One of literature’s most eminent sleuths, Sherlock Holmes, celebrates his 157th birthday this month.

A huge hit ever since his first appearance in A Study in Scarlet in 1887, Holmes and his loyal sidekick Watson have been thrilling mystery fans with their exploits for well over a century both in print and on film. Although Holmes’ creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, retired his great detective in 1903, many other authors have picked up the pen in order to continue his adventures.

The BBC has created an updated Sherlock based on three of the original stories but set in contemporary Great Britain. Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal captures Sherlock’s brilliant but quirky methods.