How many times have you seen somebody dead come back alive? Sherlock Holmes was killed off by the author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who was forced to renege on the decision by the millions of fans.

Sherlock Holmes first appeared in a novel in 1887. Sherlock Holmes with his friend and narrator of the stories Dr. John H. Watson has appeared in four novels and 56 short stories.

First time I read a Sherlock Holmes short story, I was hooked. Till then I was a huge fan of the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books. But, first time I read about the London-based detective with the keenest observation powers and deductive reasoning, I was captivated.

You might find it interesting to know that the author Sir. Arthur Conan Doyle was a doctor by profession and started writing his books as his medical practice was not successful. Conan Doyle was inspired by Dr. Joseph Bell who would examine the patients and detect the ailment through keen observations. Of course, in that era in the absence of scanning facilities or even an X-ray machine, this was the only way possible.

The epic history made by Sherlock Holmes is followed even today by new*authors and creators who publish Sherlock Holmes stories; 'The Improbable Adventures of Sherlock Holmes'*was published in 2009. But, I feel that it is upto the readers to decide if the new books add to the glory of one of the greatest books ever written.