Sherlock Holmes: A Scandal in Bohemia

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.

The King of Bohemia wishes to marry ... but before he can do so, he needs Sherlock's help! Can the sleuth retrieve an embarrassing photograph of the royal, before a scandal erupts and the king is forced to cancel his wedding plans?

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: 9781398818330

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 Royal Visit

One evening in March 1888, I was returning from a visit to a patient when I happened to find myself passing through Baker Street. I was reminded that it had been some time since I’d seen my old friend Sherlock Holmes. The upper-floor window of his flat was brightly lit, and I could see the tall silhouette of the great detective against the blind as he energetically paced his study. His head was sunk upon his chest and his hands were clasped behind him in a manner that told their own story. It was clear to me who knew him so well that he was hot upon the scent of a new problem.

His landlady, Mrs. Hudson, greeted me like an old friend and showed me upstairs.

When I entered, Holmes stopped his pacing and turned to me. Watson! he declared. You’ve put on seven and a half pounds since I last saw you.

Seven! I corrected him with a frown.

Indeed? I would have said just a little more. But how are you, my dear fellow? I see you’re working as a doctor again, that you’ve got yourself muddy recently, and that you have a most careless housemaid.

Holmes, this is too much! I said, laughing. It’s true. I’m back working as a doctor. I also went for a country walk on Thursday and came back in a mess. As to Mary Jane, she is, indeed, quite hopeless, but I cannot for the life of me understand how you can know these things.

It’s simplicity itself, said Holmes. "If a gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of antiseptic with a black stain of silver nitrate on his right forefinger and a bulge in his hat to show where he’s stowed his stethoscope, it’s a fair bet that he’s a working doctor. My eyes also tell me that the leather on the sole of your left shoe has been badly scratched, as if