In this first volume, Dr. Watson narrates the story wherein he first meets the eccentric sleuth. Returning to London in 1879 after a bullet wound in Afghanistan ended his career as an army surgeon, Watson decides to share lodgings with Holmes, a strange man who conducts forensic experiments in a hospital chemistry lab.
The two quickly plunge into their first case: who killed E.J. Drebber, an American whose body is found in an empty house? Colorful characters appear to add clues, bumbling police provide humor, but readers will be more intrigued by Holmes's extraordinary talent for discerning obscure details and the team's use of logic to solve mysteries than the solution itself.
Droll full- and partial-page black-and-white illustrations liven up the text. Inset definitions of potentially unfamiliar terms keep the story moving along.
A quick, fun read and an accessible introduction to a popular classic British literary personality.
-- School Library Journal
This is an excellent introduction to the amazing world of Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock Holmes is one of literature's finest characters and I am so pleased to see him available for younger readers. This series of books has the characters, the crimes and solving the riddles all laid out perfectly clear for readers.
-- Erin Hamilton, Librarian
This is a book I'll share with my nephew and people I know who are learning English so they can practice reading and also have fun during the process.
-- Natalia I. Valia, Educator
This was so charming, I wish it had been around when I was younger.
-- Erin Benediction, Reviewer
A terrific way to introduce young children to one of the most famous detectives ever - Sherlock Holmes. I recommend this to all young budding sleuths and detectives as a way to learn about an important literary character along with some historical information.
-- Christi, Reviewer
I've read all the Sherlock Holmes books and I loved that this book allows our younger generation to enjoy Sherlock and his sidekick Dr Watson. I will definitely get this for my daughter aged 10yrs to read as she enjoys crime and mystery novels. I would happily read the others in the series.
-- Charley Reads, Blogger
I really enjoyed reading this, I have never read a Sherlock Holmes book. It introduced you to the main characters and was a great start to a collection for middle grade. My son is 7 and I would definitely get him reading this once he's moved on from his first chapter books.
-- Becky Way, Reviewer
I thoroughly enjoyed it, the story sticking to the plot that we know and love yet simplified for a younger audience. I loved the illustrations from Arianna Bellucci and also the explanations of terms that children may not be aware of.
-- Karen O'Hare, Reviewer
I hope to introduce my 6-year-old to Sherlock Holmes soon and this book will be a great way to do so. I definitely recommend this for younger readers.
-- Kennedy Penn-O'Toole, Librarian
A classic which in this new edition has been added the illustrations created by Arianna Bellucci, that gives the book a more modern and contemporary character.
-- Libros Happy, Reviewer
A quick, fun read and an accessible introduction to a popular classic British literary personality.
-- School Library Journal
