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The Speckled Band
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+.
50 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2022
1 person is currently reading
11 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 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 20, 2022
An unexpected surprise, and a pleasant one at that. "The Speckled Band" was the first Sherlock Holmes story I read, and I do recall liking it, but I was wondering if, this being an adaptation for children, it'd be watered down in the process to make it more accessible to the target audience.
So I'm pleased to report that no, it hasn't. It's a faithful adaptation, and Alex Woolf did a good job retelling in in a way that would be amenable to little ones without sacrificing Sir Arthur's characteristic story buildup. Add to that the artwork, which is a bit basic but appropriate for the age, and you have a Sherlock Holmes mystery that young ones will love to read. And the best part? Doyle is one of those old-school crime writers that doesn't resort to gore or shock.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
So I'm pleased to report that no, it hasn't. It's a faithful adaptation, and Alex Woolf did a good job retelling in in a way that would be amenable to little ones without sacrificing Sir Arthur's characteristic story buildup. Add to that the artwork, which is a bit basic but appropriate for the age, and you have a Sherlock Holmes mystery that young ones will love to read. And the best part? Doyle is one of those old-school crime writers that doesn't resort to gore or shock.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2022
As hard as it is to pick a favorite Sherlock Holmes short story, mine is probably “The Speckled Band.” Alex Woolf again did a fantastic job adapting this classic tale for young readers.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Arcturus Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Arcturus Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2022
When I was a young girl, I have read the original copy of the.story. I loved Holmes and Watson and still do to this very day. I loved how the author made this kid friendly and it.was so cute. I can imagine my son who is 12 reading it and loving it. This book is a very short mystery book of the famous duo. Its short, fun and a great read. Hopefully the child who reads this book will quickly solve this little mystery before reading the answer .
I received a free copy of the book and is voluntarily writing a review.
I received a free copy of the book and is voluntarily writing a review.
July 26, 2022
Alex Woolf retells “The Speckled Band,” an Arthur Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes short story about greed.
Dr. John Watson reminisces about a case from his and Holmes’ early friendship. Helen Stoner is filled with absolute terror after her sister’s mysterious death, with words about “the speckled band” as her final statement. She isn’t sure if her beastly stepfather is somehow involved, so she comes to Sherlock for his help.
Will Sherlock be able to determine the cause of Helen’s sister’s death in time for Helen to be married?
Filled with delightful illustrations by Eve O’Brien, “The Speckled Band” 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.
Dr. John Watson reminisces about a case from his and Holmes’ early friendship. Helen Stoner is filled with absolute terror after her sister’s mysterious death, with words about “the speckled band” as her final statement. She isn’t sure if her beastly stepfather is somehow involved, so she comes to Sherlock for his help.
Will Sherlock be able to determine the cause of Helen’s sister’s death in time for Helen to be married?
Filled with delightful illustrations by Eve O’Brien, “The Speckled Band” 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 14, 2022
The Speckled band 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.. and one that I have never read in its original form, this one was about the mystery of an unexpected death of a lady who when dying told her sister that in the days previous she had heard whistling and to beware of the speckled band (hence the title) and now said sister is hearing the whistling… I really enjoyed this story, it was a fab murder mystery which yes the perpetrator was obvious but the method less so.. a really great story and adaptation.
The books are pithy and they are a faithful retelling of the classic story, these books are a great accompaniment to the original stories
#NetGalley #sherlockholmes #thespeckledband #mysyery
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.. and one that I have never read in its original form, this one was about the mystery of an unexpected death of a lady who when dying told her sister that in the days previous she had heard whistling and to beware of the speckled band (hence the title) and now said sister is hearing the whistling… I really enjoyed this story, it was a fab murder mystery which yes the perpetrator was obvious but the method less so.. a really great story and adaptation.
The books are pithy and they are a faithful retelling of the classic story, these books are a great accompaniment to the original stories
#NetGalley #sherlockholmes #thespeckledband #mysyery
July 24, 2022
I always found this one such an intriguing mystery! One that’s bound to have you scratching your beard and wondering how on earth Mr Holmes will solve it all.
Watson is unceremoniously woken in the middle of the night with a new case, and one Holmes is eager to investigate. A young woman approaches bearing the strands of a very strange mystery indeed, but will Sherlock be able to crack the case before it’s too late?
Another very well adapted story from Arthur Conan Doyle’s originals and accompanied with some great illustrations to break up the text and appeal to younger audiences. It’s a great way of exposing these fab classics to young readers and it’s the perfect way to hook and delight little readers on the exploits of this famous consulting detective and his medical companion.
Thank you to the author and Arcturus Publishing for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Watson is unceremoniously woken in the middle of the night with a new case, and one Holmes is eager to investigate. A young woman approaches bearing the strands of a very strange mystery indeed, but will Sherlock be able to crack the case before it’s too late?
