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A Study in Scarlet
Join world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his ever-loyal sidekick Dr. Watson as they embark on a daring adventure.
A wealthy man has been murdered in the strangest circumstances. A woman's wedding ring has been found with the body and the word "RACHE" has been scrawled in red on a nearby wall. Is this mystery too baffling for even the brilliant 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+.
A wealthy man has been murdered in the strangest circumstances. A woman's wedding ring has been found with the body and the word "RACHE" has been scrawled in red on a nearby wall. Is this mystery too baffling for even the brilliant 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+.
51 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2022
5 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Alex Woolf
303 books45 followersAlex Woolf is a prolific, award-winning author of books for adults and children. In his non-fiction he has written on subjects as diverse as sharks, robots, asteroids, flying reptiles and chocolate. His novels span a range of genres, including crime, mystery, science fiction, historical fiction, steampunk and horror.
Alex is a regular author for Fiction Express, online publishers of interactive stories for schools. Fiction Express is read by more than 150,000 students from 20 countries. Two of his stories have won reader awards. In 2021, he won the prestigious ASE award for his non-fiction book Think Like a Scientist. His horror novel, Soul Shadows, was shortlisted for the Falkirk Red Book Award. Bestselling crime author Peter James described his novel Aldo Moon as “a real delight, witty, ghostly and at times deliciously ghastly”.
Alex is a regular author for Fiction Express, online publishers of interactive stories for schools. Fiction Express is read by more than 150,000 students from 20 countries. Two of his stories have won reader awards. In 2021, he won the prestigious ASE award for his non-fiction book Think Like a Scientist. His horror novel, Soul Shadows, was shortlisted for the Falkirk Red Book Award. Bestselling crime author Peter James described his novel Aldo Moon as “a real delight, witty, ghostly and at times deliciously ghastly”.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 21, 2022
4.5 stars
My favourite Sherlock Holmes adaptation from all of Alex Woolf's retellings so far. We learn here about how Watson met Holmes for the first time, the impression he made on him, and how Sherlock solved the case of two murdered US citizens that is an apparent case of revenge. Or so the too-obvious word in German would have us think.
It's a very ingenious criminal case, told in a way that's sure to keep children engrossed, and, as with the first adaptation I read, tries its best to stay true to Sir Arthur's style. I'm liking this series of Sherlock for children books more and more with each installment!
Thank you to Arcturus Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My favourite Sherlock Holmes adaptation from all of Alex Woolf's retellings so far. We learn here about how Watson met Holmes for the first time, the impression he made on him, and how Sherlock solved the case of two murdered US citizens that is an apparent case of revenge. Or so the too-obvious word in German would have us think.
It's a very ingenious criminal case, told in a way that's sure to keep children engrossed, and, as with the first adaptation I read, tries its best to stay true to Sir Arthur's style. I'm liking this series of Sherlock for children books more and more with each installment!
Thank you to Arcturus Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2022
This is the first book in the series, which I am not reading in order. This book is when the dynamic duel first met. Also their first case together. I cannot get over how the how the author takes a classic adult mystery and turn it into a mystery for the children to understand. I takes such skill and its wonderful how authors are doing this for children. The story is wonderful and I loved it. Hope the author will do the same.thing for other adult classics
I received a copy book of the book and is voluntaryly writing a review.
I received a copy book of the book and is voluntaryly writing a review.
August 2, 2022
As a big fan of Sherlock Holmes, I was intrigued by these retellings for children. As an adult I do still like to occasionally read a children’s book from time to time and this was a highly enjoyable read. Will be reading the others in this series
August 25, 2022
I'd like to thank Arcturus Publishing and NetGalley for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Alex Woolf.
A Study in Scarlet is the first book in the Sherlock Holmes book series, and Alex Woolf does a phenomenal job in rewriting this story for children in a way that they'll understand. They illustrations we're amazing and we're a great contribution to the story. I think this retelling will encourage children to read more.
I would have loved reading this as a child. Five out of five stars.
A Study in Scarlet is the first book in the Sherlock Holmes book series, and Alex Woolf does a phenomenal job in rewriting this story for children in a way that they'll understand. They illustrations we're amazing and we're a great contribution to the story. I think this retelling will encourage children to read more.
I would have loved reading this as a child. Five out of five stars.
July 11, 2022
A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Alex Woolf.
This is how Watson met Holmes in children style. Loved how it was written. Loved the illustrations too. This is a good way to get any young person started on sherlock Holmes. 5*.
This is how Watson met Holmes in children style. Loved how it was written. Loved the illustrations too. This is a good way to get any young person started on sherlock Holmes. 5*.
July 18, 2022
** “He’s rather too scientific for my tastes — almost cold-blooded in his search for the truth.” **
Alex Woolf retells “A Study in Scarlet,” one of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes short stories that deals with revenge.
