Q

The mysterious appeal of the immortal Sherlock Holmes

What is it about Sherlock Holmes that's made him so timeless and appealing? Zach Dundas investigates.
A man in silhouette wears a deerstalker cap while smoking a pipe.
That deerstalker hat. That smoking pipe. Sherlock Holmes is iconic — but what is it about the famous detective that keeps him vital? (Stefan Wermuth/Reuters)

From Jeremy Brett to Robert Downey Jr. to Benedict Cumberbatch, actors love putting their stamp on Sherlock Holmes — and audiences continue to gravitate toward Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous character.

For over 130 years, the master of deduction and disguise has stimulated the popular imagination — but what's made him so timeless and appealing? For insight, guest host Tom Power speaks with Zach Dundas. His new book, The Great Detective, explores the cult of Holmes and his contribution to pop culture.