Sherlock Holmes Night success is no mystery

The game was afoot Dec. 7, as Sherlock Holmes afficionados filled the Reliable Source -- which had been transformed into Holmes' 221B Baker Street and the Punch Bowl Pub -- to watch Robert Downey Jr. play the master sleuth in the 2009 movie, search for clues in a scavenger hunt, enjoy an exhibit of Sherlockian posters by artist Francesco Francavilla, and win raffle prizes including Sherlock Holmes posters, books and passes to the new Downey movie, "A Game of Shadows."

Several attendees donned Victorian garb to enter the costume competition, which was judged by Club members Peter Blau, also a leader of the local Sherlockian group The Red Circle, and Carol Morgan. Janice Law and Eleanor Herman won the contest, and Fred L. walked away with the scavenger hunt prize. Each winner received a gift certificate to The Fourth Estate.

Sponsored by the Club's Events, Young Members, and Book & Author Committees, members of all ages enjoyed the ambiance, fun and games.

How did the committees pull off such a grand event? "It's elementary," said organizer Emily Whitten.