A Blog Post a Day: A Project for June

It is so hard to think clearly, with subtlety and deftness. It is even harder to articulate one’s thoughts in a nuanced manner.

When I’m working on a new literary critical case it sometimes seems as if the books that line my study walls are leering down at me like so many grotesques, mocking me and my meek efforts. The more I try to think, the more the thoughts form an impenetrable fog in my mind, a fog that gets everywhere, even in this muggy, muddy English summer.

In order to extricate myself from these difficulties I have made a rash decision. Yesterday evening, having posted my review of Agatha Christie’s ‘The Big Four’, I promised myself that I would update this online journal everyday until the end of the month – and possibly even beyond.

I hope that by setting myself the task of writing something new on a regular basis I will disperse the critical and creative torpor that hangs over me and, it would seem, this whole building. Moreover, I hope that I will instigate a new practice of writing.

I bumped into Thistleton yesterday. He expressed some kind thoughts about the project, although he doubted the possibility of engineering creative insight through practice.

I would really appreciate it if you, dear Reader, were able to support me in my endeavour by following this blog (click the button on the right) and by checking in each day to see what I’ve written.

à demain…

The world’s first and only consulting literary critical detective

My meeting with that great philosopher and theologian Mr Benjamin Thistleton has forced me to re-evaluate my entire project. I have explained the reasons behind this in my account of our developing friendship and  association: ‘The Literary Critical Detective Meets an Associate’. I would direct you to that text for a full explanation.

However, allow me to publicly announce my important decision here. I am, as you will know, the first literary critical detective. I would now like to declare myself the world’s first and only consulting literary critical detective. I am now taking on cases brought to me by others.

So, if you know of a particular classic literary detective case that you would like me to examine then please contact me. I will start a discussion thread on the Facebook group page ‘The Literary Critical Detective’. Please leave your requests there. Alternatively, post a comment on this journal or write to me at my postal address: theliterarydetective@hotmail.co.uk.

I cannot promise to take on your case. As Holmes disregarded seemingly important cases for those that merely interested him, so too I will only re-investigate and criticise those literary cases that I think might produce imaginative results. I cannot prescribe my approach or my findings; nor can I make any grand claims that I will ‘solve’ anything. I will certainly not set out to answer any specific questions. Whilst my readings will certainly be wrong-headed they will also be inspired. If I do take on your case you can trust to the fact that I will commit all my energies to it; I will not rest until it is done. You can also rely upon my depth of reading. Should I need any help my growing network of associates will be able to supply me with texts and knowledge.

Some important points to bear in mind. I will only take on ‘classic’ literary detective cases. This means Doyle, Christie, Marsh and, at a stretch, Chandler, but nothing past this. If you have any questions, please contact me through the usual channels. Also, the findings of my research, my written accounts and all related original documentation will remain my property.

If you decide to visit me in person with your case, please inform Françoise of the reason for your visit and hand her your card. Should I be playing the piano when you call I will not admit you.

Until then I remain

Your loyal author,

Dr James Holden

(Consulting Literary Critical Detective)

The Literary Critical Detective Meets an Associate.

I have finally moved from my cluttered house into a new suite of rooms in town. The move was, I admit, something of a strain on my nerves, taking as it did the best part of a weekend. However, now that I am firmly established in my new study I cannot understand why I did not brave the change earlier. The fresh surroundings have enlivened my brain. Perhaps more importantly, they have brought me into contact with new people – including the gossiping spinster Mrs Sharp, the American businessman Mr Davenport and Mr Cohen, all of whom share the Hôtel with Françoise and myself.

Amongst the great fog of new neighbours I have had the great fortune to happen across a fellow writer and thinker, a man who, to my great surprise and delight, was familiar with my work as a literary critical detective from these pages. I am speaking of the great theologian and philosopher Mr Benjamin Thistleton. We have shared a meal together and have found that, despite my initial misgivings, we have much in common. He has asked that I consider him an ‘associate’ and that, should I require an help in my work, I come to him for advice. I am immensely flattered.

I have taken the time to write a full account of my move, a description of the characters that I am now surrounded by and my chance meeting with Mr Thistleton. If you would like to read this account I am happy to make it available to you. Please send an email to my special postal address: theliterarydetective@hotmail.co.uk. Alternatively, leave a message on the wall of the Facebook group ‘The Literary Critical Detective’.

My meeting with Mr Thistleton has occasioned a great change in my approach to my work. This change is described at length in the written account referred to above. I will also take the liberty of describing it here in subsequent posts. It is of the utmost importance that you are aware of this so please keep checking for more information.