Thank Holmes Its Friday - Sept 19th - Outwitting Sherlock Holmes
It’s that time again - Thank Holmes it’s Friday! On this day in 1893, a quiet revolution took place that would echo across the world. New Zealand became the first country to grant all women the right to vote in national elections—a landmark moment for the suffrage movement and a truly significant event in late Victorian history.
As fans of Sherlock Holmes, we know that this period was one of immense change, and nowhere is that more evident than in the role of women within the canon. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s personal views on suffrage were complex, even contradictory. He publicly opposed the movement, yet his writings often revealed a deep respect for women’s intelligence and a keen awareness of their legal and social vulnerabilities.
In this special issue, we delve into the fascinating, and sometimes surprising, role of women in the world of Sherlock Holmes:
Beyond the Damsel in Distress: The world of Holmes wasn't just filled with fainting maidens waiting to be saved. The rise of the "New Woman"—educated, independent, and often challenging the status quo—is subtly reflected in the original canon. In "The Copper Beeches," for instance, we see a woman, Violet Hunter, who actively investigates her own case, showing a courage and intelligence that earns Holmes's rare praise. This spirit of female agency is also a cornerstone for many modern authors, with female characters not merely victims, but clever and proactive agents in their own stories.
The Woman Herself - Irene Adler: The famous quote from "A Scandal in Bohemia," - "I have seldom heard him mention her by any other name," elevates Irene from a mere adversary to an enduring force in his life. She outwits him not through force or deception, but through her sheer intellectual prowess and a deep understanding of human nature. This legacy is also explored by our own community of female authors, with some authors like Gretchen Altabef exploring a different path for the relationship between Holmes and "the woman," adding a modern perspective to her captivating character.
Feminist Themes in the Fog: Beyond the crimes, the original stories are a quiet commentary on social justice. In "The Adventure of the Speckled Band," the primary motive for murder is a father's desire to prevent his stepdaughter from inheriting her mother's money—a common legal vulnerability for women at the time. This theme is a rich source for contemporary stories, as highlighted in the works of authors like Amy Thomas in her trilogy The Detective and the Woman. She directly addresses the challenges women faced, placing them at the center of the narrative as agents of change, not just victims of circumstance.
A New Generation of Female Authors: Today's female authors are not just writing about Holmes; they're expanding his world, often with a focus on women's experiences and perspectives. MX Publishing is proud to champion a community of talented female authors, whose work offers a fresh and varied perspective on the world of Sherlock Holmes. With over 150 titles by incredible women, we are proud to offer a collection that spans every facet of the Holmesian world. We want you to experience the quality and breadth of their work firsthand.
We invite you to dive into their brilliant work with our special 3 for 2 promotion. Simply add any three books from our female authors collection to your cart and use the code FEMALEWRITERS at checkout to get this fantastic deal.
A sample of the books in this collection is featured below, with many more to come in the weeks ahead! Don’t miss this chance to expand your library and support the women who are writing the future of Sherlock Holmes.
ALLISON OSBORNE
Allison Osborne introduces a fresh and compelling female protagonist: Sherlock Holmes's brilliant daughter, Irene Holmes. Carrying on her father's legacy, Irene uses her own keen deductive skills to solve a variety of mysteries in a post-World War II London. Osborne's choice to name her protagonist Irene is a clever nod to the only woman to ever truly outwit Sherlock—Irene Adler—suggesting that the daughter has inherited not just her father's intellect, but also the spirit and independence of "the woman." Each of the 12 books in her Holmes & Co. Story Collection, offer a delightful quick read bursting with clever twists and turns.
A.S. CROYLE
Before the pipe and the deerstalker, before the arrival of his faithful companion, Dr. John Watson, there was a different Sherlock Holmes. This captivating era is brought to life in J.M. Croyle’s Before Watson Series. These books explore the early cases that shaped him into the legendary detective, but they are not merely prequels; they are a deep dive into the making of a genius. The most compelling element is the narrator: Poppy. A clever and progressive woman, she offers an exciting new perspective as she works alongside a young Holmes, unraveling mysteries and navigating a world defined by men. Poppy is a vital link to the canon, as she is the brilliant mind who will ultimately introduce the great detective to his future partner, Dr. John Watson.
GERI SCHEAR
In a departure from the traditional Watson-narrated tales, Geri Schear's Lady Beatrice Series is written in the form of Holmes's own private diary entries. Consequently, this four-volume collection reveals a character who is both immediately recognisable and yet more human than we have ever seen before. We move beyond Watson’s admiring accounts and into the private thoughts of the man himself, witnessing his vulnerabilities, personal reflections, and the intimate processes that shape his genius.
The series masterfully weaves fresh, cohesive stories with the rich tapestry of real historical events, placing the detective firmly in the actual world. With each entry, Holmes’s cases are intimately tied to the figures and events of his time, making for a truly compelling and richly detailed read. The Lady Beatrice Series is a unique and deeply personal exploration of the man behind the legend.
THE QUIET POWER AND THE RISING TIDE
To conclude this week's issue, we offer a poem by Orlando Pearson, one that captures a fascinating world of male power. The poem centers on the Diogenes Club, a work of fiction that serves as a striking symbol of the real, exclusive gentlemen’s clubs—the silent centers of power in Victorian London. It was this world that the rising tide of women’s voices would inevitably challenge.
The Diogenes by Orlando Pearson
Here In splendid isolation he still has his seat,
At this club for London’s most unclubbable men.
His anonymity and otherness are complete.
He is out of reach, quite beyond our ken.
Yet with Mycroft here, Britain shall be great
As he this country’s governments informs.
Without him we would be fourth rate,
A land adrift in global storms.
A pinch of snuff, a puff of black-papered cigarette,
There is silence - for here none shall speak.
A masterstroke of statecraft follows. Never forget,
He is always at its peak.
And though the world explodes he shall survive,
Whatever the year – not just eighteen-ninety-five.
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