockian. We've got something special from the IHOSE Vaults for our winner. Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock .com by June 29, 2023 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play.  

"Look how close they play the game" [3GAB]    Ken Ludwig, BSI ("Jack Stapleton") has seen his plays, Sherlockian and otherwise, grace the stage and win awards since the 1980s. And Ashley Polasek, BSI ("Singlestick") took on the role of Executive Director of the Ken Ludwig Company in 2022. Together, the two join us to talk about Ken's latest Sherlockian play, Moriarty, which premiered at the Cleveland Playhouse in April and May of 2023. But the discussion goes well beyond that to include Ken's other works, how Covid affected the play, how the creative process works, how Ashley's unique background and expertise are perfectly suited to her role, and more. Learn how this dynamic duo play off of each other's strengths to help make everything Ken Ludwig does even more successful. Whether you're a fan of the theater, the creative process, just interested in how a Sherlock Holmes piece comes to life, this is a discussion you won't want to miss. And make sure you listen in for Ken's next Sherlock Holmes play, wh

"some stuff that would suit my editor" [VALL]    It's not that often that editor's door at The Baker Street Journal swings open. In fact, the last time it happened was at the turn of the century. But this January, Dan Andriacco, BSI ("St. Saviour's, Near King's Cross") was announced as the newest editor of the BSJ. Dan assumes the seat that Steve Rothman, BSI, 2s. ("The Valley of Fear") has aptly occupied for 23 years (hear our interview with Steve in Episode 221), but he is not alone. Dan has brought not only a cadre of people to fill various roles, but he has also brought a lifetime of writing and editing. What are Dan's priorities for the Journal? How will its pages change and possibly appeal to a wider audience? What can we expect in the next issue? And most importantly, what is the Christmas Annual about this year? The answers await.  The Canonical Couplet is here for a chance to win BIG! If you submit a correct answer and we choose your name randomly chosen, you'll get a copy of Dan's very first i

"Children, my dear boy, children." [GREE]    Parenting is a mystery to everyone — even to Sherlock Holmes. That's the premise of the books brought to us by author Arye Dworken and illustrator Mike Weinreb. Eleanor and Alistair Holmes are lucky enough to have Sherlock Holmes for a father, but Holmes isn't quite as sure of himself at home as he is at work. This is the recurring theme that Dworken first explored in Sherlock Holmes and the Dinnertime Mystery and examines from another angle in Sherlock Holmes and a Father's Time. Arye Dworken joins us to discuss his enduring love of Sherlock Holmes and how he expresses it in these delightful children's books, examining issues that haunt all parents, from work-life balance to the day-in and day-out routine of meal preparation.  In this discussion about children's literature, we talk about authors we love and methods they've used, together with Dworken's inspiration, his choice of illustrator, and where the series goes next. The Canonical Couplet should be an

"see how beautifully the spring works" [STUD]    The world of Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts is alive and blooming! It is the spring, after all. And with such a season of renewal, we see continued interest and growth in activities and interests around Sherlock Holmes. A number of Sherlockian conferences and gatherings are happening, all around the country. Individual Sherlockians (namely, our listeners) are making themselves known not only to us but to new audiences as well. And online there are always fun groups of people making the Sherlockian world more interesting. We have tons of great links to help you discover these events, people, and content, so make sure you check them out in the show notes. The Canonical Couplet features another brain-teaser. But we promise to go easy on your brains. If you're the lucky winner whose correct entry is randomly chosen, you'll be the recipient of a copy of the Winter 2022 Baker Street Journal. Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock .com by April 29, 2023 at 11:

"there is nothing more stimulating" [HOUN]    The latest entry in the BSI Press Professions series is a sequel: Stimulating Medicine: More Nerve and Knowledge: Doctors, Medicine, and the Sherlockian Canon. What makes it even more interesting is that it was developed during the pandemic.   Bob Katz, BSI ("Dr. Ainstree") and Andy Solberg, BSI ("Professor Coram") joined forces for the sixth time, and join us for a sixth time to discuss this volume. More than the people, tools, and places that made up Nerve and Knowledge, this volume delves deeper into the world of medicine and into the human psyche itself. The Canonical Couplet features some erstwhile entries from ChatGPT, as well as the actual puzzle for you to solve: two lines of poetry that summarize one of the 60 stories. If you're the lucky winner whose correct entry is randomly chosen, you'll be the recipient of a copy of Stimulating Medicine. Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock .com by April 14, 2023 at 11:59 a.m. EST. The winner will be c

"Well up in belladonna, opium, and poisons generally" [STUD]    There's a large number of Sherlock Holmes stories that involve poisons or toxins. Once you begin to tally them up, you may be surprised, as was our guest in this episode. Marina Stajic, BSI ("Curare"), ASH ("Lady Frances Carfax") has written and presented extensively on Sherlock Holmes and poisons. Her chosen profession makes her the ideal individual to do this: she was a forensic toxicologist. Her Sherlockian scholarship has appeared in The Baker Street Journal, The Sherlock Holmes Journal, The Serpentine Muse, and numerous BSI Press books. Marina joined us to talk about the confluence of her career and her Sherlockian interests, her assessment of Sherlock Holmes's abilities regarding poisons and toxins, and shares the story behind her infamous display of Edwardian undergarments. It looks like last episode's big surprise caught our listeners' attention: we have a winner of the the Canonical Couplet quiz — plus a new puzzle for you to solve