When Dr. John Watson reminisces about when he first met Sherlock, who worked at the chemical laboratory at the hospital and was looking for a roommate at the time, we are introduced to 221B Baker Street and one of the world’s greatest partnerships.
He remembers the case of two American men found mysteriously dead, both with the message “RACHE,” German for revenge, written at the scene. Can Holmes deduce how both men died, and if there is a culprit behind their untimely deaths?
“A Study in Scarlet” also introduces us to several familiar characters, including inspectors Gregson and Lestrade, as well as the Baker Street Irregulars.
Filled with delightful illustrations by Eve O’Brien, “A Study in Scarlet” is told in a fun and easy way kids of all ages will understand. This series is a great way to introduce young readers to Doyle and the great Sherlock Holmes, but adults will also enjoy these short stories. The story slowly lays out the clues, allowing the reader to solve the mystery alongside Sherlock.
Five stars out of five.
Arcturus Publishing provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Alex Woolf retells “A Study in Scarlet,” one of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes short stories that deals with revenge.
When Dr. John Watson reminisces about when he first met Sherlock, who worked at the chemical laboratory at the hospital and was looking for a roommate at the time, we are introduced to 221B Baker Street and one of the world’s greatest partnerships.
He remembers the case of two American men found mysteriously dead, both with the message “RACHE,” German for revenge, written at the scene. Can Holmes deduce how both men died, and if there is a culprit behind their untimely deaths?
“A Study in Scarlet” also introduces us to several familiar characters, including inspectors Gregson and Lestrade, as well as the Baker Street Irregulars.
Filled with delightful illustrations by Eve O’Brien, “A Study in Scarlet” is told in a fun and easy way kids of all ages will understand. This series is a great way to introduce young readers to Doyle and the great Sherlock Holmes, but adults will also enjoy these short stories. The story slowly lays out the clues, allowing the reader to solve the mystery alongside Sherlock.
Five stars out of five.
Arcturus Publishing provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
July 13, 2022
A study in Scarlet By Alex Woolf and Arthur Conan Doyle
This is a retelling of the classic Sherlock Holmes mystery but told in an easier format for children and they are also illustrated by Eve O'Brien.
I really like the retellings of Sherlock Holmes as
I think the older classics can be hard to read and these books make it easier to appreciate..
This is a great story.. it’s the murder of a rich man and a abandoned wedding ring and the word RACHE painted in blood next to his body..
The books are pithy and they are a faithful retelling of the classic story, I really enjoyed it and these books are a great accompaniment to the original stories
#NetGalley #mystery #sherlockholmes #astudyinscarlet
This is a retelling of the classic Sherlock Holmes mystery but told in an easier format for children and they are also illustrated by Eve O'Brien.
I really like the retellings of Sherlock Holmes as
I think the older classics can be hard to read and these books make it easier to appreciate..
This is a great story.. it’s the murder of a rich man and a abandoned wedding ring and the word RACHE painted in blood next to his body..
The books are pithy and they are a faithful retelling of the classic story, I really enjoyed it and these books are a great accompaniment to the original stories
#NetGalley #mystery #sherlockholmes #astudyinscarlet
October 5, 2023
Found this series at the library and read it to see what I thought about the books for James. They’re super easy reading (2nd - 3rd grade level), and they simply don’t have the amazing writing of actual Sherlock Holmes…but I think they might be something that he’d enjoy for an easy, humorous, & fast read with an introduction into murder mysteries.
July 10, 2022
This was a great introduction for a young reader to the Sherlock Holmes series. Easy to read with some illustrations.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 18, 2024
My son enjoyed the book. My daughter thought it was ok. I was really looking forward to introducing my kids to these classic stories and unfortunately found the text extremely abridged. It felt like too much was missing to make it a good story, let alone a murder mystery.
November 19, 2023
3⭐️
A very nice introduction to Sherlock Holmes for children. Easily read for understanding and broken up by nice, simple illustrations.
A very nice introduction to Sherlock Holmes for children. Easily read for understanding and broken up by nice, simple illustrations.
December 18, 2025
Another great story
I love anything sherlock holmes. And to read these children's versions is becoming more and more fun as I progress!
I love anything sherlock holmes. And to read these children's versions is becoming more and more fun as I progress!
November 9, 2023
A fun and easy read! Definitely great for beginner readers.
July 23, 2022
This is such an iconic story in Arthur Conan Doyle’s writings. The very beginnings of Watson and Holmes with the first ever case they worked on together. It’s a lovely first read for young audiences and generations to get into these classics and get a feel for just how they run. It’s a great introduction to the characters and the amazing deducing skills of this great consulting detective.
It starts with Watson in need of finding a place to stay. London isn’t cheap at the best of times and soon he meets one Sherlock Holmes and the rest is history. They move into 221B Baker Street, with our beloved landlady Mrs Hudson, we meet the Baker Street irregulars and see a murderer caught and put to justice. What’s not to love?
