“The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax”

Sherlock Holmes:  “One of the most dangerous classes in the world is the drifting and friendless woman.”

“She is a stray chicken in a world of foxes.  When she is gobbled up she is hardly missed.”

Holmes confesses that he fears some evil has come to the Lady Frances Carfax and sends Dr. Watson to Lausanne, Switzerland to inquire as to the location of Lady, the sole survivor of the direct family of the late Earl of Rufton.

Who was the tall, dark, bearded man who seemed to be stalking her?  Why did he attack Watson?  Who was the French workman who came to Watson’s rescue?  If the Lady was so happy in Lausanne, why did she leave so suddenly?  Why dismiss her maid?  Who were her new companions, and why did Holmes want to know about the condition of Dr. Shlessinger’s left ear?

More questions arise once back in London.  A search warrant is sought, a coffin is delivered and Holmes and Watson arrive at #36 Poultney Square armed.

A mysterious disappearance indeed!  If you would like answers to these questions and discuss the adventure with others, please attend the next regular meeting on Tuesday, May 1st at the usual Hampton Place lounge (Wesbrook Mall/W16th, UBC)

Bonus question:  What was Dr. Watson’s weapon of choice as he and Holmes travelled to Poultney Square to confront Dr. Shlessinger?

While President Fran will be MIA, criss-crossing the continent, the steadfast Vice President Orilea will chair the meeting once more.

Please note that the latest edition of The Petrel Flyer is now available for download.  Contact Fran for the link.

Also, please feel free to contact Fran at:  franziskah@shaw.ca  for more information regarding the next meeting or upcoming events.

Our next adventure for discussion first appeared in both The Strand Magazine and Collier’s in 1913.

The trap is set.  Dr. Watson is summoned. For what purpose?  The great detective is at death’s door, according to a distraught Mrs. Hudson.

How did this happen? How can Watson save him?

Find out as the Stormy Petrels meet to discuss “The Dying Detective”

When?  Tuesday, April 3 at 7:00 pm

Where?  Hampton Place (The Chatham lounge) at UBC

Everyone welcome!  For more info, contact Fran at:  franziskah@shaw.ca

On Tuesday, March 6th the Stormy Petrels of BC will meet to discuss “The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans” a case which appeared in both The Strand Magazine and Collier’s in 1908.  Sherlock Holmes tells us that it is a “…really very remarkable case.”

The adventure begins.  Holmes is restless and growing more impatient at the lack of activity (to the point of biting his nails).  “The London criminal is certainly a dull fellow.”

Dr. Watson paints the atmosphere outside 221b as equally dull. There is a dense, yellow fog that did not dissipate for days and was so thick that to see the house opposite was nearly impossible, and “…the greasy, heavy brown swirl still drifting past us and condensing in oily drops upon the window-panes.”

Saved by big brother Mycroft Holmes!  Sherlock Holmes explained to Dr. Watson that for Mycroft to travel to Baker Street  was like a planet leaving its orbit.  According to Sherlock Holmes, Mycroft had only visited 221b once before.

Mycroft Holmes was described by his brother as “…the most indispensable man in the country” and “…occasionally he is the British Government.”

What crime could be so fantastic as to dislodge Mycroft from his Pall Mall surroundings? International intrigue? Espionage? Theft of secret blueprints? A government secret? A dead body found beside the tracks?

Foreshadowing?  Holmes exclaims to Dr. Watson, “It is fortunate for this community that I am not a criminal.”

SH:  Have you the tools?

W:  They are in my overcoat.

Just how big was Watson’s overcoat?  Who was that mysterious maid who brought in the telegram from Mycroft?

Please join the Stormy Petrels for a rousing discussion, tea/coffee and snacks.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my VP, Orilea, in advance for taking over the chair for this meeting, as I will be on an adventure.  I will, however, be back for the April meeting.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact me at: franziskah@shaw.ca

The Stormy Petrels of BC will meet for their first study session of 2018 to discuss “The Adventure of the Red Circle”.

Printed in The Strand Magazine in two parts for the March and April 1911 editions.

It is an adventure featuring a mysterious lodger, cryptic messages, murder, kidnapping, secret societies, international intrigue and more….

Holmes takes the case and reminds Dr. Watson “It is Art for Art’s Sake.” and “Education never ends.  It is a series of lessons, with the greatest for the last.”

The meeting will take place on the first Tuesday of February at 7:00 pm at our usual Hampton Place lounge.

For more information, contact Fran at franziskah@shaw.ca

Bonus question for members attending the meeting:  Sherlock Holmes had heard of the case that the Pinkerton Agent, Mr. Leverton, was involved in. What was the name of the case?