"fitting subjects for this series of sketches" [REIG]     One of Burt's and Scott's great interests is music. When it converges with the world of Sherlock Holmes, it becomes all the more interesting. Joshua Harvey lives at that convergence and has some wonderful stories to tell about his history with music, with Sherlock Holmes, and with Patrick Gowers, the composer of the score of the Granada/ITV Sherlock Holmes series. In addition to his work with Gowers' material, Josh threw himself into a Canonical composing fit during the pandemic, writing theme songs for a variety of Sherlockian societies (aka "scions") that met both online and in person. We have samples of his work that may give other societies ideas about future commissions. There's a BIG surprise with regard to the Canonical Couplet quiz — one that you won't want to miss. And a prize awaits for the person who identifies the Sherlock Holmes story based on two lines of poetry and whose answer is randomly selected. Send your answer to comment @ ih

"the fruit of my leisured ease, the magnum opus" [LAST]     What happens when Sherlock Holmes faces off against forces of the supernatural? Well...nothing. At least nothing in the Canon. But unleash the creative minds of Brad Keefauver, BSI ("Winwood Reade") and Rob Nunn, BSI ("Elementary") and 17 creative Sherlockian authors and you've got The Monstrum Opus of Sherlock Holmes: A Compendium of Horrors Dr. Watson Dared Not Tell. We've been horror-ing for the last two episodes. Hmm. The duo join IHOSE to talk about their influences and what they hoped for in initiating this compendium. We even hear from Burt, who contributed one of the chapters himself. A copy of this book awaits for the winner of the next Canonical Couplet quiz. Simply identify the Sherlock Holmes story based on two lines of poetry; if your answer is chosen from among the correct entries, you'll win. Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock .com by February 27, 2023 at 11:59 a.m. EST. The winner will be chosen at random from among a

"our visit to The Haven" [LION]     The latest in the BSI Manuscript Series from the BSI Press is The Haven Horror. If that reference isn't immediately recognizable, it's not surprising; it's a phrase taken from "The Adventure of the Retired Colourman," which comes at the tail end of the Canon. Phil Bergem, BSI ("Birdy Edwards") joins us to talk about this volume in his new role as editor. Phil has long been the annotator/transcriber of manuscripts for the series, but he took on new responsibilities this time around. And it shows, with a wide-ranging variety of essays to inform, entertain, and delight us regarding this little-talked-about story.  A copy of this book awaits for the winner of the next Canonical Couplet quiz. Simply identify the Sherlock Holmes story based on two lines of poetry; if your answer is chosen from among the correct entries, you'll win. Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock .com by February 14, 2023 at 11:59 a.m. EST. The winner will be chosen at random from among all th

"Holmes gave me a brief review of what had passed" [THOR]     The 2023 BSI Weekend has come and gone, and it was filled with plenty of food, friends, and frivolity. We provide a glimpse of what we saw — including a number of our listeners and guests — and put it in context for you. Far from being inside baseball, this episode is a look at what makes Sherlockians tick and why we place so much value in attending events that help us express our fondness for our hobby and each other. The Canonical Couplet quiz gives you a chance to identify a Sherlock Holmes story based on two lines of poetry; if your correct answer is randomly chosen, you'll win something from the IHOSE vaults. Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock .com by January 29, 2023 at 11:59 a.m. EST. The winner will be chosen at random from among all the correct answers. All listeners are eligible to play. Please do consider becoming a Patron of the Arts. Your support helps us to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting

"enter the sacred domain to-night without fear" [SHOS]     When the #FreeSherlock movement began a decade ago, there were 50 of the original 60 Sherlock Holmes stories in the public domain in the United States. And now, when January 1, 2023 rolls around, "The Veiled Lodger" and "Shoscombe Old Place" will be the final two stories no longer under copyright. To mark this occasion and the final episode of Season 16 of I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere, we invited Leslie Klinger, BSI ("The Abbey Grange"), Betsy Rosenblatt, BSI ("Lucy Ferrier"), and Ashely Polasek, BSI ("Singlestick") back to the show to talk with us about it from the perspective of one who has sued the Conan Doyle Estate, an intellectual property lawyer, and an adaptation studies scholar, respectively. How will this affect creators? And what does it mean for fans? These questions and more are answered as we pick the considerable brains we assembled.  This was originally broadcast as a live video exclusively for our Patreon supporters; you can vi

"a strange and wild life" [STUD]     How often have you come across a phrase in the Sherlock Holmes stories that you're not familiar with? Or just a general concept, such as the cost of items and what it was like to live on a pension?  Author Liese Sherwood-Fabre discovered a number of questions as she was researching her series of books The Early Casefiles of Sherlock Holmes. So, in gathering her research, she published another series: The Life of Times of Sherlock Holmes. We take a look inside the making of this four-volume series of essays, with a mysterious detour to Russia along the way.  Try your hand at the Canonical Couplet quiz: we give you two lines of poetry, you identify the Sherlock Holmes story; if your correct answer is randomly chosen, you'll win a copy of The Life and Time of Sherlock Holmes. Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock .com by December 29, 2022 at 11:59 a.m. EST. The winner will be chosen at random from among all the correct answers. All listeners are eligible to play