I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere

"Those of good fellowship" [VALL] 

 

We return to Baltimore and the rich history of one of America's oldest Sherlock Holmes societies, the Six Napoleons of Baltimore. Greg Ruby and Mike McSwiggin join us to talk about the group's origins and its upcoming 80th anniversary. 
 
We hear about their first encounters with Sherlock Holmes and then travel back to 1946, when six Baltimore Sherlockians gathered for dinner and founded what would become the Six Napoleons. We also discuss the wonderfully complicated story behind its name, which connects a local Baltimore woman to Napoleon's family and, of course, to a famous Holmes adventure.
 
Today, the group continues its traditions of scholarship, trivia, and, above all, fun. We talk about their memorable "inquisition" used to induct new members, its twice-yearly meetings, and its 80th anniversary celebration this September, which features our own Scott Monty as guest speaker. 
 
We also discuss Greg Ruby's Sherlockians of Baltimore (SOBs), a newer organization that meets quarterly, on Saturdays. It's a conversation about 80 years of Sherlockian friendship—and a reminder that the game is still very much afoot in Baltimore.

 
Our "Learned Societies" segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities coming up in the first half of October. Then, it's a new edition of "Examining the Pictures," with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI, as he begins a review of the BBC's Sherlock series. Finally, the Canonical Couplet quiz will test your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of something from the IHOSE vaults for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock.com by August 29, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. All listeners are eligible to play.


 
As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material. Join us on the platform of your choice:
Patreon | Substack
 
And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, or if you want to show off your good taste to other Sherlockians, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more.
 
Leave I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; listen to us wherever you listen to podcasts.
 
Links
Sherlockians of Baltimore
Other episodes mentioned on the show:
Episode 26: A Musical Stroll Down Baker Street (interview with Fritz Weaver)
Episode 128: Sherlockian Coin Collecting (Greg Ruby)
Episode 225: Evidence Boxes (Deborah Clark)
Episode 246: Sherlock Holmes and the British Empire (Mike McSwiggin appearance)
Episode 324: Sherlockian Road Tripping (Greg Ruby)
I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere / Trifles Merch Store
 
 
Explore more here.
Find all of our relevant links and social accounts at linktr.ee/ihearofsherlock.
 
And would you consider leaving us a rating and or a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or the player of your choice? It would help other Sherlockians find us.
Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at 5-1895-221B-5. That's (518) 952-2125.

"The exclusion from his clubs would mean ruin" [EMPT] 

 
Today we are joined by Seth Thévoz, creator of the popular Clubland Substack and author of London Clubland: A Companion for the Curious, among other books. Dr. Thévoz offers a fascinating look inside the traditionally secretive world of London's private clubs—institutions that have long relied on discretion and exclusivity for their survival.
 
 
We explore the evolving nature of club life, contrasting the old model of member-owned institutions with today's for-profit members' clubs built around brand, networking, and lifestyle. Despite changes in how people work and socialize, Thévoz makes a compelling case that London clubland is not fading but thriving—adapting to modern needs while preserving its essential character.
 
 
Our conversation also touches on the club life of Arthur Conan Doyle, whose memberships included the Athenaeum Club, the Reform Club, and the Authors' Club. We discuss the real-world inspirations behind the Diogenes Club—including Seth's identification of its most likely historical counterpart.
 
 
Our "Learned Societies" segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities coming up in the second half of September. Then, it's a new edition of "Examining the Pictures," with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI, as he reviews Enola Holmes 3. Finally, the Canonical Couplet quiz will test your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of something from the IHOSE vaults for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock.com by August 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. All listeners are eligible to play.

 
 
As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material. Join us on the platform of your choice:
Patreon | Substack
 
And the good news is we have additional conversation with Seth from our interview in this episode. It's available to our paid members (Bonus on Patreon | Bonus on Substack)
 
If you need some show swag or gift ideas, or if you want to show off your good taste to other Sherlockians, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more.
 
Leave I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; listen to us wherever you listen to podcasts.
 
Links
Seth Thévoz's Clubland Substack
Identifying the Diogenes Club in the Sherlock Holmes Stories
The Mystery of Dr. Watson's Club
Clubs in Film: The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes
George Birch's 1890s Clubland
Clubland Index
Seth's Books:
London Clubland: A Companion for the Curious (2025) 
Behind Closed Doors: The Secret Life of London Private Members' Clubs (2022)
Club Government: How the Early Victorian World was Ruled from London Clubs (2018)
Other episodes mentioned on the show:
Episode 335: Brettcon 2
I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere / Trifles Merch Store
 
 
Explore more here.
Find all of our relevant links and social accounts at linktr.ee/ihearofsherlock.
 
And would you consider leaving us a rating and or a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or the player of your choice? It would help other Sherlockians find us.
Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at 5-1895-221B-5. That's (518) 952-2125.

"As I glanced round I was surprised at the universality of the man's interests" [3GAR]

 
We discovered writer and blogger Dennis Simanaitis, a true "Sherlockian in the wild," whose path to the Great Game developed independently of any local groups. With a background spanning engineering, automotive journalism, and mathematics, Dennis brings a uniquely eclectic perspective to Sherlock Holmes. Like many of us, he suggests Dr. John H. Watson is the real chronicler of Holmes's adventures, with Arthur Conan Doyle serving as Watson's literary agent. We explore his admiration for classic Holmes adaptations, including the radio scripts of Edith Meiser and performances by actors such as Richard Gordon and John Stanley.
 
