Acknowledgements

To those who abhor the dull routine of existence, and who choose instead to analyse the abstruse and intricate predicaments offered in the pages of a mystery. I salute you!

The writer’s process is unique, but not so unique to other like-minded creatives, scientists, artists, musicians, performers and illusionists. We all know a like cultivation of our mind and powers and the life-affirming desire to use the almighty tool of language to bring a sort of justice into the world.

This book is homage to the ever-present spirit of Sherlock Holmes and the thrill shared in anticipation of the as yet unsolved problem. Dr. Joe Bell, the generous, loving, wise and spectacularly gifted man of science who was also, some say, the inspiration for Sherlock Holmes. After Doyle, one must always discover Bell. Jeremy Brett, whose definitive portrayal and supreme dedication, awakened us all to the essence and humour of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories. David Burke’s ground-breaking depiction of one of the two definitive Dr. Watson’s for Granada TV and Edward Hardwicke in life and on stage a best friend in the true spirit of Dr. John H. Watson.

J. R. Altabef we both rose like phoenix and ventured onto the road less travelled, your courage, compassion, and true musical genius are ever my inspiration. Pamela Josephine Russo always my persistent and gentle cheerleader. Bud Bruskewicz went beyond Mycroft, to dirty his hands with this book. Rob Sturgeon saved me from ennui. My parents, who saw the truth and protected me from it.

Steven Emecz, a modern day visionary to empower us all. Gimone Hall, compassionate, accomplished and much missed mentor. B. Gail Cooper, my incomparable editor. Vassar College Historian, Colton Johnson’s time machine graciously transported me to 1894. The ardent and generous Catherine Cooke, librarian in charge of the Westminster Research Library, and the Sherlock Holmes Collection, London. David Marcum’s astute Canonical wisdom, led me ever onward. Friends and family who shared the wisdom only accomplished practitioners would know and encouraged this process along the way: Christine Bush, Paula Clinchy, Elizabeth Crowens, Gary Culp, Darlene Cypser, Susan Dahlinger, Sue Davies, Nieves Fernandez, Susan Manning, Lutz Muller, Dore Nash, Lindy Rogers, Robin Rowles, Mark Sohn, Maureen Whittaker, and Andy Wright. The world-wide Sherlockian, Holmesian, Watsonian, and Doylean Community: Most especially, the Sherlock Holmes Society of London, my home away from home, the John H. Watson Society, and New York’s Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, whose genius and artistry brought these exceptional stories into our hearts where Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, and you, Sir Arthur, live forever.