Interesting Interview: Anna Behrens

This week's Interesting Interview is with Anna Behrens, Sherlockian, Doylean, podcaster, author, editor, scion head, and all-around wearer of many hats!  I've been lucky enough to work with Anna as we are both officers of The Beacon Society, and she is one of those people who just immediately know you can rely on.  

As I learned more about her, it seems I'm not the only one out there who knows Anna is a stalwart in everything she does!  Anna is the head of the Monadnock Sherlockians and has shepherded their efforts into two anthologies (details below) as well as helped an entire town to celebrate Sherlock Holmes!  Her work has been in so many publications, that it would take another whole paragraph to include them all here.  So let's all get to know New Hampshire's hardest working Sherlockian, Anna Behrens!

How do you define the word “Sherlockian”? 

I refer to myself and to my scion members as Sherlockians, and I believe that term applies to anyone who has more than a passing interest in Sherlock Holmes, and spends time with the stories or adaptations on a regular basis. I also consider myself to be a Doylean, because on my journey into Sherlockiana, I developed a strong interest in Conan Doyle’s life and in his non-Sherlockian writings. I have written several articles including one on the relationship between Conan Doyle and Rudyard Kipling, as well as an article about Conan Doyle’s second wife Jean Leckie and her journey into becoming a Spiritualist Medium. 

How did you become a Sherlockian?

I came to be a Sherlockian rather late in life, in 2007 when I was in my 40s. This was when I met my late husband Richard, a would-be Sherlockian, who showed me the Granada Television adaptations with Jeremy Brett. I loved those from the first viewing, and then he suggested I read the canon. Richard and I took a lot of road trips visiting various historical and literary sites around New England so we listened to audio versions as well as radio plays of the stories during the long car rides. I had a lifelong interested in the Victorian era so I was hooked on Sherlock Holmes fairly quickly. 

Richard and I married in 2010, and a few years later we moved to Keene, NH from Doylestown, PA. We were interested in joining a Sherlockian group, but we did not find one close to Keene, so we started our own group, the Monadnock Sherlockians, named for our region of NH. We decided that the group would focus around reading the stories of the canon in order of publication. Sadly, Richard developed cancer and passed away in 2017. I was broken hearted, but the Monadnock Sherlockians were extremely helpful in giving me a focus in my time of grief. When COVID hit, I delved even deeper into the Sherlockian world by joining in so many zoom meetings of scions that I was eligible to become a member of the Legion of Zoom. I still miss Richard every day but I will be forever grateful to him for showing me the way into the Sherlockian world, and for so much else. 

What is your profession and does that affect how you enjoy being a Sherlockian?

I am a Speech-Language Pathologist, and work in a public school servicing children with special needs. At school, I started a Sherlock Holmes group for Middle and High School students. I also use leveled Sherlock Holmes stories to help build language skills in my students with special needs. I am pleased that my work allows me to bring a bit of Holmes into it, however my school schedule keeps me from going to some of the Sherlockian events I would otherwise love to attend. 

What is your favorite canonical story?

This is a tough question. I have favorites for various reasons. I like "The Six Napoleons" for its quite original mystery, and I like "The Red Headed League" for its humor. I like "The Blue Carbuncle" as my go-to feel good holiday story. But I also appreciate "A Scandal in Bohemia," where Holmes is bested by a woman. I think this made the stories more accessible to women, where they could see in Irene Adler an unconventional but intelligent woman who outsmarts Sherlock Holmes, while protecting herself and maintaining her reputation in the constraining times in which she lived. 

Who is a specific Sherlockian that you think others would find interesting?

There are so many truly interesting people, every Sherlockian has something unique to offer to the Sherlockian world. If I had to choose just one, I would choose one of my Sherlockian heroes, Rosemary Herbert, who I had the honor to meet in January. She is a gifted writer, poet, and editor who received her BSI investiture as "A Slim Youth in an Ulster." This name was likely chosen because, like Irene Adler who was that same slim youth, Rosemary donned male costume to attend the Speckled Band Dinner many years before they accepted women into their membership. She was later the first woman inducted into the Speckled Band of Boston. She is also a kind-hearted and interesting person who I have come to admire greatly in the short time I have known her.