The conversation ranges from Dennis's early experiences in 1950s Cleveland radio to the origins of his long-running blog. Along the way, we indulge in a bit of imaginative fun: what car might Holmes drive in a high-speed chase across the English countryside? Dennis makes a compelling case for a machine he has actually driven himself. It's a lively discussion that blends Sherlockian enthusiasm with a lifelong curiosity about technology, storytelling, and the enduring appeal of old-time radio.
 
Our "Learned Societies" segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities coming up in the first half of September. Then, it's a new edition of "Examining the Pictures," with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI, as he reviews Enola Holmes 2. Finally, the Canonical Couplet quiz will test your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of something from the IHOSE vaults for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by July 29, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. DST. All listeners are eligible to play.


 
As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material. Join us on the platform of your choice (Patreon | Substack).
 
And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, or if you want to show off your good taste to other Sherlockians, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more.
 
Leave I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; listen to us wherever you listen to podcasts.
 
Links
Simanaitis Says
Imagination Theater / Harry Nile
Other episodes mentioned on the show:
Episode 200: Enola Holmes
Episode 230: Sherlock Holmes Book of Wisdom
I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere / Trifles Merch Store
 
 
Explore more here.
Find all of our relevant links and social accounts at linktr.ee/ihearofsherlock.
 
And would you consider leaving us a rating and or a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or the player of your choice? It would help other Sherlockians find us.
Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at 5-1895-221B-5. That's (518) 952-2125.

"in league with the thief" [REIG]

 
 
Arvind Ethan David is a versatile writer and producer whose career spans theater, television, film, graphic novels, audio, and now his debut novel, The Great Game, a historical thriller set in 1905 London. Blending mystery and suspense, the book marks the return of A. J. Raffles — the famous gentleman thief created by Conan Doyle's brother-in-law, E.W. Hornung.
 
Born in Malaysia and educated in England, Arvind's perspective on imperial rivalry, colonialism, and cultural identity is expressed through the eyes of his narrator Balvinder dev Singh, a law student and military veteran who is funding his education in partnership with Raffles. When a brutal Mayfair murder tangles Bunny and Raffles in a widening conspiracy, it attracts the attention of Holmes, Watson, and even Winston Churchill.
 
Arvind's career began when he was still a student, adapting Douglas Adams's novel Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency as a play. When Adams came to see it, he became a mentor. He has written and produced extensively in television, including Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency for Netflix, Anansi Boys for Amazon, and The Garden of Evening Mists for HBO. He has also written seven graphic novels, including an adaptation of Raymond Chandler's Trouble Is My Business. Join us as he reflects on his experiences in these different artistic worlds, and on the unique challenges of bringing honored characters to life.
 
Our "Learned Societies" segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities coming up in the latter half of August. Then, it's a new edition of "Examining the Pictures," with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI, as he reviews the first Enola Holmes film. Finally, the Canonical Couplet quiz will test your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of The Great Game for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by July 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. DST. All listeners are eligible to play.

 
As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material. Join us on the platform of your choice (Patreon | Substack).
 
And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, or if you want to show off your good taste to other Sherlockians, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more.
 
 
Leave I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; listen to us wherever you listen to podcasts.
 
Links
The Great Game (Amazon | Bookshop.org)
Arvind Ethan David's website
Other episodes mentioned on the show:
Episode 200: Holmes in the Heartland
I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere / Trifles Merch Store
 
 
Explore more here.
Find all of our relevant links and social accounts at linktr.ee/ihearofsherlock.
 
And would you consider leaving us a rating and or a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or the player of your choice? It would help other Sherlockians find us.
Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at 5-1895-221B-5. That's (518) 952-2125.

"quite to the heart of the matter" [MUSG]

We head to the Gateway City to preview the "Holmes in the Heartland" conference, coming up on July 24–26 in St. Louis. Organizers Rob Nunn, BSI ("Elementary") and Heather Hinson share the inside scoop on what attendees can expect from this third triennial gathering. 
 
Hosted by The Parallel Case of St. Louis — a BSI scion founded in 1988 — this year's event centers around the eerie theme of "Sherlock Haunts." The planning committee's lineup of eight speakers includes our own Scott Monty, as well as a dealers' room of Sherlockian treasures from new vendors, and some special events.
 
You'll hear Rob and Heather discuss some of the weekend's highlights, including a nearby screening of The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes. There's excitement, too, around their new venue: The Cheshire, a British-themed boutique inn with Tudor architecture, country manor decor, and rooms dedicated to legendary British authors. 
 
There's also a raffle for a stay in the hotel's exclusive Sherlock Holmes Suite. When we recorded, the conference was practically sold out, with 80 attendees expecting a memorable weekend.
 
Our "Learned Societies" segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities coming up in the first half of August. Then, it's a new edition of "Examining the Pictures," with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI, as he reviews a cult classic. Finally, the Canonical Couplet quiz will test your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with something from the IHOSE vaults for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by June 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. DST. All listeners are eligible to play.

 
As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material. Join us on the platform of your choice (Patreon | Substack).
And if you need some show swag or gift ideas, or if you want to show off your good taste to other Sherlockians, check out our Merch Store, with mugs, notepads and more.
 
Leave I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; listen to us wherever you listen to podcasts.
 
Links
Holmes in the Heartland
The Cheshire Inn
I Bet You're Wondering How I Got Here by Heather Hinson
The Asylum's "Sherlock Holmes" Is Unique
Other episodes mentioned on the show:
Episode 266: Holmes in the Heartland
I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere / Trifles Merch Store
 
 
Explore more here.
Find all of our relevant links and social accounts at linktr.ee/ihearofsherlock.
 
And would you consider leaving us a rating and or a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or the player of your choice? It would help other Sherlockians find us.
Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at 5-1895-221B-5. That's (518) 952-2125.