Sherlock Holmes: The Six Napoleons

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.

Someone keeps breaking into shops and houses and smashing statuettes of the French general and statesman, Napoleon. Why? The police are baffled, so they call in the one man who can solve the mystery: London's greatest detective, Sherlock Holmes.

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: 9781398818361

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

The Statue Smasher

Mr. Lestrade of London’s Metropolitan Police was a frequent caller at 221B Baker Street, the home I shared with my friend, the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. These visits were welcomed by Holmes because Lestrade would fill him in on all the latest news from the world of crime. In return, Holmes might feed Lestrade some helpful hints and suggestions for whatever case was currently occupying his attention.

On one particular evening in June 1900, Lestrade seemed almost embarrassed when Holmes asked him what he was working on. It’s such an absurd business that I hesitate to bother you about it, he said. On the other hand, although it’s trivial, it’s also strange, and I know you have a taste for the unusual. In fact, it might fall as much in Dr. Watson’s field of interest as our own.

I looked up at the mention of my name. Is it about disease, then? I asked.

Disease of the mind, maybe, said Lestrade, for surely only a madman could have such a hatred of Napoleon that he would want to smash any statue of him he can lay his hands on.

You mean Napoleon Bonaparte, the former emperor of France? I exclaimed.

The very one, said Lestrade. It’s become a police matter because this man isn’t smashing his own statues of the French emperor—he’s committing burglary in order to destroy those belonging to other people.

This does sound intriguing, Lestrade, said Holmes. Please give me details.

Lestrade took out a notebook and refreshed his memory from its pages. The first case was reported four days ago, he said. "It took place at Harrison’s Art and Antiques, a shop on Kennington Road. The assistant on duty went into the back office for a moment when he heard a crash from the main shop. Hurrying back in, he found a plaster bust of Napoleon, which