1001 Sherlock Holmes Stories & The Best of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

⭐ 1001 SHERLOCK HOLMES STORIES & THE BEST OF SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SHOW NOTES — A STUDY IN SCARLET (Chapters 5 & 6) The First Sherlock Holmes Novel — The Case Widens, The Mystery Deepens ⭐ Episode Summary

In Chapters 5 and 6 of A Study in Scarlet, Doyle shifts gears — moving from the foggy streets of London to the stark, sun‑blasted wilderness of the American West. These chapters form the beginning of the novel's famous "second narrative," a bold structural move that puzzled early readers but has since become one of the most memorable transitions in detective fiction.

Holmes and Watson temporarily fade from view as Doyle reveals the origin story behind the murder, introducing new characters, new motives, and a new landscape that will eventually circle back to the crime at Lauriston Gardens.

⭐ Chapter 5 — "The Mormon Country" (Summary)

This chapter opens with a dramatic change of scenery: A wagon train struggles across the desolate plains of Utah, its travelers starving, exhausted, and close to death. Among them are John Ferrier and a young girl, Lucy, whom he has adopted as his own.

Their salvation arrives in the form of a group of Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young. Ferrier and Lucy are rescued — but their rescue comes with conditions. Ferrier must adopt the Mormon faith and abide by its strict rules, including the requirement that Lucy eventually marry within the community.

Doyle paints the Mormon settlement with tension, hierarchy, and a sense of looming danger. The seeds of future conflict — and future tragedy — are planted here.

⭐ Chapter 6 — "A Love Story" (Summary)

Lucy Ferrier grows into a beautiful young woman, admired throughout the Mormon settlement. But her heart belongs to Jefferson Hope, a rugged frontiersman whose courage and independence stand in stark contrast to the authoritarian rule of the Mormon elders.

Their secret courtship becomes a source of growing tension. The powerful Stangerson and Drebber families — names Holmes has already encountered in London — begin to circle Lucy like predators. The elders insist she must marry one of them, and Ferrier's refusal places both him and Lucy in mortal danger.

Jefferson Hope vows to save them, setting in motion the chain of events that will ultimately lead to murder — and to Holmes's involvement years later.

These chapters reveal the emotional core of the case: A father's love, a young woman's hope, and a man's desperate attempt to defy a system that will stop at nothing to enforce its will.

⭐ Why These Chapters Matter

• They provide the motive behind the London murders

• They introduce the villains Holmes will eventually confront

• They reveal the tragic love story at the heart of the crime

• They showcase Doyle's ability to shift genres — from detective fiction to frontier epic — without losing momentum

These chapters are essential to understanding the full scope of A Study in Scarlet and the emotional weight behind Holmes's first great case.

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⭐ DON'T MISS THIS! Preview — "The Murder of Joan of Arc and the Resulting Trial That Reformed the Corrupt Church" Playing Now at 1001 True Crime From Another Time

Prepare for one of the most powerful episodes we've ever produced.

This upcoming feature dives into the real crime behind one of history's most iconic tragedies — the execution of Joan of Arc, a teenage girl whose visions, courage, and military leadership terrified the political powers of her day.

But the story doesn't end with her death.

This episode explores:

• The political conspiracy that led to Joan's arrest

• The rigged ecclesiastical trial designed to silence her

• The shocking details of her execution

• And the posthumous retrial — decades later — that exposed corruption at the highest levels of the Church and cleared her name forever

It's a true crime story unlike any other: A wrongful conviction, a martyrdom, and a legal reckoning that forced a corrupt institution to confront its own sins.

If time allows, you may add a short audio segment here — perhaps a dramatic reading from the trial transcripts or a brief historical commentary — to heighten the emotional impact.

This is history, justice, and human courage at its most dramatic.

👉 Playing Now at 1001 True Crime From Another Time

⭐ SHOW NOTES — A Study in Scarlet, Part 1, Chapters 3–4 1001 Sherlock Holmes Stories & The Best of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

In these chapters, the mystery truly begins. Holmes and Watson are summoned to the scene of a baffling murder in an empty house off Brixton Road — a crime that will test Holmes's deductive powers and introduce listeners to the kind of forensic reasoning that made him famous.

⭐ Chapter 3 — The Lauriston Garden Mystery

Holmes, Watson, and Scotland Yard arrive at a grim and puzzling crime scene. A man lies dead with no visible wounds, no weapon, and no sign of struggle. On the wall, written in blood, is a single word: RACHE. The Yard leaps to the conclusion that it must be German for "revenge," but Holmes is already several steps ahead, noticing clues no one else sees — footprints, cigar ash, carriage tracks, and the subtle traces of poison.

This chapter marks the first time Watson witnesses Holmes in full investigative mode, and the contrast between Holmes's calm precision and the Yard's blundering guesses is unmistakable.

⭐ Chapter 4 — What John Rance Had to Tell

Holmes interviews a night constable, John Rance, who unknowingly encountered the murderer shortly after the crime. Rance's testimony is ordinary to him — but extraordinary to Holmes. Every detail, from the man's drunken stagger to his quiet composure, becomes a vital piece of the puzzle. Holmes reconstructs the killer's appearance, behavior, and likely escape route with astonishing clarity.

Watson, watching all this unfold, begins to understand that Holmes's genius lies not in magic or luck, but in the relentless logic of observation.

These chapters set the stage for one of the most memorable investigations in the Holmes canon — a murder mystery that stretches far beyond London and into the past of the victim himself.

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⭐ NOTES — A Study in Scarlet, Part 1, Chapters 1–2 1001 Sherlock Holmes Stories & The Best of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

In this episode, we begin the very first Sherlock Holmes novel ever written — A Study in Scarlet — the story that introduced the world to the greatest detective in literature. These opening chapters lay the foundation for one of fiction's most iconic partnerships: Dr. John H. Watson and Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

⭐ Chapter 1 — Mr. Sherlock Holmes

We meet Dr. Watson fresh from military service in Afghanistan, wounded, weary, and searching for a place to live. A chance encounter leads him to a potential roommate — a brilliant, eccentric young man named Sherlock Holmes. Watson quickly discovers that Holmes is a man of unusual habits, unusual talents, and unusual knowledge… and that he may be the only person in London who can explain what Holmes actually does for a living.

⭐ Chapter 2 — The Science of Deduction

Watson becomes fascinated — and occasionally frustrated — by Holmes's uncanny ability to read people and situations with astonishing accuracy. Holmes finally reveals his profession: he is a consulting detective, the first of his kind. Scotland Yard comes to him when they are baffled. And soon, Watson will witness firsthand just how extraordinary Holmes's methods truly are.

These chapters mark the beginning of a friendship and partnership that would shape detective fiction for generations. The chemistry between Holmes and Watson is already unmistakable — curiosity, irritation, admiration, and the spark of something legendary.

⭐ Why This Episode Matters

• The very first appearance of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson

• The origin of their partnership

• The introduction of Holmes's deductive method

• A perfect starting point for new listeners and longtime fans alike

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⭐ SHOW NOTES — "The Duke of Holywell" The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Starring Ben Wright as Sherlock Holmes & Eric Snowden as Dr. Watson 1001 Sherlock Holmes Stories & The Best of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Tonight's episode comes from the later era of The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, when the legendary roles of Holmes and Watson were carried by two seasoned radio actors: Ben Wright and Eric Snowden. Their performances brought a crisp, British theatricality to the series — a slightly different flavor from the Rathbone/Bruce years, but still rich with atmosphere, deduction, and classic Holmesian charm.

In "The Duke of Holywell," Holmes and Watson find themselves entangled in a case involving aristocratic scandal, hidden motives, and a mystery that reaches into the upper tiers of British society. A nobleman's reputation hangs in the balance, and only Holmes's razor‑sharp reasoning can cut through the layers of deception surrounding the Duke's predicament. Expect intrigue, sharp dialogue, and the kind of clever unraveling that made this series a favorite among old‑time radio fans.