What subset of Sherlockiana really interests you? 

I like the Arthur Conan Doyle Society where one can learn more about Conan Doyle’s life and non-Sherlockian works. Another area that I adore are the Sherlockian Podcasts. I listen to many of them faithfully, and support them on Patreon. I have learned so much from IHOSE, Trifles, and Doings of Doyle. I also enjoy the Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes Podcast and have fun with the modernized stories in Sherlock and Co. Perhaps I especially like podcasts because I also have a podcast that I inherited from my husband and continue to produce, The Lizzie Borden Podcast. It is not Sherlockian per se, but we do have some cross over into Victorian America such as our interview with Sherlockian George Schwartz on the rise of Spiritualism in Victorian America. 

Many scions have been around for decades at this point, but The Monadnock Sherlockians are just a few years old and have already published two anthologies!  Can you tell us about the group and what sparked the idea to publish? 

The Monadnock Sherlockians celebrated our 8th year last December so we are a somewhat newer scion. My group is a creative one, composed of writers, artists, actors and even costumers.  I started collecting the poems and toasts made to the various characters written by members of my group. I also write Sherlockian essays that have appeared in various Sherlockian journals and books. When I collected enough pieces for a book, I decided to publish an anthology of our group’s writings. I included a short story written by my late husband, Richard Behrens, who was a writer in both fiction and non-fiction. He wrote a series of stories called Lizzie Borden, Girl Detective Mysteries. He often played homage to elements of the Sherlockian canon in his stories, so it feels appropriate to include one story in each anthology I publish. Richard and I published one of his novels together, The Minuscule Monk, where I did the illustrations in the book. To my delight, I had enough Sherlockian material to publish a second anthology in 2024. I hope to be able to continue to publish more every few years. 

As a former winner of The Beacon Award and current Secretary of The Beacon Society, you know the society pretty well.  What would you like other Sherlockians to know about it?

I was honored to receive the Susan Z. Diamond Beacon Award for my Sherlockian work with students at my school, and for my creation of  Sherlock Week in Keene, NH where we had week long series of events such as lectures, interactive films, plays, puppet show and a kids’ forensic lab. Through my experience as Percy Phelps, the secretary for the Beacon Society, I have marveled at the dedication of members who work very hard to create ways to bring Sherlock Holmes to children. One way they do this is to offer grant money to schools and libraries who want to purchase Sherlockian books or materials or put on Sherlockian community events. I certainly benefited from receiving such a grant for my Sherlock Week events. This grant money comes in large part from donations given by Sherlockians, so I would ask Sherlockians to keep the Beacon Society in their minds when making charitable donations.  

What book would you recommend to other Sherlockians?

The book that I have recommended most to newer Sherlockians is Mattias Bostrom’s From Holmes to Sherlock. It is a book that really helped me understand the Sherlockian world, past and present.  I also recommend Daniel Stashower’s biography A Teller of Tales: The Life of Arthur Conan Doyle to those who are interested in learning more about Conan Doyle’s life. 

Where do you see Sherlockiana in 5 or 10 years from now? 

I think it will continue to evolve, sparking continued interest in both young and not-so-young so that it will be going strong 10 years from now and beyond.  There are so many aspects of Sherlockiana still to be discovered for most of us, including hidden gems of esoteric Sherlockian groups, and discovering them is certainly part of the fun.  

Interesting Interview: Ron Fish

You know how some people feel like a long-lost aunt or uncle and whenever you see them, your day is immediately better?  That's Ron Fish for me.  He and I have emailed plenty over the years, but I've only seen him in person a handful of times.  And his gregarious nature makes you feel like he's a guy you could just grab a slice with and talk about life.  All around great guy.

And as a Sherlockian?  This guy is doing a great service for all of us.  Ron is the man behind the Sherlockian Calendar.  If you've ever needed to look up a meeting date or see what Zooms were happening on a weekend, Ron has had your back.  He was active in the Sherlock Holmes Wireless Society, and he and his wife, Carol, have helped The Serpentine Muse memorialize members throughout the years.  Ron isn't someone who seeks the spotlight, so there's a good chance you're going to get to know a delightful Sherlockian right now!

