The Devil & Sherlock Holmes: Tales of Murder, Madness & Obsession

David Grann’s collection gathers twelve pieces of narrative journalism that document individuals driven by singular fixations. The title essay follows the mysterious death of Richard Lancelyn Green, the world’s foremost Sherlock Holmes scholar, who became convinced a rival was conspiring against him. Other reports detail a French imposter who assumed the identity of a missing Texas teenager, a scientist searching for the giant squid in the deep ocean, and a death row inmate whose conviction rested on flawed arson science. These accounts track the thin line between professional dedication and psychological unravelling, placing specific emphasis on how obsession dictates human behavior.

Readers interested in the intersection of criminal justice and investigative reporting will find value in Grann’s factual, direct style. Those who study social psychology or true crime gain an understanding of how distorted perceptions lead to real-world consequences. The book provides a technical look at how investigators piece together fragmented lives to uncover hidden motives. A reader walks away with a clear perspective on the internal logic that governs fanatics and the procedural methods used to expose their secrets.