⭐ About the Cast Ben Wright (Sherlock Holmes)

Old‑time radio enthusiasts will recognize Ben Wright from many roles — but perhaps most famously as "Hey Boy" in the radio version of Have Gun—Will Travel now heard often at 1001 Stories From The Old West/His voice work ranged from drama to westerns to mystery, and his portrayal of Holmes is crisp, intelligent, and wonderfully precise.

Eric Snowden (Dr. Watson)

Eric Snowden was a British‑born character actor with a long radio résumé. And to answer the question many listeners ask: No — Eric Snowden is not related to Edward Snowden. The names match, but the families do not. Eric Snowden passed away decades before the modern Snowden controversy and has no known connection.

⭐ Why This Episode Stands Out

• A nobleman in trouble

• A mystery wrapped in social scandal

• Holmes at his analytical best

• Watson offering warmth, humor, and steady companionship

• A polished performance from two veteran radio actors

It's a great example of how The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes evolved over the years while still delivering the clever, tightly plotted mysteries listeners loved.

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⭐ 1001 SHERLOCK HOLMES STORIES & THE BEST OF SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SHOW NOTES — "THE ADVENTURE OF THE PRIORY SCHOOL" Performed by Jon Hagadorn / Look out for that midwestern American accent/ And be aware that some listeners (mostly American) like it! Adapted from the Original Conan Doyle Story

In this classic mystery from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes is called upon to investigate one of the most troubling cases of his career — the disappearance of a young aristocratic boy from the prestigious Priory School in northern England. The boy has vanished without a trace, and the headmaster fears the worst.

In this special performance, Jon Hagadorn brings the entire cast of characters to life — voicing Holmes, Watson, and every figure they encounter along the way. The result is a rich, immersive, and character‑driven rendition of one of Holmes's most dramatic investigations.

Holmes and Watson travel to the windswept moors to unravel a mystery involving:

• A missing schoolboy of noble birth

• A headmaster terrified of scandal

• A suspiciously silent countryside

• A dangerous trail of clues leading to betrayal, greed, and murder

• A set of bicycle tracks that become the key to the entire case

As Holmes follows the evidence across the rugged landscape, he uncovers a plot far more sinister than a simple kidnapping — one that reveals the lengths to which desperate men will go when power and inheritance are at stake.

Listeners will enjoy:

• A faithful, energetic adaptation of one of Doyle's most beloved school‑based mysteries

• Jon's full‑cast performance, bringing personality and nuance to every role

• The sharp deductive reasoning that makes this story a standout in the Holmes canon

• A dramatic conclusion that showcases Holmes at his analytical best

A perfect addition to our growing library of original readings, radio adaptations, and classic Doyle stories.

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⭐ 1001 SHERLOCK HOLMES STORIES & THE BEST OF SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SHOW NOTES — "THE CADAVER IN THE ROMAN TOGA" Starring John Stanley & Alfred Shirley Written by Edith Meiser

In this unusual and fast‑moving mystery from The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Holmes and Watson are drawn into a case that begins with a bizarre discovery: a corpse dressed in a Roman toga, found under circumstances so strange that even Scotland Yard is baffled.

Holmes quickly realizes that the costume is no theatrical gimmick — it's a clue pointing toward a dangerous web of deception involving stolen antiquities, secret societies, and a murderer who hides behind the trappings of ancient Rome. As Holmes follows the trail from London's fog‑shrouded streets to the world of collectors and counterfeiters, the case becomes a race against time to prevent another killing.

Listeners will enjoy:

• A wonderfully eccentric premise that becomes a tightly plotted mystery

• Holmes at his sharpest, cutting through layers of misdirection

• Edith Meiser's crisp pacing and flair for dramatic reveals

• Strong chemistry between Stanley and Shirley as the stakes rise

A standout episode that blends historical intrigue with classic Holmes deduction, making it a perfect addition to our growing library of vintage radio adventures.

⭐ 1001 SHERLOCK HOLMES STORIES & THE BEST OF SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SHOW NOTES — "THE CASE OF THE WELL‑STAGED MURDER" Starring John Stanley & Alfred Shirley Written by Edith Meiser

This clever and theatrical mystery begins behind the footlights of a London stage, where a dramatic performance takes a deadly turn. When an actor collapses during a scene that calls for a staged killing, Holmes and Watson are summoned — and quickly determine that the murder was no act.

