Greetings, Sherlockians! We gathered at St Paul's on April 25th with 14 in attendance, and the meeting was so exciting that I'll jump right into the news. Joyce is now an official TNTer, and I believe David is next in line to take the infamous quiz.

As Mycroft remarked to Watson, "I hear of Sherlock everywhere - " and we did indeed have lots of Sherlockian sightings to share. Margaret brought a copy of Family Tree magazine with Holmes on the cover, and Charlotte passed around Britain magazine, which featured an article on 'Sherlock Holmes' London'. Our Gasogene Lynn recommended a biography of Sir Arthur Conan Doyled titled 'A Teller of Tales' by Daniel Stashower; she also mentioned that the author will attend Watson's Tin Box's annual dinner in October.

We were happily informed that our resident historian Rita will present a paper at this August's Scintillation of Scions! Mark the date - August 28th - so we can all turn out to support her. (Click here for more information about the Scintillation.)

Frank was undoubtedly the sartorialist of our group with his nifty Sherlockian tie. He also shared some news - 'Sherlock Holmes for Dummies' is out and its author will be at the Scintillation of Scions to autograph copies. And there is a new dvd set - The Sherlock Holmes Archive Collection. Frank also recommended zazzle.com for assorted Sherlockian merchandise.

The story of the afternoon was 'The Adventure of the Speckled Band', which The Master himself ranked as his favorite. According to Lynn, he also wrote a play based upon the story, but it was a financial failure. (We also hear of 'Violet' everywhere since, in the theatrical version of the story, the Stoner sisters had their names changed, - no longer Helen and Julia, but Enid and, yes, Violet. Another Violet.)

Our discussion covered the many inconsistencies in the story (snakes are deaf and can't climb ropes and don't drink milk and - most importantly - there is no such snake as a 'swamp adder'), but everyone agreed it was entertaining and suspenseful and contained most of our favorite 'Holmesian' elements. And as Rose remarked, there were even some gypsies and a cheetah and chimpanzee thrown in as red herrings.

Lynn noted that 'Speckled Band' is one of the original and best 'locked door' mysteries, and Margaret said the story is a good example of Holmes's treatment of women. For Betty and Charlotte, the only real suspense in the story was if the snake would get the girl since the 'bad guy' and his motive were obvious from the start. Charlotte discussed Conan Doyle's negative use of Afghanistan and India in his stories, and we all discussed the creepy character of Dr Grimesby Roylott. Attacking Roylott's poisonous pet, Holmes saves the life of his client, Helen Stoner, but he indirectly causes the death of Roylott. But as the great detective tells his chronicler, "I cannot say that it is likely to weigh very heavily upon my conscience."

It was another tough quiz, and Margaret won with 13 / 16. This chronicler is no Watson and so she forgot to note the prize, but she's certain it was spiffy.

Please remember to RSVP for our next meeting, and send in your registration for the Scintillation if you plan to attend. The link will take you to Watson's Tin Box's website where you can download the registration form.

And many thanks to Henry for arranging our new meeting-place, and a hearty welcome to Rose and Sheila (we hope to see you in June!)