Sherlock Holmes: The Speckled Band

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.

Before Julia Stoner died, she heard a strange whistle. Now her sister Helen has started to hear the same sound. Can our celebrated sleuth solve the mystery before Helen suffers the same fate as her sister? The game is afoot!

This exciting tale has been retold and adapted with new illustrations, making it perfect for younger readers. Adapted by 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: 9781398818378

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 Sad Tale

The case I am about to relate took place in April 1883, during the early days of my friendship with the famous detective Mr. Sherlock Holmes, when we were sharing rooms at 221B Baker Street. Holmes tended to be a late riser, so I was surprised one early April morning to find myself being shaken awake by my roommate. The clock on the mantelpiece stood at just past seven, yet there was Holmes, fully dressed and in a state of some excitement.

What is it—a fire? I asked.

No, a client, he answered. Mrs. Hudson, our landlady, tells me a young lady has arrived. She is waiting for me now in the sitting-room. The fact that she’s come alone and at such an early hour suggests it’s about something fairly serious. I’ve a hunch this one may prove to be an interesting case, Watson, and I thought you might wish to be involved.

My dear fellow, I wouldn’t miss it for the world, I said, leaping out of bed. For then, as now, nothing gave me greater pleasure than following Holmes in his investigations, watching as he untangled the knottiest problems with his sharp, logical mind.

I threw on some clothes and a few minutes later my friend and I entered the sitting-room. The lady was seated near the hearth, dressed in black and with a dark veil covering her face. She rose as we entered.

Good morning, madam, said Holmes cheerfully. My name is Sherlock Holmes and this is my partner, Dr. Watson. I’m pleased to see Mrs. Hudson has lit the fire. Shall I order you some hot coffee, for I notice you are shivering.

It is not cold that makes me shiver, said the woman in a low, trembling voice.

What then?

"It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It