Another very well adapted story from Arthur Conan Doyle’s originals and accompanied with some great illustrations to break up the text and appeal to younger audiences. It’s a great way of exposing these fab classics to young readers and it’s the perfect way to hook and delight little readers on the exploits of this famous consulting detective and his medical companion.
Thank you to the author and Arcturus Publishing for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
July 13, 2022
Thank you so much to Arcturus and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
A woman comes to Holmes and Watson with a dastardly case, her sister mysteriously and sadly died after saying she kept hearing whistles each night. Then she herself had to spent a night in the room of her sisters and heard it herself. Holmes and Watson automatically go and investigate and Holmes solves it instantly.
This was really eerie and a bit creepy, their stepfather was so weirdly controlling and they seemed terrified to live there. I really like that Watson had zero clue what was going on nor how to solve it yet Holmes had everything figured out instantly. I was like Watson reading this one it wasn’t so easy to figure out, I knew who but not the details behind it.
This was a really dark and interesting case, it was very twisty and interesting and scary also. The end result was really fascinating and I really enjoyed reading this one.
I really enjoy this series it’s so fun reading these mysteries and the way they are written is really great as they are much easier to read and the illustrations throughout are really fun to see.
A woman comes to Holmes and Watson with a dastardly case, her sister mysteriously and sadly died after saying she kept hearing whistles each night. Then she herself had to spent a night in the room of her sisters and heard it herself. Holmes and Watson automatically go and investigate and Holmes solves it instantly.
This was really eerie and a bit creepy, their stepfather was so weirdly controlling and they seemed terrified to live there. I really like that Watson had zero clue what was going on nor how to solve it yet Holmes had everything figured out instantly. I was like Watson reading this one it wasn’t so easy to figure out, I knew who but not the details behind it.
This was a really dark and interesting case, it was very twisty and interesting and scary also. The end result was really fascinating and I really enjoyed reading this one.
I really enjoy this series it’s so fun reading these mysteries and the way they are written is really great as they are much easier to read and the illustrations throughout are really fun to see.
July 12, 2022
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+.
Really enjoyable read totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Arcturus Publishing
I just reviewed The Speckled Band by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Alex Woolf. #NetGalley
Really enjoyable read totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Arcturus Publishing
I just reviewed The Speckled Band by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Alex Woolf. #NetGalley
July 18, 2022
Yet another really great adaptation of a Sherlock Holmes short story by Alex Woolf. This perfectly captures all the key elements of the original, making it both accessible for a younger audience and very enjoyable. The illustrations by Eve O'Brien, work really well and compliment the text, highlighting the key moments in the story. It's a great series.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.
August 22, 2022
3.5 stars
his is a short, easy to read adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes story, making it a perfect way to introduce these wonderful stories to young readers. There are some illustrations that will help keep the reader engaged. There is a creepy factor to the story and enough twists to keep readers guessing.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
his is a short, easy to read adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes story, making it a perfect way to introduce these wonderful stories to young readers. There are some illustrations that will help keep the reader engaged. There is a creepy factor to the story and enough twists to keep readers guessing.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
July 12, 2022
This was a short and simple adaptation of the Holmes story for young readers. A good introduction into the world of Holmes and Watson without being overwhelming. 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.
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July 13, 2022The Speckled Band by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Alex Woolf.
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!.
I really enjoyed this book. Great starter for young people. I loved the illustrations. 5*.
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!.
I really enjoyed this book. Great starter for young people. I loved the illustrations. 5*.
July 13, 2022
We ,as a family, love this range of books. They make great bedtime reading but also great for winding down during busy times of the day. Short enough to keep the interest of the younger ones but still has the great content of the original stories.
July 21, 2022
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I love the original Sherlock Holmes stories and am thrilled that I can read these with my younger readers! So much fun and true to the originals but made into a story that kids and teens can follow easier. Grab the entire series!!
I love the original Sherlock Holmes stories and am thrilled that I can read these with my younger readers! So much fun and true to the originals but made into a story that kids and teens can follow easier. Grab the entire series!!
January 1, 2024
3⭐️
The Speckled Band is the second of Alex Woolf’s Sherlock Holmes adaptations for children, and I am most definitely a fan. Written in an easy to understand way for younger readers, but without losing any of the essence of the original.
The Speckled Band is the second of Alex Woolf’s Sherlock Holmes adaptations for children, and I am most definitely a fan. Written in an easy to understand way for younger readers, but without losing any of the essence of the original.
August 29, 2022
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
December 29, 2025
Another great addition
Another great addition to the series, I am really enjoying rereading this series through these versions. The story with the illustrations is so good!
Another great addition to the series, I am really enjoying rereading this series through these versions. The story with the illustrations is so good!
March 22, 2024
We’ve started reading these short classics between other longer children’s novels. My kids enjoy them, I think they are a bit too abridged. But, I’m happy they are being introduced to these classics so young.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews