Elementary, My Dear Reader! – A Sherlock Holmes Mystery at the Library
May 22, 2025
The school library was transformed into a thrilling scene of mystery and intrigue as pupils took on the roles of budding detectives in an exciting Sherlock Holmes event. From the moment they stepped through the door of 221B Baker Street, pupils were immersed in the world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary sleuth.
To begin their investigation, each pupil had to “sign in” using their fingerprint—setting the tone for an authentic detective experience. Their first challenge was to decipher a secret message using the Caesar cipher, a classic cryptographic technique, to unlock the details of their mission.
The case? A precious book had gone missing from the library shelves— De Occulta Bibliotheca —and it was up to the young Holmesians to crack the case. Armed with a list of suspects and a map of the Lower School, pupils set off on a clue-hunting adventure that took them through hidden corners and puzzling trails.
Along the way, they decoded encrypted messages, revealed hidden notes using heat to expose invisible ink, and followed a trail of mysterious footprints. Each clue brought them closer to identifying the culprit behind the literary theft.
After collecting all the evidence, pupils returned to the library where, in their investigative groups, they reviewed the facts and collaborated to make their final accusation. Suspense hung in the air as the mystery was dramatically revealed—culminating in a final search that led them straight to the long-lost book.
It was an event full of curiosity, critical thinking, and imaginative fun. Our young detectives not only honed their problem-solving skills but also enjoyed diving into the world of one of literature’s most iconic characters.




