This week’s Paper of the Week is more of a divertissement than usual. McCuskey explores the scientific use and abuse of Sherlock Holmes by proponents of Intelligent Design and also by evolutionary biologists. He shows that Holmes is an unreliable ally and is best left out of rhetorical debates about evolution. I agree: the only fictional authority we need for wisdom and wit is Mr Bennet.

McCuskey, B. (2012) Sherlock Holmes and Intelligent Design. Quart Rev Biol 87: 225-235.