Although the first investigation involving geoforensics was at the start of the 20th Century, Doyle's famous detective was using the methods to solve crimes in London some 30 years before.

BBC: NEWS | Entertainment | Solving it like Sherlock

He probably entered the bag alive, Wilcox said, reading her ruling to a court around the corner from the home of the world's most famous fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

By the 1840s the old detective-style units formerly run by magistrates, the most famous of which was the Bow Street Runners, had been absorbed, as had the marine unit, although the City of London retains its own police force today.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Met celebrates 175 years on the beat

The book follows Mr. James's famous character, British detective Roy Grace, as he investigates a fatal road accident.

WSJ: Peter James: In Hot Pursuit of American Readers

Famous for roles from Shakespeare to detective Wallander, he was honoured for services to drama and the community of Northern Ireland.

BBC: Kenneth Branagh