The Great Game

"in league with the thief" [REIG] Arvind Ethan David is a versatile writer and producer whose career spans theater, television, film, graphic novels, audio, and now his debut novel, The Great Game, a historical thriller set in 1905 London. Blending mystery and suspense, the book marks the return of A. J. Raffles — the famous gentleman thief created by Conan Doyle's brother-in-law, E.W. Hornung. Born in Malaysia and educated in England, Arvind's perspective on imperial rivalry, colonialism, and cultural identity is expressed through the eyes of his narrator Balvinder dev Singh, a law student and military veteran who is funding his education in partnership with Raffles. When a brutal Mayfair murder tangles Bunny and Raffles in a widening conspiracy, it attracts the attention of Holmes, Watson, and even Winston Churchill. Arvind's career began when he was still a student, adapting Douglas Adams's novel Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency as a play. When Adams came to see it, he became a mentor. He has written and produced extensively in television, including Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency for Netflix, Anansi Boys for Amazon, and The Garden of Evening Mists for HBO. He has also written seven graphic novels, including an adaptation of Raymond Chandler's Trouble Is My Business. Join us as he reflects on his experiences in these different artistic worlds, and on the unique challenges of bringing honored characters to life. Our "Learned Societies" segment kicks off with Sherlockian society activities coming up in the latter half of August. Then, it's a new edition of "Examining the Pictures," with the film critic, journalist, and author Christian Monggaard, BSI, as he reviews the first Enola Holmes film. Finally, the Canonical Couplet quiz will test your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of The Great Game for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by July 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. DST. All listeners are eligible to play.

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• The Great Game (Amazon | Bookshop.org)
• Arvind Ethan David's website
• Other episodes mentioned on the show:
• Episode 200: Holmes in the Heartland
• I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere / Trifles Merch Store

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