​Well, the summer is really taking it's toll on meeting attendance! Only four members were able to attend the July 18th meeting (Tom, Barry, Barb and Rick). I am starting to understand why some clubs shut down during the summer months. But even with only a handful of members, a great discussion about all things Sherlockian ensued! We met at 7pm, but chatted about Ohio (don't ask) for about 15 minutes, delaying the actual start of the meeting to see if anyone else showed up.

 ​At 7:15pm, the meeting actually began, and we started by solving the assigned puzzle. It was so tricky, that no one was able to come up with the correct solution! For all those members who did not make this meeting, the solution was simplicity itself. The burglers created a picture of the safe and placed behind the door so that when the security guards looked into the office to make sure everything was ok, it would appear to be normal. That way, they could drill out the lock and break into the safe without being noticed! Sherlock mentioned that he was actually impressed with their ingenunity.

After the puzzle, Tom began the discussion about the assigned story, A Case of Identity. In typical "book club" fashion, each member brought up what he or she thought was interesting about this Conon Doyle story. One of the points about the story on which everyone agreed was that Sherlock was wrong about the "crime" being "actionable".  We all thought that the guilty parties could be charged with some crime and would have been held accountable. Another was point that was brought up was how unbelievable it was that the mother would conspire against her own daughter.  Talk about heartless!

The meeting came to an end around 8:20pm. We discussed when the August meeting would be held, but could not decide... so check back later for the meeting date and the title of the next story to be discussed.  Or, send Tom an email!

​The fourth meeting of the Sherlock Holmes Society of the Cape Fear met on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 7:00 pm in the Beach PC computer repair shop (5905 Carolina Beach Road, Suite 7).  All total, 6 members were present (Tom, Richard, Patrick, Ken, Michelle, and Barbara). 

As I ponder over the fact that our meeting attendance seems to be dwindling, I must remember to consider the fact that it is now summertime. Many members find it necessary to take vacations to out of town locations, making it difficult for them to be in two places at the same time. Holmes would probably tell me not to worry... that once summer is over and fall returns, so will the majority of our club members. I will rely on his wisdom in this matter.

We began the meeting discussing the solution to the puzzle entitled "Down on the Farm", which described the discovery of a body in a field. Holmes deduced that the may was a spy, and had sacrificed his life by jumping out of a hot air balloon to lighten it's load, making it more likely that the other spies in the balloon could escape British authorities.  Congratulations goes to Club member Patrick Martin, who successfully solved this puzzle.  Well done, Patrick!

During the last meeting, it was suggested that all members bring a small sample of their "Holmes" library with them to this meeting. In the spirit of cooperation, several members brought books to show the others. Ken Campbell really outdid everyone by bring a large bag full of books all based on the topic of Sherlock Holmes. Thanks Ken for that! It was most enjoyable to take a look at your collection!

After passing around the books that were brought, Ken then led the group in a discussion of the story entitled "The Red Headed League". Ken had much to say about this great story which prompted much discussion. Tom showed an excerpt from the TV adaptation starring Jeremy Brett, which was called "the laughing scene". All in all, a great time was had by all!

It was agreed by all that the next meeting will be Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at 7:00 pm. Our fourth meeting adjourned around 8:20pm.

As recording secretary for the club, I must say that I am very pleased at how the meetings are progressing! We began the meeting discussing the solution to the puzzle entitled "The Hanged Man", in which is was decided that the mystery was indeed a "cold case"... the man who committed suicide did so by standing on a block of ice.  As the ice melted, so did his life!

After the mystery, it was Michelle's turn to lead us in a discussion of "Charles Augustus Milverton", a classic Conon Doyle story about a blackmailer who Sherlock referred to as "one of the most dangerous men in London." Her commentary on the story was entertaining and enlightening... well done, Michelle!

After discussing the story for the evening, Ken suggested that we all bring books and memorabilia to the June meeting. He also agreed to lead the discussion on the next story (I will announce the title of the story in an email).

It was agreed by all that the next meeting will be Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 7:00 pm. We adjourned at around 8:30 pm, and I feel that a good time was had by all!

​Our second meeting began by welcoming members who were absent for the first meeting.  Next, we reviewed this weeks puzzle and offered possible solutions.  Congradulations goes to Barry Brown, who presented the correct solution! Way to go Barry!

Next, we all settled down with our drinks and snacks and listened to Barry Brown deliver his presentation on the story entitled "Scandal in Bohemia". Much discussion about the finer points raised by this story was contributed by all members present. The highlight to Barry's presentation was the mystery of Sherlock's landlady, referred to in this story as "Mrs. Turner." To elaborate, Scandal is the only Conon Doyle story that refers to a "Mrs. Turner", instead of the landlady we all have grown to love in the other stories, "Mrs. Hudson."  There were many other points made during Barry's presentation!

Our third meeting is scheduled to take place on May 23, 2017, at 7:00 pm.  The place will be the same - Beach PC's Training Center located at 5905 Carolina Beach Road, Suite 7, which is just south of Monkey Junction right next to Strickland's Army/Navy Store. Our meetings are open to the public.

The topic of the May meeting will be a discussion of the story entitled "Charles Augustus Milverton" led by Michelle Martin. Those members planning to attend are asked to read this story so that they may contribute to the discussion.

Our first order of business was to decide the basic structure of future meetings. The group agreed that each meeting would be organized around a Sherlockian theme (story, character, media portrayal, etc.) in accord with the selection of the person agreeing to present at that meeting.  Where a story or other topic is available prior to the meeting, all Society members will do what they can to read those materials before that meeting.

Meetings will be held monthly, on the third or fourth Tuesday of the month with the next meeting scheduled for April 25th. The  time will be 7:00 pm and continue until people's endurance runs out!

Meetings will be held at 5905 Carolina Beach Road (Beach PC Training Center in the shopping center just north of Strickland's Army-Navy Store). Members discussed the possibility of making use of other space in the future if that seemed desirable. In particular, it was noted that Pomegranate Books has offered to make space available and that at least some future meetings might be combined with dinner at a restaurant permitting the throwing of chairs and a general carousing.

At the April 25th meeting, Barry Brown, having been gently nudged into the role of presenter, will chair a discussion of A Scandal in Bohemia.  It is suggested that each member read this story before the next meeting. Also, it was agreed that Tom would send an email to each member reminding them of the next meeting, and include a mystery/puzzle that each member could attempt to solve.

Although all are welcome to attend, it is suggested that everyone try to RSVP to tom@beachpc.com before the next meeting!