Welcome to “Only Murders in My Mind,” a podcast by Random Thought Productions, where we explore the world of crime fiction and its fascinating characters. I’m Carol Bissett, a crime writer, and I’m joined by my co-presenters Liz Hedgecock and Mike Jackson. Each week, we delve into conversations about all things murderous, and today, we are thrilled to discuss the legendary Arthur Conan Doyle and his most famous creation, Sherlock Holmes.
Hello everyone, and welcome to another edition of “Only Murders in My Mind.” With me today are my co-producers, Liz Hedgecock and Mike Jackson. After a brief hiatus, Mike is back, and we’re excited to dive into the world of Sherlock Holmes with renewed vigour. Mike, it’s great to have you back!
For those in the Warrington area, there’s an upcoming literary festival in mid-June at Warrington Central Library. Liz and I will be there on the 15th of June from 11am to 3pm, showcasing our books and engaging with readers. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support local authors and libraries. Remember, use them or lose them, as with bookshops.
Now, onto the main topic: Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes. Born in 1859, Doyle’s first novel featuring Holmes, “A Study in Scarlet,” was published in 1887. Doyle’s prolific writing career included not just the Sherlock Holmes series but an extensive array of pamphlets, poems, and stories, both published and unpublished.
The Victorian era, known for its polymaths like Doyle and Dickens, fostered a culture of prolific writing and diverse interests. Many Victorian writers contributed to monthly magazines, which were a popular medium for serialized fiction. This environment undoubtedly influenced Doyle’s creative output.
One intriguing aspect of Doyle’s relationship with Sherlock Holmes is his mixed feelings about his creation. Despite the fame and financial success, Doyle grew weary of Holmes and attempted to raise his price, hoping to dissuade publishers. Instead, they continued to meet his demands, making him one of the best-paid authors of his time. His mother even persuaded him to continue writing Holmes stories despite his reluctance.
Doyle’s attempts to kill off Holmes in “The Final Problem” were met with public outcry. Eight years later, he resurrected Holmes in “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” a move driven by lucrative offers from British and American publishers. This comeback novel remains one of the most beloved in the series.
Doyle’s interests extended beyond fiction. He was deeply involved in spiritualism, a belief in communicating with the dead, which influenced his later works. He was also a supporter of compulsory vaccinations, a controversial stance at the time, reflecting his complex views on science and medicine.
Interestingly, Doyle’s medical background as a trained doctor played a significant role in shaping Holmes. He based Holmes on his medical mentor, Dr. Joseph Bell, known for his keen observational skills. Doyle’s attention to detail and logical reasoning in his stories mirrored Bell’s diagnostic methods.
Holmes’ character, with his eccentricities and brilliant deductions, has been portrayed by numerous actors over the years. From Jeremy Brett’s traditional portrayal to Benedict Cumberbatch’s modern interpretation, each brings unique elements to the role. Johnny Lee Miller’s Holmes in “Elementary,” set in New York, offers a fresh perspective, though it strays from the original setting.
Holmes’ popularity endures due to his compelling mix of intellectual brilliance and human quirks. His dynamic with Dr. Watson, the everyman foil to Holmes’ genius, adds depth and relatability to the stories. This Odd Couple dynamic has been a cornerstone of the series’ appeal.
As we wrap up, Liz shares an excerpt from her book “In Sherlock’s Shadow,” part of her Mrs. Hudson and Sherlock Holmes series. Her retelling from Mrs. Hudson’s perspective adds a new dimension to the classic tales, highlighting the importance of varied narratives in keeping literary icons fresh and engaging.
To our listeners, thank you for joining us on this journey into the world of Sherlock Holmes. If you haven’t already, visit our blog “Only Murders in My Mind” for writing prompts and more. We encourage you to submit your stories, and who knows, we might read them on a future episode.
Until next Thursday, happy sleuthing, and goodbye from all of us at “Only Murders in My Mind.”
This blog post encapsulates the essence of our podcast episode, celebrating the enduring legacy of Sherlock Holmes and the genius of Arthur Conan Doyle. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of Holmes, we hope this exploration inspires you to dive deeper into the mysteries and marvels of 221B Baker Street.
Only Murders In My Mind 