The Beekeeper’s Picnic offers a poignant glimpse into Sherlock Holmes’ life after retirement, blending bucolic charm with emotional storytelling. Set after his celebrated adventures, this point-and-click journey allows players to explore the aging detective’s relationship with an elderly Dr. Watson. The story unfolds in a tender, often humorous fashion, filled with subtle nods to Arthur Conan Doyle’s work, capturing a quieter, more introspective Holmes.
A Thoughtful Beginning
The narrative opens with the conclusion of The Adventure of the Three Garridebs, where Watson sustains a minor gunshot wound. From there, the scene shifts to the familiar interiors of 221B Baker Street. Surrounded by trinkets and memories, Holmes hesitates to inform Watson about his impending retirement, retreating into his old habits of deduction to avoid confronting his emotions.
Holmes’ Retreat to the Countryside
As long-time fans may recall, Holmes eventually moves to the Sussex Downs to keep bees—a future first hinted at in The Adventure of the Lion’s Mane. While this tale didn’t feature Watson and was one of the few narrated by Holmes himself, it hinted at the solitude Holmes sought in his twilight years. The Beekeeper’s Picnic picks up from that thread, presenting a reflective Holmes in the year 1918, now residing in Fulworth. He is accompanied by a stern housekeeper named Martha and lives in a town that echoes references to The Lion’s Mane, such as the local school, The Gables, and its friendly headmaster, Harold Stackhurst.
Watson, having just returned from serving as a medic in World War I, arrives to visit Holmes. Their reunion is steeped in unspoken sentiment, as Holmes, older and more contemplative, wishes to make amends for past insensitivities. His chosen gesture is a simple one—organizing a peaceful picnic.
Puzzles With Purpose
This heartfelt narrative unfolds through classic point-and-click gameplay. Holmes embarks on whimsical tasks like entering a honey contest and retrieving a missing cat to acquire elderflower cordial. Players can explore his “brain-attic,” connecting deductions on a mental chalkboard and reflecting on his relationships. Along the way, a minor case involving stolen taxidermy from a museum begins to intertwine with village happenings.
Despite these investigative detours, the game remains grounded in character-driven moments. Unlike typical Holmes stories focused on criminal masterminds, this tale emphasizes emotional growth, with Holmes more concerned about the well-being of local children than capturing culprits.
Player Choice and Emotional Depth
Interestingly, players can invite Watson to the picnic immediately, foregoing the side stories. While this leads to a comically flawed event with no refreshments and noisy beachgoers, the credits still roll. Alternatively, investing time in the village’s stories leads to a more rewarding outcome, with Watson acknowledging the positive impacts Holmes has made on the community.
Central to the story is the unspoken question of Holmes’ feelings for Watson. Traditionally portrayed as emotionally distant, Holmes’ actions in this game suggest a shift. Years of isolation and the trauma of war appear to have softened him. His desire to express long-suppressed emotions adds a touching complexity to their bond.
Revisiting The Three Garridebs
The decision to begin with the denouement of The Three Garridebs is pivotal. It’s one of the few moments in Conan Doyle’s canon where Holmes reveals deep concern for Watson. When Watson is shot, Holmes reacts with uncharacteristic alarm, striking their attacker and urging Watson to assure him he’s unharmed. Watson later reflects on this moment as a rare revelation of Holmes’ true affection, stating that it was worth the wound to witness the depth of loyalty behind his companion’s usual detachment.
This emotional legacy carries through the game, framing Holmes’ desire to express feelings he never dared to before. The story never dictates what form their relationship should take—romantic, platonic, or something unspoken—it leaves that choice entirely to the player.
An Unassuming Masterpiece
What follows is a humble yet powerful love story, allowing each player to interpret the nature of the connection between Holmes and Watson. Whether viewed as romantic affection, deep friendship, or something in between, the game emphasizes the presence of love rather than its classification.
The voice performances add further depth. James Quinn and Andrew James Spooner portray Holmes and Watson with measured grace, avoiding the exaggerated mannerisms often associated with the characters. Their interactions carry a dignified warmth, underscoring the game’s gentle atmosphere. Older actors were intentionally cast, matching the characters’ stages in life and enhancing the authenticity of their portrayals.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Richard Rycroft lends his voice to Mycroft Holmes, offering in-game hints via phone calls from the Diogenes Club. Alison Skillbeck appears as Mrs. Whitlock, and Felix Trench delivers a standout performance in a touching subplot that many players may overlook but which adds profound emotional resonance.
A Quiet Triumph
Despite its understated art style—pixelated yet beautifully animated—The Beekeeper’s Picnic delivers a rich and moving experience. From the talking dog Toby III to a chatty stuffed bear in the background, the game brims with charm. Its exploration of love between Holmes and Watson is handled with care, never overstepping into cliché or sentimentality.
Behind it all is Helen Greetham, the solo developer who wrote, coded, and illustrated the entire game. Her work not only honors the spirit of Sherlock Holmes but arguably expands the canon in a way that feels both respectful and refreshing.
In the end, The Beekeeper’s Picnic stands as a tender epilogue to one of literature’s most iconic partnerships—a beautifully realized reflection on love, regret, and the enduring bond between two old friends.