Aug 5, 2026
“several international spies and secret agents” [SECO]
One of the wonders of "His Last Bow" is a snapshot of Britain
before the Great War. We're treated to Sherlock Holmes still in top
form in the last recorded case of his career, pitting him against
the German spy Von Bork.
Michael Pollak, BSI ("The Blue...
Jul 29, 2026
“I would willingly give five hundred” [REIG]
Five hundred! It's astounding to think we've managed to notch
500 episodes of Trifles. But, do this weekly for nine and
a half years, and the math seems to work.
To celebrate our quincentennial, we took an unorthodox
approach — one inspired by a scene in The...
Jul 22, 2026
“my friend and rival, Mr. Barker” [RETI]
We occasionally get suggestions for topics, and this is one of
those cases. Kai Johansen wondered “who was Barker?” — as in
“Barker, my hated rival on the Surrey shore,” in “The Retired
Colourman.”
It led us to a short article in The Baker
Street...
Jul 15, 2026
“I’ve heard of your methods before now, Mr. Holmes” [NAVA]
In this month’s “Mr. Sherlock Holmes the Theorist” theme, we
turn our attention to another detective — a contemporary of
Sherlock Holmes: Dr. John Evelyn Thorndyke.
The creation of R. Austin Freeman, Thorndyke appeared in 21
novels and 40...
Jul 8, 2026
“It is not cold which makes me shiver” [SPEC]
We've all had moments when we've shivered. Perhaps it's from
being exposed to the cold for a while, so the entire body spasms in
an effort to create heat. Or maybe it's a tingle along our spine,
brought on by something that scares us.
We trace the appearance of...