Sherlock Holmes: The Dancing Men

By Alex Woolf and Eve O'Brien

Join world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his ever-loyal sidekick Dr. Watson as they embark on a daring adventure.

Hilton Cubitt is worried. Drawings of "dancing men" keep appearing around his house and they're frightening his wife, who seems to know what they mean. Can our brilliant hero solve the mystery of these drawings before disaster strikes?

This thrilling tale has been retold and adapted with new illustrations, making it perfect for younger readers. Adapted by award-winning children's fiction author Alex Woolf, it will delight bright young things aged 7+.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arcturus Publishing
• Release date: Jul 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781398818255

Alex Woolf

Alex Woolf is a senior lecturer in history at the University of St Andrews. He holds a BA in Medieval History and Medieval English, an MPhil in Archaeology and a PhD from the University of St Andrews. He is the author of a number of articles and books on medieval Scottish history, including From Pictland to Alba: Scotland, 789 to 1070, Scandinavian Scotland: 20 Years After and Beyondthe Gododdin: Dark Age Scotland in Medieval Wales.

Book preview

Chapter 1

A Child’s Drawing

It was late one morning toward the end of July 1898, and I was seated in our sitting room at 221B Baker Street deep in thought. My friend and roommate, the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, was at his experimenting table in the corner, studying some green, foul-smelling substance in a test-tube.

So, Watson, he said suddenly, you do not plan to put your money into that South African gold mine.

I gave a start of astonishment. I knew of my friend’s ability to make logical leaps, but I had no idea his talents extended to mind reading.

How on earth did you know that? I asked.

He placed his test-tube on the rack and turned on his stool to face me. Admit you’re amazed, he said.

I admit it.

Good, he smiled, because in five minutes you’ll tell me it was all absurdly simple. I work, Watson, by building a chain of small deductions, each one simple by itself. Then, by jumping to the end, I reach a conclusion that can seem startling. It was by studying the groove between your left forefinger and thumb that I knew you had decided against investing in South African gold.

I don’t see the connection, I said, gazing at that part of my hand and shaking my head in confusion.

Then I will show you my chain of observations and deductions, said Holmes. One: you had chalk between your left finger and thumb when you returned from your club last night. Two: you put chalk there when you play billiards to steady the cue. Three: you never play billiards except with Thurston. Four: you told me four weeks ago that Thurston had asked if you wanted to join him in buying shares in a South African gold mine and had given you a month to decide. Five: your accounts book is locked in my drawer and you haven’t asked for the key. Six: you’ve decided not to invest.