Do you know that Holmes was based, somewhat loosely, on a real person?
Doyle used to work as a clerk for Dr. Joseph Bell at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Bell, now regarded as one of the founders of forensic science, was famous for his powers of observation, astounding students by scrutinizing strangers and correctly deducing their occupations and habits. Bell reportedly participated in more than one police investigation during his lifetime. Doyle later identified the Scottish surgeon as something of an inspiration for Holmes.
Are any of the characters in your book based on real people?