Holmes is Where the Heart is

Do you like Sherlock Holmes? Are you willing to give him a try? Because this is definitely the time. We're experiencing a mini-Renaissance of Sherlockian influence, up to and including two movies starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, and a BBC series that updates the classic stories by bringing Holmes into the 21st century.

The second season of that series premieres on PBS May 6, and if you have any liking for detective shows, British television, or things broadcast under the "Masterpiece" brand, you should do your best to watch. Click here to visit the PBS site for more information.

In the meantime, there are plenty of books available through Gwinnett County Public Library that can give you a glimpse of the world's most famous detective. First off we have A Study in Sherlock: Stories Inspired by the Holmes Canon. This collection from several well-known authors offers a variety of interpretations of Holmes, from stories taking place in his original turn-of-the-century London setting to ones set in the present day. Some feature Holmes himself, and some feature characters who take the idea of Holmes and reinvent it. Neil Gaiman's "The Case of Death and Honey" and Alan Broadbent's "You'd Better Go in Disguise" are particularly recommended.

It doesn't stop there, of course, Laurie R. King's series featuring Mary Russell as a protege of Holmes offers mysteries with a Sherlockian flair, and there are many more series featuring Holmes in one capacity or another.

Click here to view a list of books in which Mr. Holmes makes an appearance.

And of course, if you're looking to jump start your interest you can always revisit the originals from Arthur Conan Doyle. Click here to request any of the detective's early adventures.