Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective created by British author Arthur Conan Doyle. Referring to himself as a ‘consulting detective’ in his stories, Holmes is known for his proficiency with observation, deduction, forensic science and logical reasoning that borders on the fantastic, which he employs when investigating cases for a wide variety of clients, including Scotland Yard.
While Holmes is characterised as dispassionate and cold, he can be animated and excitable during an investigation. He has a flair for showmanship, often keeping his methods and evidence hidden until the last possible moment so as to impress observers.
Holmes is willing to break the law as a means for righting a wrong, contending that ‘there are certain crimes which the law cannot touch, and which therefore, to some extent, justify private revenge.’ His companion Dr Watson condones the detective’s willingness to do this on behalf of a client – lying to the police, concealing evidence or breaking into houses – when he also feels it morally justifiable.
Workshop
Exercise 1
You are Sherlock Holmes, it’s a quiet night upon the outskirts of London, you are on patrol, and have just received some intelligence that there’s been a murder, to which you investigate immediately. Upon entering the scene, the complainant was correct, and a murder in fact has taken place.
You now begin to analyse everything using your immense powers of observation. Two items pique your interest when you arrive at the scene, what are they? Use your detective skills and attempt to solve this murder in 30 minutes. This exercise will hone your sense of perception, and prompt thinking.
Exercise 2
Your friend (and sceptic) Dr Watson arrives at the scene, to which you explain you have cracked the case. He expresses disbelief. For the next 30 minutes, get into the mind of Watson, and attempt to debunk Sherlock’s skills. Come to your own conclusion that Holmes has indeed got it wrong. This will improve your logic and sense of awareness. Attempt to trounce the admired detective, this will look great on your personal records!
Paul Simpkins (Elliot Chester) – September 2025
“Sherlock Holmes outside Baker Street underground station” by gregwake is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
Huddersfield Authors Circle 
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