Holmes must navigate the jealousies, rivalries, and hidden relationships of the theater world to uncover who turned a scripted moment into a real crime. With suspects ranging from ambitious understudies to embittered playwrights, Holmes pieces together a puzzle where every prop, cue, and costume may hold the key to the truth.

Highlights include:

• A richly atmospheric backstage setting full of tension and intrigue

• Meiser's trademark ability to blend humor, suspense, and sharp plotting

• Holmes unraveling a mystery built on timing, stagecraft, and motive

• A satisfying conclusion that showcases the detective's mastery of human nature

A delightful and tightly constructed radio mystery that shows how well the Stanley/Shirley era handled stories set outside the usual Victorian haunts.

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⭐ 1001 SHERLOCK HOLMES STORIES & THE BEST OF SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SHOW NOTES — "THE LAUGHING LEMUR OF HIGH TOWER HEATH" Starring John Stanley & Alfred Shirley Written by Edith Meiser

In this eerie and fast‑moving adventure from The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Holmes and Watson are summoned to High Tower Heath, a lonely stretch of English countryside where a strange and terrifying creature has been seen lurking in the fog — a creature whose inhuman laughter echoes across the moor.

When a young woman is found nearly frightened to death and a local landowner begs Holmes for help, the great detective quickly realizes that the "laughing lemur" may be far more dangerous — and far more human — than the legends suggest.

This episode delivers everything fans love about the Stanley/Shirley era:

• A haunting mystery set against atmospheric English landscapes

• Clever misdirection and classic Holmes deduction

• A villain whose motives are as chilling as the creature he hides behind

• Edith Meiser's trademark pacing — crisp, tight, and full of suspense

A perfect blend of Gothic tension and sharp detective work, this story stands out as one of the most memorable entries in the late‑1940s run.

⭐ 1001 SHERLOCK HOLMES STORIES & THE BEST OF SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SHOW NOTES — "THE CASE OF THE COPPER BEECHES" Starring John Stanley & Alfred Shirley Adapted from the Original Conan Doyle Story Script by Edith Meiser

This episode brings one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most unsettling mysteries to radio: "The Adventure of the Copper Beeches." When young governess Violet Hunter seeks Holmes's advice about a strange and increasingly disturbing job offer, Holmes senses danger — and soon finds himself drawn into a case involving locked rooms, cruel secrets, and a family hiding something behind the walls of their country estate.

John Stanley gives Holmes a sharp, commanding presence, while Alfred Shirley's Watson provides warmth and steady support as the pair investigate the sinister happenings at the Copper Beeches.

Listeners will enjoy:

• A faithful yet energetic radio adaptation of a beloved Doyle classic

• Strong performances that highlight the emotional stakes of Violet Hunter's plight

• Meiser's ability to preserve Doyle's tension while adding radio‑friendly pacing

• A satisfying unraveling of clues that showcases Holmes at his analytical best

This is one of the finest examples of how the Stanley/Shirley series honored Conan Doyle's originals while giving them new life for radio audiences.

⭐ SUPPORT & CONNECT

If you're enjoying these classic radio adventures, please take a moment to leave a review at Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Reviews help new listeners discover the show and keep these timeless stories alive.

Visit our website at BestOf1001Stories.com for archives, links, and all our 1001 shows. Join our Facebook community at Facebook.com/Bestof1001Stories.com— we always enjoy hearing your comments, episode requests, and favorite moments.

🎙️ THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES ⭐ "THE AFFAIR OF THE POLITICIAN" Starring John Stanley as Sherlock Holmes and Alfred Shirley as Dr. Watson Mutual Broadcasting System (New York) 📅 Broadcast Date

October 12, 1947

This was the third episode of the newly relaunched Stanley/Shirley season.

✍️ Writer

As with most episodes in the 1947–49 run, the script is attributed to the writing rotation of:

• Dennis Green & Anthony Boucher

• (Occasionally) Dennis Green & Leslie Charteris

No surviving documentation credits a specific writer for this episode, but based on era‑wide production records, Green & Boucher are the most likely authors. (This is an inference based on the documented writing teams for the season.)

🎭 Cast

• John Stanley — Sherlock Holmes

• Alfred Shirley — Dr. John H. Watson

• Harry Bartell — Announcer

• Dean Fosler — Music Director

• Supporting cast: rotating New York radio actors (uncredited)

📘 Episode Summary (Show Notes for 1001 Sherlock Holmes)

A rising British statesman — respected, influential, and poised for higher office — finds himself entangled in a scandal that threatens to destroy his career. A mysterious letter, a compromising situation, and a sudden disappearance lead the politician to seek the help of Sherlock Holmes.

Holmes and Watson quickly discover that:

• The "scandal" appears manufactured, not accidental

• A forged document is circulating among the politician's rivals

• A shadowy figure is orchestrating events from behind the scenes

• And the politician's closest associates may not be as loyal as they seem

Holmes suspects a political frame‑up, designed to ruin the man's reputation and block a major parliamentary initiative. The clues point toward:

• A secret meeting in a fog‑shrouded warehouse

• A bribery scheme involving a foreign agent

• And a carefully timed plot meant to erupt just before a crucial vote

The investigation culminates in a tense confrontation where Holmes exposes the mastermind — a political rival who engineered the entire affair to seize power. The truth clears the politician's name and restores his standing, while Watson provides the moral reflection that closes the episode.

This story blends classic Holmesian deduction with the intrigue of post‑war British politics, making it one of the more atmospheric entries in the early Stanley/Shirley run.

📝 Production Notes & Commentary

• This episode continues the newly retooled New York production style, emphasizing sharper pacing and more theatrical dialogue.

• Stanley's Holmes is crisp and authoritative, echoing Rathbone but with a slightly more cerebral tone.

• Shirley's Watson is warm, articulate, and less comedic than Nigel Bruce, giving the series a more literary flavor.

• The plot reflects the era's fascination with political corruption and espionage, themes common in late‑1940s radio drama.

• Strong use of music cues and scene transitions heightens the tension, especially in the warehouse confrontation.

🎙️ THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES ⭐ "THE CASE OF THE MISSING HEIRESS" Starring John Stanley as Sherlock Holmes and Alfred Shirley as Dr. Watson (Mutual Broadcasting System) 📅 Broadcast Date

October 5, 1947

This was Episode #2 of the newly relaunched New York–based Stanley/Shirley era, which began on September 28, 1947.

✍️ Writer

The episode is part of the 1947–1949 run, during which scripts were written or adapted by Dennis Green & Anthony Boucher, or Green & Leslie Charteris. Episodes in this era followed the post‑Meiser writing rotation described in the archival notes.

(No source provides a writer credit for this specific episode, but based on the documented writing teams for 1943–1950, the script is almost certainly by Green & Boucher — the dominant writers for the Stanley/Shirley seasons. This is an inference based on era-wide documentation.)

🎭 Cast

• John Stanley — Sherlock Holmes

• Alfred Shirley — Dr. John H. Watson

• Harry Bartell — Announcer (typical for this period)

• Dean Fosler — Music Director (standard for 1947–48 run)

• Supporting cast: rotating New York radio actors (not individually credited in available sources)

📘 Episode Summary (Show Notes for 1001 Sherlock Holmes)

A young woman of wealth and social prominence — the heiress in question — vanishes under circumstances that suggest far more than a simple disappearance. Her family, terrified of scandal and convinced foul play is involved, turns to Sherlock Holmes for help.

Holmes and Watson soon discover:

• A forged letter implying the heiress left voluntarily

• A mysterious suitor whose identity does not withstand scrutiny

• A family retainer who knows more than he admits

• And a trail of clues leading from London's fashionable drawing rooms to its shadowed back alleys

Holmes quickly senses that the disappearance is staged — but by whom, and for what purpose, becomes the heart of the mystery.

As the investigation deepens, Holmes uncovers:

• A fraudulent inheritance scheme

• A hidden criminal partnership

• And a dangerous plot to eliminate the heiress permanently once her fortune is secured

The climax features Holmes confronting the conspirators in a tense showdown, revealing the elaborate deception and rescuing the young woman just as the villains prepare to flee England.

