Believing Holmes had met a watery end, Dr. Watson returned to London alone, leaving behind “the best and the wisest man whom I have ever known.”

Although “The Adventure of the Empty House” was set in 1894, it appeared in Collier’s Magazine (US) in September 1903, and in the Strand Magazine (UK) in October 1903.

Here is a quintessential locked-room mystery. While trying his hand at deciphering what happened, Watson is surprised by the appearance of his old, dear friend.

We hear, first hand, exactly what happened at the Reichenbach Falls. How Holmes escaped the watery grave, and about his travels for the next three years.

(Illustration by Isabelle Follath from “Arthur Who Wrote Sherlock” by Linda Bailey)

We learn about brother Mycroft’s role during all this time, and we witness Mrs. Hudson’s devotion, performing a very important, and dangerous task.

It was interesting to see Watson’s and Mrs. Hudson’s reactions upon seeing Holmes for the first time in three years.

Come to the next meeting to discuss this adventure and enjoy Sherlockian fellowship. We welcome all new-comers.

When: Tuesday, March 7 at 7:00

Where: The Chatham at Hampton Place (Wesbrook Mall/West 16th) UBC, Vancouver

Any questions? Please contact Fran at: franziskah@shaw.ca

“Killed Holmes!” Arthur Conan Doyle wrote in his diary.

From Daniel Stashower’s “Teller of Tales – The Life of Arthur Conan Doyle“:

Readers of the Strand Magazine were not happy. 20,000 unsubscribed to the magazine. ACD’s mother (the Ma’am) was not happy!

Doyle wrote: “I have been much blamed for doing that gentleman to death, but I hold that it was not murder, but justifiable homicide in self-defence, since, if I had not killed him, he would certainly have killed me.”

“I have had such an overdose of him that I feel towards him as I do towards pate de foie gras, of which I once ate too much, so that the name of it gives me a sickly feeling to this day.”

The Stormy Petrels of BC will meet, in person, to examine the adventure of “The Final Problem” published in The Strand Magazine in May, 1859.

We will, once again, follow our new format ie a brief “show & Tell” segment, a paper, a “mystery event” (time permitting) and “Watson’s Words” (examining your favourite passage written by Watson)

When: Tuesday, February 7th at 7:00 p.m.

Where: The Chattham Lounge at Hampton Place (Wesbrook Mall/W16th) UBC

For additional information or if you have any questions, please contact Fran at: franziskah@shaw.ca

Bonus question (for those attending the meeting):

Which train did the pair take to the continent?

The Stormy Petrels of B.C. were very pleased to hold their October meeting in this historic mansion, situated in the heart of the West End in Vancouver.

Members who arrived early were treated to a brief tour by Joyce, the events coordinator.

We met in the beautiful parlour, and had a lovely tea, prepared by Joyce, in the dining room.

The adventure for discussion was “The Greek Interpreter” and our own Ana, an official interpreter showed her credentials (although Spanish, not Greek)

Both Bob and Sheldon gave reports on the recent Bootmaker celebration.

Perhaps we will make the Roedde House an annual meeting location.