Classics can often be a little difficult for younger readers so these adaptations are absolutely fantastic for disseminating them to a new audience. With great illustrations and wonderfully adapted, you can’t go wrong with these stories!
Thank you to the author and Arcturus Publishing for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
It starts with Watson in need of finding a place to stay. London isn’t cheap at the best of times and soon he meets one Sherlock Holmes and the rest is history. They move into 221B Baker Street, with our beloved landlady Mrs Hudson, we meet the Baker Street irregulars and see a murderer caught and put to justice. What’s not to love?
Classics can often be a little difficult for younger readers so these adaptations are absolutely fantastic for disseminating them to a new audience. With great illustrations and wonderfully adapted, you can’t go wrong with these stories!
Thank you to the author and Arcturus Publishing for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
July 22, 2022
Thank you so much to Arcturus and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
Watson tells his story of the first case he studied with Holmes, a dead body in an abandoned house and evidence that Holmes spots as clues. A case that spans from America to the U.K. and was built on revenge.
This was a really riveting story from Watson having never been apart of a case before, to the really unusual case that Holmes was put on. I liked seeing how they started together and how they managed to team up to work on the case together.
The case itself was so strange and I had literally no idea what was going on or how he had managed to solve this one so easily but I loved finding out the reasons and getting the clauses they picked up on together.
I really enjoy reading this Holmes stories and reading them in an easier format is much better, they give you the same excitement and tell you the same story but shorter and with illustrations. I do recommend them.
Watson tells his story of the first case he studied with Holmes, a dead body in an abandoned house and evidence that Holmes spots as clues. A case that spans from America to the U.K. and was built on revenge.
This was a really riveting story from Watson having never been apart of a case before, to the really unusual case that Holmes was put on. I liked seeing how they started together and how they managed to team up to work on the case together.
The case itself was so strange and I had literally no idea what was going on or how he had managed to solve this one so easily but I loved finding out the reasons and getting the clauses they picked up on together.
I really enjoy reading this Holmes stories and reading them in an easier format is much better, they give you the same excitement and tell you the same story but shorter and with illustrations. I do recommend them.
January 9, 2024
This retelling of Holmes’ and Watson’s first meeting was well done for a young audience. The cartoon drawings are cute and help set the scene without being graphic at all. The book definitely emphasised the mystery and Holmes’ unique style of deduction. There was not a lot of description of the relationship between Holmes and Watson, although, to be fair, this was their first meeting. The adaptation stayed true to the original story and updated some of the phrases to be better understood by a younger audience. I’d say it’s a solid introduction to the canon stories for elementary students.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book! I will look for more in the series!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book! I will look for more in the series!
July 12, 2022
Join world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his ever-loyal sidekick Dr. Watson as they embark on a daring adventure.
A wealthy man has been murdered in the strangest circumstances. A woman's wedding ring has been found with the body and the word "RACHE" has been scrawled in red on a nearby wall. Is this mystery too baffling for even the brilliant 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+.
Truly enjoyable read definitely recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Arcturus Publishing
I just reviewed A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Alex Woolf. #NetGalley
Truly enjoyable read definitely recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Arcturus Publishing
I just reviewed A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Alex Woolf. #NetGalley
July 8, 2022
I have previously recommended other titles in this series of Sherlock Holmes retellings. These books are perfect for beginning chapter book readers and offer a good introduction to Conan Doyle’s tales. Hopefully, some children will then be inspired to read the originals.
This time, young sleuths will enjoy A Study in Scarlet. What is the significance of the color? Why is a ring next to a body? What does of a group of letters spelling RACHE mean? What else will Holmes and Watson discover as they try to unravel the case? Put on your deerstalker and find out!
Many thanks to Arcturus Publishing and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
This time, young sleuths will enjoy A Study in Scarlet. What is the significance of the color? Why is a ring next to a body? What does of a group of letters spelling RACHE mean? What else will Holmes and Watson discover as they try to unravel the case? Put on your deerstalker and find out!
Many thanks to Arcturus Publishing and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
January 16, 2023
As a longtime Sherlock fan like so many mystery readers, I am quite familiar with the original version of this story and was excited to read a version meant for younger readers. This retelling was well done and kept the characters traits in tact but made them approachable for children who are just getting to know Sherlock and Watson. This story covers the introduction between the two and the first case they work on together. The illustrations were well done also!
August 13, 2022
A Study in Scarlet is a fantastic entry point for young readers to the world of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. This retelling of murder and revenge will enthrall any budding mystery buff and belongs in every classroom.
Thank you NetGalley and Arcturus Publishing for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.
Thank you NetGalley and Arcturus Publishing for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.
July 18, 2022
This series of books are great reading for all of the family. They are just as satisfying as the original books but made more suitable for a younger audience. Love the illustrations too.
August 29, 2022
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews