“All day the wind had screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows…As evening drew in the storm grew louder and louder…”

“…the equinoctial gales had set in with exceptional violence”

Watson’s description sets the scene for what is to come regarding “The Five Orange Pips”

This case, set in 1887, was written early in 1891 but, due to influenza, it was not published in The Strand Magazine until November. Here is another case which originated in another country.

Although the outcome of the case was less than successful (spoiler alert) ACD listed it as one of his favourite accounts in his “Baker Street Dozen”. He rated it 7th place out of 12. Holmes is human after all and makes mistakes like the rest of us.

Prize Draw Question: John Openshaw sported golden pince-nez. Which other adventure features someone who wore them? What was the person’s name?

The Stormy Petrels of BC will meet again, at 7 p.m. via Zoom, on Tuesday, December 1, 2020.

The Stormy Petrels of BC will continue to hold their meetings via Zoom for the foreseeable future. There is no doubt that we miss meeting at our usual venue, however, meeting online makes it possible for members and guests who would not otherwise be able to attend in person.

Our next case for discussion is “The Boscombe Valley Mystery” published in The Strand Magazine for October 1891.

Dr. Watson, happily married and engaged in a busy medical practice, received a telegram from Sherlock Holmes requesting his company. The game is afoot as they journey by train to Boscombe Valley.

“This complex tale takes in Australian bushrangers, stolen gold, closely guarded secrets and blackmail.” (from Creating Sherlock Holmes by Charlotte Montague)

Who was the highway robber in Australia know as Black Jack of Ballarat?

What was McCarthy holding over Turner’s head?

What was Holmes’s opinion of the local constabulary? Was his opinion of Inspector Lestrade any better?

All these questions and more will be discussed and answered at the meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 3rd at 7:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)

There will be a prize draw for those attending this meeting. Thanks to Gordon Roberts and Brian Collins for prize donations

If you have any questions or require additional info, please e-mail Fran at: franziskah@shaw.ca

The “damsel in distress” calls upon Holmes to ask if he could shed any light as to the disappearance of her fiance, Mr. Hosmer Angel. There are no mincing of words as Holmes tells her to forget him.

How does our detective discover who it was that pulled the wool over Miss Mary Sutherland’s short-sighted, pince-nezed eyes?

Did her mother have a role in deceiving her daughter? How cruel!

Please join the Stormy Petrels of BC as they discuss “A Case of Identity” on Tuesday, Oct. 6th at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.

An e-mail invitation will be sent by Sheldon by the day of the meeting.

BONUS QUESTIONS: (1) In the first paragraph there is a line which reminds one of a story by one of ACD’s good friends. Can you name the story (also made into a play) and can you name his friend who wrote the story?

(2) What machine did Holmes use to trace Windibank’s letters?

Members attending the meeting will have their names on slips of paper, placed into a bag. Fran will then draw names until the question is answered correctly.

If you have any question or want more info, please contact Fran at: franziskah@shaw.ca

After taking a break in August, the Stormy Petrels will meet in September for a discussion via Zoom.

Whether you qualify for The League of the Red-Headed Men or not, please find your own ink, pens and blotting-paper.  But, there is no need to copy the Encyclopedia Britannica or any other Encyclopedia.  Just read the Adventure of The Red-Headed League and prepare for an informative and exciting discussion!

Date:  Tuesday, September 1, 2020.

For more information and details, please contact Fran at:  franziskah@shaw.ca