Sherlock Holmes: The Sign of Four

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.

Captain Arthur Morstan has vanished. Where is he, and does his disappearance have anything to do with the six pearls sent to his daughter Mary? Our crime-fighting sleuth decides to investigate.

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: 9781398818347

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

Sholto’s Treasure

One September morning in 1888, a visitor arrived at 221B Baker Street, the home I shared with my friend, the great detective Sherlock Holmes. Miss Mary Morstan was a young lady with dark hair and brown eyes, dressed simply yet with perfect taste.

I hope you can help me, Mr. Holmes, she said. I can hardly imagine anything stranger than the situation I find myself in.

Please state your case, said Holmes.

The facts, she said, are these. My father, Arthur Morstan, was an officer in the Indian army. My mother died when I was young, and my father sent me home to England, where I attended boarding school. Ten years ago, my father was granted twelve months’ leave and came home. He telegraphed me on his arrival in London, asking me to meet him at the Langham Hotel. When I got there, I was told he had gone out the night before and had not returned. After waiting all day, I called the police and the next morning we advertised in the papers with no result. From that day to this, I’ve heard nothing from him.

Did you search his luggage? asked Holmes.

Yes, but we found no clues as to what might have happened to him.

Did he have any friends in London?

Only one: John Sholto, a retired major of his own regiment, living in Upper Norwood. I spoke to him, but he didn’t even know my father was in England.

A curious case, remarked Holmes.

I’ve not yet told you the most curious part, said Mary. Six years ago, on May 4th, 1882, I received by post a cardboard box containing a large and beautiful pearl. No message came with it. Every year since then, on that date, I’m sent a similar box containing a similar pearl. An expert informs me the pearls are rare and highly valuable. You can see them for yourselves. She opened a long, flat box and showed us six of the finest