Thank Holmes It's Friday - Sept 13 - Sherlock's Trail

It's our favourite day - Thanks Holmes it's Friday! This week we invite you to meet those detectives who not only drew inspiration from, but also ignited the brilliance of the legendary Sherlock Holmes. And of course we have our second 'Shurdle Puzzle' to challenge your mind.

We begin with Inspector Armstrong, the creation of Martin Daley. In the picturesque Edwardian era of Carlisle, Cumbria, Inspector Cornelius Armstrong brilliantly unravels mysteries that captivate and thrill. The publication of Martin's first Inspector Armstrong Casebook marked a pivotal moment, propelling him into the illustrious Crime Writers' Association. Martin Daley would later go on to release his first collection of Sherlock Holmes stories in 2023 - The Selected Cases of Doctor Watson.

Next up in our alternative detective collection we have the Bernie Quist and Mccabe and Code series' masterfully crafted by Ian Jarvis and Dan Andriacco retrospectively. You can also revel in a fascinating array of books where Sherlock's relatives and dear friends take center stage—be it Mycroft Holmes, Mary Watson, or newly imagined siblings and descendants.

For the purists at heart, the entire Thorndyke collection is a treasure trove. R. Austin Freeman's Dr. Thorndyke was a doctor turned barrister and emerged as one of the pioneering forensic scientists, during an era when Sherlock Holmes was still bustling in practice. In the heart of London, Dr. Thorndyke took the scientific techniques pioneered by Holmes and propelled them into unprecedented realms of astuteness. Spanning from 1905 to 1942, through twenty-one novels and over forty short stories, Dr. Thorndyke alongside his friend Dr. Christopher Jervis, unraveled some of the most perplexing mysteries ever conceived. Thanks to our editor, David Marcum, these forty stories are available in nine omnibus editions.

And don’t let this week’s spectacular 3 for 2 promotion pass you by—perfect for expanding your collection, or as thoughtful gifts for detective story lovers alike!

 

 

Try this quick cryptic style puzzle. Simply work out the Sherlockian references. No crossword grid, we’re just looking for the answers.

1. Dreadful ravine hides secret - four words of 3,6,2 and 4 letters
2. Where detective can find bread - two words of 5 and 6 letters
3. Pursue a dog - one word, 5 letters
4. Actor, possibly including jetty or beer, right? two words of 6 and 5 letters
5. Conclusion of last case, for now - three words of 3,5 and 7 letters
6. Place for ancient Greek philosopher’s society - two words of 8 and 4 letters
7. Cyclist’s name in Scarlet and Four, one word, 7 letters
8. Final stage for retiring hero - three words of 3,4 and 3 letters
9. Resident Doctor - three words of 2,5 and 9 letters
10. Arrow heath - one word, 8 letters

You'll find the answers to this week's and previous puzzles revealed on our SHURDLE Puzzle of the Week Page.

 

YOUR FREE AUDIO CODES

We have four free audiobooks just waiting to be enjoyed, all crafted by the brilliant Martin Daley and three of which feature in this week's special alternative detective collection.

The Casebook of Inspector Armstrong - Volume I

The Casebook of Inspector Armstrong - Volume 2

The Casebook of Inspector Armstrong - Volume 3

The Selected Cases of Doctor Watson

To claim your free audiobooks just let us know the title's you're after, and voila, your codes and download link will pop up in your inbox in no time. It's that simple.