JoAnn Albertat is to Sherlockian editing what Aunt Bee was to The Andy Griffith Show: the quiet and steady presence that makes sure everything gets taken care of in the end. Along with her husband Mark, she has served as the co-editor of Canadian Holmes, the magazine of The Bootmakers of Toronto Sherlockian society, for many years. For as long as I've been a subscriber, the Alberstats have been at the helm and I love the familiar feel you can count on in every issue.
But JoAnn is more than just someone who is making sure other people's articles look good. She is out there putting forth her own research as well. JoAnn has presented at many Sherlockian gatherings, most recently at this year's Sherlock Holmes @ 50 conference in Minnesota. And don't be fooled by her calm demeanor. At this latest presentation, she took historical data, connected it to a Moriarty theory, and wrapped it all up with a song from South Park. There is a gifted intellect and a clever wit behind that friendly face. So let's get to know a hidden gem in the Sherlockian world with this week's Interesting Interview!
How do you define the word “Sherlockian”?
To me, a Sherlockian is captivated by Sherlock Holmes and his world in a way that makes them want to connect with others who have a similar passion. Then they can share and learn from each other – that’s the best part of being a Sherlockian.
How did you become a Sherlockian?
Growing up, I read parts of the Canon because my Dad had a Hanover edition on his bookshelf. I discovered the Halifax society, the Spence Munros, in the late 1980s when I came to Nova Scotia to attend university. I learned about the club from a fellow journalism student named Mark, whom your readers may know. I started attending the club’s meetings and social events and the rest is history.
What is your profession and does that affect how you enjoy being a Sherlockian?
My background is journalism – I worked for 15 years as a reporter and editor at daily newspapers in Atlantic Canada. For the last several years, I’ve worked in public sector communications. In both fields, you need to be a strong writer, editor and researcher. It’s fun to also put those skills to good use with Canadian Holmes.
What is your favorite canonical story?
I would say “Hound” for its gothic atmosphere, strong sense of place and, of course, the Canadian connection. “Scandal in Bohemia” is also up there – it’s intriguing to see Holmes beaten at his own game and the origin of The Woman who became an archetype, although some Canadian Holmes contributors take a different view of the hype around Irene Adler.
Who is a specific Sherlockian that you think others would find interesting?
Edith Pounden of The Bimetallic Question in Montreal is fun to hang out with in person and online. She’s a founder of the Legion of Zoom, which helped connect me to the wider, global world of Holmes mania. Edith is also an organizer of the Montreal club’s monthly virtual meeting about Conan Doyle’s work beyond the Canon. This is a great way to explore more of ACD’s writing.
What subset of Sherlockiana really interests you?
The thing I most enjoy is the scholarship because it’s fun to fall down Sherlockian and Doylean rabbit holes. It’s also interesting that just when you think you’re finished with a particular topic, new information surfaces that can take you in a whole new direction. It happens every single time I take on a project and I know I’m not alone! For me, Conan Doyle’s spiritualist interest in wireless pioneer Guglielmo Marconi is a case in point. Stay tuned (pun intended!) for an updated version of the presentation coming virtually soon to The Crew of the Barque Lone Star.
After all these years as co-editing Canadian Holmes with your husband, what are some highlights from that partnership?
The Winter 2022-23 issue comes to mind, as it was a tribute to Canadian Sherlockian Peter Calamai, BSI and MBt, a great friend and mentor. From the cover portrait by Toronto’s Peggy MacFarlane to the pastiche by “Horace Harker,” this volume was a labour of love for both Mark and me.
Whether you are connecting Professor Moriarty to Canada or connecting historical mysteries to Conan Doyle's writings, you have a penchant for bringing historical research to Sherlockiana. What is it about history that attracts you?
There’s so much social and technological change happening in Victorian times that’s reflected in the stories. Looking back today, there’s nostalgia about the era but there is also a downside of poverty, crime and discrimination. There’s no shortage of fodder to mine, including some with a Nova Scotia or Canadian connection.
What book would you recommend to other Sherlockians?
The Case of the Murderous Doctor Cream, by Dean Jobb, delves into a real-life Victorian serial poisoner who operated on both sides of the Atlantic. The book also makes the connection to ACD’s work and Sherlock Holmes so Sherlockians would enjoy it. Dean is a former newspaper colleague of mine and columnist with Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine.
The Life of Crime, by Martin Edwards, is a recent study of the history of detective fiction that shows how Sherlock Holmes influenced the genre. It takes an international view of mystery writing and is a great reference for books and movies. At the same time, it’s enjoyable to read from cover to cover.
Where do you see Sherlockiana in 5 or 10 years from now?
I hope the hybrid model of connecting is here to stay as being online helps our world connect more often than we can in person. In my view, this model encourages more people of all ages and backgrounds to become involved. With another adaptation coming up in the CBS series on Watson, perhaps that will encourage more people to discover the stories and characters.