The episode showcases:

• Stanley's crisp, Rathbone‑like delivery

• Shirley's warm, slightly bemused Watson

• And the New York production's signature atmospheric sound design

📝 Production Notes & Commentary

• This episode marks the second broadcast of the Stanley/Shirley era, which shifted the series from Hollywood to New York and introduced a more polished, theatrical style.

• John Stanley's performance is notable for its precise diction and controlled intensity, reflecting his London stage background.

• Alfred Shirley's Watson is gentler and more scholarly than Nigel Bruce's, giving the 1947–49 run a distinct tonal identity.

• The plot follows the classic "Holmes vs. inheritance fraud" structure, echoing canonical stories such as The Solitary Cyclist and The Priory School, but with original twists typical of the Green/Boucher era.

• The episode's pacing is brisk, with strong use of musical stings and scene transitions — hallmarks of the Mutual Broadcasting System's late‑1940s production style.

🎙️ SHOW NOTES "Early Recollections" – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 1001 Sherlock Holmes Stories & The Best of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ABOUT THIS EPISODE

In this episode, we step beyond Baker Street and into the childhood world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself. Early Recollections, the opening chapter of Doyle's memoir Memories & Adventures, offers a rare and intimate look at the people, places, and experiences that shaped the young boy who would one day create Sherlock Holmes.

Doyle's voice here is warm, humorous, reflective, and deeply human. He writes not as a literary giant, but as a son, a grandson, a schoolboy, and a young dreamer growing up in the hard but lively streets of Edinburgh.

WHAT'S INSIDE THE STORY A Family of Remarkable Talent

Doyle introduces us to his extraordinary artistic lineage — the Doyle brothers — including his grandfather, the famed caricaturist "H.B." (John Doyle), whose refined political cartoons influenced London society for decades. Doyle's father, Charles Doyle, emerges as a gifted but underappreciated artist whose imaginative work ranged from whimsical fairies to dark, powerful scenes.

Irish Roots & Ancestral Romance

Doyle traces his family's Irish heritage, weaving in stories of the Foley and Pack families, military ancestors, Cromwellian soldiers, and even connections to the Percys and Plantagenets. It's a tapestry of noble lineage contrasted sharply with the poverty and hardship his family faced in Edinburgh.

Childhood Hardships & Humor

We hear of Doyle's Spartan upbringing, his rough‑and‑tumble street battles, his first knockout (courtesy of a bootmaker's boy wielding a heavy boot in a green baize bag), and his early school years under a tyrannical, tawse‑brandishing master straight out of Dickens.

Brushes With History

Doyle recalls sitting on Thackeray's knee as a child and witnessing Fenian unrest in Ireland — moments that gave him early glimpses of the wider world beyond Edinburgh's narrow streets.

The Birth of a Writer

A voracious reader from the start, Doyle devoured adventure novels and even wrote his own illustrated story as a boy — featuring a man and a tiger who "amalgamated shortly after they met." His mother's encouragement and his own imagination laid the groundwork for the storyteller he would become.

WHY WE'RE SHARING THIS AT 1001

At 1001 Sherlock Holmes Stories & The Best of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, we don't just bring you Holmes — we bring you Doyle. Understanding the man behind the detective enriches every story, every deduction, and every adventure. Early Recollections reveals the roots of Doyle's creativity, humor, resilience, and sense of justice — qualities that shaped Sherlock Holmes himself.

⭐ A WORD ABOUT REVIEWS

If you enjoy this show, I'm asking you — personally — to take a moment and leave a review.

Reviews are the lifeblood of this podcast. They help new listeners discover us, they keep the 1001 network strong, and they let me know how well we're doing in curating these hundreds of episodes — from classic Holmes adventures to rare radio dramas, memoirs, deep dives, and the life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself.

Tell us:

• What you enjoy most about the show

• Your favorite episodes

• What you think of our story selections

• How the curation has enriched your appreciation of Holmes and Doyle

Your voice matters. And at the end of this episode, I'll share a few recent reviews from listeners just like you.