How do you define the word “Sherlockian”?

Someone with a real interest in the Sherlock Holmes character.  I think today many are attracted to the various movies and popular culture versions, but I believe you have to start with the literary work (I'm a purist at heart).

How did you become a Sherlockian?

I was looking for something to read in high school at age 16.  My father had a very small collection of books, including a copy of the complete Doubleday version of the Canon.  Why, I don't know.  But I started reading it and couldn't put the book down.  I was totally enthralled by the Victorian gaslight era. 

What is your profession (or previous if you are retired) and does that affect how you enjoy being a Sherlockian?

I am a retired aerospace engineer.  I spent the last 25 years of my career in Business Development (i.e., sales and marketing), and I traveled extensively.  I would meet other Sherlockians when I could for drinks or dinner -- Tom and Ruth Stetak in Ohio,  Allan Devitt in Illinois, Bruce Southworth in Minnesota, Bob Bisio and Vinnie Brosnan in California, Peter Calamai in Canada.  I also visited Wiggins at his house in California when I attended a nearby conference.

What is your favorite canonical story?

I don't think I've ever had a favorite story.  I like some better than others.  Now, I guess it's "The Final Problem," since my investiture is from that story. 

Who is a specific Sherlockian that you think others would find interesting?

This is a difficult question.  I have met so many interesting people in this close-knit world.  I think Peter Blau, as the elder statesman of the BSI, would be an obvious choice.  His Sherlockian knowledge is nothing short of astonishing. 

What subset of Sherlockiana really interests you?

Collecting, if that qualifies. 

What was the impetus for the Sherlockian Calendar?

It was an idea put forth by Ben and Sue Vizoskie.  I was an active member of The Three Garridebs for many years, and they approached me about beginning a calendar.  I also created a website for the group at the same time, and a few other scions.

I am frankly amazed and gratified with the feedback I've received from managing the Sherlockian Calendar.  I just wish that all scions would contribute their meeting notices.  I have 62 scions now that I solicit dates from. 

As an active member of The Sherlock Holmes Wireless Society for such a long time, what are some fond memories you have from that area of Sherlockiana? 

The group has been inactive for some years.  Ken Johnson created the SHWS in the late 1970s.  At the time, there were 20-30 active members, and we would have weekly "nets" on ham radio.  I was the "Editor" of the newsletter for many years.  It was mailed to members and consisted of copied Sherlockian articles.   There are five Sherlockians today who are licensed but we don't have any plans to get back on the air.

What book would you recommend to other Sherlockians?

I have read many good Sherlockian books.  It's impossible to recommend any one volume. 

Where do you see Sherlockiana in 5 or 10 years from now?

I have been involved with scions since the 1970s and attended my first BSI dinner in 1988.  I'm happy to see a younger set of Sherlockians get involved, folks like Monica Schmidt, Shana Carter, and Nick Martorelli.  It will go wherever they choose to take it!

Interesting Interview: Naching Kassa

Zoom Sherlockian meetings have opened up the world to Sherlockians that many people wouldn't have otherwise met, including this week's Interesting Interview subject, Naching Kassa.  She is a familiar fact to many of us in the online realm and you know when she chimes in on a conversation or in the chat, there's always an insightful bit of wisdom coming your way.

Naching is a wife, mother, and writer from Eastern Washington State and is a member of the Horror Writers Association, Mystery Writers of America, The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association, The Sound of the Baskervilles, The ACD Society, The Crew of the Barque Lone Star, The Beacon Society, The Sherlock Holmes Society of London, The John H. Watson Society, The Hounds of the Internet and the Legion of Zoom.  Now, I dare you to try and read that whole list out loud with a single breath.  The woman is busy!  But she wasn't too busy to share her thoughts on Sherlockiana with us this week, so without further ado, here is this week's interview with Naching Kassa!

How do you define the word “Sherlockian”?

