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It would be a crime to miss the Perot Museum’s Sherlock Holmes exhibition

Are you ever-so-slightly CSI-obsessed? Do blood-spatter charts, bullet points on bullet trajectory and displays of poisonous potions make your heart go pitty-pat? How about the phrase, "The game's afoot!" - does it make your own feet start trembling in anticipation? If you answered yes to any of these questions, or are simply a fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous creation, make haste to "The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes," a splendidly crafted, interactive romp currently at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.

The exhibit gives fascinating glimpses into the life of Conan Doyle, a Scottish doctor-turned-author whose detective savant used techniques that, in the organizers' words, "revolutionized forensic science and remain relevant in modern-day crime investigations." Whether you love watching Dexter or CSI: Whatever, following the latest criminal trials in the news or reading modern mystery novels, you'll probably find something that can be traced to Sherlock and his assistant, Dr. John Watson. The detective first made his appearance in an 1887 short story and went on to star in four novels and 56 short stories.

At the exhibit, you'll feel yourself placed smack-dab in Victorian London as you examine artifacts from the Conan Doyle estate, cozy up to the wonders of Holmes' Baker Street sitting room (laid out in glorious full-size spendor) and try your own investigative skills to solve a murder. You'll also get to see an array of props, costumes and other items from the current Sherlockian offerings in pop media: the BBC series starring Benedict Cumberbatch, the film series starring Robert Downey Jr. and the American TV series Elementary, with Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu (as a female Watson, no less). I was especially pleased to see an outfit of Liu's from the show; her Watson has become my favorite fashion muse (I have way too many shift dresses and short booties).

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In the first gallery, called "Dr. Conan Doyle's Study," I was amazed to see actual transcript pages from his writings, with a script so perfect it almost looks like a modern-day font. Conan Doyle would never make it as 21st-century doctor; you can actually read his writing. Letters, photos, illustrations and other items give visitors an excellent window into Conan Doyle's world, and you'll also get to see actual forensic samples such as a section of thoracic spine with an embedded projectile, and a skin specimen containing a stab wound. (If you're squeamish, skip this section. If you're like me, practice saying, "Oh, coooool!")

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Next comes the "Science and History" gallery, where guests will learn about real forensic techniques (you can sometimes date time of death from the maggots on a dead body - "Oh, coooool!") and see displays on everything from early photography to deadly cosmetics. Also, find out if you have what it takes to become a member of the London Metropolitan Police: You must be between 21 and 27; stand at least 5 feet 9 inches without shoes or socks (I'm already disqualified on the first two); be able to read well, write legibly and have a fair knowledge of spelling (yes! can do!); be generally intelligent; and be free of any bodily complaints, including flat feet, stiff joints or narrow chest.

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In the "Sherlock Holmes in Baker Street" gallery, view intriguing tableaux such as a bookcase that I could have spent hours examining. It features light titles such as The Shrine of Aesculapius, from the Doctor's Recreation Series. You'll also see Sherlock's violin, magnifying glass, hat and cape; plaster shoe-print casts and other evidence; old maps and anatomical drawings; potions of unknown origin; and some truly gnarly looking faux croissants (one guesses Sherlock didn't have much time for snacking, although someone clearly kept the hot tea coming).

Next you'll come upon a murder scene, where you can suss out clues from the crime scene, then use forensic science to make deductions about who committed the dastardly deed and how. The police have a theory, of course, but will it match yours or Sherlock's? Crime solving turns out to be lots of fun and mind-stretchingly difficult. Let's just say that while I might be able to dress like a modern-day female Watson, I'm better off taking notes on a mystery than actually trying to solve one.

"The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes" continues through May 10 at the Perot Museum, 2201 N. Field St., Dallas. Hours are Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays noon to 5 p.m. On the first Thursday of each month, the museum and the exhibition will be open until 9 p.m. Total admission cost (including general exhibits and "Sherlock") is $29 for ages 18-64, $23 for ages 65 and older, $21 for ages 2-17, free for children under 2. 214-428-5555. perotmuseum.org.

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OTHER SHERLOCKIAN STUFF

Sherlock is experiencing a great renaissance, what with the TV and movie series and other media. Here are some other Sherlock experiences available now or coming soon.

THEATER: WATSON: THE LAST GREAT TALE OF THE LEGENDARY SHERLOCK HOLMES: Garland Civic Theatre stages Jaime Robledo's play. It's the story of the indomitable Watson, "a good man trapped in the shadow of a great man," according to press materials. Through March 28 at the Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St., Garland. $22. 972-485-8884. garlandcivictheatre.com.

THEATER: THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE WATSON INTELLIGENCE: Stage West is presenting the regional premiere of Madeleine George's off-Broadway hit, about people (and a computer) named Watson, including Sherlock's assistant. See review on Page 50. Through March 22 at Stage West, 821/823 W. Vickery Blvd., Fort Worth. $30-$34. 817-784-9378. stagewest.org.

NOVEL: THE FIFTH HEART: Author Dan Simmons imagines a meeting and collaboration between American author Henry James and Sherlock Holmes in this novel, which starts with Sherlock deducing that he is, in fact, a fictional character. Available March 24 from Little, Brown. $28.

NONFICTION: THE STRANGE CASE OF DR. DOYLE: A JOURNEY INTO MADNESS & MAYHEM: Authors Daniel Friedman and Eugene Friedman, both doctors, delve into the connections among Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, his creation Sherlock Holmes and the real-life murderer Jack the Ripper. Available now from Square One Publishers, $29.95.