The Men Who Were Sherlock Holmes: A True-life Victorian Murder Mystery

In 1893, young army officer Cecil Hambrough was murdered at the Ardlamont estate in Scotland, inspiring Arthur Conan Doyle to create Sherlock Holmes. Joseph Bell and Henry Littlejohn were pioneering forensic experts involved in the case, revealing how the detective came to be.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2024
Publisher: Michael O'Mara Books Ltd

In 1893, a young army officer named Cecil Hambrough was tragically murdered at the sprawling Ardlamont estate in Scotland, igniting one of the most captivating court cases Victorian Britain had ever witnessed. What makes this case even more remarkable is the fact that it brought together two pioneering forensic experts, Joseph Bell and Henry Littlejohn, who were the inspiration for the iconic character Sherlock Holmes in Arthur Conan Doyle's renowned novels. Their involvement in the Ardlamont affair sheds light on how the world's most famous detective came to be: the worlds of crime fiction and crime fact were about to collide in a spectacular way.

In this captivating book, Daniel Smith delves into the pivotal roles of these two men and explores the real-world origins of Sherlock Holmes through the lens of a mystery as intriguing as any case the Great Detective ever encountered. Joseph Bell, a renowned surgeon and inventor, was a pioneer in the field of forensic science. He made significant contributions to the identification of corpses, the analysis of fingerprints, and the study of ballistics. His expertise in these areas was instrumental in solving the Ardlamont murder, as he was able to provide crucial evidence that helped identify the culprit.

Henry Littlejohn, on the other hand, was a police officer and criminal investigator who worked closely with Joseph Bell. He was known for his keen observation skills, logical reasoning, and ability to piece together complex puzzles. Littlejohn played a significant role in the investigation of the Ardlamont murder, contributing his expertise in criminal psychology and profiling.

Through their involvement in the Ardlamont affair, Joseph Bell and Henry Littlejohn not only inspired Arthur Conan Doyle's creation of Sherlock Holmes but also laid the foundation for the modern forensic science and criminal investigation. Their contributions have had a lasting impact on the field, and their legacy continues to be celebrated today.

In conclusion, the Ardlamont affair is a fascinating chapter in the history of forensic science and criminal investigation. The involvement of Joseph Bell and Henry Littlejohn, two pioneering forensic experts, not only inspired the iconic character Sherlock Holmes but also laid the groundwork for the modern forensic science and criminal investigation. Their contributions have had a lasting impact on the field, and their legacy continues to be celebrated today. This book provides a captivating insight into the real-world origins of Sherlock Holmes and sheds light on the fascinating intersection of crime fiction and crime fact.

Weight: 242g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789296297