A Sherlockian is someone who admires and studies Sherlock Holmes. Who lives and breathes him. Whether they enjoy the original canonical Holmes, William Gillette, Basil Rathbone, Peter Cushing, Jeremy Brett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jonny Lee Miller or even Henry Cavill, anyone who celebrates Sherlock Holmes is a Sherlockian to me.

How did you become a Sherlockian?

One late-summer evening, a few months before I turned ten, I walked into the living room and found a new British show on PBS. “What is this?” I asked my older sister, the only person in the room. “It’s a new mystery. Sherlock Holmes,” she answered. I sat down just as David Burke said, “To Sherlock Holmes, she is always the woman.”

And I was hooked.

I had to see every show after that and when my dad discovered this, he came up with a very clever plan. He’d been trying to interest me in the classics and this was his chance. He asked me to read the next story, “The Crooked Man,” before the episode aired so I could explain it to everyone. “The Crooked Man” was the first story I ever read. My dad told me I could write to Sherlock Holmes if I wanted, and so I addressed a letter to 221 B Baker Street and mailed it. The response came the next year, sent from the Abbey National Building Society. It was signed by the secretary to Sherlock Holmes, Sue Brown. That was the moment I became a Sherlockian. I studied everything—the Canon, books, movies, radio shows, magazines—after that.

What is your profession and does that affect how you enjoy being a Sherlockian?

Writing is my main profession. I write mystery and horror. I’m also the talent relations manager for Crystal Lake Publishing, an independent publisher, and I work as an independent contractor for the Horror Writers Association. Being a Sherlockian actually helps with my writing. I’ve written many pastiches for both Belanger Books and MX Books. Surprisingly, I’ve never grown sick of writing or reading Holmes. I think writing adds to the enjoyment.

What is your favorite canonical story?

My favorite canonical story is “The Abbey Grange.” I adore that story. (My canonical name in the Sound of the Baskervilles is Lady Mary Brackenstall.) There are so many facets to it. You have mystery, melodrama, romance, and a near failure on Holmes’ part. I have always loved the beeswing in the wine glasses. But what I love most is Holmes’ opinion on justice. I can think of no better judge—and no better jury in the form of Watson, for that matter. Who wouldn’t want Watson on their jury?

Who is a specific Sherlockian that you think others would find interesting?

My husband’s uncle, James Burke. He worked for U.S. Customs in Long Beach, CA, and belonged to the Trained Cormorants of Long Beach. I loved talking to Uncle Jim about all the actors he met while working in customs and, of course, about Sherlock Holmes. He had a great sense of humor and led an interesting life. He passed in 2017 and I miss him very much.

What subset of Sherlockiana really interests you?

Is there a subset for the darker side of Sherlockiana? For the more monstrous, Gothic side? If there is, that’s what really interests me.

As a pastiche writer, what sparks a good story idea for you?

I guess I find inspiration in everything. The first pastiche I ever wrote was inspired by Lucy Westenra from Dracula. At the time, I was watching Bram Stoker’s Dracula, wondering about the Bloofer Lady, and what happened to her victims. I imagined a boy who she’d bitten becoming an admirer of Sherlock Holmes. This boy, Jimmy Hampstead, would become an Irregular and emulate Holmes by solving mysteries. The story became “The Adventure of Marylebone Manor.” I’m a pantser—I don’t outline my stories—so most of them just come to me. 

You are very active in the horror community. What parallels do you see in that world and the world of Sherlockiana?

Horror writers are wonderful, kind people and so are Sherlockians. They’re both very welcoming and accepting. We don’t care what race you are, who you love, what gender you are, etc.—we want you to be a part of our group. And we will protect you. Both Horror and Sherlockiana owe a little something to Edgar Allen Poe as well. Neither would exist without him.

Finally, Sherlock Holmes fits well in both worlds. He is the constant, whether in a grounded world, where ghosts need not apply, or one populated by eldritch creatures and vampires. He is believable in either one.

What book would you recommend to other Sherlockians?

As a pastiche writer, I find the Encyclopedia Sherlockiana by Jack Tracy invaluable. And for pure, unadulterated fun, I recommend Sherlock Holmes and The Christmas Demon by James Lovegrove.

I’d like to recommend some Sherlockian games as well. Sherlock Holmes and the Devil’s Daughter is a great video game. Scotland Yard: Sherlock Holmes Edition, The Sherlock Files, Cobble & Fog, and 221B Baker Street are wonderful board games.

Where do you see Sherlockiana in 5 or 10 years from now?

I see Sherlockiana growing. I see my children’s children reading the books, watching the movies and listening to the podcasts. I’m sure there will be new Holmeses (and Watsons) to keep the memory green for many years to come.

Interesting Interview: Bruce Harris

Man, what can I say about Bruce Harris in this week's introduction?  Everyone knows how great of a guy he is.  He's known as a chronology guy, and rightly so, but Bruce's research goes so much farther afield than just putting things in order!  He wrote a whole book footnoting D. Martin Dakin's classic text, A Sherlock Holmes Commentary.  He's written articles on Porlock, "The Mazarin Stone," Holmes, nose, and pipes.  There are even a one or two short pastiches out there under Bruce's byline.

So yeah, Bruce Harris is a chronology guy.  But he's so much more.  And justly recognized by the Baker Street Irregulars, he was invested as a member last month.  Bruce goes deep into topics that he's writing about.  And I really enjoy all of his writing that I've been lucky enough to come across so far.  Bruce is a great guy, too, so I can always hear the smile in his voice when I read his pieces.  If you've been lucky enough to meet Bruce in person, I hope his voice will be in your mind as you read his answers to this week's Interesting Interview.  And if you haven't met Bruce yet, I hope you get the pleasure sometime in the future, because time spent with Bruce is time well spent!

How do you define the word “Sherlockian”?

My initial reaction mirrors former Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart’s test for obscenity, “I know it when I see it.” I’ll amend it to, “I know one when I see one.” However, that’s not helpful. I believe Sherlockians exist along a continuum, and I would apply a liberal interpretation of the term. For example, someone who reads a story and is intrigued enough to pursue additional stories is in my mind a Sherlockian. Or, it could be someone who collects Sherlockian statues or collectibles. Admittedly, this is a low bar, and such folks would be on one end of the spectrum. This would apply as well to those who may have never read a story, but watched all (or several) of, for example, the Granada Holmes series. It shows some spark of interest in the great detective, one that could possibly be further nurtured. On the other extreme end are those that delve into the minutiae of the Canon, in other words, those who “play the game.” 

How did you become a Sherlockian?

Well, based on my definition of a Sherlockian, I guess it occurred in 1965 after reading, “The Speckled Band.” It blew me away, and I quickly read the remaining stories in that little paperback. When that book was finished, I sought out every Holmes story and found The Complete Sherlock Holmes, which included Christopher Morley’s Preface. Once in college, I moved along the Sherlockian continuum after discovering a local scion society, The Anderson Murderers of North Carolina. Simultaneously, I joined a corresponding scion, The Unanswered Correspondents, founded by Bruce R. Beaman during the mid 1970’s. I’m happy to say my movement along the Sherlockian scale continues.

Some members of The Noble Correspondents (at the Foundry Dinner during the 2025 BSI weekend). The Noble Correspondents are a corresponding (via USPS) scion society founded Michael Barton in 2024. L-R: Burt Wolder, Cate Barton, Terry Hunt, Don Pollock, Michael Barton, Christian Monggaard, Rosemary Herbert, BH, Anna Behrens.

What is your profession (or previous if you are retired) and does that affect how you enjoy being a Sherlockian?

I’m retired from a 30-year career at UPS. I can’t say there was any impact on my enjoyment of being a Sherlockian. However, in a previous life, I received a Ph.D. in Social Psychology, and that has had a profound impact on my Sherlockian journey. The degree provided me the training and discipline to conduct research. These skills help enhance my pleasure and amusement when delving into the world inhabited by Holmes and Watson.

What is your favorite canonical story?

“The Three Garridebs.” A rip-off of “The Red-Headed League,” perhaps, but I’m partial to 3GAR. Like many Sherlockians, I am a book collector. I empathize with poor Nathan Garrideb, one of the most shabbily treated characters in the Canon. He deserved better. Lest we forget it’s in 3GAR where Holmes shows his deep concern for Watson after he (Watson) was on the receiving end of a Killer Evans bullet. 

Five members of The Red-Headed League of Jersey meeting for breakfast in 2023. L-R: Bob Katz, Michael Bush, Jules Spada, Burt Wolder, BH.

Who is a specific Sherlockian that you think others would find interesting?

Honestly, I’ve ever met an uninteresting Sherlockian. We are an eclectic, fascinating group. I would refer everyone to read Linda and Terry Hunt’s, Aboriginals. It is my favorite Sherlockian book, packed with stories about captivating individuals. 

What subset of Sherlockiana really interests you?

Two things. Chronology and BSI history. I know people like to deride chronology, but it has a long tradition, having come into the fore in earnest in 1932 following publication of H.W. Bell’s, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson: The Chronology of Their Adventures and T.S. Blakeney’s, Sherlock Holmes: Fact or Fiction? Since then, many others have tried their hand at dating Watson’s stories, perhaps the most famous, or at least the most frequently quoted, is William S. Baring-Gould’s chronology. In 2021, Brad Keefauver founded the Sherlockian Chronologist Guild of which I am a member. Brad publishes a monthly newsletter, Timeline, packed with chronological goodness. I look forward to receiving it each month. 

As far as BSI history is concerned, perhaps my UPS career had a Sherlockian impact after all. The company was founded in 1907 by one man, Jim Casey. Its founding and eventual worldwide growth always fascinated me. Fortunately there was plenty of material to read. I feel the same way about Christopher Morley, and how founded an organization like the BSI, and how it has grown and flourished.

As the author of not one, but TWO chronology books, what keeps you coming back to that topic?

I hesitated writing about chronology for many years. It is a rabbit hole from which few have emerged. But, after I retired and had time on my hands, I decided to give it a try. To do things a little differently, I began with the Case-Book and worked my way backward through the Canon. After doing “The Retired Colourman” and “Shoscombe Old Place,” I thought to myself, “this isn’t so bad.” I kept going and going until I reached A Study in Scarlet. As with any other subset of Sherlockiana, there is always more to learn. That is especially true with chronology. I enjoy dating debates, even with myself, and remain flexible about changing dates when additional evidence is presented.

But your writing isn't just about chronology.  You've written about dressing gowns, personality types, and D. Martin Dakin, among other topics.  What is your process that takes you from idea sparking to publication?

I never really thought about the process. My ideas generally come two ways. First, after rereading a story for the umpteenth time, some question or inconsistency or historical reference will catch my attention. Then, I begin researching the topic and discover what others have said about the issue. I formulate a new hypothesis, and then determine if the existing data support or disprove the theory. 

The other way an idea emerges is after reading the results of a (usually) psychological or sociological study, I think about how the findings might apply, or not apply, to one or more of the Holmes stories.

What book would you recommend to other Sherlockians?

There are several. In addition to the aforementioned Aboriginals, all of The Baker Street Irregulars Press Manuscript Series books are exceptional. And, as a fan of BSI history, I would be remiss if I did not highly recommend Jon L. Lellenberg’s series about the BSI, including, but not limited to, “Dear Starrett –“ / “Dear Briggs – “; Irregular Memories of the ‘Thirties; Irregular Records of the Early ‘Forties; Irregular Proceedings of the Mid ‘Forties; and Irregular Crises of the Late ‘Forties.

Where do you see Sherlockiana in 5 or 10 years from now?

Thriving. Worldwide, there are so many young, talented, passionate, and creative Sherlockians. I am one-hundred percent confident the hobby is in good hands and will only get better. 

Healthy, local scion society activity is and will continue being the backbone of Sherlockiana. I foresee further growth in this area, both among the long-standing scions and newly created ones springing up. 

I’m in the majority, among the 89% of Interesting Interviewees, who also believe the Sherlockiana future is bright!* 

*See Rob Nunn, “Might I Ask You a Question or Two? A Snapshot of Sherlockiana as Seen Through Interviews with 100 Sherlockians,” The Sherlock Holmes Review: 2024 Sherlockian Annual. Indianapolis: Gasogene Books, 2025, pp. 68-75.