Thank Holmes It's Friday - Oct 25 - American Connections
It's that time again - Thanks Holmes it's Friday! This week marks 100 years since 'The Adventure of the Three Garridebs' was first published in Collier's in the United States on 25 October 1924, one of many stories published in American newspapers.
It is therefore fitting that we should dedicate this issue to the many American references in the sherlockian world. But first, for those new to 'The Adventure of the Three Garridebs', let’s dive in as Watson narrates:
It may have been a comedy, or it may have been a tragedy. It cost one man his reason, it cost me a blood-letting, and it cost yet another man the penalties of the law.
As regards the plot: Holmes receives a letter from Nathan Garrideb, who seeks help finding another with his unusual surname to inherit a fortune from millionaire Howard Garrideb. However, Holmes quickly uncovers that Nathan's contact, John Garrideb, is actually a dangerous criminal named James Winter, who has escaped from prison.
Nathan, an elderly eccentric with a knack for collecting oddities, is unaware of John's true motives.Despite Nathan's objections, John insists on traveling to Birmingham to meet Howard Garrideb. Holmes realizes this is John's scheme to get Nathan out of the way.
Holmes, sensing danger, sets a trap at Nathan's home. When John arrives to access a hidden cellar, they capture him after a tense confrontation, during which Watson is shot in the leg. Thankfully, Watson's injury is minor, and Holmes’s fierce loyalty shines through when he strikes Winter in anger.
The hidden cellar reveals a printing press and stacks of counterfeit banknotes tied to Prescott, the man Winter had killed. With Winter captured and the crime uncovered, Watson reflects on their unbreakable friendship; Holmes’s loyalty is truly worth any sacrifice!
MORE AMERICAN CONNECTIONS
The genius of Baker Street transcended boundaries, captivating hearts far beyond Britain,. Sherlock always assembled global culture and The United States adopted him with lots of love.
America was important to Conan Doyle and though he modelled Holmes on a scottish professor, Joseph Bell, he named the sleuth in honour of an American Renaissance figure, Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes. Like Bell, Holmes was not only a gifted surgeon but also an astute observer of human nature.
Several stories of the canon also have American connections - showcasing crimes that stretch across the ocean, with clues leading straight to the United States. The detective would also receive rucial telegrams, filled with vital information from his trusted American contacts. Examples include A Study in Scarlet, The Valley of Fear, The Dancing men, The Red Circle, The Five Orange Pips and The Yellow Face.
In The Noble Batchelor Sherlock remarks, "it's always a joy to me to meet an American (....) for I am one of those who believe that the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes".
Also, of note is the American actor, William Gillette, who helped reignite the spirit of Sherlock Holmes after Reichenbach Falls! His theatrical portrayal of Sherlock saw him marry, don the iconic deer stalker and smoke a calabash pipe on stage.
OUR EXCITING AMERICAN COLLECTION
We invite you to explore a selection of books by American authors and tales that capture the essence of American culture. And the best part: you can enjoy an incredible 3 for 2 discount on this handpicked collection.
Dan Andriacco's Macabe and Cody series is the epitome of "all American" storytelling! The first book, 'No Police Like Holmes' delivers an engaging mystery blended with sharp satire of the modern Sherlockian world. Meet the charming duo of cynical Jeff Cody and exuberant Sebastian McCabe, whose chemistry mirrors that of Holmes and Watson. Fans will be excited for book 13—The Magician's Trunk—launching on November 23rd!
Next, Dan Victor's American Literati series where our beloved detective interact with legends such as Raymond Chandler, Mark Twain, Stephen Crane, Jack London, and beyond. Each volume thrusts iconic American literary figures into unexpected roles in Holmes' adventures. Whether they become hapless victims, trusted allies, or invaluable sources of wisdom, each tale unveils new dimensions of Holmes’ unparalleled abilities in solving mysteries through keen observation and astute reasoning.
Other adventures that spotlight America include 'The American Visitors' by Allison Osborn, 'Sherlock Holmes and the Texas Adventure' by Dicky Neely and 'Mrs Hudson in New York' by Barry Brown. Also, within our curated American collection is a special USA Edition of The Art of Sherlock Holmes and The Immortals: An Unauthorized guide to Sherlock and Elementary.
GRAB SOME FREE AUDIO CODES
Immerse yourself in our captivating American collection with these free audio codes! Due to Audible's limited availability, we aim to ensure these gems reach those who are truly passionate about sharing and reviewing our enthralling books.
The Complete McCabe & Cody - Books 1-3 by Dan Andriacco
Sherlock Holmes: The Peculiar Persecution of John Vincent Harden by Dan Andriacco
Sherlock Holmes and The Baron of Brede Place by Dan Victor
Mrs. Hudson in New York by Barry Brown
Sherlock Holmes: The Peculiar Persecution of John Vincent Harden by Dan Andriacco
To claim your free audiobooks just tell us the titles you'd like and within a few days your free codes and download link will appear in your inbox. It's that simple! Just one small request: please check your Audible library before submitting your selections. Happy listening!
SHURDLE - PUZZLE OF THE WEEK
We have an American themed puzzle for you this week too!
- Hartford, Connecticut was the birthplace of which notable Sherlock Holmes actor?
- CBS’s Elementary series is set in which US city?
- Sherlock Holmes in Washington starred which Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson actors?
- Vermissa Valley appears in which Sherlock Holmes story?
- Who founded the Baker Street Irregulars?
- Who stars as Dr Watson in CBS’s new Watson series?
- Which author wrote the original Enola Holmes books?
- Which silent era slapstick comic played Sherlock Jr?
- Sherlock Holmes actor Robert Downey Jr once played which other star of the silent era?
- Which Canadian library houses the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection?
You'll find the answers to these questions revealed on our dedicated Shurdle Puzzle page. Here's your chance to catch up on puzzles from past newsletters too! If puzzles ignite your passion, then Paul Elgood's 'Shurdle', awaits you. Dive into its pages to discover exclusive puzzles and challenges designed to expand your thinking beyond our weekly newsletters.
P.S. Missed any of our previous week's newsletters? Here's a handy link to the last few weeks.