In celebration of Sherlock Holmes Day on 22^nd May, a group of enthusiastic students gathered to participate in a thrilling mock crime scene investigation that put their detective skills to the test. The event, ‘Murder by the Book’ offered a hands-on experience combining teamwork, critical thinking, with a dash of suspense thrown in for good measure.

The students arrived at the library to find a staged “crime scene,” complete with carefully placed clues and strategically placed evidence. Tasked with solving the fictional murder of ‘Miss Terry’, the students divided into small detective teams, to analyse different aspects of the scene including examining suspicious notes and uncovering hidden messages.

Throughout the exercise, the students demonstrated impressive powers of observation and deduction, mirroring Sherlock Holmes’ famed attention to detail. The students were encouraged to apply logical reasoning whilst deciphering the clues and discuss their theories on the motive for the crime and name their chosen suspect from the suspect list.

After successfully piecing together the clues, each team took turns in sharing their ideas with the rest of the group, with the culprit finally being revealed!

The event was a huge success and a fantastic way to connect literature with learning. As Sherlock Holmes famously said, “When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” This activity perfectly captured that essence, igniting young minds to think like detectives and enjoy the thrill of the chase.