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The Dancing Men
Join world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his ever-loyal sidekick Dr. Watson as they embark on a daring adventure.
Hilton Cubitt is worried. Drawings of "dancing men" keep appearing around his house and they're frightening his wife, who seems to know what they mean. Can our brilliant hero solve the mystery of these drawings before disaster strikes?
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+.
54 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2022
3 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Alex Woolf
301 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 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 6, 2022
This charming little book is such an obvious idea, it’s surprising that nobody has thought of it before.
The Sherlock Holmes stories (16 in the series) have been adapted for children, complete with delightful illustrations, by Alex Woolf. Here, the famous story “The Adventure of the Dancing Men” is retold in a much simplified version, but this doesn’t harm the tale: it still manages to be a complete story with a beginning, middle and end.
Narrated, as usual, by Doctor Watson, the story is engaging and should keep the little ones guessing until the end. Holmes’ explanation of the true meaning of the dancing men is so clear that it puts Conan Doyle to shame! The chapters are short allowing the book to be read and enjoyed by parents and children in one go. It is slightly violent but not in a gratuitous way. Alex Woolf has a good command of the story and it doesn’t have any obvious triggers.
Overall, “The Dancing Men” is a triumph and it is a book every child over seven will enjoy. I’m so interested to see how the other stories such as “The Hound of the Baskervilles” and “The Final Problem” are handled that I may end up reading them all myself!
The Sherlock Holmes stories (16 in the series) have been adapted for children, complete with delightful illustrations, by Alex Woolf. Here, the famous story “The Adventure of the Dancing Men” is retold in a much simplified version, but this doesn’t harm the tale: it still manages to be a complete story with a beginning, middle and end.
Narrated, as usual, by Doctor Watson, the story is engaging and should keep the little ones guessing until the end. Holmes’ explanation of the true meaning of the dancing men is so clear that it puts Conan Doyle to shame! The chapters are short allowing the book to be read and enjoyed by parents and children in one go. It is slightly violent but not in a gratuitous way. Alex Woolf has a good command of the story and it doesn’t have any obvious triggers.
Overall, “The Dancing Men” is a triumph and it is a book every child over seven will enjoy. I’m so interested to see how the other stories such as “The Hound of the Baskervilles” and “The Final Problem” are handled that I may end up reading them all myself!
May 4, 2022
I very much enjoy this series of Sherlock Holmes titles for young readers. Each is a short chapter book with cartoonish illustrations. The stories are well and simply told while keeping that sense of wonder about the ways in Holmes is able to find clues and draw conclusions.
This book begins with a perfect example. Holmes explains how he knew that Watson was not going to make a particular investment. Young, future, detectives will surely be inspired.
The actual case begins with a drawing that looks like one made by a child. The figures in this drawing are the dancing men of the story’s title. The note is brought to Holmes by a gentleman who married a woman with a mysterious past. More and more drawings are found. What is going on? What is the reason for an escalation that ends with a death? Young readers will, I think, be eager to find out.
I confess that I have not read all of the Holmes stories so this was new to me. I enjoyed trying (unsuccessfully) to solve the case.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Arcturus publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
This book begins with a perfect example. Holmes explains how he knew that Watson was not going to make a particular investment. Young, future, detectives will surely be inspired.
The actual case begins with a drawing that looks like one made by a child. The figures in this drawing are the dancing men of the story’s title. The note is brought to Holmes by a gentleman who married a woman with a mysterious past. More and more drawings are found. What is going on? What is the reason for an escalation that ends with a death? Young readers will, I think, be eager to find out.
I confess that I have not read all of the Holmes stories so this was new to me. I enjoyed trying (unsuccessfully) to solve the case.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Arcturus publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
May 9, 2022
Really good way of retelling the Sherlock Holmes stories, and to introduce them to children. Even as an adult I highly enjoyed these versions
May 4, 2022
I’m a huge fan of the original Sherlock Holmes mysteries and I really love to see the adaptations made to these classics to make them more accessible. This one was perfect for a young audience and works great as children’s fiction. Even for adults who just love the stories!
Sherlock Holmes and his trusty Watson make for great reading, and this particular story, The Dancing Men, was a great show of this famous detectives ability to crack a complicated case!
When a man enlists the help of Holmes after receiving what looks like strange children’s drawings, a race against time ensues, but will he crack the case in time…?
It never fails to amaze me how Holmes draws his conclusions from the clues that he observes and his abilities in deduction. Another story I was mind blown by and the writing on this adapted version was great, along with the accompanying drawings. A great quick read for all who like a mystery!
Thank you to Arcturus Publishing and the author for this book via NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Sherlock Holmes and his trusty Watson make for great reading, and this particular story, The Dancing Men, was a great show of this famous detectives ability to crack a complicated case!
When a man enlists the help of Holmes after receiving what looks like strange children’s drawings, a race against time ensues, but will he crack the case in time…?
It never fails to amaze me how Holmes draws his conclusions from the clues that he observes and his abilities in deduction. Another story I was mind blown by and the writing on this adapted version was great, along with the accompanying drawings. A great quick read for all who like a mystery!
Thank you to Arcturus Publishing and the author for this book via NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
May 6, 2022
Thank you so much to Arcturus and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
This was such an interesting case, I loved the use of coding and having the dancing men, it made it very unique. I had deduced right away that they were a code and was so glad I was right, but it may be a shock to others that read it. I loved solving this whole story and learning what Mrs. Cubitts secret was, why and what she was hiding from her husband.
