Not so elementary
The week's news at a glance.
Ipplepen, U.K.
A forensic pathologist this week said he could prove whether Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, murdered the true author of The Hound of the Baskervilles. The pathologist belongs to an unofficial team of writers, scientists, and law-enforcement officials who believe that Conan Doyle got the idea for the book from his friend Bertram Fletcher Robinson, and murdered him to cheat him out of royalties. Conan Doyle did acknowledge that Robinson, a journalist, helped create the basic story of a wicked squire and the hellhound that killed him. But the investigators believe Robinson demanded money—and that he also had an affair with Conan Doyle’s wife. They have asked the Diocese of Exeter for permission to exhume Robinson’s corpse to check for traces of laudanum. “This is being taken seriously,” said Dr. Gyan Fernando, a forensic pathologist who’s on the team of investigators.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
What are the different types of nuclear weapons?
The Explainer Speculation mounts that post-war taboo on nuclear weapons could soon be shattered by use of 'battlefield' missiles
-
Floral afternoon teas to enjoy during the Chelsea Flower Show
The Week Recommends These are the prettiest spots in the city to savour a traditional treat
-
How to plan a trip along the Mississippi River
The Week Recommends See this vital waterway from the Great River Road