Thank Holmes It's Friday - 20th June - Royal Affairs
It’s that time again—Thank Holmes it’s Friday! On this day in 1837, Queen Victoria ascended the throne of the United Kingdom, inspiring the royal theme for this week's newsletter.
Of course, it wasn't until the "later Victorian era" that e were graced with the genius of Sherlock Holmes. While Sherlock Holmes never directly solved a case for Queen Victoria in the canonical stories, he did occasionally apply his skills in service of the Crown and other royals. In "The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans," he is even given an emerald tie pin by "a certain gracious lady" (widely understood to be Queen Victoria) for his efforts.
Furthermore, in "The Musgrave Ritual," it is mentioned that Sherlock Holmes had a habit of practicing his pistol shots at 221B Baker Street and on one occasion, he famously "adorned the wall of his sitting-room with a patriotic V.R. (for Victoria Regina) done in bullet-pocks."
I went to the mantelpiece, my fingers closing around the cold, reassuring grip of my service revolver. It was a well-balanced instrument, capable of a precision few could master. Watson, I noticed, stiffened almost imperceptibly. He knew my moods.
Holmes, what in God's name are you doing? he exclaimed, his voice tinged with a familiar blend of alarm and exasperation.
I paid him no mind. My eyes were fixed on the wall opposite the fireplace, a section of wallpaper that had, for too long, remained unmarked, unadorned by any testament to my sentiments. I raised the revolver, my arm steady, my breathing slow and controlled. Each shot would be deliberate, a testament to precision and dedication.
Furthermore some scholars argue that in the later, "Post-Reichenbach Falls" stories (after Holmes's supposed death), Conan Doyle increasingly placed Holmes in cases that directly served the British government and empire, reflecting a shift in Holmes's role from a private consultant to more of a national asset.
THE MUSGRAVE RITUAL
3 FOR 2 ON OUR REGAL COLLECTION
This week we showcase our Regal Collection – a selection of cases entangling royal family members, matters of state, and even Queen Victoria herself.
If you're a fan of The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories you'll find many stories delving into the intricacies of royalty and state affairs, spanning from the "The Adventure of the Defenestrated Princess", Volume 1 to "The Adventure of the King’s Code" in the final volume 52.
All these and more included in our site-wide 3 for 2 offer! Use promo code "everything" at checkout to unlock this fantastic deal. Don't miss out—this offer ends on June 30th, 2025!
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Enjoy Orlando Pearson's short story collection, featuring "A Christmas Carol" where Holmes and Watson unravel an Irish plot to assassinate Queen Victoria. Holmes cracks coded telegrams based on "The Twelve Days of Christmas" to apprehend the Fenian gang in a street battle, which the press disguises as a burglary for royal security. Use promo code redactedVIII for free copy. The entire Redacted series is also in our 3 for 2 offer. |
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