This one had a little bit of a darker story too in the events that followed within the story but the transcriber wrote it in a really clever way that it would still be suitable for children. But it certainly shocked me when I reached that part as I never saw it coming at all.
I really enjoyed all the illustrations throughout the pages, I really do love how they are blended between the story, you get to see the evidence unfold whilst reading about them it’s really clever.
This is such an amazing Sherlock Holmes series and a great way of getting your kids interested in this classic mystery series.
This was such an interesting case, I loved the use of coding and having the dancing men, it made it very unique. I had deduced right away that they were a code and was so glad I was right, but it may be a shock to others that read it. I loved solving this whole story and learning what Mrs. Cubitts secret was, why and what she was hiding from her husband.
This one had a little bit of a darker story too in the events that followed within the story but the transcriber wrote it in a really clever way that it would still be suitable for children. But it certainly shocked me when I reached that part as I never saw it coming at all.
I really enjoyed all the illustrations throughout the pages, I really do love how they are blended between the story, you get to see the evidence unfold whilst reading about them it’s really clever.
This is such an amazing Sherlock Holmes series and a great way of getting your kids interested in this classic mystery series.
May 10, 2022
"𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒎 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒊𝒕."
This series of classic Sherlock Holmes stories, adapted by Alex Woolf, serve as a wonderful introduction for younger readers of many ages to Holmes, Watson, and the adventures they have together.
Each book is written in an easy to read and understand format, dividing each story into six chapters. The illustrations add a touch of whimsy and help support the text. Woolf retains essential clues, dialogue and plot, while highlighting the ordinary in the extraordinary. I was unfamiliar with all three stories that I read, allowing me to experience the tales with fresh eyes and an excitement to see how the clues were going to piece together. The Dancing Men is a mysterious tale that involves death and secret messages! Holmes is asked by Hilton Cubitt to solve why child's drawings of stick figure men keep appearing at his home, in letters and drawn underneath windowsills. His wife becomes scared, due to her secret past. The dancing men clearly mean something but what? Holmes and Watson experience quite the adventure solving this question and racing to prevent further harm!
The Dancing Men is a cryptic tale; this adaptation serves as a great introduction, for those who have discovered Enola Holmes on Netflix, to her famous brother. I will definitely be adding this series to my classroom library. Thank you to Arcturus Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
This series of classic Sherlock Holmes stories, adapted by Alex Woolf, serve as a wonderful introduction for younger readers of many ages to Holmes, Watson, and the adventures they have together.
Each book is written in an easy to read and understand format, dividing each story into six chapters. The illustrations add a touch of whimsy and help support the text. Woolf retains essential clues, dialogue and plot, while highlighting the ordinary in the extraordinary. I was unfamiliar with all three stories that I read, allowing me to experience the tales with fresh eyes and an excitement to see how the clues were going to piece together. The Dancing Men is a mysterious tale that involves death and secret messages! Holmes is asked by Hilton Cubitt to solve why child's drawings of stick figure men keep appearing at his home, in letters and drawn underneath windowsills. His wife becomes scared, due to her secret past. The dancing men clearly mean something but what? Holmes and Watson experience quite the adventure solving this question and racing to prevent further harm!
The Dancing Men is a cryptic tale; this adaptation serves as a great introduction, for those who have discovered Enola Holmes on Netflix, to her famous brother. I will definitely be adding this series to my classroom library. Thank you to Arcturus Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
June 11, 2022
** “Every problem becomes absurdly simple once you have to explain it.” **
Alex Woolf retells one of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes short stories, “The Dancing Men,” illustrated by Eve O’Brien.
When Hilton Cubitt finds a series of drawings featuring dancing stick men — drawings that seem to cause great fear to his wife Elsie — Cubitt seeks out Sherlock Holmes to decipher the meaning and their connection to his wife’s past. Can Holmes reveal the messages and whatever dastardly plan they reveal?
Filled with delightful illustrations, “The Dancing Men,” which is due out July 1, 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 one of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes short stories, “The Dancing Men,” illustrated by Eve O’Brien.
When Hilton Cubitt finds a series of drawings featuring dancing stick men — drawings that seem to cause great fear to his wife Elsie — Cubitt seeks out Sherlock Holmes to decipher the meaning and their connection to his wife’s past. Can Holmes reveal the messages and whatever dastardly plan they reveal?
Filled with delightful illustrations, “The Dancing Men,” which is due out July 1, 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.
May 14, 2022
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I love the original ACD Homes tales and am so excited for this remake! Holmes is 16 but just as smart. The story has been simplified for the intended audience but it is an enjoyable read, especially if you've read the original telling.
I love the original ACD Homes tales and am so excited for this remake! Holmes is 16 but just as smart. The story has been simplified for the intended audience but it is an enjoyable read, especially if you've read the original telling.
June 15, 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.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book for review.
A good Introduction into the world of Holmes and Watson without being overwhelming.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book for review.
June 1, 2022
Honestly, this feels like a clumsy abridgement, and it led me to want to verify with the actual text as to whether or not wording was changed vs mere abridgement. It didn't save the tone of a Holmes story, which even when I was a child was what drew them to me.
The art made me expect to see a New Yorker cartoon caption underneath each panel. It's nowhere near what I expected from the cover art. I was disappointed.
I have very high standards, admittedly, but I would not want this to be my child's introduction to the canon.
I received an eARC from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The art made me expect to see a New Yorker cartoon caption underneath each panel. It's nowhere near what I expected from the cover art. I was disappointed.
I have very high standards, admittedly, but I would not want this to be my child's introduction to the canon.
I received an eARC from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews